Les Plus Beaux Sites à Voir au Kirghizistan

Kyrgyzstan may not (yet) be at the top of your travel list, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Between the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan and the endless green valleys of Central Asia, this country remains largely untouched by mass tourism. A road trip through Kyrgyzstan takes you past high-altitude lakes, nomadic camps and canyons in ten shades of orange. Your accommodation for the night is a traditional yurt rather than a hotel room.

With Kyrgyzstan Nomads, you follow a set route through the country, driving your own 4x4. Here are the must-see places along the way, together with some background, distances and practical tips.

Every road trip in Kyrgyzstan starts in Bishkek, the capital. Don’t expect the urban chaos of other Asian cities. Bishkek is green, easy to get around, and the perfect place to acclimatise before heading into the mountains. Highlights include:

• Ala-Too Square, the city’s central square, with a statue of Manas, the legendary hero of the epic of the same name;
• Osh Bazaar, the perfect place to pick up dried fruit and fresh bread, and get your first taste of local cuisine;
• the wide, plane-tree-lined avenues, a legacy of the Soviet era, offering welcome shade in summer.

Set aside a full day to explore the city before heading into the mountains.

From Bishkek, the road climbs over Too-Ashuu Pass, a mountain pass rising above 3,000 metres, with spectacular views over the Suusamyr Valley. Your first stop is Kyzyl-Oi, a small village nestled in a lush valley along the Kökömören River, where you spend the night with a local family.

From there, the road continues to Song-Kul, a high-altitude lake at around 3,000 metres and probably the most iconic stop on any road trip through Kyrgyzstan. Wild horses and yaks graze around the lake, while nomadic families bring their herds here in summer. You spend the night in a yurt yourself, far from Wi-Fi and traffic. At Kyrgyzstan Nomads, this high plateau has been part of the standard itinerary for years, and for good reason: nowhere else will you experience Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic way of life at such close range.

Good to know: allow plenty of time for a long day on unpaved roads. Bring warm clothes, as it gets cold at night at this altitude, even in summer.

Issyk-Kul is one of the largest mountain lakes in the world, and a surprisingly warm escape surrounded by snow-capped peaks. On the northern shore lies Cholpon-Ata, with sandy beaches where Kyrgyz families flock in summer. On the southern shore, heading towards Bokonbayevo, you can watch a demonstration of traditional eagle hunting, an ancient Kyrgyz tradition that is still very much alive in the region.

This contrast between glaciers in the background and a lake where you can simply go for a swim is exactly what makes a road trip through Kyrgyzstan so special.

At the eastern end of Issyk-Kul lies Karakol, just over 300 km by road from Bishkek. This small town is the perfect base for hiking in the Tian Shan mountains, and it has plenty to offer in its own right:

• the Holy Trinity Church, a Russian Orthodox wooden church dating back to the 19th century;
• Karakol’s lively market, with stalls selling dried fruit, bread and handmade felt hats;
• Jeti-Ögüz, or “the Seven Bulls”: impressive red rock formations just outside the town;
• the Altyn Arashan valley, known for its natural hot springs and ideal for anyone planning an extra day of hiking.

Karakol is a regular stop on the Kyrgyzstan Nomads itinerary, precisely so you can enjoy this blend of culture and nature.

As you make your way back along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, you’ll pass through Skazka Canyon, literally the “fairytale canyon”. Its red and ochre rock formations look like a landscape from another galaxy, and you can explore them on foot in about an hour. Further on, heading towards Bokonbayevo, you’ll also find Ak-Sai and Konorchek, two lesser-known canyons with the same desert colour palette, but without the crowds.

The Chong-Kemin Valley is a broad valley framed by snow-capped peaks on both sides. The national park here is much quieter than the area around Issyk-Kul, making it perfect for a short hike or a rafting trip on the Chu River.

On the way back to Bishkek, you stop at the Burana Tower, the remains of an 11th-century minaret along the ancient Silk Road, around 80 km from the capital. The tower originally stood 45 metres tall, but earthquakes have reduced it to around 25 metres. Those who climb the internal staircase are rewarded with views over the valley and the surrounding burial mounds and balbal stones.

Best time to go: from June to September, when the high mountain passes are open and snow-free.

Vehicle: a 4x4 is far from a luxury. Many roads to Song-Kul and the canyons are unpaved.

Altitude: several stops are above 3,000 metres. Take it easy on your first day at altitude and drink plenty of water.

Visa: French, Belgian and Swiss travellers do not need a visa for stays of up to 60 days.

Cash: bring Kyrgyz soms in small denominations, especially for villages and yurt camps.

When you travel with Kyrgyzstan Nomads, much of this is already taken care of for you: a 4x4, a travel booklet with the full itinerary, and nights in yurts and with local families. Very handy!

From high-altitude lakes where wild horses roam to canyons glowing with sunset colors, a road trip through Kyrgyzstan takes you through landscapes you won’t find anywhere else. Want to see these wonders for yourself? With Kyrgyzstan Nomads, you’ll drive the full route yourself, from Bishkek to the very last yurt by the water.

Ready to experience this adventure for yourself? Check out all the available dates and book your spot on an unforgettable road trip through Kyrgyzstan.