It took me so long to write this Kyrgyzstan itinerary because I did a complete opposite of what the usuals would do: I cycled, hike and explored a remote terrain no one knew about (read my experience here!)

It may seem like an impossible task to visit all the best spots in Kyrgyzstan.

Trust me: I spent a whole month there and still barely scratched the surface. The country is a giant playground of raw mountain passes, pristine alpine lakes, and silent valleys that look like postcards at every turn.

But lately it has become more popular — and Instagram has been blowing it up with a lot of backpackers at popular spots like Ala Kul lake and so on.

That’s a good and bad thing: good because if you don’t want to be alone you’ll find company on once remote treks, bad because overtourism can ruin pristine places like these too!

Anyway, you should know that this is the land of jailoos (summer pastures) — think Windows wallpaper and you want to make sure you experience the magic of those!

Here’s the complete itinerary if you have 2-3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan:

here’s the complete kyrgyzstan itinerary in 2 to 3 weeks

For 2 weeks, don’t try to fit in Osh, Lenin Peak, or too many 3,000m+ locations. The distances, altitude, and road conditions will eat into your experience because the road journeys are incredibly loooong!

I would prioritise Bishkek → Issyk-Kul → Karakol/Jyrgalan → Naryn/Song-Kul, all roughly connected in a circular route.

Week 1: Bishkek & Issyk-Kul Region
Day 1-2: Bishkek
Day 3: Ala Archa National Park
Day 4: Kol-Tor Lake Day Hike
Day 5-6: Burana Tower + Drive to South Issyk-Kul (Tosor/Bokonbaevo)
Day 6-7: Jeti-Ögüz & Canyon Hike / Barskoon Gorge & Waterfalls

Week 2: Jyrgalan + Karakol
Day 7-9: Jyrgalan
Day 9-11: Ala Kul Lake & Altyn Arashan
Day 11-12: Naryn
Day 12-14: Song Kul Lake or Kel-Suu Lake

Week 3: Osh & The South (only if you’ve more time!)
Day 14-15: Return to Bishkek or Fly to Osh
Day 15-17: Explore Osh & Bazaar
Day 17-19: Lenin Peak Base Camp
Day 19-20: Arslanbob
Day 20-21: Return to Bishkek

Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan?

The best time to visit is between June and mid-September especially if you’re trekking, cycling, or planning to reach high-altitude areas like Song-Kul or Ala-Kul.

June–July: Wildflowers in bloom, full river crossings, fewer tourists.
August: Peak season but perfect for high-altitude treks: yurts are fully set up, trails are clear. (This is the time I went!)
September: Quieter but nights are super cold above 3,000m.

Avoid October to May unless you’re skiing or okay with limited access to mountain areas (many roads and trails will be snowed in).

Also read: Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: 10 Surreal Hikes In The Tien Shan Mountains

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.

Which SIM Card to Get in Kyrgyzstan?

The best SIM card for travelers is O! or Megacom. It has good coverage across most rural and mountain regions including Song-Kul and parts of Naryn. You can get it at the airport but it is pricier and not worth it IMHO!

To make it easier you should just get an eSim card by Airalo. You can easily get 2GB for 15 days $13.50 or 3GB for 30 days for $19.00.

Pro tip: Download AllTrails before heading to remote areas if you’re planning on hiking (which you should be because the landscapes are jaw-dropping)!

How to Get Around Kyrgyzstan?

There are a few options depending on how rugged you plan to be — let me tell you that I survived Kyrgyzstan entirely on marshrutkas.

But if you want a safety and comfort of a driver if there’s more than two of you then get a driver!

Shared taxis (marshrutkas): Cheap and connect most towns. You’ll need to be flexible with timings as they often wait before it gets full. But this is a great option for those from Bishkek to Karakol, or Kochkor to Naryn.
Private car + driver: Popular for remote places like Tash Rabat or Song-Kul. I recommend taking a tour instead for these spots like a 3 day horse trek to Song Kul Lake.
Flights: For anything over 7 hours by road — like getting to the Osh region — flying is the smarter option. You can book your domestic flights here.

