This 6-day Kyrgyzstan small group tour brings the epic tale of Manas to life while introducing you to the country’s rich nomadic culture. Highlights include horseback riding and horse game kok boru at Burana Tower, nomadic games in Karkyra Valley, and a boat ride on Issyk-Kul paired with a Manaschi storyteller’s recital. Explore Jeti Oguz Gorge and Fairy Tale Canyon, try archery and eagle hunting, and participate in traditional crafts such as yurt building and felt making. Each day reveals a vibrant facet of Kyrgyz traditions, for an unforgettable cultural journey.
Tour itinerary:
Our tour begins with a visit to the Burana Tower. Burana symbolizes the legacy of Manas and his heritage. Here, your guide will share stories about the 40 companions of Manas — the Choro — and the significance of this site in the epic of Manas.
After visiting Burana, we head to the Chon Kemin valley, to Ala Kush yurt camp. Here, we have chance to try horseback riding and attempt to lift an Ulak, just as the young Manas once did. Stories about Manas and his connection to this region will accompany the experience.
Additional conditions:
Meals: Dinner
After visiting Burana, we head to the Chon Kemin valley, to Ala Kush yurt camp. Here, we have chance to try horseback riding and attempt to lift an Ulak, just as the young Manas once did. Stories about Manas and his connection to this region will accompany the experience.
Additional conditions:
- Groups of 1 to 4 people: Horse games will not be held, but tourists can have an opportunity to ride a horse and watch a video demonstration of the games.
- Groups of 5 or more people: Horse games will be organized.
- Individual games: Can be arranged for an additional fee
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we will set off along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoying the breathtaking views of its blue water and surrounding mountains. Our journey continues to the Kyrchyn Valley, located in the Semyonov Gorge, the site of the World Nomad Games held three times. Here, you will learn more about the Nomad Games and their significance in Kyrgyz culture.
Next, we proceed to the Karkyra valley. Upon arrival, take part in the traditional preparation of the ritual feast “Ash,” similar to that described in the epic of Khan Koketei. Participants have the opportunity to join in making boorsoks (bread) and assist in preparing a traditional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Next, we proceed to the Karkyra valley. Upon arrival, take part in the traditional preparation of the ritual feast “Ash,” similar to that described in the epic of Khan Koketei. Participants have the opportunity to join in making boorsoks (bread) and assist in preparing a traditional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
In the morning, we immerse ourselves in the nomadic culture and spend the first half of the day playing traditional Kyrgyz games. There are opportunities to try games like Toguz Korgool or Ordo and learn about the activities typical of life on jailoo (summer pasture). We also share stories about the contests held in honor of Koketei and invite you to participate in various outdoor activities.
After lunch, guests can choose from the camp services to enjoy at their leisure.
Free of charge: hiking, sauna and bath, swings, watching movies in the bar, archery.
Extra supplement: horse riding, kumyz drinking.
In the evening, we meet Manaschi — a storyteller and guardian of the "Manas" epic — who shares fascinating way of telling story. The day will conclude with a traditional dinner at the camp.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After lunch, guests can choose from the camp services to enjoy at their leisure.
Free of charge: hiking, sauna and bath, swings, watching movies in the bar, archery.
Extra supplement: horse riding, kumyz drinking.
In the evening, we meet Manaschi — a storyteller and guardian of the "Manas" epic — who shares fascinating way of telling story. The day will conclude with a traditional dinner at the camp.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today we head to Karakol town. Here, we learn about the city's multicultural composition and how it connects to the image of Manas, who symbolizes the unity of the Kyrgyz people.
In Karakol, we visit Historical Museum, Dungan Mosque, and Holy Trinity Church. These sites give insights of the history of the town and the coexistence of various cultures in Karakol.
Afterward, we travel to Issyk-Kul Lake:
Meals: Breakfast
In Karakol, we visit Historical Museum, Dungan Mosque, and Holy Trinity Church. These sites give insights of the history of the town and the coexistence of various cultures in Karakol.
Afterward, we travel to Issyk-Kul Lake:
- In summer: Enjoy a boat ride and swimming.
- In winter: Take a boat ride accompanied by stories about the lake's significance.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Karakol – Jeti Oguz Gorge – Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon – Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul (250 km, 6 hours)
After breakfast, we head to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its "Seven Bulls" rock formations. Here, we learn about the military campaigns of Manas and dress in traditional nomadic attire for a photoshoot.
Next travel to Fairy Tale Canyon, where we take a walk while hearing legends and stories about the connection of these places to the epic of "Manas."
Later we meet eagle hunter to participate in a masterclass of training and hunting with birds of prey. Discovering the importance of Golden Eagles in the life of nomads.
Afterward, we travel to the village of Bokonbaev, where the evening features a masterclass on the traditional Kyrgyz dance "Kara-Jorgo," followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Next travel to Fairy Tale Canyon, where we take a walk while hearing legends and stories about the connection of these places to the epic of "Manas."
Later we meet eagle hunter to participate in a masterclass of training and hunting with birds of prey. Discovering the importance of Golden Eagles in the life of nomads.
Afterward, we travel to the village of Bokonbaev, where the evening features a masterclass on the traditional Kyrgyz dance "Kara-Jorgo," followed by dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Today is dedicated to the nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people. After breakfast, we visit workshop specializing in the production of shyrdaks — traditional felt carpets. We learn about the symbolism of the patterns and the intricate process of creating a shyrdak.
Next, we head to the village of Kyzyl-Tuu to learn about the craft of Kyrgyz yurt making, its importance to the people, and the symbolism behind its elements.
