nomadic trails of Kyrgyzstan

Ride the wind, walk the valleys, live the nomad life.

Step into a land where legends are written in stone canyons and eagles still hunt with their masters. This 8-day journey through Kyrgyzstan takes you deep into the heart of Central Asia - across alpine lakes, vast steppes, and majestic mountain valleys.

Start in Bishkek and wander through the striking Ala-Archa National Park before heading to Chon Kemin Valley and the ancient Burana Tower, a Silk Road sentinel from the 11th century. At Issyk-Kul Lake, meet traditional eagle hunters and saddle up for a ride through the wild. Explore the surreal red landscapes of Skazka Canyon and the waterfalls of Barskoon, before settling into the scenic embrace of Jeti-Oguz.

From there, an off-road adventure takes you into the remote beauty of Altyn Arashan, home to steaming natural hot springs and breathtaking alpine views. Return to Karakol to uncover its rich cultural heritage - from Dungan mosques to wooden cathedrals - and cruise the waters of Issyk-Kul one last time in Cholpon Ata.

With every twist in the trail, you’ll encounter stories, people, and landscapes that stay with you long after the journey ends. This isn’t just a trip - it’s a taste of nomadic freedom.

Day 1: Welcome to the Land of Nomads (-) 

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! As your flight touches down in Bishkek, WANDERING SARATHY/representative will greet you with warm smiles and transfer you to our hotel in the countryside nestled in nature. After some rest and refreshments, you’ll have the chance to saddle up and get a hands-on introduction to horse-riding – a tradition deeply woven into Kyrgyz nomadic culture.

Evening: Relaxed welcome dinner. Time to swap stories, settle in, and soak up the fresh mountain air.

Day 2: Ala-Archa & Chon Kemin Valley (B, D) 

We begin with a breath of fresh mountain air at Ala Archa National Park, a paradise of alpine meadows, glacier-capped peaks, and pine-scented trails – just an hour outside Bishkek. A short hike reveals sweeping views of the Tian Shan mountains.

On our way to Chon Kemin Valley, we stop at the Burana Tower – the leaning minaret of the Silk Road. Built in the 10th century, it’s all that remains of the lost city of Balasagun. Climb the narrow spiral stairs to the top for panoramic views and a time-travel vibe!

Evening: Dinner with a taste of Kyrgyz village life.

Day 3: Bokonbaev – issyk-Kul Lake (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, we journey toward Bokonbaev, where eagle hunters – the true legends of Kyrgyz nomadic life – welcome us with a feast and fascinating tales. They’ll introduce you to their majestic birds of prey and the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles, passed down through generations. Feeling adventurous? Saddle up and ride into the hills like real hunters for a mini eagle-hunting experience.

Evening: Enjoy a magical sunset on the shores of the shimmering Issyk-Kul Lake, Asia’s second-largest alpine lake. Spend the night under the stars in cozy yurts.

Day 4:  Skazka – Barskoon – Jeti Oguz (B, L, D) 

Wake up early for a breathtaking sunrise over the lake. Then we head to the surreal Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyons, where nature has carved out shapes that resemble dragons, castles, and Mars-like landscapes in hues of red and orange.

Next, we visit the Barskoon Gorge, where pine forests open up to dreamy waterfalls. A short hike takes us to “Chasha Manasa” (Manas’s Bowl) and “Devichie Kosy” (Maiden’s Braids) falls – each steeped in local legends.

Evening: We continue to Jeti Oguz, famous for its iconic red rock formations like “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart.” Dinner and overnight in a charming mountain guesthouse.

Day 5: Karakol – Altyn Arashan Valley (B, L, D)
 

Today’s adventure starts in Karakol, a former Russian military outpost turned adventure base. From here, hop into Soviet-era Russian 4x4 vehicles as we bounce off-road into the pristine Altyn Arashan Valley. Settle into cozy guesthouses surrounded by pine forests, wildflowers, and snow-dusted peaks. 

Evening: Soak your worries away in natural hot springs with a view of snow-draped peaks, nestled right in the valley.

