North & South Kyrgyzstan Explorer: Bishkek to Osh Adventure

Discover the diversity of Kyrgyzstan on this 13-day journey through mountains, lakes, ancient cities, and nomadic cultures.

Travel from the modern capital of Bishkek across spectacular mountain passes to the vast walnut forests of Arslanbob and the historic Silk Road city of Osh. Explore remote mountain villages, see ancient petroglyphs, and experience authentic nomadic life at the high-altitude pastures of Song-Kol Lake. Along the way visit dramatic canyons, alpine valleys, and the turquoise shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.

This journey combines culture, nature, and authentic local encounters, offering a complete experience of Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes and traditions.


Overview

Discover the diversity of North and South Kyrgyzstan on this 13-day journey from Bishkek to Osh.

Travel across spectacular mountain passes, explore the famous Arslanbob walnut forest, experience nomadic life at Song-Kol Lake, and visit the dramatic landscapes of Issyk-Kul and Altyn-Arashan.

Along the way discover Silk Road history, eagle hunting traditions, alpine lakes, and remote mountain villages.

Quick Facts

Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Route: Bishkek → Toktogul → Arslanbob → Osh → Song-Kol → Issyk-Kul → Karakol → Chong-Kemin → Bishkek
Season: May – October
Level: Easy – Moderate

Accommodation:
Hotels • Guesthouses • Yurt camp

Highlights:
Arslanbob Walnut Forest • Osh & Sulaiman-Too • Song-Kol Lake • Eagle Hunting • Skazka Canyon • Altyn-Arashan • Issyk-Kul • Burana Tower

Difficulty & Travel Style

Level: Easy – Moderate

This is a comfortable cultural journey with scenic drives, short walks, and light hikes in nature.

Travel includes mountain roads and remote regions, but the program is designed for a relaxed pace with comfortable stays in hotels, guesthouses, and a traditional yurt camp.

A great balance of adventure, culture, and authentic local life.

Who Is This Tour For?

Perfect for travelers who want to experience both North and South Kyrgyzstan in one journey.

Ideal for those interested in:

• Nomadic culture and local traditions
• Silk Road history and ancient cities
• Scenic mountain landscapes and alpine lakes
• Authentic village and family experiences

No special skills required — suitable for most active travelers.

Explore the detailed itinerary below…

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival at Manas International Airport. Transfer to Bishkek city. Hotel check-in.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in hotel.

Drive through Too-Ashuu Pass (3,586 m) with views of the Suusamyr Valley.
Continue through Chychkan Gorge and along Toktogul Reservoir.
Arrival in Toktogul village.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.

Transfer to Arslanbob village, famous for the world’s largest natural walnut forest.
Arrival around lunchtime.
Afternoon walk in the village.
Overnight in homestay.

 

Day hike to Arslanbob waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.
Explore the vast walnut forests covering over 60,000 hectares.
Overnight in homestay.

Drive to Osh with a stop in Uzgen to visit the 12th-century minaret and mausoleums.
Arrival in Osh.
City tour including Sulaiman-Too Mountain (UNESCO).
Overnight in hotel.

Scenic drive into the mountains toward Kazarman village, gateway to the famous Saimaluu-Tash petroglyphs.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.

 

Drive via mountain passes to Song-Kol Lake (3,016 m).
Arrival at the alpine lake and meeting with nomadic families.
Dinner and overnight in a traditional yurt camp.

Morning at the lake. Optional horseback riding.
Drive to Kochkor to visit a local felt-making family.
Continue to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Overnight in Bokonbaevo guesthouse.

Morning eagle hunting demonstration.
Visit Skazka Canyon and Jeti-Oguz Gorge.
Arrival in Karakol.
Visit the Dungan Mosque and Orthodox Church.
Overnight in hotel.

4WD trip to Altyn-Arashan alpine valley (2,500 m).
Hiking and relaxation in natural hot springs.
Return to Karakol.
Overnight in hotel.

Drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Visit Cholpon-Ata petroglyph museum.
Arrival in Chong-Kemin National Park.
Overnight in guesthouse.

Morning walk in the valley.
Stop at Burana Tower, ancient Silk Road monument.
Arrival in Bishkek and short city tour.
Farewell dinner.
Overnight in hotel.

Transfer to Manas International Airport for departure.

FAQ

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.

Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.

Während der Reise übernachten Sie in einer Mischung aus Hotels, Gästehäusern und traditionellen Jurten.

Hotels: Bischkek, Osch, Karakol
Gästehäuser / Homestays: Arslanbob, Kazarman, Bokonbaevo, Chong-Kemin
Jurtenlager: Song-Köl-See

Diese Unterkünfte ermöglichen Ihnen authentische Begegnungen mit lokalen Familien und ein echtes Erlebnis der kirgisischen Gastfreundschaft.

Tour details
Type Culture
Duration 13 Day
Group max 12
Difficulty
Accommodation Hotel, GH, Yurt
Season May to Oct
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