Morning:

Arrival at Manas International Airport (IATA code: FRU), Bishkek. After completing formalities and baggage claim, you will be met by our guide holding a sign with your name.

Transfer from the airport to Kochkor village. Kochkor is located approximately 3 hours drive from Bishkek. The road passes through picturesque valleys and foothills.

Upon arrival in Kochkor, we will visit a women’s cooperative known for its felt products “Shyrdak”. Shyrdak is a traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet, distinguished by bright geometric patterns and handmade.

Shyrdak making master class (optional): You can take part in a master class and try your hand at making shyrdaks. This is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional Kyrgyz crafts and create your own souvenir (master class is paid additionally and by prior arrangement).

Day:

After visiting the cooperative and having lunch in Kochkor, we will continue our journey to Lake Son-Kul.

Transfer to Lake Son-Kul is a real adventure! The road leads through a mountain pass (altitude about 3000 meters). The pass can be quite steep and winding, but the views from the height are simply breathtaking.

Arrival at Lake Son-Kul. Lake Son-Kul is a high-altitude lake located at an altitude of over 3000 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by picturesque mountains and alpine meadows where herds of livestock graze.

Accommodation in a yurt camp on the shore of Lake Son-Kul. Yurt camps on Son-Kul are specially organized places for tourists to stay, consisting of several traditional yurts. Yurts are equipped with beds, tables, chairs, and often have stoves inside for heating on cool evenings. Examples of yurt camps: “Nomad’s Dream Yurt Camp”, “Son-Kul Yurt Lodge”, “Bel-Tam Yurt Camp”. Facilities (toilets and showers) are usually located in separate buildings on the territory of the camp (can be basic but functional).

Evening:

Getting acquainted with the life of nomads: After settling in a yurt, you will have time to get acquainted with the family that runs the yurt camp and learn more about nomadic life. The hosts are usually happy to talk about their traditions, way of life and culture.

Dinner in a yurt: Dinner is usually served in a common yurt-dining room. You can try nomadic cuisine dishes prepared from local products.

National games and entertainment (optional): In the evening, if desired, national games can be organized, such as horse games or dexterity games, as well as the performance of national songs under the komuz (Kyrgyz folk musical instrument). Simple communication by the campfire under the starry sky of Son-Kul is also an unforgettable experience.

Kochkor village, view of the village and surroundings.

Shyrdak making process, handmade work and bright patterns.

Panoramic view of Lake Son-Kul, endless expanses and mountains.

Yurt camp on the shore of Son-Kul, yurts against the background of the lake and mountains.
Yurt Camp on SonKul Lake Shore

Morning:

Breakfast in the yurt camp. Breakfast usually includes flatbreads, butter, jam, eggs, tea or coffee.

The day is dedicated to exploring Lake Son-Kul and its surroundings.

Walks around the lake: You can take walks along the lake shore, enjoying the silence and beauty of nature. Alpine meadows dotted with flowers (in summer) stretch around the lake.

Watching shepherds and their herds: Son-Kul is a summer pasture for livestock. You will see shepherds on horseback herding sheep, cows and horses. This is a great opportunity to observe the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Day:

Horseback riding (optional): For those interested, horseback riding is offered (for an additional fee and by prior arrangement). Kyrgyzstan is a country of horses, and horseback riding in the vicinity of Son-Kul is an unforgettable experience. Horses here are accustomed to mountain conditions and are calm, which makes horseback riding accessible even to beginners.

Lunch in a yurt: Lunch is also usually served in a yurt-dining room. Lagman, plov or other national dishes can be offered for lunch.

Kymyz tasting (national drink made from mare’s milk): Kymyz is an important part of nomadic culture. In the yurt camp, you will be offered to try fresh kymyz, if it is the season for kymyz production (usually from May to September). The hosts will tell you about the process of making kymyz and its beneficial properties.

Evening:

Free time: You can simply relax in the yurt, read a book, enjoy the silence and nature.

Evening gatherings around the campfire: In the evening, a campfire is often lit, around which tourists and yurt camp owners gather. This is a time for communication, storytelling, songs with guitar or komuz (if there are musicians among tourists or hosts). Watching the starry sky of Son-Kul, where the stars seem especially bright due to the high altitude and clean air, is another magical experience.

Morning:

Breakfast in the yurt camp. Farewell to the hospitable hosts and Lake Son-Kul.

Descent from the mountains to Kochkor village. The road back opens up new perspectives of mountain landscapes.

Day:

Arrival in Kochkor village.

Lunch in a guest house in Kochkor: You can have lunch in a guest house in Kochkor before heading to Bishkek. The guide will help you choose a suitable option.

Return to Bishkek. Transfer to Bishkek takes approximately 3 hours.

Accommodation at a hotel in Bishkek (possibly in the same hotel where you stayed on the first day, or in another hotel of your choice).

Free time in Bishkek: After returning to Bishkek, you will have free time to relax, walk around the city, visit shops or cafes. You can visit places that you did not have time to see on the first day, or just relax at the hotel after a trip to the mountains.

Evening:

Free time in Bishkek: You can have dinner in one of Bishkek restaurants (the guide can give recommendations), visit a theater or cinema, or just walk around the evening city.

Morning:

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out from the hotel in Bishkek. Check the room for forgotten items.

Transfer to Manas International Airport for departure. Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time in the morning.

Visit souvenir shops in Bishkek: If time allows, you can stop by souvenir shops to buy memorable gifts about Kyrgyzstan before leaving.

Day:

Departure from Manas International Airport, Bishkek.

End of the tour “Nomadic Life – Son-Kul and Yurts (4 days)”.