Heights of Central Asia

A 9-day road trip from Bishkek to Chon-Kemin, Karakol and the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, with days on horseback above Issyk-Kul, a golden eagle hunter and village life in Kyzyl-Oi.

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📅 9 Days

🚗 Road Trip

🥾 Hiking

🏇🏼 Horseback Riding

Mountains, lakes and nomad traditions

Visit the 11th-century Burana Tower on the way to Chon-Kemin National Park, hike Konorchek Canyon, see the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs and the Oruktu hot springs before reaching Karakol. Explore the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and ride to a waterfall in Kok-Jaiyk Valley.

Spend a full day on horseback in Chon-Kyzyl-Suu Valley, sleep in a yurt camp on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, meet a golden eagle hunter, and visit yurt makers and a Dungan family on the way to Kyzyl-Oi, before a last day in Bishkek and its Osh Bazaar.

Route: Bishkek → Chon-Kemin → Karakol → Jeti-Oguz → Chon-Kyzyl-Suu → Bokonbaevo → Kochkor → Kyzyl-Oi → Bishkek

Road trip tour

from €1,050
/ person · group 6 people

Duration

9 days

Activities

Season

May to October

Airport Transfer

Book This Tour

Day by day

Detailed Program

1 Day. Bishkek – Chon Kemin

BISHKEK → BURANA TOWER → CHON-KEMIN

Your driver and guide welcome you at Manas International Airport and take you to a guesthouse to rest, shower and have breakfast. Drive toward Chon-Kemin National Park, stopping at the 11th-century Burana Tower and for lunch in Tokmok, then settle into a local homestay and walk around Karool-Dobo village.

Approximately 150 km · Burana Tower · Village walk · Homestay

2 Day. Transfer to Karakol

CHON-KEMIN → KONORCHEK CANYON → CHOLPON-ATA → KARAKOL

Leave early for Karakol at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul Lake. Hike for about two hours through Konorchek Canyon, have lunch in Balykchy, then visit the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs and the Oruktu hot springs before arriving in Karakol in the evening.

Approximately 300 km · 2-hour canyon hike · Hot springs · Guesthouse

3 Day. Jeti-Oguz Valley and Kok-Jaiyk

KARAKOL → JETI-OGUZ → KOK-JAIYK → KARAKOL

Walk to a viewpoint over the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, whose name means “Seven Bulls”, then ride for about two hours to a waterfall in Kok-Jaiyk Valley, with a picnic on the way. Back in Karakol, visit the city centre, the Dungan Mosque, the Orthodox church and the market.

Approximately 60 km · 2 hours horseback riding · Guesthouse in Karakol

4 Day. Horseback riding in Chon-Kyzyl-Suu

KARAKOL → CHON-KYZYL-SUU VALLEY → BOKONBAEVO

Ride a loop through alpine pastures and forests in Chon-Kyzyl-Suu Valley, continue to the natural hot springs, then drive to Bokonbaevo on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul and settle into a traditional yurt camp.

6–7 hours horseback riding · Hot springs · Approximately 150 km · Yurt camp

5 Day. Horseback riding in Boz Salkyn Valley

YURT CAMP → BOZ SALKYN VALLEY → YURT CAMP

Ride through Boz Salkyn Valley to a viewpoint over Issyk-Kul and the surrounding ranges, picnic with the view, then ride back to the camp for free time on the beach. In the evening, a golden eagle hunter introduces his bird and the traditions of eagle hunting.

3 hours horseback riding · Lake panorama · Eagle hunter · Yurt camp

6 Day. Bokonbaevo to Kyzyl-Oi

BOKONBAEVO → KOCHKOR → JUMGAL → KYZYL-OI

Visit a yurt-making workshop and the handicraft centre in Kochkor, then share lunch with a Dungan family, whose community came from China in the 19th century. Continue through the Jumgal Valley, past distinctive Kyrgyz cemeteries, to Kyzyl-Oi.

Approximately 310 km · Yurt makers · Dungan family lunch · Homestay

7 Day. Hiking and horseback riding in Kyzyl-Oi

KYZYL-OI → SURROUNDING HILLS → KYZYL-OI

Walk up the hills for views over the valley, return to the guesthouse for lunch, then ride through the countryside in the afternoon. Kyzyl-Oi is a village of about 5,000 people surrounded by mountains, on a river that flows toward the Aral Sea.

