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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Start your journey in the relaxed capital city. Explore Ala-Too Square, the Osh Bazaar, and fuel up on laghman noodles before heading into the mountains. Stock up on supplies and arrange any permits needed for national parks.
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Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan
Drive east along the stunning northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the world's second-largest alpine lake. Cholpon-Ata is a great base for swimming, visiting the open-air petroglyphs museum, and watching the sunset over the water. The lake stays warm year-round thanks to its unique thermal properties.
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Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
At the eastern tip of Issyk-Kul, Karakol is an adventurer's hub surrounded by dramatic peaks. Day-trip into Karakol Gorge or Altyn Arashan for hot springs and yurt stays. Don't miss the famous Sunday animal market and a bowl of ashlan-fu, a cold noodle dish unique to this city.
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Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
A charming small town that serves as the gateway to the Song-Kul plateau. Stop here to arrange horses or a guide for the high pasture, and visit a local cooperative to see traditional shyrdak felt rugs being made by hand.
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Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Song-Kul is a remote high-altitude lake at 3,016 metres surrounded by vast rolling steppes and nomadic yurt camps. Spend a night in a traditional yurt with a herder family, ride horses across the plateau, and experience some of the most breathtaking stargazing in Central Asia. The drive up via mountain passes is an adventure in itself.
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Return to Bishkek via the scenic Kochkor valley and the Boom Gorge along the Chu River. Spend your final evening dining in the trendy Erkindik Boulevard area, pick up souvenirs like felt crafts and local honey at the Dordoy or Osh Bazaar, and reflect on a spectacular journey through the mountains.