Kyrgyzstan, the land of nomadic culture and jaw dropping peaks – It’s not just a country to visit, but an experience to be had.
With its adventure-filled activities, and unique travel experience, it’s no wonder more people are starting to join tours to experience this real and raw travel. Whether you’re an avid hiker, adventure seeker, or simply a traveller wanting to experience the famous silk road hospitality, Kyrgyzstan is a country that has something for everyone.
As someone who has extensively travelled the country, I can say that Kyrgyzstan is a place best visited with insider knowledge, making a tour a great option for your trip. Tours in Kyrgyzstan are truly unique, with so many options to pick from.
I’ve chosen a few of my absolute favourites, let’s get into them!
Types of Kyrgyzstan Tours
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- Trekking tours; A popular pick for many adventure seekers when you’re wanting to backpack Kyrgyzstan independently, but perhaps need a little bit of extra support or company for a multi day trek. These tours are available for an array of hikes in the country, such as Lenin Peak Base Camp, Alay Valley, Ak Tor Pass and many more, allowing you to simply join a tour just for the hike, with independent travel in other areas of your trip.
- Horseback tours; One of the most unique experiences in the country, these tours range from a few hours to multiple days on horseback, taking you to remote mountain villages and pristine lakes, such as a 3 day horse trek to Song Kul. Pack your bag, saddle up, and enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way.
- General tours; As with most other countries, you can book full country tours, starting from the capital, Bishkek, exploring both cities and mountains alike, with short hikes, yurt stays, and adventure activities all in one package.
Why Book a Tour in Kyrgyzstan
But why would you choose a tour over travelling independently when visiting Kyrgyzstan? Let me tell you…
1. Logistics
It’s safe to say Kyrgyzstan does not have an abundance of information, itineraries and help out there when it comes to research for your trip, meaning planning comes with an added layer of difficulties compared to some other countries.
‘How do I pre book a yurt in the middle of the mountains when it has no online presence?’
‘Can I actually drive through this mountain pass, or is Google Maps lying to me?’
‘How do I rent a horse, is it like renting a car?’ (Yes – that was an actual thought of mine!)
These were all thoughts that popped into my head, and trust me when I say there were a lot more where those came from! But in all seriousness, there are questions that come up for Kyrgyzstan that are unlike any other country, and it can be a struggle to find the answers.
Want to know how you pre-book a yurt in the middle of the mountains on a trek, when it has no online presence? You can’t. Everyone tells you just to go – but I don’t know about you, ‘They will probably have space for you’ is not the most reassuring answer for anyone planning a multi-day hike with no guide, especially if they’re a bit of a planning freak!
So when you can book a 3 day trekking tour, with a local who has the yurt owner on speed dial to reserve you a bed, you book that tour. In addition to making sure you have a yurt for the night, they’re going to be able to help you in so many ways, from providing luggage storage for you (because who wants to go hiking with the 65L backpack they overpacked?), help with transport, and often provide meals for you, which is another way to immerse in the culture of Kyrgyzstan.
2. Meeting like minded adventure seekers
How often do you have the opportunity to go on an adventure filled trip, with like minded people? Perhaps not that often…
Kyrgyzstan offers the best of both worlds when it comes to organised tours, with the mountain roads often being unsuitable for anything other than 4X4s, most tours are a small group, meaning your experience won’t be overpowered by 30 other people blocking that mountain view you’ve been dreaming of (let’s be real, we’ve all been there). A small group also allows for people to get to know each other in a more meaningful way, and make true connections.
Bonus point: you have someone to take photos of you – no more balancing your phone on a rock with a 10 second timer!
3. Insider knowledge
Kyrgyzstan is a country you’re going to want a man on the inside, and by that, I mean a nomad on the inside – preferably one who can navigate the mountains with their eyes closed, and knows which yurt camp makes the best tea.
Ps; by nomadic, I mean in the traditional sense, following their native rules, looking after their animals and often moving from place to place each season – not people sitting behind their laptops working in other countries (because i know thats what comes to mind first these days!)
But jokes aside, joining a tour with a local will provide you with a much richer experience in the country. From the history of the country they will be able to tell you about, to understanding their experiences and way of life, to the simple fact that they know where to go, and how to get there, it allows you to fully immerse without the stress of planning, or booking.
4. You get to immerse in the culture
Experiencing and immersing in the culture of a country is my personal favourite way to connect with a place, and form a true understanding of it. However, sometimes this can be easier said than done, especially when travelling independently, it can be so easy to miss out on cultural practices.
One of my favourite things to do in Kyrgyzstan experience meal times. And no, this wasn’t just because the food was delicious, but because of the significance that meals have there.
Traditionally, and especially in more rural areas, meal times are a large group activity… Not once on our travels were we separated from other travellers, or the family who owned the yurts. If you want to find these authentic yurt stays yourself, it helps to know which regions offer the most traditional experiences.
