Kyrgyzstan was one of those countries that completely stole our hearts. We have travelled to more than 60 countries with our four kids, but this little corner of Central Asia still felt like something totally new. It is raw, rugged and beautiful.
This is our Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary, starting in Bishkek and heading east. We didn’t spend too long in the capital, apart from wandering through Osh Bazaar and letting the kids burn energy at playgrounds.
We were keen to get out into the mountains, so our route took us straight to Chon-Kemin Valley, then down to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul at Bokonbaevo, and finally to Karakol. Bokonabaevo is an ideal base to see many sites on a shorter trip.
We will definitely be back for Osh and Song Kul, but if you are planning a Kyrgyzstan itinerary for one week, this itinerary is an ideal starting point. It can also be adapted into a Kyrgyzstan itinerary for 5 days, 10 days, 2 weeks, or even 3 weeks, depending on your timeframe.
Why Visit Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a country of soaring peaks, alpine lakes, and broad open valleys where nomadic traditions are still part of everyday life.
More than 90 per cent of the land is mountainous, making it a dream for hikers and nature lovers. However, it is also surprisingly accessible for families, thanks to warm hospitality and the growing network of guesthouses and yurt stays.
One of the country’s standout landmarks is Issyk Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake after Lake Titicaca, and a place where locals and travellers alike gather for swimming, sunsets, and fresh mountain air.
Practical Tips for Your Kyrgyzstan Itinerary
- Currency and Payments: Kyrgyzstan uses the Kyrgyzstani Som. In cities, ATMs are common, but in smaller towns, you often rely on cash.
- Suppose you don’t have cash at a guesthouse or a place where you need to pay for something. PaySend transfers offer a straightforward way to make instant payments in this region, eliminating the need for bank account numbers by using card numbers for the transfer. It is worth setting this up before you arrive. We have found this app incredibly useful throughout this part of Asia.
- Connectivity: An eSIM worked really well for us. Coverage was surprisingly good, even in more rural spots, which made life easier when booking accommodation or navigating.
- Travelling Kyrgyzstan with Kids: We brought our four kids of different ages and found Kyrgyzstan far more family-friendly than we expected. Yurts had swings and space to play, locals were welcoming, and our hosts often provided little snacks or treats.
- Transport: For the most straightforward experience, it’s best to hire a guide for the duration of your trip. However, if you are on a budget, it is possible to move around in taxis or Marshrutkas (minibuses). They are cheap, but they can be cramped and slow.
- Language: The official languages are Kyrgyz and Russian. English is not widely spoken outside larger cities. I recommend downloading Russian or Kyrgyz on Google Translate before your trip so you can use it offline. It is beneficial for menus, directions, and conversations with guesthouse hosts.
- Cuisine: Traditional Kyrgyz cuisine is heavily meat-based, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle. You will often find hearty dishes like lagman (noodle soup with vegetables and meat), plov (rice with carrots and lamb), and manti (dumplings). As a vegan, I managed to get by okay with a few Google Translate conversations with our guesthouse hosts.
One Week Kyrgyzstan Travel Itinerary Overview
Day 1–2: Bishkek to Chon-Kemin Valley
Day 3–4: Chon-Kemin to Bokonbaevo on the south shore of Issyk-Kul
Day 5–7: Bokonbaevo to Karakol
This guided tour covers most aspects of this itinerary.
Chon-Kemin Valley (1–2 Nights)
Chon Kemin is a broad valley in northern Kyrgyzstan, about two hours east of Bishkek, where the Chon Kemin River runs between forested mountains and alpine meadows. It is the perfect first stop on a Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary, offering a mix of rural village life, fresh mountain air, and the chance to stay in a yurt surrounded by nature.
Our first stop was the Kordon Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin Valley. The views directly from the guesthouse were amazing.
Kordon Guesthouse has yurts in its grounds, and staying in one was a highlight for us. It didn’t feel touristy at all. The yurt was decorated with traditional textiles and details, and the atmosphere was rural and authentic.
The owner was wonderful and always seemed to have snacks for us. She prepared all our meals, which was lucky because there isn’t much around, and her food was both delicious and straightforward.
From Chon-Kemin, you can go horse trekking through the valley. Another great option is the hike to Konorchekskiye Canyon.
