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Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan
A relaxed resort town on the northern shore of the stunning Issyk-Kul lake. Visit the open-air Petroglyphs Museum and enjoy fresh fish dishes from the lake. A great first stop to ease into the journey.
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Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
The adventure hub of eastern Kyrgyzstan, close to the Tian Shan mountains. Explore the colourful Animal Market on weekends, the Dungan Mosque, and day hike into Altyn Arashan gorge with its hot springs. Try ashlan-fu, a cold noodle dish unique to this area.
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Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan
Home to the remarkably preserved 15th-century caravanserai of Tash Rabat, a stone inn that once served Silk Road traders. The surrounding high-altitude valley at 3,500m is perfect for spotting yaks and eagles. Stay in a traditional yurt camp for an unforgettable night under the stars.
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Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
A quiet provincial town set deep in a river valley in the heart of Kyrgyzstan. It makes a practical base for exploring the Naryn gorge and nearby nomadic communities. Try hearty beshbarmak — boiled meat over flat noodles — at a local chaikhana.
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Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
A charming small town famous for its handcrafted shyrdak felt rugs, which you can watch being made by local women's cooperatives. It's the classic gateway to the Song-Kul lake plateau and offers excellent community-based tourism homestays. Stock up on supplies here before heading to higher altitude.
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Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
A breathtaking alpine lake sitting at 3,016m, surrounded by vast rolling meadows filled with nomadic yurt camps in summer. Ride horses along the lakeshore, watch the sunset paint the steppe gold, and sleep in a yurt under an extraordinary blanket of stars. September brings crisp air and golden light — perfect timing.
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Bokonbaevo, Kyrgyzstan
A small village on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul known for eagle hunting demonstrations by local berkutchi hunters. The landscape here is dramatic with red-brown cliffs meeting the lake. It's a quieter and more authentic alternative to the northern shore resort towns.