This 6-day Classic Kyrgyzstan small group tour offers a captivating journey into the country's rich cultural traditions. From birth rituals and coming-of-age ceremonies in the Karkyra Valley to vibrant wedding customs on the shores of Issyk-Kul, each day reveals a unique facet of Kyrgyz heritage. Highlights include equestrian games, golden eagle hunting demonstrations, yurt making workshops and the intricate art of felt making. Discover the tranquil beauty of Lake Son-Kul, take part in a Kyrgyz bread-making masterclass and embrace the nomadic way of life. The experience culminates with a visit to the historic Burana Tower and its ancient balbals, offering a deeper connection to Kyrgyzstan's ancestral heritage.
Tour itinerary:
In the morning, meet in Bishkek and drive to the picturesque Karkyra Valley. Upon arrival, settle into the yurt camp ‘Karkara’ by Ak-Sai, where your cultural journey begins. Immerse yourself in the traditions surrounding childbirth and early childhood, gaining insight into these rich customs. Dinner will be served in the yurt camp, styled as a Tushoo Toi celebration where you will witness a demonstration of the Tushoo Kesuu ceremony - a centuries-old Kyrgyz tradition still honoured today. You'll also have the unique opportunity to participate in the ceremony and receive small gifts. Overnight in comfortable yurts.
Meals: dinner
Meals: dinner
You will spend the whole day in the Karkyra valley. This day's programme includes an immersion in coming-of-age traditions, horseback riding demonstrations, and participation in ‘quiet’ games. Lunch and dinner in traditional style.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Upon arrival, check-in to the yurt camp. Here you will see skilfully embroidered wall panels – tush kiyiz, which are made by mothers in honour of their children's wedding. This day will be dedicated to the traditions associated with the beginning of married life. The programme includes such traditions as: nike toi (wedding), kelin aluu (moving the bride to the groom's house) and chach ooru (unbraiding the braids of an unmarried girl and braiding two braids for the bride). In the evening you will have a traditional nike toi dinner where a couple will be chosen from your group to represent the bride and groom. Overnight in comfortable yurts.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Meals: breakfast, dinner
After breakfast drive to Tash-Rabat. En route is a stop at Bokonbaevo, where there will be a demonstration of the art of eagle hunting. Continue to the village of Kyzyl-Too. This day is dedicated to the family life of Kyrgyz nomads, so the programme includes the construction of a yurt. Further, visit to Kochkor village, where you will get acquainted with the technology of felt processing and creation of traditional felt carpets - shyrdaks. Upon arrival to Tash-Rabat, check-in to yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in yurts.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast you will drive to one of the most picturesque places in Kyrgyzstan - Lake Son-Kul. The day is dedicated to learning about the basic principles of nomadic life. The programme includes participation in a culinary masterclass called 'Boorsok Show', where you will see the process of making traditional Kyrgyz bread. In the evening there will be a discussion on the sunset of life and the essence of an authentic Kyrgyz meal in memory of a deceased relative - ash. Overnight in a yurt.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Return to Bishkek after breakfast. The day's programme is dedicated to the memory of the ancestors. On the way you will visit the Burana Tower and see a collection of anthropomorphic stone balbals - ancient tombstones from the VI-X centuries, sometimes with human faces carved on them ('balbal' is Turkic for 'ancestor'). You can also visit a small museum next to the tower.
Arrival in Bishkek. End of 6-day classic group tour to Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: breakfast
Arrival in Bishkek. End of 6-day classic group tour to Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: breakfast
Price includes:
- Accommodation on the basis of double/twin sharing in yurt camps - 5 nights;
- Participation in the cooking of traditional Kyrgyz bread - boorsok;
- Meals - according to the programme (breakfasts - 5, lunches - 2, dinners - 5);
- Demonstration of national horseback riding games;
- Transport according to the programme from the start to the finish in Bishkek;
- Demonstration of yurt frame making and setting up;
- Demonstration of eagle hunting (Golden Eagle);
- Demonstration of shyrdak making;
- Entrance tickets and ecological fees according to the program;
- Mineral water (1 litre/day/person).
Price doesn't include:
- Single supplement;
- Airfare;
- All personal expenses;
- Photo/video fees at museums;
- Tips for guide and driver;
- Alcohol.
Dates & Prices, per person
2025
Single supplement: US$ 55
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-16 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
We strongly recommend NOT to purchase airline tickets for 2026 tours without discussing it with your travel consultant.
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