Spirit of Kyrgyzstan

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Fly overnight to Bishkek

   Days 1–2

   Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. Early check-in is included. The rest of the day is yours to relax before dinner.
2. 3

   Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park

   Begin the day surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Ala-Archa National Park, a spectacular alpine haven in the Tian Shan Mountains. Enjoy a leisurely walk among rugged peaks, sparkling streams, and breathtaking gorges. Return to Bishkek for lunch, then discover the city’s highlights: Central Square, the iconic Manas Monument, and a bustling bazaar.
3. 4

   Issyk Kul Lake

   Depart Bishkek and visit the Museum of Nomadic Civilisation, a fascinating trove of artefacts that tell the story of nomadic peoples through history. Continue to the sparkling northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake. Enjoy a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
4. 5

   Journey to Karakol

   Journey east along the shoreline of Issyk Kul to Karakol, stopping in the village of Tup for a tour and a tasting of the region’s famous Kyrgyz cheese, kurut. Next, stop at a farm to learn about the breeding of thoroughbred horses and giant Arashan rams, then spend the afternoon soaking in a local hot spring, an essential part of the Karakol lifestyle. This evening, join a welcoming Dungan family for a delicious home-cooked dinner.
5. 6

   Explore Karakol

   Enjoy an active morning with a walk through the picturesque Karakol Gorge, before returning to the city to visit the Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church, known for their unusual construction. This afternoon, visit a social enterprise that supports local women and promotes the products they produce, such as jam, dried fruit and felt souvenirs. Tonight, dine on lagman — hand-pulled noodles tossed with spiced lamb, a dish that sits at the heart of Uyghur culture.
6. 7

   Jeti-Oguz Gorge

   You may wish to rise early this morning to visit the Karakol Animal Market, a bustling spectacle each Sunday that draws local farmers and traders, offering a rare and memorable glimpse into rural Kyrgyz life. Travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famed for its striking red sandstone formations. Take a walk to spot the ‘Broken Heart’ and towering ‘Seven Bulls’, while admiring sweeping views. Arrive at your camp for the next two nights and settle into your cosy yurt. Later, learn from the camp chef how to make ‘manty’, a delicious local favourite of spiced minced meat dumplings.
7. 8

   Barskoon Gorge & Skazka Canyon

   Visit Skazka Canyon and enjoy a walk among its dramatic red rock formations, discovering why it is also known as ‘Fairytale Canyon’. Continue to Kadji-Sai village to meet a local family of musicians, joining them for a traditional lunch accompanied by a lively folklore performance. In the afternoon, walk through the dense spruce forest and alpine meadows of Barskoon Gorge to reach the famous ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’ waterfall.
8. 9

   Meet an Eagle Hunter

   Travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Along the way, meet an eagle hunter and see the training process of these magnificent birds. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu, a village famous for its skilled artisans, learn about the traditional craft of yurt-making. After lunch, continue to Chon- Kemin where you’ll have a hands-on class on how to make the traditional Kyrgyz dish of tash food cooks, before dining on the results.
9. 10

   Return to Bishkek

   Learn to make boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz bread, enjoying what you prepared with breakfast. Travel to Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and explore the openair museum with ancient balbals. Then, enjoy a demonstration of ulak tartysh, the thrilling traditional horse game of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic peoples. Return to Bishkek where you’ll have some free time before a farewell dinner.
10. 11

    Depart Bishkek

    Days 11–12

    Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.

Accommodation

Book this package

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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