The Pearl of Central Asia

This 7 day road trip combines scenic drives, hiking, cultural encounters and a horseback riding experience, with overnight stays in local family homes and guesthouses

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📅 7 Days

🚗 Road Trip

🥾 Hiking

🏇🏼 Horseback Riding

A journey through Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes and traditions

Travel from Bishkek into the heart of the Tien Shan mountains. Visit the historic Burana Tower, hike through the red formations of Konorchek Canyon, discover the panoramic landscapes of Tong Valley and experience traditional Kyrgyz life through local crafts, eagle hunting and horseback riding.

Along the way, meet an eagle hunter in Bokonbaeva, visit a yurt-making workshop in Kyzyl-Tuu and discover felt crafts in Kochkor. The journey finishes with mountain scenery around Toktogul before returning to Bishkek.

Route: Bishkek → Chon-Kemin → Konorchek Canyon → Bokonbaeva → Tong Valley → Kyzyl-Oy → Toktogul → Ozgorush → Bishkek

Route map of The Pearl of Central Asia tour across Kyrgyzstan

Road trip tour

from €890
/ person · group 6 people

Duration

7 days

Activities

Season

Mid-March–mid-May, October–November

Airport Transfer

Book This Tour

Day by day

Detailed Program

1 Day. Arrival in Bishkek – transfer to Chon-Kemin

BISHKEK → BURANA TOWER → CHON-KEMIN

Meet your guide and driver at Manas Airport and transfer to Bishkek for breakfast, a shower and some rest. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant before driving toward Chon-Kemin National Park. On the way, visit Burana Tower, a historic minaret dating back to the 11th century. In the late afternoon, arrive in Karool-Dobo village and settle into a local family home for dinner and the night.

180 km · Approximately 3 hours driving · Local family house

2 Day. Transfer to Bokonbaeva

CHON-KEMIN → KONORCHEK CANYON → BOKONBAEVA

Leave early for Konorchek Canyon and hike for approximately two hours among its striking red sandstone formations. Return to the vehicle and continue to a restaurant for lunch. Follow the southern shore of Issyk-Kul before arriving in Bokonbaeva village in the afternoon. Check into a guesthouse and enjoy the evening.

250 km · Approximately 5 hours driving · 2-hour hike · Guesthouse

3 Day. Hiking day to the panorama of the Tong valley

BOKONBAEVA → TONG VALLEY → BOKONBAEVA

Take a short transfer to the starting point of the hike. Walk into the surrounding hills through a dry, desert-like landscape, with panoramic views over Tong Valley. After approximately four hours of walking, return to the vehicle and enjoy some free time before dinner at the guesthouse.

Approximately 4 hours hiking · 1-hour vehicle transfer · Panoramic mountain views

4 Day. Transfer to Kizil Oy

BOKONBAEVA → KYZYL-TUU → KOCHKOR → KIZIL OY

Spend the day discovering Kyrgyz traditions and craftsmanship. Meet a traditional eagle hunter in Bokonbaeva, visit a yurt-making workshop in Kyzyl-Tuu and explore the felt craft center in Kochkor. Along the way, your guide will introduce local customs, beliefs and traditions. By late afternoon, arrive in Kyzyl-Oy, a distinctive red village nestled in the Tien Shan mountains.

250 km · Approximately 5–6 hours driving · Cultural visits · Overnight in Kyzyl-Oy

5 Day. Transfer to Toktogul

KIZIL OY → KOJOMKUL MUSEUM → CHYCHKAN CANYON → TOKTOGUL

Drive toward Toktogul Lake, stopping at the Kojomkul Museum along the way. Enjoy lunch beside the river in Chychkan Canyon, then hike to a mountain lake at approximately 2,800 m. Depending on conditions and preference, an alternative walk in Itagar Valley is possible. Continue to Toktogul and spend the evening with a local family.

Mountain hike · Lake at 2,800 m · Chychkan Canyon · Local family house

6 Day. Horseback riding at Ozgorush

TOKTOGUL → OZGORUSH → TOKTOGUL

After breakfast, drive to Ozgorush village near Toktogul and begin your horseback riding experience. Ride through the surrounding countryside, taking in the mountain scenery, and stop for a picnic outdoors. After the ride, return to the vehicle and transfer back to Toktogul for dinner and another night at the guesthouse.

Horseback riding · Mountain picnic · Transfer to Toktogul · Guesthouse

7 Day. Transfer to Bishkek

TOKTOGUL → BISHKEK

After breakfast, drive back to Bishkek, arriving around lunchtime. Check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the capital, including Osh Bazaar with its lively stalls, local products and colorful atmosphere. In the evening, gather for a final dinner at a traditional restaurant.

280 km · Approximately 5–6 hours driving · Free time in Bishkek · Final dinner

2027 prices

Price depends on group size

€890/person

6 travellers

€980/person

5 travellers

€1,100/person

4 travellers

€1,330/person

3 travellers

€1,770/person

2 travellers

What’s included

Bishkek airport transfers
Local transport throughout the tour
English-speaking guide/translator
Meals according to the program
Accommodation in local family homes and a guesthouse in Bishkek
Visit to an eagle hunter

Not included
Travel insurance
International air tickets
Single-room supplement
Alcohol and mineral water
Final dinner and optional nightlife 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 is primarily a road trip with several outdoor activities, including hiking and horseback riding. Driving usually takes four to six hours per day, and some days may be longer. The Tong Valley hike takes approximately four hours, while the hike near Toktogul reaches a mountain lake at around 2,800 m. You should be comfortable spending time outdoors and walking on uneven terrain.

What should I know about safety and medication?

Your guide carries a basic first-aid kit. If you are sensitive to altitude, consult your doctor before traveling, especially before the hike to the mountain lake at 2,800 m. Bring any personal medication you need for the full duration of the trip.

Where will we stay during the tour?

Accommodation includes local family homes, guesthouses and a hotel in Bishkek. Conditions vary by region and may be simple in villages and remote areas. Shared facilities may be used depending on the accommodation.

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 can vary depending on the 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 picnic dishes and kitchen equipment. Bring a reusable filter bottle or plan to buy water along the route; shops are available on most days. A small backpack of approximately 20–30 liters is recommended for personal items you need during the day. Porter horses are available for luggage, so avoid bringing heavy or bulky items.

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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