Day 6: Karakol City Exploration (B)
 

After a leisurely breakfast and a short trek, we return to Karakol to explore its multicultural charm. Visit the Dungan Mosque, a vibrant, pagoda-style building crafted entirely of wood without a single nail – built by Chinese Muslims in the early 1900s. Next, marvel at the wooden Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, standing tall since Tsarist times.

Evening: Karakol is a melting pot of cultures – Russian, Kyrgyz, Uyghur, and Dungan influences blend here. Try Ashlyan-fu, a cold spicy noodle soup beloved by locals.

Day 7:  Cholpon Ata – Bishkek (B)
 

We follow the lake’s northern edge to Cholpon Ata, a resort town famed for its ancient petroglyphs and crystal-clear waters. Visit the Ruh Ordo Cultural Complex, a lakeside cultural park that celebrates five world religions and Kyrgyz identity. Later, set sail on a private boat ride on Issyk-Kul Lake, letting the turquoise waters and snow-capped peaks take your breath away. After lunch, we drive back to Bishkek for our final evening.

Evening: Shop for souvenirs at Osh Bazaar or take a night walk at Ala-Too Square, where fountains dance to music and the city glows under fairy lights.

Day 8: See You Again (B)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport with a heart full of memories, hundreds of stories, and a camera full of surreal landscapes. From eagle wings to yurt stays, from Mars-like canyons to alpine valleys, this journey across Kyrgyzstan will stay with you long after the mountains fade in the distance. 

To ensure you get the most out of your trip, why not come with us to Almaty (Kazakhstan)? ASK FOR DETAILS 

Start Date: October 11, 2025 (Saturday)

End Date: October 18, 2025 (Saturday)

Pick-up/Drop-off at Manas International Airport, Bishkek (IATA: FRU, ICAO: UCFM)

Arrive no later than 10 A.M. on Day 1. Depart after 2 P.M. on Day 8.

It is recommended that you arrive a day ahead of time. 

We will notify you of the airport pick-up/drop-off times in due course.

₹86,000 per person

Additional ₹2,000 off if:

• You're booking with a friend or more, or 
• You've travelled with us before
   

✅ Maximum discount capped at ₹2,000 per person

Booking Terms:

• Reserve your spot with ₹30,000 
• Balance to be paid 45 days before the trip begins 

Important Information:

• Prices are exclusive of 5% GST + TCS 
• Rates are applicable for Indian Nationals only 
• Group Size:  Minimum 8 – Maximum 14 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Trip Captain. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Solo travelers are welcome!  If you're traveling alone, you’ll be paired with another participant of the same gender in a twin-sharing room. 
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-50 years.  Most participants typically fall between 18 and 35 years. 
• A stay at an additional cost may be arranged if you're arriving or departing a day earlier or later.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations in Hotels/Yurts/ Guest houses for 7 nights.
• 7 Breakfast, 3 Lunch, 4 Dinner (set menu). 
• All transfers and sightseeing by mini-bus.
• Group airport transfer
• Entry Fees for the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
• Eagle show/hunting
• Tons of local experiences
• English Speaking Local Guide
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, the trip captain who acts as a facilitator and a storyteller

EXCLUSIONS

• International flight tickets
• Visa (assistance provided)
• Travel Insurance 
• Snacks/Beverages/Meals other than mentioned
• 5% GST + TCS as applicable
• Any taxes/charges the local Government may levy, in future
• Early check in and late check out
• Activities like ATV ride, boating, horse-ride, etc.
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

• Secure Your Spot: Confirm your participation by paying ₹30000 to book your seat. The balance to be paid 45 days before the trip start date.
• Payment Options:
  • Write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for bank transfer details.
  • Pay via Google Pay at UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank
  • For credit card payments, contact for the details
• Spot Confirmation: Your spot will be confirmed once the booking fee is received.
• Replacement: If you find someone to replace you, there will be NO cancellation charges. In such cases, we’ll refund your full amount, including the booking fee. 
• Note: Booking fee is non-refundable unless replaced.

NO REFUND OF THE INITIAL BOOKING AMOUNT WILL BE MADE FOR ANY CANCELLATION

• If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 75% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

A refund of the money in case of cancellation will be made within 10 working days after the cancellation request is received (by mail). 

If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full.