Self-Drive Kyrgyzstan

Meeting at the hotel, arrival of pick-up cars at 08:30

Start of self-drive tour at 09:00

At the beginning of our journey, we will have to travel through mountain pass Too Ashuu (3500m) and then cross the wonderful Suusamyr valley, a paradise for nomads and their cattle. Despite it being summer, we guarantee that we’ll make you experience real winter here.

Later, we’ll move from the highway to an off-road that runs along the Kokemeren River (one of the most challenging rafting experiences in the country).

Finally, we’ll arrive in Kyzyl-Oy, a mountainous village located at an altitude of about 1800m. Here you can take pictures of extraordinary landscapes consisting of majestic mountains surrounding the village.

Especially colourful is the red clay covering the mountains from top to bottom. This clay has been used as a material for house building since the beginning of the 20th century. Some of these houses can be still seen in Kyzyl-Oy.

In the morning, we will see Kok-Boru – the traditional game of the Nomad people.

On the third day, we will be driving through the mountain’s rarely used road to Toktogul, and the highest point of the road is Kubuk-Suu pass (3220m). The road is very attractive and has a lot of turns. Approximate time of driving: 4-5 hours.

Today, we will be driving on the M41 road, one of the most beautifully asphalted roads, through the Rock Mountains and the biggest river in Kyrgyzstan, Naryn, flows adjacent to this road.

We’ll depart early in the morning and our goal will be to reach the unique Biosphere Reserve of Sary Chelek.

Sary Chelek Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan situated at 1800 meters above the sea level. It came into existence because of a strong earthquake. The valley also has six small lakes and a wide river network. Here, you’ll see majestic mountains with snow-capped peaks touching the sky.

After breakfast, we will have a walk in the reserve, breathing fresh air and relaxing by the lakeside. Later, we will continue our trip towards Arslanbob, a unique walnut-fruit forest.

The next pass on our way will be located at an altitude of 3030m.

In the evening, we’ll arrive in Kazarman. You will be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality of the local populace. It is common knowledge that the people in the southern part of the country are very welcoming and friendly.

Today’s goal will be to reach Son-Kul Lake, located at an altitude of 3000 m. We will pass through beautiful places where we can see yaks and other animals.

When we arrive in the yurts camp, you’ll get to know of the hospitality of the nomads, their lifestyle and their customs. You will get to ride the Kyrgyz horses in the large meadows with an unforgettable view of the lake. The horses are very calm; so, you can enjoy the wonderful landscapes around you.

Note: Yurt’s capacity 6 people. But during low season, 2 pax per yurt can be accommodated according to the availability.

The goal of Day 8 will be to reach the caravanserai Tash Rabat for which we will have to cross a 3100m long mountain pass.

Tash Rabat is a historical monument founded by monks in the 10th century. During the Silk Road history, Tash Rabat lost its religious significance and the main function of the monastery was providing a stay to caravans and travellers.

Note: Yurt’s capacity 6 people. But during low season, 2 pax per yurt can be accommodated according to the availability.

Note: yurt capacity 6 people. But during the low season you can be accommodated 2 pax per yurt according to the availability.

New adventures await us! After breakfast, we will be en route to the Kichi Naryn valley, where the Naryn River, the most important river of Kyrgyzstan, originates. We will have lunch on the way. In the evening, we will set up tents and have dinner by the riverside.

This day is meant for the off-road driving test. On our way, we will have to cross Tosor Mountain Pass measuring 3900 m. Here, even during hot summer, you can experience real winter through breathtaking glaciers and mesmerising views of mountain lakes.

Later, we’ll reach the pearl of Kyrgyzstan i.e. Issyk-Kul Lake.

After breakfast, we’ll go to the Jety Oguz valley. Its name means ”Seven bulls”. The name is symbolic because there are seven huge red-brown rocks resembling ranked and furious bulls standing together.

An especially romantic look has the rock ”Broken Heart” located at the entrance to the gorge. Jety Oguz is also famous for the place named Kok-Jayyk, a valley of flowers that becomes full of poppies in spring. At the upper part of Jety Oguz, there are mountain lakes and waterfalls.

When we return to Karakol, we’ll visit its famous sights such as Russian Orthodox cathedral and Dungan mosque.

After breakfast, we’ll go towards Grigoriev and Semienov gorge.

They are located on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, 60 kilometres from Cholpon-Ata.

These places are considered the most famous attractions of the Issyk Kul region. We’ll drive to the first lake at Grigoriev Gorge and have a picnic on the shore (if the weather is nice). You can have a walk, enjoy the wild nature around you and have a pleasant pastime in this beautiful place.

In the evening, we’ll head to Chon Kemin.

The road to Bishkek passes through the Boom gorge.

Then on our way, we’ll have the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in the north part of Kyrgyzstan. It is located about 80 km from the capital Bishkek, and is close to the city of Tokmok. The tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of the castle and three mausoleums looks impressive.

Lastly, there will be the ancient Balasagyn town that was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.

In the evening, we will have the farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport. Departure.