Are you planning to visit Kyrgyzstan for a week? Here, we’ve created the best one-week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary that will give you a chance to explore most of the Kyrgyzstan tourist places.

We are India based travel company providing affordable tours for Central Asia and other Asian countries. With our experience over the years, we know very well how to make a week in Kyrgyzstan a memorable one.

Kyrgyzstan is a stunning country located in Central Asia, where one can experience a unique blend of nomadic traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. This is a perfect destination for adventurous travelers who are looking for an authentic experience off the beaten track.

In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to exploring Kyrgyzstan in just one week. From the bustling capital city of Bishkek to the tranquil shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, we'll take you on a journey that will showcase the very best of this incredible country.

With a mix of hiking, cultural experiences, and stunning natural beauty, our itinerary will give you a taste of everything that Kyrgyzstan has to offer. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on an adventure of a lifetime in this unique and beautiful country.

Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan?

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan depends on your interests. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, visit between December and March for skiing and snowboarding. For exploring the countryside, May to October is best with milder weather, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. There are also many festivals and events throughout the year to experience the unique culture of Kyrgyzstan.

Is It Safe to Visit Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is undoubtedly safe for tourists to travel. The number of tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan is growing rapidly. The indigenous Kyrgyz population in the countryside is among the kindest and most friendly you will ever meet. If you need any help you can ask them and they try to help you in whatever way possible.

Going to Kyrgyzstan is just as safe as traveling anywhere else in the world. However, it is advised to avoid walking alone in the night, take care of your belongings and don’t explore any hidden destination without proper research.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Kyrgyzstan?

Nationals of more than 180 nations must possess a tourist visa in order to enter Kyrgyzstan, according to the country's tourist visa regulations. A travel visa for Kyrgyzstan allows entry for 90 days after the date of issuance and allows stays of up to 30 or 60 days. Moreover, a five-year multiple-entry Kyrgyzstan visa is available for travel and business.

One-Week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Here is the best 7-days Kyrgyztsan Itinerary that you can follow to make the most of your Kyrgyzstan trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek

Day 2: Burana Tower and Issyk-Kul

Day 3: Explore the Issyk-Kul further by visiting the Skazka Canyons & Jeti-Oguz Gorge

Day 4: Karakol

Day 5: Take a day trip to Altyn Arashan for Hiking or Horseback Riding

Day 6: Song-Kul Lake

Day 7: Back to Bishkek

Day 8: Fly Out

Let's dive deep in this one-week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary;

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek

On the Day 1, you have to arrive to Bishkek, which is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan. There are a lot of things to do and see in Bishkek for every kind of traveler. From the local market like Osh Bazaar to the historical monuments like Ala Too Square, you will have a plethera of options to explore in the city. 

Here are the highlights of the day 1;

Explore Osh Bazaar

Osh Bazar is a main market in the Bishkek which is located in the west side of the city. One of the biggest bazaars in Central Asia, it is renowned for its lively energy and wide variety of merchandise. 

Visitors to Osh Bazaar should anticipate finding a broad selection of goods at reasonable prices. If you are a good bargainer, you may save a lot of money while buying anything in the market. The bazaar is a well-liked gathering place for both locals and tourists, and it is open every day from early morning until late at night.

Visit Ala-Too Square 

After exploring Osh Bazaar, go to see the amazing Ala-Too Square. It is a public space in the heart of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital city. The name "Ala-Too" refers to the adjacent mountain range and in Kyrgyz means "colorful mountain." 

The area is a well-liked gathering place for residents and visitors alike, and significant governmental structures, such as the Presidential Palace, the Parliament House, and the National History Museum, are situated near it.

Note - After visiting Ala-Too Square, return to your hotel by night and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Day 2: Burana Tower and Issyk-Kul

On day 2, pack your bag and head to Burana Tower which is located about 80 kilometers east of Bishkek, near the town of Tokmok. You can take taxi, shared taxi, or bus from Bishkek to reach there.  