2–3 hours hiking · 2 hours horseback riding · Homestay

8 Day. Kyzyl-Oi to Bishkek

KYZYL-OI → BISHKEK

Drive for about four hours to Bishkek. After lunch, explore Osh Bazaar, one of the city’s best-known markets, and the central parks and squares, then enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Approximately 190 km · Osh Bazaar · Guesthouse in Bishkek

9 Day. Departure

BISHKEK → MANAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Transfer to Manas International Airport for your flight home.

Airport transfer · End of services

2026-2027 prices

Price depends on group size

€1,050/person

6 travellers

€1,150/person

5 travellers

€1,300/person

4 travellers

€1,540/person

3 travellers

€2,030/person

2 travellers

What’s included

Bishkek airport transfers
English- or French-speaking guide/translator
Meals according to the program
Accommodation according to the program
Museum entrance fees
Cultural visits
Hot spring visit
Horse rental

Not included
Travel insurance
Single-room supplement
International air tickets
Alcohol and mineral water
Final dinner and optional disco, bar, karaoke or spa expenses
Other services not mentioned in the program

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan?

Citizens of the EU, Canada, Japan, Singapore and some other countries can enter visa-free for up to 60 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your entry date. If your nationality is not visa-exempt, check the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa website before traveling.

How physically demanding is the tour?

This road trip includes a two-hour canyon hike, walks around Kyzyl-Oi and several days on horseback, including a 6–7-hour ride in Chon-Kyzyl-Suu. The rides suit beginners, the walks are easy with up to about 500 m of elevation gain, and activities stay below about 2,500 m. Driving days are usually around 4 hours. There is no age limit.

What should I know about safety and medication?

Your guide carries a basic first-aid kit, and the vehicle stays close during activities in case of serious injury. If you are sensitive to altitude, talk to your doctor before the trip, and bring any personal medication you need.

Where will we stay during the tour?

You stay in guesthouses, homestays and a traditional yurt camp with shared facilities. Conditions vary by region.

What food is provided, and can dietary needs be accommodated?

The tour serves traditional Kyrgyz meals featuring meat, rice, noodles and vegetables. Meals are Halal. Breakfast is served at guesthouses or yurt camps; lunch may be at a café or as a picnic; dinner is served at a café, guesthouse or yurt camp. Vegetarian meals are available. If you have strict dietary requirements, bring suitable food for remote sections. Gluten-free options are more readily available in larger cities. Drinking water is not included.

What should I bring?

Temperatures vary by location and altitude. Check the weather forecast for the route before departure. Pack layered clothing, a warm layer, a warm hat, extra socks and underwear, comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes, a headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen.

What equipment is provided, and how much luggage can I bring?

KAGAN provides the picnic equipment. Bring a headlamp for the yurt camp, sunglasses, a filter bottle if you like and a small backpack of about 20 litres for the day, plus trekking poles if you use them.

What are the booking and payment conditions?

A €300 deposit is required to confirm the booking. The remaining amount can be paid in cash upon arrival in Bishkek. Bank transfer and credit card payment are also possible, with bank fees not included. The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for a future trip.

Golden Book / Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 21 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jérémy Mertens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Si vous cherchez une agence de voyage pour des tours organisés au Kirghizistan n'hésitez pas et choisissez KAGAN ! L'organisation est parfaite, les lieux visités incroyables et le contact avec la population Kyrgyz est rendue très facile par le guide qui accompagne le groupe, un gros point positif pour Aimara la meilleure guide francophone 😁. Certainement l'un des meilleurs rapports qualité/prix au Kirghizistan !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karine Malouin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous recherchions une agence pouvant nous fournir un guide francophone, mais aussi une expérience immersive selon nos goûts, nos besoins et en très petit groupe. Ils ont répondu à toutes nos attentes, et même au delà, avec ouverture et flexibilité. Nous avons créé quelque chose de magique avec notre guide et notre chauffeur et avons vécu l'un des plus beau voyage de notre vie.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alicia Verlinden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous sommes partis au Kirghizistan ce mois de juin 2026 avec Kagan et leur guide Nurtilek (Rick pour les intimes). Tout était vraiment parfait! Le voyage était bien organisé, les logements de bonne qualité, le programme correspondait à nos attentes et les activités étaient supers. Étant donné notre manque de connaissance en russe, c’était pratique d’avoir un guide avec nous!
L’équipe de Kagan était à l’écoute et nous avons vraiment eu un voyage super, je recommande ☺️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valentin Goncalves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous venons de réaliser un voyage de 12 jours au Kirghizstan entre amis.
Tout a été parfait du début à la fin.
L’agence est organisée, et à l’écoute. Aimira est très réactive.
Notre guide Azamat, par sa gentillesse, sa disponibilité, son professionnalisme et sa connaissance du pays, a largement contribué à rendre notre expérience inoubliable. Notre chauffeur Akil a également été irréprochable tout au long du voyage.

