Self Drive tour

This program is for travellers who will rent a car and do not have a fixed plan for their trip.

Offroad Nomad is a 13-day self-drive itinerary designed for 4×4 travel in Kyrgyzstan. It provides a structured route, daily driving guidance, and logistical support for the full journey.

The itinerary covers mountain roads, valley routes, high passes, and remote unpaved sections. It includes a mix of long driving days, shorter transfer days, and selected free or flexible days. Each stage includes planned overnight stops in hotels, guesthouses, and traditional yurt camps.

Support is provided through daily briefings with a tour manager, including information on road conditions, fuel availability, and connectivity. Some areas on the route have limited or no mobile network coverage, so key arrangements are discussed in advance.

The program includes stops for walking, short hikes, horseback riding, and cultural activities depending on location and conditions. Certain sections of the route pass through remote areas where services are limited, so fuel and supplies are planned in advance through main towns along the route.

The tour starts and ends in the capital city, where the vehicle is collected and returned according to the agreed procedure.

The best Travel Experiences in Kyrgyzstan with Kagan!

FROM

€ 520.00

tour features

Duration	13 Days
Highlights	Sightseeing, Horseback riding, Song-Kul, Tashrabat, Issyk-KUl lake.
Best season	Mid June till mid September
Code	HR03D11EN

Here is the program by day

Day 1 / Arrival in Bishkek

Arrival at Manas International Airport and transfer to a hotel*** in Bishkek. After check-in, there is a technical briefing with the tour manager covering the 4x4 vehicle, route overview, fuel planning, and road conditions. This discussion takes place before dinner. The day continues with a visit to Osh Bazaar to purchase food and basic supplies, followed by a short walk at Ala-Too Square. Dinner with the tour manager is included and takes place at a local restaurant in Bishkek. Fuel is widely available throughout the city. Overnight in Bishkek.

The drive from Bishkek to Kyzyl-Oi is approximately 220 km and takes about 5–6 hours. The route follows the main highway south, crossing the Too-Ashuu Pass at 3,586 m through a 2.5 km tunnel, then descending into the Suusamyr Valley. From there, the road continues on unpaved tracks along the Kokomeren River. Kyzyl-Oi is located at around 1,800 m. Accommodation is in a local guesthouse, with dinner included. Fuel should be filled in Bishkek, as availability in Kyzyl-Oi is limited and not guaranteed. Mobile network is generally available. In the evening, there is a scheduled call or message exchange with the tour manager to review the route and logistics for the next two days, as there will be no mobile connection at Song-Kul.

Day 2 / Bishkek to Kyzyl-Oi

This day covers approximately 150 km with a driving time of about 5–6 hours. The route climbs toward Song-Kul Lake via mountain roads, commonly using the Karakeche Pass and elevations above 3,000 m. During the drive, it is possible to make a short visit to Ak-Kol Lake, depending on road and weather conditions. On the way, there is a stop in Chaek village, where basic supplies can be purchased and fuel is also available. Song-Kul Lake is situated at 3,016 m and is used as a summer grazing area. Accommodation is in a yurt camp, with dinner included. There is no mobile network coverage at the lake. Limited Wi-Fi is available at the yurt camp, but it is not free and the connection is weak. There is no permanent electricity. All arrangements for the following day are based on the discussion held in Kyzyl-Oi.

Day 3 /Kyzyl-Oi to Song-Kul:

This is a non-driving day at Song-Kul Lake. Time is available for walking along the shoreline, short hikes, and observation of semi-nomadic livestock herding. A 2-hour horseback riding activity is included and can be done at any time of the day, depending on guests’ preference. Lunch in the yurt camp is included. Guests may also join the hosts in preparing lunch or dinner if they wish. The yurt camp owners can organize traditional horse games for an additional cost of 20,000 KGS (approximately 250 USD). If guests wish to watch these games, they must inform the hosts either on the first day at Song-Kul (Day 3) or during breakfast on this day, as preparation is required. Overnight remains in the same yurt camp, with lunch and dinner included. All plans follow the advance briefing.

Day 4 / Day in song Kol.