Urm, is Kyrgyzstan Safe to Travel?

hitchhiking and being with the families were some of the best memories i had!

Other than a few flashing incidents by drunk men in remote areas, this place was still safer to me.

I travelled solo but mostly found a group to go with; but mostly I felt very safe. It was so easy to go hitchhiking and crime is low. Walking around Bishkek at night is also incredibly safe!

In a nutshell, people are hospitable, curious, and proud of their nomadic culture.
Hitchhiking is surprisingly common and safe, especially in rural areas.
Crime is low, though always keep an eye on your belongings in busy markets or public transport.
Most villages have limited English speakers but just learn a few words in in Russian and you’re good!

You’ll probably face more logistical challenges like broken-down marshrutkas, road closures and rickety roads than safety concerns.

The Complete 2-3 Weeks Kyrgyztan Itinerary

Day 1-2: Bishkek

I honestly didn’t love Bishkek — it was very soviet-like for me and there wasn’t much energy in the city. The only perks were how close they were to the national parks and it was a perfect starting ground to do day-trips.

If you’re in Bishkek, you’ve to visit the Ala-Too Square, Osh Bazaar and walk through Panfilov Park. You can also visit the ANTs cafe next to the park and people watch while taking in the sights of the place.

Where to stay?

Day 3: Ala Archa National Park

gorgeous mountains in ala archa national park on the way to aksay waterfall

Just 45 minutes from the city, Ala Archa National Park is where the real Kyrgyzstan begins to show itself.

Most people do the trail to Ak-Sai Waterfall, which is manageable in a few hours. It is a 6.4km one way trek that takes about 4-5 hours.

The easiest way to get to Ala-Archa national park is to take mashrutka 265 (minibus) at the bus stop near the entrance of Osh Bazaar - you can look it up on Maps.Me.

The minibus will take you to Kash-Kasuu, the closest village near Ala Archa and from there you can hitchhike to the main entrance.

But if you’re not up for that, you can also book a relatively cheap tour here that takes you through the national park.

Also read: A Day Trip Hike To Ala Archa National Park: Intro To Kyrgyzstan Wilderness

Day 4: Kol-Tor Lake Day Hike

There’s absolutely no way to describe the beauty and stunning places of Kyrgyzstan and Kol-Tor lake steals your heart in a moment.

The alpine blue lake and stunning mountain streams with wild grazing horses is quintessentially what describes the wildness of Kyrgyzstan.

Just 90km out of Bishkek (approximately 1.5 hours) to Kegety Gorge, lies a 7.5km trekking trail with an elevation of 900m that takes you to part of the Kygyz Ala too Mountain range, considered one of Kyrgyzstan most beautiful places with green meadows, and coniferous trees whistling in the wind.

It is a bit out of the way and the best way is to book a tour here that takes you to the lake as well as Burana Tower.

Also read: Kol Tor Lake Trek: A Cold Blue Day Hike From Bishkek

Day 5-6: Issyk-Kul Lake (Tong/Bokonbaevo)

The Kyrgyz really love their beaches — except here, it comes in the form of a lake.

Issyk-Kul isn’t just any lake either. It’s one of the few ancient lakes left in the world and is believed to be around 25 million years old, which is kind of mind-blowing when you’re sitting by its shores.

I based myself along the southern coast called Tong district a spot mostly visited by locals.

It’s close to Bokonbaevo, a town known for its eagle hunters who still practise traditional falconry and occasionally show it to visitors. There’s a tour like this that organises everything for you!

In Tong, I stayed with a local family at Bermet Guesthouse — just a 10-minute walk from the lake.

It was perfect to walk around the town and see what local life is for them in Tong! We spent the day chatting and bathing on the southern shores and exploring life in these towns.

Where to stay in Issyk Kul Lake?

