Come with us on an adventure through the wild Kyrgyzstan
Dates: June 14th – 23rd, 2026
Welcome to Central Asia’s best kept secret! From snow-capped peaks to sweeping valleys, Kyrgyzstan delivers big adventure in a land few have explored. We’ll ride horses beside alpine lakes, soak in natural hot springs, stay in traditional yurts, and hike through canyons and gorges with jaw-dropping views. You’ll even travel along parts of the ancient Silk Road, experiencing the living history of trade routes that once connected East and West. This is the ultimate mix of rugged landscapes, rich nomadic culture, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
This trip is Co-Ed! So invite that family member, best friend or spouse that loves adventure and is down to vibe with a fun group that will mostly be ladies! All are welcome!
-The first 8 spots that are booked save $100 –
10 Days / 9 Nights
8-20 People
All Meals included (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner daily)
Double occupancy in hotels, homestays and yurts (single rooms available but very limited)
Fly in & out of Bishek International Airport (FRU) Have Questions about this trip? Read the FAQ, Still have questions? Message Rachel @RachelLikesTraveling on Instagram or drop us an email at: [email protected]
Only a $600 Down payment is required to book this trip! – There’s a payment plan set up so you can pay over time before the trip!
Ready to explore the wild, raw beauty of Central Asia? We’re spending 10 days and 9 nights exploring the untamed beauty of Kyrgyzstan — a land of alpine lakes, yurt camps, and horseback adventures. From the buzz of Bishkek to the silence of Song-Kul, we’ll cross mountain passes, soak in hot springs, and sip tea with eagle hunters. This trip blends culture, nature, and off-the-beaten-path magic into one unforgettable journey. If you’ve ever dreamed of nomadic life or standing at the edge of a glacier lake, this one’s for you.
We’ll start in the capital of Bishkek and make our way across the country, staying in yurts and guesthouses surrounded by mountains, canyons, and crystal-clear lakes. This trip blends the spirit of nomadic life with bucket list-worthy landscapes, all in the company of an amazing crew of women. It’s one for the storybooks.
Trip Highlights
Hike through alpine forests to the wild hot springs of Altyn-Arashan
Ride horses through the high-altitude pastures of Song-Kul Lake
Visit a traditional eagle hunter and learn the art of falconry firsthand
Marvel at the red rock canyons of Skazka and panoramic views at Shatyly
Explore ancient gorges, soak in Issyk-Kul hot springs, and taste fresh grilled trout
Get hands-on in a yurt-building workshop with locals
4×4 into remote valleys to reach the turquoise lakes of Kol-Ukok
Overnight in traditional yurts and locally-owned guesthouses in mountain villages
Wrap it all up with a farewell dinner and live Kyrgyz folk music in Bishkek
After landing in Bishkek, you’ll be picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the city. This evening, we’ll kick things off with a welcome dinner at a cozy local spot. Make sure to pick a flight that lands before 5pm so you can join in on the welcome dinner tonight! If you’re arriving early, you can wander through the city’s leafy boulevards, pop into local bazaars, or join a short city tour.
Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek Included: Dinner, Airport Pickup
We’re heading into the countryside this morning as we make our way to Chon-Kemin Valley, a quiet region known for its forests, rivers, and open pastures. After lunch, you can choose between a horseback ride through the valley or a hike to a panoramic viewpoint above the village. This is a slower-paced day, perfect for adjusting to the altitude and soaking up the scenery. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a warm local meal together in our guesthouse.
Overnight: Chon-Kemin (Guesthouse or eco-lodge) Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, private transfer, Afternoon activities, Dinner Hike length (optional): Up to 8 km (5 miles), moderate
We’ll take one of the most scenic drives in Kyrgyzstan today, cruising along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Along the way, we’ll stop to hike the dramatic Grigoriev and Semenov Gorges and enjoy a lakeside barbecue with freshly grilled trout. After a quick soak in a local hot spring, we’ll finish the day in the mountain town of Karakol. Expect alpine views, big skies, and peaceful lake vibes.
Overnight: Hotel in Karakol Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hiking with Local guide
We’re heading deep into the mountains today to Altyn-Arashan Gorge. We will have 4×4’s SUV’s take us into one of the most stunningly beautiful alpine valleys. The road is bumpy as we’ll be crossing over giant rocks, ravines, and deep ruts, making the ride thrilling and unforgettable.
This area is known for its lush valleys, alpine meadows, and steaming natural hot springs, so pack that swimsuit today! After our picnic lunch and a soak in the springs, we’ll ride back to Karakol in the same rugged off-road vehicles. Tonight, we’ll share a cultural dinner with the Dungan community — a perfect way to end a day of adventure.
