Authentic Artisan Journey Across Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz traditional handicrafts are an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage, deeply shaped by the nomadic lifestyle. For centuries, artisans have preserved their knowledge through generations, creating unique works from felt, wool, leather, wood, and metal.
This journey invites you to explore the living traditions of Kyrgyz craftsmanship. Along the way, you will meet talented local artisans, visit family workshops, and participate in hands-on master classes to create your own pieces of traditional art.
Beyond crafts, the tour reveals Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful landscapes — from alpine valleys and hot springs to the vast high-altitude pastures of Song-Kol Lake.
Route: Bishkek → Chong-Kemin → Tamchy → Karakol → Altyn-Arashan → Bokonbaevo → Kochkor → Song-Kol → Bishkek
Duration: 9 Days
Best Season: June – mid-September
Tour Type: Cultural & Scenic Journey (vehicle based)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Group Size: 2 – 24 travelers
Meet traditional felt artisans and yurt makers
Participate in felt-making and weaving workshops
Visit the renowned Kiyiz Duino handicraft center
Discover nomadic culture and village life
Relax at the alpine hot springs of Altyn-Arashan
Explore petroglyphs near Issyk-Kul Lake
Experience authentic Dungan cuisine in Karakol
Overnight in traditional yurts at Song-Kol Lake
Scenic drives across Kyrgyzstan’s mountain landscapes
Scroll down to explore the full itinerary and discover each day of the journey.
Arrival at Manas International Airport where your guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel in Bishkek.
After some rest, visit Kiyiz Duino – Felt World, a cultural center dedicated to preserving Kyrgyz traditional crafts. Here you will learn about felt-making traditions and meet local artisans.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in a hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a short Bishkek city tour including:
Ala-Too Square
Oak Park
Osh Bazaar
Museum of Fine Arts
After lunch, drive to Chong-Kemin National Park.
On the way visit the historic Burana Tower (10th century), a remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun.
Arrival in Chong-Kemin valley and accommodation at a family guesthouse. Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner with your hosts.
Overnight in a guesthouse.
Morning transfer to Tamchy village on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Meet local artisan Baktygul Asanalieva, who specializes in traditional felt crafts.
Today you will participate in a felt master class “Silk & Wool”, where you will learn traditional techniques and create your own handmade felt artwork.
After lunch, enjoy a walk along the beautiful shores of Issyk-Kul.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.
Drive to Karakol with a stop in Cholpon-Ata to visit the famous open-air petroglyph site, featuring stone carvings dating from the Bronze Age (800 BC – 1200 AD).
Continue to Karakol.
Optional walking tour including:
Dungan Mosque
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.
Today visit the spectacular Altyn-Arashan Valley, located at about 2,500 m above sea level.
Travel part of the way by Soviet UAZ off-road vehicles and continue with a short hike through alpine landscapes.
Highlights:
Mountain scenery
Natural hot springs
Traditional wooden huts in the valley
Enjoy lunch in nature and relax in the hot springs.
Return to Karakol in the evening.
Dinner featuring traditional Dungan cuisine.
Overnight in Karakol.
Drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Stops include:
Jeti-Oguz Gorge (“Seven Bulls” rock formations)
Barskoon village
In Barskoon, meet members of the Ak-Orgo artisan community and visit their workshop where traditional handicrafts are produced.
Continue to Bokonbaevo village.
Accommodation in a yurt camp on the lakeshore.
Dinner and overnight in yurts.
Morning visit to Kyzyl-Tuu village, famous for its traditional yurt construction workshops.
Learn how a Kyrgyz yurt is built and watch demonstrations by local craftsmen.
After lunch, transfer to Kara-Suu village to meet felt master Guljan Eje.
Participate in a master class creating Ala-Kiyiz, a traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet made using centuries-old techniques.
Dinner with the family and overnight in a homestay.
Drive over the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass to reach Song-Kol Lake (3,000 m).
This high-altitude alpine lake is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic landscapes and an important summer pasture for nomadic shepherds.
Spend the afternoon experiencing traditional nomadic life:
Observe shepherds and herds
Walk along the lakeshore
Enjoy panoramic mountain views
Dinner and overnight in a traditional yurt camp.
Free morning at Song-Kol.
Enjoy the peaceful scenery and the reflections of snow-capped mountains on the lake.
After lunch, drive back to Bishkek (approx. 4–5 hours).
Farewell dinner and hotel check-in.
Moments that stay with you
The tours start upon request, please contact us. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.
The price of the tour depends on the number of people and the season. According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.
Wetterfeste warme Kleidung, Trekking- oder Wanderschuhe, Hut oder Mütze, Sonnenbrille und Sonnenschutz.
Tell us about your travel plans and we'll craft a personalized proposal within 24 hours. No pressure, no generic packages — just a genuine conversation about your dream trip.
Perfect for culturally curious travelers who want more than a standard sightseeing trip. Ideal for those who want a balanced combination of nature, authentic nomadic life, UNESCO heritage cities, and real Silk Road history — all in one seamless journey across three countries.