Nous recommandons cette agence les yeux fermés à tous ceux qui souhaitent ce magnifique pays!
Merci encore.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicolas Brunaut 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait 15 jours de voyage au Kirghizistan via Kagan en auto-tour, l'un des premiers qu'ils proposaient.

Nous avons apprécié le fait d'être en autonomie pour découvrir le pays, tout en n'ayant pas à se préoccuper du planning et des activités et des commodités ennuyantes (aller-retour à l'aéroport).

Nous avons été accueilli dans cette agence à taille humaine, qui nous a présenté notre tour, puis avons eu les clefs de notre 4X4, et c'était parti pour 15 jours en autonomie, avec des check réguliers a distance avec nos guides (anglophone puis francophone).

Pour une des premières proposées par l'agence, rien à redire, tout s'est bien passé, chaque stop avait son intérêt, chaque lieu valait la peine d'être vue afin de bien profiter du Kirghizistan.

Nous avons pu également adapter le séjour initial proposé puisque nous restions quelques jours en plus.

Lors de notre séjour, un voyant moteur s'est allumé sur la voiture, l'agence Kagan a su réagir et nous trouver un mécanicien à notre étape, qui a réparé la panne (injecteur mort), sans le moindre frais pour nous, et sans la moindre contrainte car le mécanicien s'est déplacé jusqu'à notre logement.

Il ne manque qu'un petit livret à recevoir au départ pour être encore plus autonome, et tout serait parfait !

Pour info, ils sont en partenariat pour ce trajet avec My Kirghiz Friends, qui aura le même commentaire.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Fellous 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons effectué un roadtrip de 12 jours organisé par KAGAN.
Tous les membres de l'agence était courtois, professionnels et disponibles.
Ce tour était inoubliable !
Je recommande fortement de voyagzr avec KAGAN !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Grace Foster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Azamat guided a small group of us women through the backcountry on horseback with a team of two other Kyrgyz guides. We were able to have all of our needs met throughout the trip between weather preparedness, a flexible schedule and accommodations. We will miss our time with them in the mountains deeply.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anne Madies 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons passé 3 semaines au Kirghizstan cet été. Nous voulions voir la diversité du pays et faire des treks. Kagan a parfaitement répondu à nos attentes. Nous avons fait un voyage extraordinaire, très varié et avons pu avoir un aperçu de la vie quotidienne du pays. Les treks étaient splendides et Kagan a su très bien gérer les imprévus du voyage. Notre guide francophone Sergey a aussi contribué à sa réussite en sachant adapter le programme à nos souhaits.  En résumé, Je vous recommande cette petite agence locale!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julien Altacima 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait un voyage de 11 jours en juin 2025 avec un groupe de 10 personnes. L'équipe locale était très professionnelle et attentive à nos souhaits (guide francophone et chauffeur/mécanicien). Les 4x4 que nous avons loués étaient en parfaits états et adaptés au parcours. Nous remercions Aydana et Azamat pour leur organisation sans faille et leur disponibilité avant, pendant et après le voyage. Un grand merci à KAGAN.

Our customers regularly share their experiences, whether on our Google page or our Facebook page. The feedback is varied – some highlight our hospitality in the guesthouse, our availability or the quality of our services when traveling in Kyrgyzstan, others help us to improve. And it’s precisely thanks to this feedback that KAGAN evolves every day.

Thank you to all those who put their trust in us!

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