Spirit of Kyrgyzstan
Itinerary
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 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.
Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.
Trip Inclusions
- Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan's capital, known for its Soviet-era architecture and bustling bazaars
- Jeti-Oguz Valley: Discover the iconic “Seven Bulls” rock formation and serene landscapes
- Issyk Kul Lake: Kyrgyzstan's largest lake, sitting at an altitude of over 1,600 metres
- Skazka Canyon: Wander among striking red rock formations
- Soak in Karakol's Hot Springs: Join the locals in Karakol as you soak in a naturally warm, mineral-rich hot spring, surrounded by the mountain. A simple, traditional way to relax and recharge.
- Sleep under felt and stars: Experience the nomadic lifestyle in comfort, staying in a yurt camp with private en suite bathroom. Wake up by Issyk-Kul Lake, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
- Learn to make delicious borsook: Step into a local kitchen and learn to make borsook, the beloved fried dough of Central Asia, kneading, shaping and frying your way to a taste of authentic nomadic tradition.
- Plaza Hotel, Bishkek (4 star): Centrally located within a five-minute walk of the Bishkek White House and close to Ala-Too Square, the Plaza Hotel is a polished city property featuring a spa and wellness centre, indoor pool, sauna and gym. Rooms are well appointed with air conditioning, a fridge, flat-screen TV and satellite channels, and the on-site restaurant serves both national and European cuisine alongside a bar.
- Karven Four Seasons, Cholpon-Ata (4 star): Set on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul in Cholpon-Ata, this four-star resort offers spacious rooms with kitchenette facilities, an outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub and spa. Guests have access to a large restaurant, tennis court, and outside bar, with the beach just a short walk through the resort's gardens.
- Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 star): A family-run hotel in Karakol, a ten-minute walk from the town centre, and the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake within easy reach. Set around a leafy garden courtyard, it has a relaxed, homely feel, and breakfast - featuring homemade jams and locally inspired dishes - is a particular highlight.
- Yurt with en-suite, Tamga (2 star): Sleep as the nomads of Central Asia have for centuries, in a traditional felt yurt on the open Kyrgyz steppe. These circular, hand-crafted dwellings are cosy and well-insulated, with colourful handwoven rugs and ornate felt decorations lining the walls and floors. Each yurt is private with single beds provided and an en-suite bathroom. This is genuine, back-to-basics travel at its most memorable.
- Chon-Kemin Guesthouse, Chon-Kemin (3 star): A family-owned guesthouse in the scenic Chon-Kemin Valley, built with large windows to make the most of the sweeping mountain views, with locally handmade wooden furnishings adding a rustic charm. Breakfast and dinner are both served on site, the staff are welcoming and helpful, and activities such as horse riding can be arranged in the surrounding valley.
- Breakfasts: 9
- Lunches: 8
- Dinners: 9
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of April 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount approximately US$100pp (AU$154pp) is paid locally in Uzbekistan.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
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Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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