Unless you have booked everything via a tour operator, the "discovery in a week" option will only be possible if you travel to a neighbouring country, such as Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, and decide to make a small incursion into the country of the nomads. Given the time difference and travel times, it is indeed difficult to leave for such a short period of time and hope to take advantage of it, except for a simple, precise and organized trek, which becomes easier and more economical to achieve than in the past thanks to the low cost flights of the airline Pegasus. However, on the spot, the mountain ranges to be crossed and the security risk posed by domestic flights will not allow you to visit all areas in such a short time, and it will take a minimum of 15 days to enjoy the country. From Uzbekistan, focus on the Kyrgyz Ferghana and take a trip to Chatyr Kul. From Kazakhstan, discover the capital, Bishkek, and tour Lake Issyk Kul. This stay is from Kazakhstan
Day 1: From Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan
Day 2: Discovery of Bishkek
Day 3: Journey to Cholpon-Ata
Day 4: Karakol and its surroundings
Day 5: Kochkor on the west shore of Lake Issyk Koul
Day 6: Night in the mountains
Day 7: Horseback riding
Day 8: Crossing the border in reverse direction
©Emilie Chaix/Photononstop
Border crossing on the Almaty-Bishkek route.
©Emilie Chaix/Photononstop
Visit the Osh bazaar in the morning, then have lunch near Ala Tau Square where you can then stroll around until the historic museum opens. Take a detour through the statue of Lenin and then go for a walk, with the Kyrgyz, in Dubovy Park. In the evening, try to see the program at the Philharmonic or attend the festive atmosphere on Ala Tau Square.
©Elisa LOCCI - FOTOLIA
A short hike to discover the petroglyphs and a visit to the Cholpon-Ata museum. In the middle of the afternoon, drive to Karakol.
If you have arranged to be in Karakol on a Sunday, attend the animal market. Then schedule a day to discover the Jetti-Öghuz waterfalls or the hot springs of Altyn Arashan.
Come back from your trip at the end of the morning and go to Kochkor by the south shore of the lake to reach the point of organ of your trip.
From Kochkor, spend the night at Song Kul Lake, at an altitude of more than 3,000 m
Book a large horse riding in the wild landscapes bordering the lake and spend a night in a jailoo.
©Emilie Chaix/Photononstop
Return to Bishkek via Kochkor and return to Kazakhstan.
Each Travel Idea is customizable according to your wishes
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