The drive from Song-Kul to the Tashrabat area is approximately 260 km and takes around 6–7 hours, passing through the Naryn region on mountain and valley roads. Fuel is available in Naryn town and must be refilled there. Overnight accommodation is in a yurt camp near Tashrabat, with dinner included. Mobile network coverage in the Tashrabat area is very limited or unavailable. Route details and timing are discussed in advance with the tour manager before leaving the last connection point.

Day 5 / Song-Kul – Tashrabat

This day offers flexible activities depending on guest preference. You may choose an optional hike or optional horse riding to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Chatyr-Kul area. Guests who prefer a relaxed day can stay near the yurt camp and explore the surrounding area on foot. Lunch is not included. For guests going to the panoramic viewpoint, lunch boxes can be prepared by the yurt camp upon request. Guests who stay near the yurt camp may have a regular lunch there at their own expense.

If you wish to ride a horse, you must inform the tour manager or the yurt camp owners one day in advance. No long-distance driving is planned for this day. Accommodation remains in the same yurt camp, with dinner included. Mobile network coverage is limited or unavailable.

Day 6 / Chatyr-Kul Panoramic Viewpoint or Free Exploration Day

The drive to Kochkor is approximately 230 km and takes about 5–6 hours, passing through the Naryn region. Fuel is available in Naryn as well as in Kochkor. Accommodation is in a local guesthouse, with dinner included. After arrival and once mobile network coverage is restored, there is a call with the tour manager to confirm progress and review the upcoming route.

Day 7 / Tashrabat – Kochkor

The distance from Kochkor to Cholpon-Ata is approximately 280 km, with a driving time of around 5–6 hours. The route does not pass through Boom Gorge; instead, it goes via the Orto-Tokoi reservoir area. Along this route, there is an option to visit local hot springs, depending on time and interest. Accommodation is in a hotel in Cholpon-Ata. Dinner is at a local café in the town and is not included. Fuel is available along the route and in Cholpon-Ata. Full mobile network coverage is available.

Day 8 / Kochkor – Cholpon-Ata.

The drive to Karakol is approximately 140 km and takes around 2.5–3 hours along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. After arrival, it is possible to visit the Orthodox Holy Trinity Church and the Dungan Mosque. Accommodation is in a guesthouse. Dinner is at a local restaurant and is not included. Fuel stations and full mobile network coverage are available. There is also an opportunity to speak with the tour manager to review the next stages of the trip.

Day 9 / Cholpon-Ata – Karakol

The distance from Karakol to Bokonbaevo is approximately 180 km, with a driving time of about 4–5 hours. Stops are made at Jeti-Oguz Gorge and Skazka Canyon. Fuel stations are available along the route and in Bokonbaevo. After arrival, there is an eagle hunting demonstration. Accommodation is in a yurt camp, with dinner included. Mobile network coverage is available.

Day 10 / Transfer to Bokonbaeva

The drive from Bokonbaevo to Chong-Kemin covers approximately 280 km and takes about 4–5 hours. The route follows the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and continues through the Chuy Valley. Accommodation is in a guesthouse, with dinner included. Fuel is available along the route. In the evening, there is a discussion with the tour manager regarding vehicle return procedures and the final driving day.

Day 11 / Bokonbaevo – Chong-Kemin:

The drive to Bishkek via Burana Tower is approximately 160 km and takes about 3–4 hours. The route includes a visit to the Burana Tower museum and archaeological site. Upon arrival in Bishkek, the rental vehicle is returned according to the agreed procedure. Accommodation is in a hotel***. Fuel and full mobile network coverage are available.

Day 12 / Chong-Kemin – Bishkek via Burana Tower

Transfer from the hotel to Manas International Airport for return flights.

Day 13 / Departure

Price

Price in €

2 pax – 730€/person
3 pax – 650€//person
4 pax – 610€/person
5 pax – 580€€/person
6 pax – 520€€/person

Price Includes:

Assistance of and support during the trip be tour manager
Welcome dinner
Diners (Kyzyl oi, Song-Kul, Tashrabat, Bokonbaevo, Kochkor),
Horseback riding at Son Kul lake.
Pick up and drop off at the airport Manas in Bishkek,
Accommodation (B&B),
Eagle demonstration

Price Excludes:

Travel insurance.
Rental vehicle
Extra price for single room.
International air tickets.
Horseback riding at Tash Rabat.
Entrance fees.
Other services not mentioned in the program.

