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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Start your adventure in the Kyrgyz capital. On day one, drive up to Ala Archa National Park for a stunning gorge hike with views of snowy peaks. Stock up on supplies at Osh Bazaar before heading out on the road.
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Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan
Stop at the iconic Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret surrounded by ancient stone figures called balbals. A great acclimatisation day before the big mountain roads ahead. The surrounding Chuy Valley is flat and easy driving.
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Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan
Arrive at the north shore of the magnificent Issyk-Kul lake, one of the world's largest alpine lakes. Set up your first wildcamp on the pebbly beach with breathtaking mountain backdrops. The water is surprisingly warm and safe to swim in.
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Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol is the adventure hub of eastern Kyrgyzstan, base for the Ala-Kul trek and Altyn Arashan hot springs valley. The Dungan Mosque and colourful Sunday animal market are worth exploring in town. After your hikes, reward yourself with a bowl of lagman noodles at a local café.
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Jeti-Oguz, Kyrgyzstan
The Seven Bulls red rock formations are one of Kyrgyzstan's most photogenic landmarks, especially at golden hour. The surrounding valley is lush and green with horses roaming freely. A short easy drive from Karakol makes this a perfect half-day detour.
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Bokonbaevo, Kyrgyzstan
Drive the dramatic south shore via the Barskoon waterfall and the otherworldly Skazka Canyon with its eroded clay formations. Bokonbaevo is a small village known for traditional eagle hunting demonstrations. A great overnight stop before the big mountain pass day to Naryn.
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Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
The drive to Naryn crosses epic mountain passes through raw, rugged Central Asian landscape with almost no traffic. Naryn is a quiet provincial town on the Naryn River, a good place to refuel and sleep before tackling the Song-Köl road. Try beshbarmak, the national dish of boiled meat and pasta.
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Song-Kol, Kyrgyzstan
Song-Köl is the crown jewel of this trip — a vast alpine lake at 3,016 metres surrounded by rolling yurt-dotted grasslands. Spend two nights in a nomad yurt camp, go horseback riding at sunrise, and fly a drone over the untouched steppe. The night sky here is absolutely spectacular with zero light pollution.
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Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
The scenic exit route from Song-Köl winds through dramatic valleys and traditional villages. Kochkor is a small town famous for its handmade felt shyrdak rugs, a great last-minute souvenir. From here it's an easy final drive back to Bishkek to return the car.
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan