Green, mountainous and lake-strewn, Kyrgyzstan is sandwiched between deserts and scorched plains. It’s remarkably untouched in feel, certainly when compared with showier, next-door Uzbekistan. Our specialists have traversed its landscapes by road and on foot, and they’ll draw on this knowledge to plan your visit.
They can suggest experiences for your vacation to Kyrgyzstan that will give you a vivid sense of the Kyrgyz people’s hospitality and traditional nomadic lifestyle. You could stay in a family-run yurt camp in an alpine meadow or on the banks of azure-bright Lake Song-Kul: our specialists have tried and tested various options. Then, if you’re looking to incorporate hiking into your trip to Kyrgyzstan, they’ll advise on the best trails — you could trek past glaciers, or through wildflower-dotted valleys. And, they’ll help you take in quintessential Kyrgyz sights, from the petroglyphs around Lake Issyk-Kul to the stone caravanserai of Tash Rabat.
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience Kyrgyzstan.
Ala Archa National Park
Towering over the park are the highest peaks of the Kyrgyz Alatau Range, including Korona Peak (4,860 m) and Semenov Tian Shansky (4,895 m), both higher than anything Europe has to offer.
Altyn Arashan excursion
Close to Karakol is the stunning alpine Arashan gorge. This area offers some of the finest hiking in Kyrgyzstan, ranging from the pleasant four- to five-hour hike up the wooded valley from Ak Suu to the Altyn Arashan plateau, to six-day mountaineering expeditions to the summit of glacial Mt Palatka.
Jeti-Ögüz excursion
From Karakol a short 30-minute drive west along the lake brings you to the head of the Jeti-Ögüz valley, where you head north toward Jeti-Ögüz village. A few minutes up the road you reach Broken Heart Rock, the reverse side of the famous Seven Bulls, a tremendous red limestone formation towering above the village.
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Kyrgyzstan, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Practical tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