Here are the highlights of the day 2;

Burana Tower

Burana Tower is a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Kyrgyzstan's rich history and culture. It is constructed of mud bricks and has a height of about 24 meters. It was once part of a larger complex that included a mosque, madrasa, and other buildings, but most of these structures have been destroyed over time.

It has elaborate brickwork patterns, such as a lion-themed frieze that is currently on display at the History Museum in Bishkek. The Burana Tower is now a well-liked tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Note - After spending a good time exploring this ancient site and its surroundings, ready to leave Burana tower and head to Issyk Kul Lake.

Relax on the beaches of Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul Lake is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan which is located about 180 kilometers east of Burana Tower. You can get there by taxi, or rented car. The taxi usually take 2 - 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Issyk-Kul is a sizable endorheic lake that can be found in eastern Kyrgyzstan's northern Tian Shan mountains. After Lake Titicaca in South America, it is the second-largest mountain lake in the entire globe. 

Issyk-Kul is a favorite among travelers in Kyrgyzstan because of its stunning scenery, pure waters, and a variety of outdoor pursuits like hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating.

Note - There are plenty of accommodation options near Issyk Lake, where you can spend your night. 

Day 3: Explore the Issyk-Kul further by visiting the Skazka Canyons & Jeti-Oguz Gorge

After having breakfast, head to Skazka Canyons which is situated on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is located on the main road between Balykchy and Karakol. Taxi and rented car are the best options to get there.

Here are the highlights of the day 3;

Skazka Canyons

The Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, which is situated on the Issyk-Kul Lake's southern side, is one of Kyrgyzstan's most fascinating and well-known natural attractions. It is close to the settlement of Tosor and 120 kilometers from Balykchi. 

The canyon, which is in the same name-giving gorge, is well-known for its red clay rocks. Here, magnificent natural sculptures have been polished for years by the wind. Fairy Tale Canyon is a well-liked tourist destination. This is due to how easily one may access the canyon and its breathtaking scenery.

Note - After enjoying the stunning views of Skazka Canyons, get ready to head to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. It is also a scenic valley located about 15 kilometers east of Skazka Canyon in Kyrgyzstan.

Jeti-Oguz Gorge

The Jeti-Oguz Gorge is a beautiful valley found in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul area of Central Asia. The gorge is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, which includes high cliffs, verdant vegetation, and the Tian Shan mountains' snow-capped summits. 

Tourists and outdoor enthusiasts frequently travel to Jeti-Oguz Gorge to go hiking, camp, and take in the area's breathtaking scenery. The region is also well-known for its hot springs, which are a favorite place to unwind after a strenuous day of hiking and are thought to have therapeutic qualities.

Note - After admiring the beauty of Jeti-Oguz Gorge, back to your accommodation, enjoy local food and spend your night there.

Day 4: Discover Karakol

On Day 4, head to Karakol which is only 1-2 hours of journey from Issyk Kul depending on traffic and the condition of the roads. In Karakol, explore the highlights of the town such as Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Karakol Historical Museum.

Here are the highlights of the day 4;

Visit Dungan Mosque

Dungan Mosque which lies in Karakol, eastern Kyrgyzstan is not only a religious site, but also a cultural and historical landmark in Kyrgyzstan. It was constructed in the early 20th century by Chinese Muslims of the Hui ethnicity known as Dungan architects and craftsmen. 

The Dungan Mosque is now a well-liked tourist destination and is regarded as a national treasure of Kyrgyzstan. Visiting the Dungan Mosque is a must-do for anyone interested in the diverse and fascinating cultures of Central Asia.

See Holy Trinity Cathedral

At Karakol, there is a medieval Russian Orthodox cathedral called Holy Trinity Cathedral. One of the oldest and most important religious structures in the nation, the cathedral was constructed in the early 19th century. 