Bermet Guesthouse (Tong)
Umar Guesthouse (Tong)
Yurt Camp (Bokonbaevo)
Svetlana Guest House (Bokonbaevo)

Day 6-7: Day trip to Jeti-Ögüz & Canyon Hike / Barskoon Gorge & Waterfalls

If you love rock formations and the interesting history associated with these boulders, Jeti Orguz is worth a visit.

These rock formations signify “seven bulls” and a “broken heart”.

Just 66km away from Tong in Issyk Kul lies Barskoon Gorge, one of the most stunning waterfalls in Kyrgyzstan.

Hiking paths to the waterfall starts at the parking lot, opposite the boulder with a sculpture of Yurii Gagarin, a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into outer space.

It might be a long valley with multiple attractions, but waterfalls are one of the first few features you’ll see on the dirt road which was once built and used for gold mining.

Also read: 18 Best Storied & Beautiful Places To Visit in Kyrgyzstan

Day 7-9: Jyrgalan

Jyrgalan Valley is located 60 km east of Karakol — it was once a Soviet mining village and the sudden burst in tourism has changed the character of this place making it a great place to experience community-based tourism and a different kind of rural setting in Kyrgyzstan.

One of the best hikes you can do in the valley is the Keskenkija Loop in Jyrgalan Valley. The other option is to just stay in the yurt with a nomadic family.

They offer horse trek and short hikes in the region when you stay with a local family.

Where to stay in Jyrgalan?

Day 9-11: Karakol & Ala Kul Hike - Altyn Arashan Hot springs

It is almost a missed opportunity if you come to Kyrgyzstan and not do the Ala kul lake trek. However, the ever-changing conditions in the mountain may be a hit and miss for some people.

For me, I waited for days for clear weather to go on this 2-day hike across alpine meadows, glaciers, loose gravel and to witness the high-altitude lake with my own eyes.

Unfortunately, luck was not on my side. I came across people who had to trek in 20cm of snow when the weather was not favourable.

They claimed the incline was not as gradual and it can be harsh but you’ll come across stunning open views of the valley, experience some kind of vertigo and be enthralled by the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

The blissful end to the hike is the hot springs at Altyn Arashan that melts away all your soreness.

If you want everything taken care of you including porters and a complete adventure, an option is to do this tour.

Where to stay in Karakol?

Day 11-12: Kochkor, Naryn

Known to be the centre of jailoo (summer pastures) tourism, Kochkor is a village in the Naryn region that stands at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road from the ancient times.

It is often a stopping point for those who want to explore Song Kul Lake, Kol-Ukok lake to see the grazing animals and traditional yurts.

Beyond it being a base for excursions or known for its “sleepy little town” description, exploring Kochkor requires a curious mindset.

There’s a lot of remnants of the past in the architecture lending relation to its Soviet legacy.

For a region that has been inhabited by nomadic populations for a long time, you’ll find monuments that are of significant importance including a vast number of medieval objects.

There are memorial fences with statues, inscriptions and burial mounds as well.

Some of the best things to do in Kochkor is walking around town after a tough hike and explore their markets, stop at the cemetery, visit their central park to view the monuments and get yourself beautiful shyrdaks (distinctive wool rugs).

Where to stay in Kochkor?

Day 12-14: Song Kul Lake or Kel-Suu Lake

song kul lake - beautiful skyline out here with lots of yurts!

Situated at 3,061 meters high, Song Kul is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the main touristic attractions in the country.

If you start from the small village of Kyzart, reaching the lake on foot takes about two to three days depending on how fast you walk.

Alternatively, you could book a 3-day tour that takes you on an epic horseriding trek to Song Kul lake covering the passes as well!

Another option is the Kel-suu lake, and it is far more jaw-dropping than Song Kul lake in my opinion. It is one of the best places to go stargazing and stay at a yurt camp for a simple Shepherd meal and comfortable beds facing the lake.

Sometimes there are boats that allow you to take a short trip wedged between these rocky surfaces that may hopefully take you next to the Chinese border. It is almost 10 miles of a narrow lake enclaved between high granite walls.

