7 day itinerary for Kirghizistan

Itinerary

A week in Kyrgyzstan sounds like an incredible adventure, and I’m thrilled to help you plan it. With your constraints in mind, let’s dive into an itinerary that balances local experiences, stunning landscapes, and a touch of culture. Buckle up for a week of exploration!

## Day 1: Arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan

• Morning: Arrive in Almaty. After settling in, grab a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try some traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with pasta) or kurt (dried cheese).
• Afternoon: Explore Almaty! Visit the stunning Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park and the nearby Green Bazaar for some local snacks and souvenirs. Don’t forget to try kebabs and plov!
• Evening: Rent your car and drive to the nearby Big Almaty Lake (about 1 hour). Enjoy the breathtaking views and take a leisurely hike around the lake.
• Overnight: Stay in Almaty.

## Day 2: Almaty to Charyn Canyon

• Morning: After breakfast, hit the road to Charyn Canyon (about 3 hours). The drive is scenic, so take your time and enjoy the views!
• Afternoon: Arrive at Charyn Canyon. Spend the day hiking and exploring the unique rock formations. The “Valley of Castles” is a must-see! Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.
• Evening: Drive back to Almaty and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some laghman (noodle dish) for a comforting meal.
• Overnight: Stay in Almaty.

## Day 3: Almaty to Bishkek

• Morning: After breakfast, drive to Bishkek (about 3 hours). On the way, stop at the Ala Archa National Park for a short hike and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Bishkek. Explore Ala-Too Square, the State Historical Museum, and the bustling Osh Bazaar. Don’t miss trying some local samsa (savory pastries) from the market!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try manty (steamed dumplings) for a delicious treat.
• Overnight: Stay in Bishkek.

## Day 4: Bishkek to Song-Kul Lake

• Morning: After breakfast, set off for Song-Kul Lake (about 4-5 hours). The drive is stunning, with beautiful mountain views along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive at Song-Kul Lake. Settle into your yurt and take some time to relax. You can also explore the area on horseback or hike around the lake.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner in your yurt, perhaps featuring beshbarmak or kuyrdak (fried meat and potatoes).
• Overnight: Sleep in a yurt by Song-Kul Lake.

## Day 5: Song-Kul Lake to Jeti-Oguz

• Morning: After breakfast, enjoy the morning at Song-Kul Lake. Take a leisurely walk or go horseback riding to soak in the serene atmosphere.
• Afternoon: Depart for Jeti-Oguz (about 3-4 hours). On the way, stop at the picturesque village of Kochkor to experience local crafts and maybe even try your hand at felt-making.
• Evening: Arrive in Jeti-Oguz and check into a yurt camp. Enjoy dinner with a view of the stunning red rock formations.
• Overnight: Sleep in a yurt in Jeti-Oguz.

## Day 6: Jeti-Oguz to Issyk-Kul Lake

• Morning: After breakfast, explore the Jeti-Oguz area. Hike to the “Seven Bulls” rock formation and enjoy the breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Drive to Issyk-Kul Lake (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the charming town of Bokonbaevo to visit a local eagle hunter and learn about this fascinating tradition.
• Evening: Arrive at Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the beach and try some fresh fish for dinner.
• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or yurt near Issyk-Kul Lake.

## Day 7: Issyk-Kul Lake to Bishkek

• Morning: Spend your last morning at Issyk-Kul Lake. You can swim, sunbathe, or take a boat ride on the lake.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Bishkek (about 4 hours). On the way, stop at the petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata to see ancient rock carvings.
• Evening: Arrive in Bishkek. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring your last taste of Kyrgyz cuisine.
• Overnight: Stay in Bishkek or head back to Almaty if your flight is from there.

Bonus Tips:

• Make sure to try local drinks like kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) and ayran (yogurt drink).
• Keep your camera handy; the landscapes are breathtaking!
• Engage with locals; they are often very welcoming and love sharing their culture.

And there you have it! A week filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences in Kyrgyzstan and Almaty. Enjoy your trip! 🌍✨