Nowadays, Karakol's Holy Trinity Cathedral is a significant religious and cultural icon that welcomes numerous tourists from all over the world. Also, it serves as a center of worship for the neighborhood Russian Orthodox faithful.

Go to Karakol Historical Museum

The administrative hub of Issyk-Kul Oblast in Kyrgyzstan's city of Karakol is where you can find the Karakol History Museum. The museum was founded in 1975 and is housed in a structure from the first half of the 20th century. 

The Karakol History Museum offers visitors the chance to learn about the region's history and culture as well as get a glimpse into the daily life of those who have resided there over the ages.

Note - Spend the entire day enjoying the amazing Karakol’s tourist highlights. Try local cuisines and spend your night in the city.

Day 5: Take a day trip to Altyn Arashan for Hiking or Horseback Riding

On day 5, get ready to head to Altyn Arashan after having breakfast. It is a beautiful alpine valley located about 20 km southeast of Karakol. You can get there by car, hiking, or horseback riding. 

Here is a highlight of the day 5;

Altyn Arashan

Altyn Arashan is a breathtaking valley in Kyrgyzstan's eastern Tian Shan Mountains. The name "Altyn Arashan" (which translates to "Golden Spa" in Kyrgyz) alludes to the valley's purportedly curative natural hot springs. 

The valley, with its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, is renowned for its breathtaking natural splendor. Altyn Arashan is also home to a number of yurts and guesthouses, providing accommodation for those looking to spend more than a day in the valley. 

Note - Return to Karakol by evening, take a rest, enjoy local cuisine and spend the night there.

Day 6: Song-Kul Lake

On day 6, you have to travel a lot. So, get ready to head to Song Kul Lake. To get there, you have to take a taxi from Karakol to Kochkor which is around 6-7 hours of journey. After reaching Kochkor, hire a private taxi or join a shared taxi heading to Song-Kul Lake. It is around 2 - 3 hours of journey.

Here is the highlights of the day 6;

Visit Song-Kul Lake

Song-Kul Lake is a beautiful lake at a high elevation that can be found in Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan Mountains. The lake has a surface area of around 270 square kilometers and is located at an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level . 

The lake is a well-liked tourist site because of the surrounding nomadic culture, its visual beauty, and its pristine waters. While admiring the breathtaking surroundings, visitors can go horseback riding, hiking, or camp in a yurt.

Experience nomadic life by staying in a traditional yurt

After admiring the beauty of Song Kul Lake, head to the traditional yurts that you can find near the lake. These yurts offer a unique and authentic experience of Kyrgyzstan's nomadic culture.

You can interact with local, learn about their culture, see their hospitality and enjoy the delicious local foods while staying in the yurts.

Note - Get ready to return Bishkek next day.

Day 7: Back to Bishkek

On day 7, you have to return Bishkek. The taxi from a yurt camp or settlement near Song-Kul Lake will take you directly to Bishkek. This journey will take around 6-7 hours. 

Here are the highlights of the day 7;

Exploring the city's parks and cafes

Bishkek has a beautiful parks and cafes that are worth visiting. Some of the well-known parks in this area include Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and Victory Square. 

The best cafes in Bishkek include Cafe Faiza, Coffee House, Sierra Coffee, and Navat Tea Room. These are just a few of the many parks and cafes that Bishkek has to offer; there are many more.

Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife of the City

At night, go to enjoy the nightlife of the city. The nightlife in Bishkek is developing, and the city is active and exciting. A wide range of interests and preferences are catered for by the numerous taverns, clubs, and restaurants. 

The nightlife in Bishkek is concentrated in and around the city's core, with numerous hotspots situated around Chuy Avenue. It's important to know that Bishkek's nightlife scene is always changing and that new venues are opening up all the time.

Note - Back to hotel after enjoying the nightlife.

Day 8: Fly Out

Day 8 is all about saying goodbye to the city as well as the country. Today, after checking out from the hotel, you can take a flight and back home.