For what it is worth, I would recommend doing the whole thing which means going on a horse trek from Naryn to Kel-Suu lake. There are more affordable options when you’re in Naryn and can easily organise with CBT Naryn or CBT Kochkor there.

Also read: Living With The Nomads At Song-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan: A Travel Guide

Where to stay in Song Kul Lake?

Staying around for more than 3 weeks? Continue on from here

Day 14-15: Return to Bishkek or Fly to Osh

in osh city - spotted local men playing chess

At this point in the trip, the journey either loops back to Bishkek or pushes onward into Kyrgyzstan’s south — a region that feels distinctly different in pace, people, and landscape.

If you're short on time or heading out of the country, Bishkek is the easiest exit point.

But if you're still on the road, a short domestic flight (or a long and bumpy road trip) brings you to Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan.

Flying is the faster route (you can book here) and you get sweeping views of the mountains as the terrain changes below.

The minute you land in Osh, everything shifts. I recall seeing so many ethnic mixes here. It’s warmer, flatter, and more Central Asian than any other place!

Day 15–17: Explore Osh & Bazaar

Osh moves differently. It’s less about places to tick off and more about absorbing what daily life looks like here.

The Jayma Bazaar is one place where you can get handwoven rugs and spices to knock-off trainers and gold teeth (haha yes!). It is the best place to people watch and gorge on samsas!

You also should catch the sunset at Sulaiman-Too and sit among locals who’ve come to pray, reflect, or just enjoy the view.

Where to stay in Osh?

Day 17-19: Lenin Peak Base Camp

Mountains are the reason to visit Sary Mogul if you’re heading towards Lenin Peak Base Camp.

In a town of 3,000 people, Sary Mogul is a scenic little village near the border with Tajikistan, situated on a wide plateau at 3 km above sea level.

Sary Mogul is often a starting point for avid trekkers to seek out alternative landscapes of the Alay mountains.

From here you can begin your way towards Lenin Peak Base Camp. Read my post on this: Lenin Peak Base Camp Trek: With Yurts, Mountains and Marmots

Considering how unexplored the Alay mountains are, here are some alternative adventures with tours that have been well-rated:

5 Day Horse Riding Trek towards Osh: You go over two high passes: Airy Bell and Ak Tor
8 Days Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: Alay Mountains Adventure: This is not too intense and a perfect mix of hiking with a lot of stops to soak it in!

Where to stay in Lenin Peak Base Camp/ Sary Mogul?

Day 19-20: Arslanbob

Located in the Babash-ata mountains with a scenic backdrop of Kyrgyzstan’s snow-capped peaks, Arslanbob sits at 1,400m above sea level.

With most of their residents, about 16,000 being Uzbek, it is easy to see why this is a conservative town.

Next to the village is the world's largest walnut forest which in total spans around 60,000 hectares of up to 1,000 year old trees.

During the month of September, the locals will leave their homes and head up into a expanse of the mountains to harvest.

Also Read: Community Based Tourism in Arslanbob, Kyrgyzstan: What To Do In Walnut Haven

Where to stay in Arslanbob?

Day 20-21: Return to Bishkek

On your last day to Bishkek, you can book your flights via here. Trust me you don’t want to be on a 12-13 hour long marshutka ride.

If you’re exploring more of Central Asia, from Osh you can go to Uzbekistan easily.

The border to Andijan is just an hour away by taxi or shared car and it us quite a popular crossign point if you’re heading to Tashkent, Samarkand, or further into the Silk Road trail.

I actually crossed the border to renew my time in Kyrgyzstan so that’s a huge possibility too if you want to stay more than 4 weeks.

Also read my other posts on Central Asia:

Of Lakes & Peaks: Kazakhstan Itinerary in 5 to 10 Days

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2 to 3 Weeks in Kyrgyzstan Itinerary: Mountains, Lakes & Nomadic Culture