Untouched Kyrgyzstan

20 June - 1 July 2025
4 - 15 July 2025
23 August - 3 September 2025 (Full)

Description:

Imagine a country whose landscape is dominated by snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes and endless plains. Where herders herd their cattle across lush fields and where circular nomadic yurts regularly punctuate the landscape. A country which was once at the crossroads of trading routes between China, the Middle East, and Europe, and whose culture has been heavily influenced by these places. This is the country of Kyrgyzstan, a beautiful yet rarely visited country perched on the mountains of Central Asia.

Our Untouched Kyrgyzstan itinerary aims to give travelers a taste of this less-visited country’s rich and interesting culture, and experience life as locals live it. We cover the country from North to South, travel across steppes, mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams, and stay at homes of a diverse mix of local families to learn about Kyrgyzstan and its culture, and meet its some of its friendly and hospitable people.

Country: Kyrgyzstan

Trip length: 12 days, 11 nights

Cost: USD2160 (Approximately SGD2910, MYR9720, EUR1945)

Start city: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
End city: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Max. Capacity: 5 travelers

What's included in the price:

Accommodation (Twin sharing)

Transportation (Trains, Private-hire vans, Intra-city transport)

Domestic flight (Bishkek to Osh)

Guide Fee

Tickets to places of interest (Historical sites, national parks)

Homestay experience

Yurt Stay

Breakfast at guesthouses

Entry to Hot spring

Horse rental

What's not included in the price:

Travel insurance

Meals (Lunch & Dinner on most days)

Visa (If applicable)

Flight tickets to and from home country

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ITINERARY

Ng Xinyu Beth (Singapore)

-TUD has designed the perfect itinerary for us to experience local culture, get a glimpse of the Soviet times and take in the beautiful sights spanning across all seasons... As the name of the tour suggests, we got to enjoy (almost always) complete privacy from the rest of the world, as though the magnificent views were designed to take our breath away.

Fabian Seow (Singapore)

I recently returned from a two-week trip to Kyrgyzstan with TUD, and it was a truly remarkable experience. The entire experience was highly engaging, offering many breathtaking moments. From crossing high snow passes to discovering desert canyons, each day brought unique adventures and breathtaking scenery. The fresh water lakes and elevated lookout points provided unforgettable views that showcased the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. We also had the chance to have multiple homestays and of course a night in a Yurt. Each homestay gave us a glimpse into the local lives and also showcased great hospitality

Day 1: Explore Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Capital

The tour starts in the morning in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Capital. We'll stroll the streets of Bishkek, where numerous monumental Soviet-built brutalist-style buildings flank the wide boulevards. These edifices are relics of a bygone era, with Soviet emblems still adorning their facades, and statues of Lenin, Karl & Engels proudly standing atop pedestals in many of city's parks.

In the afternoon, we'll journey eastwards towards Balykchy.

Day 2: Lake Issy Kul &
the Soviets

We'll wake up in Balykchy, a rustbelt town characterised by the decaying of long-closed Soviet-era factories and buildings, creating a fascinating, albeit somber, sight.

Then we will head to the Kok-Moinok canyon for a hike through its Martian-like landscapes of red clay mountains.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive along the shores of Lake Issy Kul to the town of Karakol. Nestled in the northern Tian Shan Mountains, this turquoise lake is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world. We’ll end the day relaxing in the renowned Aksu hot springs perched in the mountains.

Day 3: Culture, Hikes & a night in a yurt

Join us on an exciting journey through Karakol, where we'll explore the town's famed Trinity Cathedral, a charming wooden Russian Orthodox church, and the unique, Chinese-style Dungan Mosque.

Next, we'll visit the vibrant Yirdik village, home to the welcoming Dungan people, who will share their rich and enigmatic culture, a captivating blend of Chinese and Central Asian influences.

In the afternoon, adventure awaits at Jeti Oguz, where we'll hike along its stunning red cliffs and visit the enchanting Maiden Tears Falls.

We'll end our memorable day at a cozy yurt camp, enjoying a night under the stars in the comfort of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt.

Days 4 & 5: Canyons, Lakes & some Urban Exploration

Travel along the southern shores of Lake Issy Kul, one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world.

Then we'll hike at the Skazka Fairy and Ak Sai Canyons, two otherworldly landscapes that are a labyrinth of vibrant, red sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water over millennia. The canyons' unique shapes and vivid colors resemble scenes from a fairy tale, hence its name.

We'll also be exploring the abandoned town of Kaji-Say, a town home to numerous industrial Soviet-era facilities and sanatoriums, which have since fallen into disrepair. These abandoned structures now stand as silent monuments to a bygone era, offering a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the past.

Days 5 & 6: Live like a local

The Usenov family, a family of bakers and farmers, warmly welcomes you to their humble abode nestled in the fertile and peaceful Chuy Region.

During your stay here, we will visit traditional Kyrgyz bazaars where produce, food, livestock and traditional garments are sold. Village life is also filled with ceremonies and events... if you're lucky, we may even have the chance of attending one of such events!

You’ll also enjoy horseback riding through the scenic plains and valleys of the Chuy Region, with stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains and the flowing Chong-Kemin River.

September 2022 group, Zhenibek Homestay.heic

Day 7: Westwards to the capital

Having well explored the shores of Lake Issy Kul, we’ll now travel westwards towards Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Capital.

This time round, we'll explore the capital's beautiful amalgam of Soviet urban architecture & Kyrgyz nomadic influences, creating a captivating cultural mosaic.

In the evening, we'll be sampling the Dungan cuisine. The Dungan are an ethnic minority in Kyrgyzstan who originate from China. Their cuisine is a delicious medley of Chinese and Central Asian cuisines that will certainly delight your tastebuds.

Day 8: Mountain Passes &
a Lake

We’ll start the morning by driving southwards along the M41 highway. This highway, which slashes through mountain passes of altitudes above 3000 metres and vast steppes, and hugs the edges of cliffs and lakes, is regarded as one of the most scenic in the world.

We'll end the day in Toktogul, a small town by the shores of Lake Toktogul's torquoise waters. Lake Toktogul is the largest reservoir in Kyrgyzstan, and it was formed by the construction of a dam by the Soviets in the 1970s.

Days 9: Welcome to Southern Kyrgyzstan

Rise and shine along the shores of Lake Toktogul! After a short hike along the lake, and taking in the sight and smell of fresh air, we'll continue our journey southwards along the M41 to Southern Kyrgyzstan.

We'll stop and spend the night in Osh, Kyrgyzstan's main city in the South.

Day & Night 10: A million
Star accommodation

We'll spend much of this day travelling further south towards the Alai mountains, a towering snow-capped mountain range that demarcates the border between Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan.

We’ll spend the night in the cozy comfort of a traditional nomadic yurt near Sary Mogul village. At night, spend the night chatting with your travel mates. Or, look up, gaze and marvel at the sight of the milky way.

Day 11: Tulpar Kul & Lenin Peak's Base Camp

We’ll spend the day hiking towards Lenin Peak's Basecamp – the basecamp where many climbers and expeditioners set out from on their ascent of Lenin Peak, one of the tallest mountains in the world – and to Tulpar Kul, a lake perched in the middle of mountains.