Map

Notes

The Fleet: You will travel through Kyrgyzstan in a 4×4 car, specifically equipped to handle mountain tracks, unpaved trails, and paved highways.
Features: All vehicles are equipped with automatic transmission and USB ports to charge your electronic devices.
Self-Drive Concept: This is a self-guided experience. We provide you with the 4×4 rental and a detailed itinerary brochure; there is no accompanying guide or driver. You are responsible for navigating the daily routes as outlined.
Drive Time: Expect to drive 4–6 hours per day, though mountain weather and road conditions may extend these times.

Visa-Free Entry Citizens of the EU, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and some other countries can enter without a visa (up to 60 days).
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Other Nationalities: Please check https://evisa.e-gov.kg for your country.
Tour Difficulty and Requirements
Tour Type: This is a horseback riding tour through mountain terrain.
Level: You don’t need to be an experienced rider, but you must feel confident on a horse and be able to control it.
We ride for 5–7 hours each day, so good physical condition is important.
Altitude: The tour goes through high mountain areas, up to 4100m
Age Limit: Tour is for participants 19 years and older. If you are younger, please ask us in advance.
Safety
During the trek, there will be local people around who can help evacuate if someone gets seriously hurt.
The guide will have a satellite phone with them during the trek.
Our guides carry a simple first-aid kit.
Medical Information
Medication: Bring any personal medicine you need.
Where You’ll Stay: Guesthouses (overnight stay is at the home of the local horse guide; several guests will sleep in the same room, and beds may not be available),
tents (2–3 person tents / toilet in nature), or yurts with shared bathrooms.
In remote areas, conditions are simple. Accommodation depends on the route.
Meals and Diets
Food: We serve traditional Kyrgyz meals — meat, rice, noodles, and vegetables.
All meals are Halal.
Breakfast: Tea or coffee, jam, bread, butter, eggs (fried or boiled), vegetables, and fruits.
Lunch: Salad, sandwich, bread, dried fruits, and vegetables.
Dinner: Hot meal, dried fruits, jam, butter, bread, and tea.
Diet Options: Vegetarian meals are available, but in the mountains it’s better to bring your own special food if you have strict dietary needs. Gluten-free food is available in big cities.
Water is not included.
Weather and Packing Tips
Weather: Temperatures change depending on location and altitude. Check the route weather using Google Weather before your trip.
Clothing:
Wear layers: base layer, warm layer, waterproof jacket.
Bring gloves and a warm hat.
Extra socks and underwear.
Shoes: Riding boots and something to wear at the campsite (slippers — we highly recommend Crocs).
Also bring: Headlamp, sunscreen, sunglasses.
Gear
KAGAN Provides: Tent, kitchen staff, helmets
You Should Bring: Sleeping bag, filter bottle, and mattress
Luggage
A small backpack (20–30 liters) which you will carry yourself for personal items (sunscreen, raincoat, snacks, water). Luggage will be transported by jeep.
Booking and Payment
Deposit: A €300 deposit is needed to confirm your booking.
Final Payment: Pay the rest in cash when you arrive in Bishkek. Bank transfer is also possible (bank fees not included).
You can pay by credit card.
Cancellation: The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for a future trip.

Gallery

transport & guide

Private Car with Driver for Journey

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accommodation

Stay in a 4 Star Hotel incl. Breakfast

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The itinerary covers mountain roads, valley routes, high passes, and remote unpaved sections. It includes a mix of long driving days, shorter transfer days, and selected free or flexible days. Each stage includes planned overnight stops in hotels, guesthouses, and traditional yurt camps.

Support is provided through daily briefings with a tour manager, including information on road conditions, fuel availability, and connectivity. Some areas on the route have limited or no mobile network coverage, so key arrangements are discussed in advance.

The program includes stops for walking, short hikes, horseback riding, and cultural activities depending on location and conditions. Certain sections of the route pass through remote areas where services are limited, so fuel and supplies are planned in advance through main towns along the route.

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