3 Day Kyrgyzstan Tour Packages
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Kyrgyzstan itineraries for 3 days
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SteffKyrgyzstan travel expert at TourRadar
3 Days in Kyrgyzstan, incl. Song Kul Lake and Issyk-Kul
A rich three-day adventure takes you from Bishkek to Bokonbaevo with cultural stops on day one. The second day unfolds at Song Kul Lake, while the final day returns to Bishkek, featuring historic sites and authentic local dining spots.
- Day 1
Bishkek to Bokonbaevo
Leave Bishkek at 8 AM before traffic builds up. The 5-hour drive south along Issyk-Kul lake includes several interesting stops. Visit Kyzyl-Tuu village to see how local craftspeople build traditional yurts. Bring warm and cool layers since mountain temperatures change quickly throughout the day. Visit an eagle hunter's house in Bokonbaevo in the afternoon to see this ancient hunting tradition in action. Stop at Fairy Tale Canyon when the late afternoon sun brings out the best colors in its wind-carved rocks. You can finish the day with a swim at Kaji-Sai beach where the water is most peaceful before sunset.
- Day 2
Bokonbaevo to Song Kul Lake
The 4-hour trip to Song Kul Lake includes rough mountain roads. Bring motion sickness medicine if you need it. Song Kul sits at 3,016 meters so take it easy when you arrive while your body adjusts to the altitude. You'll stay in traditional yurt camps with 4-6 people sharing each yurt and basic outdoor bathrooms. Your host family will show you how to make boorsok bread and offer you kumys, a drink made from fermented mare's milk. You can arrange horseback riding too. The local horses are good for beginners but most use traditional saddles rather than English ones.
- Day 3
Song Kul to Bishkek
Start your return journey after breakfast to have time for stops along the way. Take the right-side seats through Boom Gorge for the best mountain views. Stop for lunch at Apamdyn Kattamasy restaurant in Kemin to try their famous hand-pulled kattama bread. Visit the Burana Tower from the 11th century as your last stop. You can climb its spiral staircase for great views but be careful on the smooth worn steps. The tower helps explain the area's important role in Silk Road history.
- Day 1
Bishkek to Jeti-Oguz
Leave Bishkek at 8 AM to avoid heavy traffic. The first stop is Burana Tower, about 2 hours away, where you can explore Silk Road history. Make sure to pack layers since mountain weather changes quickly. After driving through Boom Gorge, stop at Kyzyl-Tuu village to watch local families show you how they build yurts. It's fascinating to see how the wooden lattice walls fold like an accordion. Visit the Golden Eagle House in Bokonbaevo in the late afternoon to learn about traditional eagle hunting. Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon) is perfect for photos during the afternoon light, with amazing shadows across the red rocks. Spend the night at a yurt camp in Jeti-Oguz. Pack warm sleepwear since nights get cold even in summer.
- Day 2
Jeti-Oguz to Karakol
Start your day with a hike to the "Maiden Braid" waterfall. You'll need good hiking shoes because the trail can get slippery. Stop by the "Seven Bulls" red rock formation for morning photos. Head to Karakol for lunch at Bugu bazaar and try the local specialty Ashlan-fu, a cold Dungan noodle dish. Take an afternoon tour of the city to see the wooden Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Chinese-style Dungan Mosque. Relax in the Ak-Suu hot springs before dinner. Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse in Karakol for some authentic Kyrgyz hospitality.
- Day 3
Karakol to Bishkek
After breakfast in Karakol, drive along Issyk-Kul's northern shore. The 2-hour trip to Cholpon-Ata often includes sightings of wild horses on the mountainsides. Visit the open-air petroglyph museum early to see ancient rock carvings from 800 BC and avoid the hot midday sun. Stop for lunch at "Apamdyn Kattamasy" to try traditional Kyrgyz bread and milk tea from a samovar. The 4-hour drive back to Bishkek through Boom Gorge offers great mountain views. Try to time your return before sunset for the best photo opportunities.
- Day 1
Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park
Arrive in Bishkek and prepare for cold temperatures - winter here can be well below freezing. Take a 45-minute drive south to Ala Archa National Park. The winter scenery includes walking trails along the frozen river and snow-capped peaks. You'll need sturdy winter boots with good grip since the paths can get icy. Take a 1.5-hour drive to Yssyk Ata hot springs in the afternoon. These Soviet-era mineral pools stay at about 37°C (98.6°F) and offer welcome warmth in winter. Bring flip-flops and swimwear. The facilities are basic but the healing waters make up for it. Visit in late afternoon when it's less crowded.
- Day 2
Burana Tower & Chon Kemin Valley
Drive one hour to Burana Tower, an important 11th-century minaret. Get there before 11 AM for the best morning photos. The site includes an open-air museum of balbals (ancient Turkish grave markers) that looks beautiful in winter snow. Bundle up well as there's minimal wind protection. Next is Chon Kemin Valley, about 2 hours from Burana. Take traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy fields with the Tian Shan mountains as your backdrop. Local guesthouses offer simple rooms with traditional wood-fired heating to keep you warm in freezing temperatures.
- Day 3
Orlovka Ski Resort & Departure
Spend your final day at Orlovka Ski Resort, about 90 minutes from Chon Kemin. Beyond skiing, you can take a cable car ride for mountain views. If you're not into skiing, try the rodelbahn sledding track. Get there early or book ahead for equipment rental, especially during peak season from December to February.
