This 6-day Kyrgyzstan small group tour brings the epic tale of Manas to life while introducing you to the country’s rich nomadic culture. Highlights include horseback riding and horse game kok boru at Burana Tower, nomadic games in Karkyra Valley, and a boat ride on Issyk-Kul paired with a Manaschi storyteller’s recital. Explore Jeti Oguz Gorge and Fairy Tale Canyon, try archery and eagle hunting, and participate in traditional crafts such as yurt building and felt making. Each day reveals a vibrant facet of Kyrgyz traditions, for an unforgettable cultural journey.
Tour itinerary:
Our tour begins with the legend of Manas, who, since childhood, loved horses and often participated in horse races.
We will head to Burana Tower, where we will try our hand at horseback riding, just like the young Manas did. Here, we will also learn to play Kok Boru, one of his favorite games that he played with his 40 warriors (choro). After an exciting day, we will travel to the Chon-Kemin Gorge, where we will be welcomed by the locals. In the evening, we will hear the story of Manas's first encounter with Khan Koshoi.
They met and held competitions in national games like Kuresh. Dinner and accommodation in a yurt camp.
Meals: Dinner
We will head to Burana Tower, where we will try our hand at horseback riding, just like the young Manas did. Here, we will also learn to play Kok Boru, one of his favorite games that he played with his 40 warriors (choro). After an exciting day, we will travel to the Chon-Kemin Gorge, where we will be welcomed by the locals. In the evening, we will hear the story of Manas's first encounter with Khan Koshoi.
They met and held competitions in national games like Kuresh. Dinner and accommodation in a yurt camp.
Meals: Dinner
The next day, our journey continues as we immerse ourselves in the nomadic lifestyle. In the morning, like true nomads, you'll have the chance to try milking cows. After breakfast, the route takes us to Karkyra Valley.
Upon arrival, the experience deepens with the traditional preparations for "Ash," just like in the epic of Khan Koketey. Participants can join in making boorsoks and help prepare a traditional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Upon arrival, the experience deepens with the traditional preparations for "Ash," just like in the epic of Khan Koketey. Participants can join in making boorsoks and help prepare a traditional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
This day will be dedicated to games and competitions. We will learn about the contests held in honor of Koketey and try our hand at various jailoo games, such as toguz korgool, ordo, and traditional activities typical of nomadic life.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After an eventful day in Karkyra, the journey continues to Karakol. Upon arrival, an exciting boat ride awaits, where you'll hear the fascinating tale of how Manas drew his strength from Lake Issyk-Kul.
Following the boat ride, a warm welcome from a Manaschi, a traditional storyteller, will provide the opportunity to learn how to recite the epic "Manas" and discover its most important moments.
Meals: Breakfast
Following the boat ride, a warm welcome from a Manaschi, a traditional storyteller, will provide the opportunity to learn how to recite the epic "Manas" and discover its most important moments.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Karakol – Jeti Oguz Gorge – Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon – Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul (250 km, 6 hours)
Today, we will visit a place where Manas and his mighty warriors prepared for battle. Our first stop will be Jeti Oguz, where we will put on traditional warrior costumes. Next, at Fairy Tale Canyon, we will encounter a symbolic throne, which we will attempt to "conquer." We will also test our skills in archery and witness a demonstration of eagle hunting, adding to the feeling of being part of a real military campaign.
In the evening, after a long day, we will settle into a yurt camp and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
In the evening, after a long day, we will settle into a yurt camp and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
On the final day of the tour, we will discuss the migration of Manas and his people to Talas. In the village of Kyzyl Tuu, stop to assemble a yurt, just as the nomads did. In Bokonbaevo, we discover the secrets of making shyrdaks, the traditional felt carpets used in yurts.
After this enriching experience, we will return to Bishkek. End of Kyrgyzstan Small Group Tour.
Meals: Breakfast
After this enriching experience, we will return to Bishkek. End of Kyrgyzstan Small Group Tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Price includes:
- Accommodation on the basis of double/twin sharing in yurt camps - 5 nights;
- Demonstration of art Manas storytelling;
- Meals - according to the programme (B - 5, L - 1, D - 4);
- Entrance tickets and ecological fees according to the program;
- Transport according to the programme from the start to the finish in Bishkek;
- Archery in Skazka Canyon;
- Demonstration of National Horseback riding games;
- Demonstration of eagle hunting (Golden Eagle);
- Demonstration of shyrdak making;
- Demonstration of yurt frame making and setting up;
- Boat cruise in Karakol;
- Mineral water (1 litre/day/person).
