Discover the spirit of Kyrgyzstan on this fully-inclusive, expertly guided tour through one of Central Asia's most stunning and unspoiled destinations. Journey through a land of dramatic contrasts, where snow-capped peaks give way to lush green valleys, and crystal-clear alpine lakes shimmer beneath vast open skies.
Along the way, experience the warmth and generosity of the Kyrgyz people, savour delicious local cuisine, and gain a genuine insight into a culture shaped by centuries of nomadic life. From the bustling bazaars of Bishkek to the serene shores of Lake Issyk-Kul and the wild beauty of the Tian Shan mountains, this is Kyrgyzstan at its finest — comfortable, immersive, and utterly unforgettable.
Our Spirit of Kyrgyzstan tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Kyrgyzstan's capital, known for its Soviet-era architecture and bustling bazaars
Discover the iconic “Seven Bulls” rock formation and serene landscapes
Kyrgyzstan’s largest lake, sitting at an altitude of over 1,600 metres
Wander among striking red rock formations
Place your trust in your other senses on a fun 'dining in the dark' experience at Noir, a Saigon restaurant that works with local people who are blind or visually-impaired.
Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. Early check-in is included. The rest of the day is yours to relax before dinner.
Begin the day surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Ala-Archa National Park, a spectacular alpine haven in the Tian Shan Mountains. Enjoy a leisurely walk among rugged peaks, sparkling streams, and breathtaking gorges. Return to Bishkek for lunch, then discover the city’s highlights: Central Square, the iconic Manas Monument, and a bustling bazaar.
Depart Bishkek and visit the Museum of Nomadic Civilisation, a fascinating trove of artefacts that tell the story of nomadic peoples through history. Continue to the sparkling northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake. Enjoy a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
Journey east along the shoreline of Issyk Kul to Karakol, stopping in the village of Tup for a tour and a tasting of the region’s famous Kyrgyz cheese, kurut. Next, stop at a farm to learn about the breeding of thoroughbred horses and giant Arashan rams, then spend the afternoon soaking in a local hot spring, an essential part of the Karakol lifestyle. This evening, join a welcoming Dungan family for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Enjoy an active morning with a walk through the picturesque Karakol Gorge, before returning to the city to visit the Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church, known for their unusual construction. This afternoon, visit a social enterprise that supports local women and promotes the products they produce, such as jam, dried fruit and felt souvenirs. Tonight, dine on lagman — hand-pulled noodles tossed with spiced lamb, a dish that sits at the heart of Uyghur culture.
You may wish to rise early this morning to visit the Karakol Animal Market, a bustling spectacle each Sunday that draws local farmers and traders, offering a rare and memorable glimpse into rural Kyrgyz life. Travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famed for its striking red sandstone formations. Take a walk to spot the ‘Broken Heart’ and towering ‘Seven Bulls’, while admiring sweeping views. Arrive at your camp for the next two nights and settle into your cosy yurt. Later, learn from the camp chef how to make ‘manty’, a delicious local favourite of spiced minced meat dumplings.
Visit Skazka Canyon and enjoy a walk among its dramatic red rock formations, discovering why it is also known as ‘Fairytale Canyon’. Continue to Kadji-Sai village to meet a local family of musicians, joining them for a traditional lunch accompanied by a lively folklore performance. In the afternoon, walk through the dense spruce forest and alpine meadows of Barskoon Gorge to reach the famous ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’ waterfall.
Travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Along the Transfer to the airport for your flight to the way, meet an eagle hunter and see the training process of these magnificent birds. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu, a village famous for its skilled artisans, learn about the traditional craft of yurt-making. After lunch, continue to Chon- Kemin where you’ll have a hands-on class on how to make the traditional Kyrgyz dish of tash kordo, before dining on the results.
Learn to make boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz bread, enjoying what you prepared with breakfast. Travel to Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and explore the openair museum with ancient balbals. Then, enjoy a demonstration of ulak tartysh, the thrilling traditional horse game of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic peoples. Return to Bishkek where you’ll have some free time before a farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the NZ.
Kyrgyzstan is best visited between April and October, when the landscapes are accessible and at their most spectacular. Spring brings blooming valleys and crisp fresh air, summer is ideal for trekking and yurt stays, and September is widely regarded as the finest month of all, with mild days, cooler evenings, and golden autumn colours beginning to sweep through the valleys.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