Then continue to Bishkek. Along the way, we hear stories about Manas’s migration to Talas valley and the significance of these events in Kyrgyz history.
Arrival to Bishkek city in the evening. Finish at the place agreed beforehand.
Next, we head to the village of Kyzyl-Tuu to learn about the craft of Kyrgyz yurt making, its importance to the people, and the symbolism behind its elements.
Then continue to Bishkek. Along the way, we hear stories about Manas’s migration to Talas valley and the significance of these events in Kyrgyz history.
Arrival to Bishkek city in the evening. Finish at the place agreed beforehand.
Additional conditions in Chon Kemin (day 1):
- Groups of 1 to 4 people: Horse games will not be held, but tourists can have an opportunity to ride a horse and watch a video demonstration of the games.
- Extra charge for horseback riding games – 200 USD
- Groups of 5 or more people: Horse games will be organized.
- Individual games: Can be arranged for an additional fee
Price includes:
- Accommodation in yurts – 5 nights;
- Mineral water (1L/day/person);
- Meals – as per the program (B – 5, L – 1, D – 4);
- Entrance and environmental fees throughout the tour;
- Transportation from arrival to departure;
- Archery experience;
- Russian-speaking / English-speaking guide;
- Manaschi storytelling performance;
- Horse games in Chon Kemin;
- Eagle hunting show near Bokonbaev village;
- Shyrdak show in Bokonbaev village;
- Yurt assembly masterclass in Kyzyl-Tuu;
- Boat trip in Karakol.
Price doesn't include:
- Single supplement;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- All personal expenses;
- Photo/video fees at museums;
- Tips for guide and driver;
- Alcohol.
Clothing and Equipment:
You can bring all the necessary items. Please note that in spring and autumn, temperatures in Bishkek can reach up to +30°C, while in the mountains, temperatures may drop to 0°C in case of bad weather.
In winter, temperatures in Bishkek can range from +3°C to -6°C, and in the mountains, they may drop to -15°C during poor weather conditions.
Be prepared for significant temperature variations.
Recommended (for summer):
- Raincoat
- Sweater/Fleece jacket
- Windbreaker
- Plenty of T-shirts and other undergarments (consider taking something with long sleeves to avoid sunburn)
- Hat (keep in mind – the sun can be strong)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent (for skin and clothing)
- Comfortable shoes (no need for heavy boots) for walking around the city
- Personal first aid kit (common issues: blisters, sunburn, allergies, diarrhea, muscle pain after hikes. Bring painkillers, antihistamines, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and anything you may need for your usual medical conditions).
- Personal hygiene kit (hand sanitizer recommended) + some toilet paper
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (for Issyk-Kul)
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Notebook and pen for travel notes
- Small backpack, in addition to your regular suitcase
- Flashlight
- Walking sticks, if needed
Recommended (for winter):
- Raincoat
- Sweater/Fleece jacket
- Windbreaker
- Plenty of T-shirts
- Thermal base layers
- Warm winter clothing (pants and jackets)
- Warm winter hat and gloves
- Scarf
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Good waterproof boots for light mountain hikes
- Warm shoes for walking around the city
- Personal first aid kit (common issues: blisters, sunburn, allergies, diarrhea, muscle pain after hikes. Bring painkillers, antihistamines, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and any necessary medication for existing conditions)
- Personal hygiene kit
- Lip balm
- Towel
- Swimsuit (for hot springs or sauna)
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Notebook and pen for travel notes
- Small backpack, in addition to your regular suitcase
- Flashlight
Currency Exchange - If you plan to exchange dollars/euros/soms for cash, we recommend bringing 50 or 100 USD bills without stamps, writings, or any other damage, as damaged bills are not accepted by banks or exchange offices.
Dates & Prices, per person
From:
To:
Deadline:
Status:
Price:
Sat, 18 Jan, 2025
Thu, 23 Jan
4 Jan
Sold out
US$ 720
Sat, 25 Jan, 2025
Thu, 30 Jan
11 Jan
Sold out
US$ 720
Single supplement: US$ 65
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.
Accommodation
Green Yard 3* / Matsunoki 3* / Hotel 78 – 3*
Tour Request
Kyrgyzstan Group Tour Reviews
Author: NK | Rating: 523 September 2019
I decided to venture to Kyrgyzstan based on the recommendation of a fellow traveler on my last Advantour trip and was equally surprised and delighted by the country. Kyrgyzstan may not have the cultural landmarks found in other Central Asian countries, but the Tien Shan mountains and its alpine lakes are certainly spectacular. Spending an evening with the nomads at Son Kul lake in a yurt is certainly an experience I won’t forget anytime soon, swimming in Issyk Kul was refreshing and much more pleasant than the ocean, watching several games of ulak tartysh was certainly interesting and special thanks to our tour guide Azamatt and driver Gena for our repeated road side photo shoot stops.
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
Author: NK | Rating: 523 September 2019
I decided to venture to Kyrgyzstan based on the recommendation of a fellow traveler on my last Advantour trip and was equally surprised and delighted by the country. Kyrgyzstan may not have the cultural landmarks found in other Central Asian countries, but the Tien Shan mountains and its alpine lakes are certainly spectacular. Spending an evening with the nomads at Son Kul lake in a yurt is certainly an experience I won’t forget anytime soon, swimming in Issyk Kul was refreshing and much more pleasant than the ocean, watching several games of ulak tartysh was certainly interesting and special thanks to our tour guide Azamatt and driver Gena for our repeated road side photo shoot stops.
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