Be prepared, though: while the signs say 2 kilometres, it is closer to 5 from the start point. It is best to set out early in the morning, bring plenty of water, and ideally go with someone who knows the trail.
It is not well developed and really needs a local to guide the way. If you are travelling with small kids, you’ll need a carrier.
Bokonbaevo and Yurt Camp Sonun (2 Nights)
Our next stop was Yurt Camp Sonun, right on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. The camp is set against the lake with a backdrop of mountains, and it was a magical place to wake up each morning. The sunsets over the lake wee also stunning.
Issyk-Kul Lake is one of the world’s largest alpine lakes. The water has a striking turquoise colour, and the climate around the lake is much gentler than you might expect given its elevation. We loved walking down to the shore for sunset, just a short stroll from the camp.
The camp had swings, and the yurts were cosy. The washrooms and showers were shared facilities. It was basic but super clean and all we needed. Our yurt slept 6, which was perfect for our family.
Bokonbaevo is also the home of the famous eagle hunters. For centuries, golden eagles have been trained to hunt and provide food during harsh winters.
The eagles are taken from the mountains as chicks, usually at three months, and trained intensively. Watching the hunters interact with their eagles was fascinating.
I don’t support hunting in any way, but I’m also realistic; this is the Kyrgyz people’s way of life. Bokonbaevo makes a brilliant base for exploring your Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary.
Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon)
Skazka Canyon lies on the southern shore of Issyk Kul, a surreal landscape of red and orange sandstone carved by wind and rain into ridges, towers, and valleys. Walking here feels otherworldly; the jagged formations and vivid colours are often compared to the surface of Mars.
It is undoubtedly one of the most striking spots in Kyrgyzstan; Skazka Canyon is just a short drive from Bokonbaevo. The car park is next to the rock formations, so you do not need to hike far to get stunning views. We spent a couple of hours exploring and climbing around the natural sculptures.
Don’t miss this spot on your Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary.
Kadzhi-Sai Hot Springs
The Kadzhi Sai hot springs are rustic but unforgettable, fed by natural geothermal waters that rise from deep beneath the mountains.
Locals believe the mineral-rich pools have therapeutic benefits for skin, joints, and circulation, and it is common to see families visiting together.
For me, the real highlight was the atmosphere. There is nothing polished or resort-like about the setup, which makes the experience feel very authentic.
Pools range from icy cold plunges to extremely hot baths, and it was fascinating to watch Kyrgyz women chatting casually while soaking in the scalding water as if it were nothing.
We all tried the different pools. The kids enjoyed the medium temperatures, while I needed several rounds of cold plunges before managing the hottest one. Don’t forget your swimsuits and towels.
Barskoon Waterfall
A popular local spot that makes for a pleasant excursion. The falls themselves are not as dramatic as some of Kyrgyzstan’s other landscapes, but they make for a nice add-on if you are in the area.
Karakol (2–3 Nights)
Our final stop was Karakol, a fascinating mix of modern cafés and traditional life. In one moment, you can be sipping coffee in a trendy café, and the next, the café is surrounded by goats being herded with men on horseback.
Karakol is the main base for adventurers heading into the Tien Shan mountains. We saw so many hikers and cyclists passing through town.
Ala-Kul Lake
This is one of the most famous hikes in Kyrgyzstan. It is a glacial lake that requires a serious trek, often two to three days with camping. It is best attempted if you have extra time and experience.
We didn’t make it to Ala-Kul Lake on our Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary because it was too challenging with children. However, I had to mention it because many avid hikers will love it.
Jeti-Ögüz Gorge
For something easier and more accessible, Jeti-Ögüz Gorge is just outside Karakol. Known for its red rock formations called “Seven Bulls,” it makes a great half-day trip. You can wander along the river, picnic, or go horse riding in the valley.
Make sure to visit in the first part of the day, as the lighting in late afternoon is not great. The central part of the rock is dark.
Karakol itself has a lively feel, with markets, wooden Russian Orthodox churches, and plenty of cafés and restaurants where travellers gather after long hikes.
Getting Back from Karakol
At the end of your trip Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary you will need to decide whether to return to Bishkek or continue to Kazakhstan.
