Up to 40% off!

Up to 40% off!

Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Backpacking Kyrgyzstan is a 9-day small-group trip from $1,849 per person with a $350 deposit. Tian Shan peaks, lakeside yurts, a golden eagle demonstration, horseback riding to a waterfall and natural hot springs. For travellers aged 20-45, in groups of 6-20, with 12 activities and 14 meals. Departures run from 30 May 2027.

  • 14 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • All Accommodation
  • No Hidden Charges
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers
from$1849Normally$2299 Save $450 (20%)
Pay $350 deposit
  • Length9 Days
  • Starting PointBishkek
  • Ending PointBishkek
  • Avg. Group Size6-20
  • Avg. Age20-45
  • No. Of Activities12
  • No. Of Meals14

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Route Map

Kyrgyzstan

4 stops

Tour Itinerary

A city with buildings, green trees, a large central square with a red flag, and distant snow-capped mountains.
A large golden monument in a green park with circular paths, surrounded by city buildings and distant hills.
DAY 1

Bishkek Arrival and Welcome

Your adventure begins in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. After arriving and settling into your hotel, you have the day free to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, you will meet your fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome dinner, preparing for the journey ahead through mountains, yurts, and stunning sunsets.

  • Room TypeHotel
Snow-covered mountains rise behind a valley filled with evergreen trees under a blue sky.
A group of people sit around a large bonfire on benches near a body of water at dusk.
DAY 2

Alpine Valley Exploration

After breakfast, you will travel to Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine valley nestled within the Tian Shan mountains. Take your time to walk through the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Later, you return to Bishkek, where you will have some free time before gathering for a group dinner.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedAla-Archa National Park
A town with colourful trees sits by a blue lake, backed by dry hills and snow-capped mountains.
Towering reddish-brown canyon walls flank a winding dirt path with green shrubs.
DAY 3

Issyk-Kul Shore and Eagle Hunters

Today you journey towards the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, making a stop at Kok-Moynok Canyon to admire its unique sandstone formations. In Bokonbaevo, you will witness a traditional Berkut, or Golden Eagle, hunting demonstration, a skill deeply rooted in nomadic culture. Concluding your day, you arrive at a yurt camp situated directly on the lake shore for a memorable evening.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeYurt Camp
  • Activities IncludedTraditional Berkut (Golden Eagle) Hunting Demonstration
A bright blue lake surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and rocky, grassy terrain under a blue sky.
White yurts stand in a vibrant green meadow with purple wildflowers and rolling green hills.
Colourful eroded hills with a dry valley floor, dotted with green bushes and purple flowers.
DAY 4

Fairytale Canyon and Nomadic Skills

Your day begins with a visit to Skazka Canyon, known for its incredible rock formations. Next, you explore Barskoon Gorge, taking in the waterfalls and mountain vistas. A traditional lunch awaits you with a local family, offering an authentic taste of Kyrgyz hospitality. The afternoon provides a hands-on opportunity to learn the intricacies of building a traditional yurt before settling into your accommodation.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeYurt Camp
  • Activities IncludedSkazka (Fairytale) Canyon, Traditional Lunch, Yurt Building
Two people on horseback ride a winding trail through green, rocky mountains under a cloudy sky.
Several yurts on wooden platforms against mountains at sunset, with a person sitting on a distant peak.
DAY 5

Jeti-Oguz Gorge Horseback Ride

Today you head to Jeti-Oguz Gorge and Kok-Djaik for an unforgettable horseback ride leading to a hidden waterfall. This experience offers stunning views and a true sense of adventure amidst the natural beauty. In the afternoon, you will explore the panoramic trails of the gorge on foot before travelling to Karakol for a group dinner.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedHorseback Riding
A stone-lined hot spring pool sits beside a rushing turquoise river in a green, forested valley.
DAY 6

Off-Road to Altyn Arashan

You begin the day with a thrilling 4WD journey into the Altyn Arashan valley, leaving the main roads behind. Here, you discover natural hot springs, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. After enjoying the serene atmosphere, you return to Karakol for the evening.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Lunch
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities Included4WD Experience, Hotsprings
A long, ornate building with green and orange diamond roofs, blue carved eaves, and yellow pillars.
Two hikers walk along a river in a green mountain valley with pine forests and snowy peaks.
DAY 7

Karakol Sights and Chon Kemin

Your morning starts with cultural exploration in Karakol, visiting the unique Dungan Mosque and the impressive Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. Afterwards, you travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoying expansive views of the water and mountains. Your day concludes in the peaceful Chon-Kemin Valley, where you will spend the night in a traditional yurt camp amidst forests and a river.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeYurt Camp
  • Activities IncludedDungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, Yurt Experience
A grand mosque with multiple domes and tall minarets stands against a clear blue sky.
DAY 8

Burana Tower and Farewell Dinner

On your final full day, you journey back to Bishkek, making a significant stop at the historic Burana Tower and its accompanying open-air museum. Once in Bishkek, you will have free time for any last-minute souvenir shopping or further sightseeing. The evening brings a farewell dinner, a chance to reflect on your nine days exploring Kyrgyzstan.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHotel
A city skyline with numerous buildings and green trees sits before majestic snow-capped mountains.
DAY 9

Bishkek Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on your final morning in Bishkek. There are no scheduled activities, allowing you to check out at your leisure and prepare for your onward journey. You will say your goodbyes, carrying memories of the mountains, yurts, and lakes of Kyrgyzstan.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast

Tour Dates

All This Included & More!

  • Ala-Archa National Park
  • Yurt Camp
  • Traditional Berkut (Golden Eagle) Hunting Demonstration
  • Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon
  • Traditional Lunch
  • Yurt Building
  • Horseback Riding
  • 4WD Experience
  • Hotsprings
  • Dungan Mosque
  • Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
  • Yurt Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the age requirements for this trip?

The minimum age to join this Kyrgyzstan adventure is 18 years old. The trip is designed for travellers between 20 and 45 years of age, offering a dynamic group experience.

Who will lead our group on this trip?

Throughout your journey in Kyrgyzstan, your group will be led by a knowledgeable local guide. They will be on hand to provide insights, manage logistics, and ensure you have a smooth and enriching experience.

How many meals are included?

Fourteen: eight breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners. Breakfast comes with every night you stay, so you get one every morning from day two onwards.

The three dinners are the yurt camp nights on days three, four and seven, where the camp cooks for the group and there is nowhere else to eat anyway. The three lunches are the days out in the mountains, days four to six, including the home cooked meal with a local family. Every other meal is your own, which keeps the choice open and the cost down.

What kind of accommodation is included?

During your trip, you will experience a mix of accommodations. You will stay in comfortable hotels in cities like Bishkek and Karakol, and enjoy traditional yurt camping by Issyk-Kul Lake and in the Chon-Kemin Valley, offering a unique nomadic experience.

Are flights included in the price?

No, international flights to and from Kyrgyzstan are not included in the price of your tour. You will need to arrange these separately. Please remember that baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by airline.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

This trip to Kyrgyzstan offers several memorable highlights. You will experience staying in traditional yurt camps, enjoy horseback riding through stunning landscapes, and explore the unique rock formations of Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon. Other draws include a golden eagle demonstration and a hands-on yurt-building experience.