Overnight: Hotel in Karakol Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 4X4 Adventure
Today is a day full of color and geology! After breakfast at camp we’ll explore the iconic red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz, hike in the stunning Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon, and stop at Barskoon Gorge for panoramic views of waterfalls and mountain passes. There will be options to do some of the hikes on horseback too! Just before sunset, we’ll hike to the Shatyly viewpoint — one of the most underrated spots on the lake. Tonight, we’ll stay in a local guesthouse in Bokonbaevo village.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Bokonbaevo Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hike: ~5–6 km over multiple short hikes (3–3.7 miles)
This morning, we’ll meet a local eagle hunter (berkutchi) and watch a demonstration to see firsthand how golden eagles are trained, an tradition that’s passed down for generations in Kyrgyzstan. We’ll have tea in a traditional yurt before continuing through Ak-Sai Canyon, stopping for photos along this amazing canyon headed to the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, where you’ll get to help assemble an actual yurt. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Kochkor for a relaxed evening and dinner at our guesthouse.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Kochkor Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Time to go off-road. Today we’ll ride 4x4s into Kol-Ukok Gorge and hike to the glacier-fed lakes of Kol-Ukok and Kol-Tor. It’s a moderate hike through green pastures, dramatic rock walls, and blue alpine waters. We’ll have lunch with a nomadic family along the way, a true taste of real life on the summer pastures of Kyrgyzstan. After a full day, we’ll return to Kochkor for the night.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Kochkor Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hike: 6–8 km (3.7–5 miles)
We’ll journey up to 3,000 meters today as we drive to the remote, high-altitude lake of Song-Kul. Along the way, we’ll cross the winding Kalmak-Ashuu Pass and stop for lunch at our lakeside yurt camp. The afternoon is yours to ride horses along the lake’s edge, relax with a book in the grass, or go for a short walk in the mountain air. You’ll fall asleep tonight in a traditional yurt — under some of the clearest skies you’ve ever seen.
Overnight: Yurt camp at Song-Kul (2 people per yurt) Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we’ll descend from the mountains via the dramatic 32 Serpentine Pass. On our way back to Bishkek, we’ll visit a felt-making workshop run by local women in Kara-Suu and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. In the evening, we’ll come together one last time for a farewell dinner featuring traditional Kyrgyz music and dishes. This is a night to celebrate and reflect on everything we’ve experienced.
Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner, Private Transportation
We’ll organize 2–3 shared airport transfers for flights departing between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If your flight falls outside that window, we can help arrange a private ride. You’ll leave with new friends, a thousand memories, and a camera roll full of Kyrgyz mountain magic.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Shared airport transfer
Breakfast
Inclusions
Everything Included on the trip!
9 nights accommodation (hotels, upgraded yurts, and local guesthouses)
Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Private transportation with driver throughout the trip
English-speaking local tour guide
Horseback riding
All included hikes listed on itinerary
Eagle hunting demonstration
Felt-making workshop
Altyn Arashan 4x4 trip + hot springs
Cultural visits to several villages
All entrance fees to national parks and cultural sites
2–3 shared airport transfers on arrival and departure days
Adventuring for Life host throughout (Rachel)
Exclusions
International flights to/from Bishkek (FRU)
Meals not listed in inclusions
Travel insurance (required)
Optional horseback riding
Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff (optional but appreciated)
Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, souvenirs)
FAQs
Are flights included?
International flights to and from the trip destination are not included. Only flights that are included are listed in inclusions. Looking for cheap flights? Check out Kayak.com or Google Flights!
Any flights that are needed due to the Itinerary will be included for this trip.
Are there extra vaccines I need?
There are no additional vaccines required for entry into Kyrgyzstan per the USA CDC website, we always suggest checking the disease control website for the country you reside in for more information.
Is Food Included?
All meals are included on this trip as listed on the itinerary!
What is the cancelation policy?
The minimum number of people for this trip is 8. Once we reach 8, the 25% deposit is no longer refundable as I book our hotels, activities, etc. at that point. If we don’t reach the minimum number of people, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel your trip more than 60 days prior to the trip your 25% deposit is non-refundable but can be used for future Adventuring for Life trips minus a $100 cancellation fee. Anything over the 25% will be refunded automatically.The trip credit must be used within 12 months of cancellation.The trip is 100% non-refundable 60 days prior to the trip.The only way to get any money back within 60 days of a trip is if you are able to find a replacement. Rachel can definitely help try to fill the spot but there are zero guarantees we’re able to find a replacement. This is why we recommend travel insurance – incase something happens causing you to be unable to join us!
Rachel highly recommends checking out Travel Insurance quotes as they can be pretty reasonable and assist in these situations.
Should I get Travel Insurance
Yes, this trip requires travel insurance with covid protection. This must be purchased separately.
*Full Disclosure, both my Travel Insurance links are affiliate links so feel free to do a google search of the best travel insurance if you prefer. You're not charged anything extra if you go through my link.
How does roommate matching work?
The majority of the people that sign up for the trips with adventuring for life are coming solo! We do an extensive Roommate matching survey before each trip to help match people up that have the same vibe. You are welcome to bring a friend or request a certain roommate after you’ve met the girls on the group chat or let us pick somebody for you.
We offer solo rooms on certain trips for people that want their own space but you are 100% welcome to sign up by yourself and we will get you a great roommate.
What is the hiking/fitness level for this trip?
This is a pretty active trip. There are hikes (some optional but highly encouraged) throughout the trip, nothing extremely long and we will always take our time enjoying the scenery around us, thats what were there for! Most hikes are short, although elevation is a bit higher so we will all acclimatize to the new elevation before going off on any long adventures. We definitely recommend all travelers for this trip have a decent level of fitness able to walk or hike at least 5 miles per day with elevation changes.
What are the requirements for horseback riding?
Horseback riding is completely optional on this trip but highly encouraged as its a part of the way of life in Kyrgyzstan! The maximum weight for a rider in Kyrgyzstan is 100kg (220lbs). If you weigh between 90kg & 100kg (198-220lbs) please let Rachel know upon booking so we can note that with the tour guides. There are options to hike anywhere that the horseback riding takes place. You do not need any past horseback riding experience to take part in Kyrgyzstan!
