Night 1
Hotel in Kochkor
Spend the night in a nice hotel in Kochkor that has all of the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake
Prices
Highlights
Cycle for 8 days through Kyrgyzstan to Issyk-Kul Lake
For anyone yearning to experience the ancient wonders of the silk road, the Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake is the ideal adventure to set out on. This tour will take you through the breathtaking wilderness of Central Asia, all while experiencing the culture, history, and rich hospitality that the region is known for. From the capital city of Bishkek to remote villages and shimmering shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, there is no better way to experience the beauty that Kyrgyzstan has to offer.
Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Explore Bishkek and Travel to Kochkor
Upon your arrival in Bishkek International airport early in the morning, you will meet with your guide and transfer to the hotel. Take some time to rest and enjoy breakfast in the hotel, before heading out on a walking excursion in the city. Here you will visit the main locations in the center, such as Oak Park, Central Square, and the National Museum. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, before transferring to Kochkor, where you will visit a felt carpet workshop where local women produce traditional Kyrgyz carpets – shyrdak and ala-kiiz. Accommodation and dinner in a hotel in Kochkor.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Kochkor
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 2 Cycle to Kyzyl-Tuu Village
Today will begin with a transfer to Kara-Talaa – a small village on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (70 km, 1,5 hours of driving). From here you will start cycling along the Tuura-Suu River for around 20 km, which will bring you to Ala-Bash Pass (2370 m). After crossing the pass, you will enter the so-called “Second Valley” – Valley of Ala-Bash.
Ride down to Kara-Koo Village for around 30 km and continue on the main road for a few kilometers to reach Kyzyl-Tuu village. After a short rest, you will visit the famous workshops where local craftsmen produce wooden goods and will be glad to present them to you. Traditional dinner and overnight stay in the village.
- Overnight Location
- Guesthouse in Kyzyl-Tuu Village
- Distance
- 55km, 4-5h
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Konur-Olen Valley and Eagle Hunting Show
Cycling up from Kara-Koo village, you will travel along Dubana gorge to the Konur-Olen Valley. This valley is known for its many small creeks and swamps. Continue to Kok-Say Village where you will find the Jaichi yurt camp., your accommodations for the night. Later on in the day, you will enjoy a unique performance – an eagle hunting show, where you can learn about traditional hunting techniques and history. Dinner and overnight in yurt camp.
- Overnight Location
- Yurt Camp at Kok-Say
- Distance
- 40km, 4-5h
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Cycle along Issyk-Kul Lake
Today you will continue along the Konur-Olen Valley and descend to Bokonbaevo village. While cycling, you will have the opportunity to see life in a remote Kyrgyz village. From here, the route goes to Issyk-Kul Lake and the Almaluu yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in yurt camp.
- Overnight Location
- Yurt Camp at Almaluu
- Distance
- 50km, 4-5h
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Ride along the Ak-Terek River
Returning along the shoreline of Issyk-Kul Lake, you will head toward the Tegerek mountains and ride along the Ak-Terek River. Flower fields along the road add some nice scenery to your journey under the hot sun. After crossing a pass at 2540 m, you will arrive at the Boz-Salkyn yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in yurt camp.
- Overnight Location
- Yurt Camp at Boz-Salkyn
- Distance
- 30km, 3-4h
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Yurt Camp on the Lakeshore
Continuing on your journey, the road will descend from the pass alongside the Ak-Terek and Tosor rivers, eventually returning to the lake. Spend the night in yurt camp on the lakeshore and enjoy the fresh air and wild nature.
- Overnight Location
- Yurt Camp at Issyk-Kul Lake
- Distance
- 50km, 4-5h
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Skazka Canyon and Folklore Performance in Bishkek
The last leg of your trip will bring you back to Bishkek by means of a car transfer (320 km), stopping along the way to walk in the Skazka Canyons. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, where you will also experience a folklore performance with traditional Kyrgyz songs, musical instruments, and get acquainted with the history of Kyrgyz music. Overnight in a hotel.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Bishkek
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Departure Day
Day 8 will be the final day of your Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour. After breakfast, you will transfer from Bishkek to the airport to say goodbye to the ancient wonders of the silk road.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake Price and Dates
This guided biking tour in Kyrgyzstan is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 4: $1,795USD per person
Please the price depends on the size of your group. Please contact us to get the exact quote.
Accommodation on Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake
This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses, and a yurt camp. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $85USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Night 2
Guesthouse in Kyzyl-Tuu Village
Cozy up in a charming guesthouse in Kyzyl-Tuu to experience life in this small village.
Night 3-6
Yurt Camp in Kyrgyzstan
Spend some time outdoors by sleeping overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp in various locations.
Night 7
Hotel in Bishkek
Centrally located in the capital of Bishkek, your 3-star accommodation will allow you to explore the history and culture of the city.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake?
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Bishkek are not included, but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport.
Also Included
- English-speaking tour leader
- Mechanic/guide assistant
- Meals as indicated each day
- Bottled water during tour (2 liters per day per person)
- Entry fees to museums
- Eagle hunting show
- Folklore show
Not included
- Flights to and from Bishkek
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Visa for Kyrgyzstan
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Porter service at the airport and hotels
Optional Extras
- Single room upgrades
- Upgrade from quadruple yurt to double yurt in camp: $55USD per person
- Bike rental $225USD per bike
Frequenty Asked Questions about Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake
How hard is the Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Guests will need to have a good level of physical fitness and will need to be comfortable with cycling 30-60 km per day.
Do I need a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake?
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Bishkek to start this tour?
Fly into Manas International Airport (FRU), where you will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel in Bishkek.
Is the Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Kyrgyzstan Cycling Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake end?
This tour begins and ends in Bishkek. At the end of the tour, guests will be transferred to Manas International Airport (FRU) for departure.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are of medium class with hardtails, aluminum frame, Shimano-Deore or SRAM X4/5 level of equipment, hydraulic disk brakes, and spring front fork.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Kyrgyzstan?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Kyrgyzstan?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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Why 10Adventures?
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Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Guests will need to have a good level of physical fitness and will need to be comfortable with cycling 30-60 km per day.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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