Another perk I personally loved whilst on tours in the country, was how passionate, and how much love the locals had for their country. Our driver for a section of our trip was a wonderful elderly man, who spoke very little English, and with our very little Kyrgz, you would assume we would have little communication – however this certainly was not the case. Through broken language, hand signals and impromptu moments of charades, we learnt so much about each other. From his family, and experience living in Kyrgyzstan, to his love for his country and his favourite places.
5. Cost
Cost is always a strong topic in the discussion of group tours, with most people thinking they are more expensive than doing it independently. While this may be true for some tours, if you take into consideration some of the facts, you may be surprised to find that tours in Kyrgyzstan may actually save you money!
If you’re solo, or a group of two, you will find things such as renting cars, booking out a yurt etc will be on the pricier side, whereas with a tour, you will share that cost with a full car / yurt of people.
Some places in Kyrgyzstan also require a permit to visit, such as reaching Kol-Suu, due to its proximity to the Chinese border, and a tour will sort all of this out for you!
With a tour, you also need to counter in that you’re paying for the time and services of a guide / driver depending on your tour, and by doing this you can support locals, which is another huge tick on my list!
Don’t forget to factor in the small costs too – things such as gas prices, luggage storage, trekking equipment rental and more can often be included in a tour price.
The Best Tours in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a country that invites explorers in with welcome arms, but can be a challenge for even the most experienced travellers, which is where a tour really shines through as the best option.
With many adventure tour companies offering these itineraries, you’re bound to find one that fits your travel style and interests.
Here are three of my top recommendations for tours in Kyrgyzstan:
1. Ala Kul Trekking Tour by Journal of Nomads
This three or four day trekking adventure will give you a perfect taste of what Kyrgyzstan has to offer. With breathtaking mountain views, lush green forest, and overnight stays in a yurt, you can truly get into the nomadic and off grid lifestyle, and be rewarded with one of the country’s finest lake views.
Link: Ala Kul Lake Trekking Tour | Journal Of Nomads
2. Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan by G Adventures
Have limited time, but want to get a taste of the country, alongside its neighbour Kazakhstan? This trip is for you! You’ll get to explore the capital of Bishkek, visit the Burana tower, See the famous Son Kul lake, and adventure in Chong-Kemin valley, as well as experiencing some of what Kazakhstan has to offer too!
Link: Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in Kyrgyzstan, Asia | G Adventures
3. Visit Alay, 3 Day Horse Trek
Ready to explore the country like a true Kyrgz nomad? This horseback adventure might be exactly what you’re looking for. Saddle up and get ready to see Osh, and the Alay mountains by horseback, sleeping in mountain villages and staying in traditional Kyrgyz yurts along the way.
Link: Be a Nomad Horse Trek | 3 Days | Near Osh City
Things to Bring on a Kyrgyzstan Tour
Most places you will visit on your treks and tours will be fairly remote, so make sure you come prepared! Here are some Kyrgyzstan travel tips on things you will want to stock up on before you leave (and check if your tour company provides any of these!)
- Toilet paper: because you probably won’t be provided with any at your yurt camps. Top tip: take the cardboard tube out, and squish the roll to save room when packing!
- Snacks: because what fun is an adventure without them? In large cities you will find stores such as Globus, where you can stock up on all of the essentials. And don’t forget you can grab fresher produce, such as nuts or dried fruit at the local bazaar.
- Water: make sure you have enough water with you. The supermarkets sell large water jugs where you can buy gallons at a time. Own a filtered water bottle? Bonus points! You’re definitely going to want to bring that with you.
- Feminine products: Because you won’t find boxes of tampons for sale in the mountains, and the last thing you want is to run out!
- Expecting a shower? Don’t get your hopes up… You might be lucky and get a camp with a shower (although don’t expect hot water!) but the chances are you might have to go a few days without one… Bring wet wipes, dry shampoo or whatever else you need to feel fresh.
Travel Insurance for Your Kyrgyzstan Tour
You definitely don’t want to show up uninsured!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
What to Pack for Kyrgyzstan
Your Kyrgyzstan packing list should definitely take into account that weather changes quickly here. These are some more of my favourites:
Travel Security Belt
This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.
Microfiber Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.
‘Monopoly Deal’
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Final Thoughts on Kyrgyzstan Tours
Whether you choose a trekking tour, horseback adventure or decide to go all in on a full country tour, you’re choosing to step into a story full of adventure, hospitality and memories that will stay with you for the rest of time.
So if you’re ready to step off the beaten path and explore this Central Asian gem, pack your bag, and get ready to travel like a true nomad. Trust me, it’s an experience worth every step (and gallop).
Photo: Roaming Ralph