Price doesn't include:
- Single supplement;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- All personal expenses;
- Photo/video fees at museums;
- Tips for guide and driver;
- Alcohol.
Clothing and Equipment:
You can bring all the necessary items. Please note that in spring and autumn, temperatures in Bishkek can reach up to +30°C, while in the mountains, temperatures may drop to 0°C in case of bad weather.
In winter, temperatures in Bishkek can range from +3°C to -6°C, and in the mountains, they may drop to -15°C during poor weather conditions.
Be prepared for significant temperature variations.
Recommended (for summer):
- Raincoat
- Sweater/Fleece jacket
- Windbreaker
- Plenty of T-shirts and other undergarments (consider taking something with long sleeves to avoid sunburn)
- Hat (keep in mind – the sun can be strong)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent (for skin and clothing)
- Comfortable shoes (no need for heavy boots) for walking around the city
- Personal first aid kit (common issues: blisters, sunburn, allergies, diarrhea, muscle pain after hikes. Bring painkillers, antihistamines, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and anything you may need for your usual medical conditions).
- Personal hygiene kit (hand sanitizer recommended) + some toilet paper
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (for Issyk-Kul)
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Notebook and pen for travel notes
- Small backpack, in addition to your regular suitcase
- Flashlight
- Walking sticks, if needed
Recommended (for winter):
- Raincoat
- Sweater/Fleece jacket
- Windbreaker
- Plenty of T-shirts
- Thermal base layers
- Warm winter clothing (pants and jackets)
- Warm winter hat and gloves
- Scarf
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Good waterproof boots for light mountain hikes
- Warm shoes for walking around the city
- Personal first aid kit (common issues: blisters, sunburn, allergies, diarrhea, muscle pain after hikes. Bring painkillers, antihistamines, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and any necessary medication for existing conditions)
- Personal hygiene kit
- Lip balm
- Towel
- Swimsuit (for hot springs or sauna)
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Notebook and pen for travel notes
- Small backpack, in addition to your regular suitcase
- Flashlight
Currency Exchange - If you plan to exchange dollars/euros/soms for cash, we recommend bringing 50 or 100 USD bills without stamps, writings, or any other damage, as damaged bills are not accepted by banks or exchange offices.
Dates & Prices, per person
From:
To:
Deadline:
Status:
Price:
Single supplement: US$ 65
100% guaranteed departures – even if there is only 1 traveler.
Group size: 1-16 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.
Accommodation
Green Yard 3* / Matsunoki 3* / Hotel 78 – 3*
Tour Request
Kyrgyzstan Group Tour Reviews
Author: NK | Rating: 523 September 2019
I decided to venture to Kyrgyzstan based on the recommendation of a fellow traveler on my last Advantour trip and was equally surprised and delighted by the country. Kyrgyzstan may not have the cultural landmarks found in other Central Asian countries, but the Tien Shan mountains and its alpine lakes are certainly spectacular. Spending an evening with the nomads at Son Kul lake in a yurt is certainly an experience I won’t forget anytime soon, swimming in Issyk Kul was refreshing and much more pleasant than the ocean, watching several games of ulak tartysh was certainly interesting and special thanks to our tour guide Azamatt and driver Gena for our repeated road side photo shoot stops.
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
Author: NK | Rating: 523 September 2019
I decided to venture to Kyrgyzstan based on the recommendation of a fellow traveler on my last Advantour trip and was equally surprised and delighted by the country. Kyrgyzstan may not have the cultural landmarks found in other Central Asian countries, but the Tien Shan mountains and its alpine lakes are certainly spectacular. Spending an evening with the nomads at Son Kul lake in a yurt is certainly an experience I won’t forget anytime soon, swimming in Issyk Kul was refreshing and much more pleasant than the ocean, watching several games of ulak tartysh was certainly interesting and special thanks to our tour guide Azamatt and driver Gena for our repeated road side photo shoot stops.
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
Because tourism is still developing in Kyrgyzstan, you are also privy to these more authentic and intimate experiences. For example, I originally assumed our eagle hunting demonstration would involve 5 other tour groups and just provide some basic information about the tradition, but no. Instead, it was just our tour group in the mountains with the eagles and their handlers. We got up close to the animals, saw their training techniques and even watched one of the eagles catch a rabbit. Another evening we were due to see some performers and instead of being in some fancy restaurant, we sat in the kitchen of a local family and had the musicians perform just for us on the other side of the table.
Once again, Advantour really delivered with a budget friendly tour that provided a number of wonderful memories.
Visited September 2019