The most common option is to take a shared taxi or marshrutka back to Bishkek. The journey usually takes about 6–7 hours, and while it is long, the mountain and lake views make it scenic.
If you are travelling with kids, a private driver makes the journey easier with flexibility for stops.
If you prefer to break up the drive, consider stopping in Cholpon-Ata, a lively town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul.
It is known for its sandy beaches, the fascinating open-air petroglyph museum, and a handful of resorts and cafés where you can relax before finishing the journey back to Bishkek. This makes it a very different experience compared to the quieter southern shore.
We actually chose a different option and continued into Kazakhstan through the Kegen border crossing. The drive from Karakol to the border is only around 1.5 hours on good roads, and the crossing itself was straightforward.
Just note that the border is only open seasonally, so always check before travelling. From there, it is easy to continue to Almaty.
Extending Your Kyrgyzstan Itinerary
- Kyrgyzstan 5-day itinerary: Bishkek, Chon-Kemin, and Issyk-Kul.
- Kyrgyzstan itinerary 7 days: Bishkek, Chon-Kemin, Bokonbaevo, Karakol.
- Kyrgyzstan itinerary 10 days: Add more time in Karakol for treks.
- Kyrgyzstan 2-week itinerary: Include Song Kul and Osh.
- Kyrgyzstan itinerary 3 weeks: Explore the north and south of Kyrgyzstan, including multi-day treks.
Adventure Without the Hassle
What makes a Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary so special is the balance between adventure and accessibility. Within just a couple of hours of Bishkek, you can be in valleys, canyons, or up in the mountains, without needing weeks of travel.
Traditions That Shape Daily Life
Life here is still shaped by strong nomadic traditions, from sleeping in yurts to horse trekking and the centuries-old practice of eagle hunting, which gives visitors a genuine sense of Kyrgyz culture.
Authentic and Off the Beaten Path
Because Kyrgyzstan is still relatively untouched by mass tourism, it feels authentic and off the beaten path, and travellers have the chance to support local families and guesthouses directly.
Value for Money
Another big draw is cost. Food, transport, and accommodation are all very affordable compared to many destinations, making it easy to stretch your budget whether you are backpacking or travelling as a family.
Easy to Combine With Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan also connects beautifully with the broader region, and many travellers combine a Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Tajikistan thanks to open border crossings and good road links.
The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is generally from June to September, when mountain passes are open and the weather is warm enough for trekking and outdoor activities.
What to Pack for Kyrgyzstan
Packing for Kyrgyzstan can be tricky because the weather changes quickly in the mountains and many experiences involve being outdoors. These are the things we found most useful on our Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary.
Clothing
- Layers: Temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night, so bring t-shirts, jumpers, and a warm jacket.
- Rain jacket: Even in summer, sudden showers are common in the mountains.
- Sturdy shoes: Good trainers or hiking boots are essential for canyons, treks, and uneven paths.
- Swimsuit and towel: Needed for hot springs and Issyk Kul Lake.
- Hat and sunscreen: The sun is intense at higher altitudes.
Gear and Essentials
- Reusable water bottle: We found that tap water was mainly safe to drink.
- Power bank: Long journeys and rural guesthouses sometimes mean limited charging options.
- Daypack: Handy for canyon hikes and day trips from Karakol.
- Trekking poles: Optional but helpful for longer or steeper hikes.
Digital Prep
- Offline maps: Download Google Maps or Maps.me before you leave Wi Fi.
- Google Translate: Download Russian for offline use, as it is the most common language.
- eSIM : Helps with navigation and booking guesthouses on the go.
You can check out my blog posts on eSIMs here.
Family and Comfort Items
- Snacks: Great for long drives and keeping kids happy between meals.
- Small toys or bubbles: Always a hit when meeting local families or staying at guesthouses.
- Basic first aid kit: Pain relief, plasters, antiseptic, and anything specific for your family.
Conclusion
Our week in Kyrgyzstan gave us a taste of just how much this country has to offer. From authentic yurts in Chon-Kemin to sunsets over Issyk-Kul and the mountain trails around Karakol, every stop felt like a new adventure.
We only scratched the surface, but this Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary is a perfect introduction for families or travellers who want to balance nature, culture, and adventure.
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