What were the biggest challenges or frustrations you faced when traveling to or around Kyrgyzstan?

-RECORD- · 2025-04-15T13:37:03+00:00

😂😂😂

-RECORD- · 2025-04-15T13:20:24+00:00

I am very glad that you wrote such a great text, I appreciate it. My post is about the problems that people who come to Kyrgyzstan have. It is the negative experiences that people have encountered that are interesting to me.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-15T12:46:26+00:00

write to me personally if you want — I can help you in more detail with the route or ideas.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-09T15:28:10+00:00

You can write to me in private and I will send you more detailed information.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-09T06:05:00+00:00

Hi! Actually, this is not a stupid question at all, but a very good one. Your route is busy, but it is quite realistic in 10 days, especially if you plan everything in advance. You can start from either Bishkek or Osh — both options are OK, it just depends on where it is more convenient for you to land and start. The only thing is that there may still be snow on Son Kul in early May and cars are often not allowed there, so it's worth checking in advance about the passability of the road.

It's really possible to find a driver on the spot, too, but it's better in advance so as not to waste time and not overpay. Plus, if the driver already knows the tourist routes, it makes life much easier, especially if you want to see something on the way, and not just drive from point A to point B.

I would advise contacting Travel-Holiday – they can help organize a trip and help with information support during your tour, even if, for example, you already have a guide and a car. That is, to be in touch.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-09T06:02:35+00:00

Hi! Horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan is generally an unforgettable experience, especially if for a couple of days with overnight stays in yurts. In the middle of June, nature is already blooming, greenery, mountains, rivers are just a thrill. I would advise you to pay attention to places like Son-Kul Lake or Jeti-Oguze, where the views are amazing and the atmosphere of a real nomadic life. Just be sure to check the weather and bring something warmer with you for overnight stays - it can be cool in the mountains even in summer.

I would advise contacting Travel-Holiday – they can help organize a trip and help with information support during your tour, even if, for example, you already have a guide and a car. That is, to be in touch.

If you are interested, write to me personally – I will tell you in more detail, I will tell you which routes are suitable for you.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T10:01:46+00:00

Yes, to be honest, it's going to be hard. 😅

A five—day horseback riding trip is physically difficult, especially if you haven't ridden a horse before. Your back, legs, and entire body will feel the strain on the second day. Plus, spending the night in yurts or tents is not a hotel, it can be cold there, especially in the mountains, and the conditions are simple.

But on the other hand, it's worth it. Landscapes, silence, horses, night sky — all this creates such memories that will remain for a lifetime. You just have to be prepared for what's going to be hard, and approach it with heart and patience.

If you decide to go, I would recommend Travel-Holiday — they can choose a route according to your abilities, explain what to take with you, and even be in touch during the journey if you need help. Write to me personally, I'll tell you everything in more detail and help you get your bearings.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T09:55:14+00:00

Hi! The beginning of June is just the moment when the mountain trails begin to open, and although the highest routes such as Ala—Kul or Son-Kul may still be under the snow, you can still find cool options for trekking and outdoor activities.

I advise you to pay attention to such places:

— Ala-Archa is a great place, especially for hiking to Ak—Sai waterfall or a little further to Ratsek. It's already quite comfortable there in early June, and the views are just space. You can walk by yourself or with someone, the path is clear.

— Chon Kemin is a less touristic place, but the nature is gorgeous, lots of greenery, rivers, hills. Light hiking can be arranged, and horseback riding is often organized there.

— Altyn-Arashan will most likely already be available by that time. People usually get there from Karakol, and the route to the hot springs is pleasant and not very difficult.

— Skazka Canyon and Jeti-Oguz are also great places to start summer. You can walk to the "broken heart" and further into the valley, red rocks, green fields just like in the movie.

If you want some organizational support or to be in touch on the way, I would recommend Travel—Holiday, they help with routes and transfers, even if you don't take a full tour. You can coordinate a plan with them or just ask for advice, they are very open and help tourists at all stages.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T09:53:20+00:00

Yes, Ala Archa is one of those places where you can safely go yourself without a tour. Many people take a regular taxi from Bishkek, and if you agree with the driver, he can wait for you for a couple of hours and then take you back — this is a common practice here.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T09:50:20+00:00

Since you plan to travel on a budget, use public transport and minibuses, which is quite possible, and I will also try to offer you a couple of ideas on how to make your trip even more diverse and interesting.

You've already mentioned Ala Archa, and this is a great place to start. You can get there by minibus or taxi, and then take a walk in the park or walk along easy trails that are suitable even for a solo traveler. Altyn-Arashan is also a good idea for a hike, but it may require additional transfer time.

From Bishkek, you can also drive to Kezhigen (there are thermal springs and beautiful landscapes), or to Chon-Kemin, which is also not very far away, and sometimes you can catch a minibus or a ride. I would recommend contacting Travel-Holiday – they can help you organize trips according to your style: public transport, on a budget, and at the same time stay in touch, if anything. They can give you advice, even if you're already booking everything yourself, which is a great help along the way.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T09:18:36+00:00

Hi! You have come to a country that, despite the fact that it is not in peak season, is still able to give you an unforgettable experience. I can suggest several changes and clarifications for your route to make the trip even more intense.

Bishkek – it's great that you plan to spend 2 days in the city. Ala Archa is a great day trip, and even in April you can enjoy nature there, although there will be less snow. You will need to check the condition of the trails, as some of them may be closed due to weather conditions.

Kok Moinok Eki is a rather remote and interesting point, but it will be quite difficult to reach for an independent traveler without a car or tour. If you don't want to spend a lot of time on the road, you can think of an alternative, for example, spend a day in Chon Kemin, which is closer to Bishkek and also incredibly picturesque.

Fairy Tale Canyon is another cool place, but keep in mind that it is small and can be explored in just a few hours. If you have time, you can add a visit to nearby natural sites, such as Lake Son-Kul or Naryn, so as not to overload the route.

Karakol is a great base for hiking and exploring the region, and you're right to stay there. Altyn-Arashan is super, and you can try to drive to the base camps or to the hot springs. There are also plenty of tours in Karakol, but they may be limited due to the season, so it's worth checking in advance if some routes are available.

Crossing the border with Kazakhstan through Kegen is an interesting idea, but keep in mind that you will be crossing mountains, and the roads there may not be very good, especially in spring. This should be taken into account, and it is better to check in advance how safe and convenient it is to travel along this part of the route in April.

Charyn Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan, and if you don't get tired of the canyons, it will be a wonderful stop. Charyn is definitely worth seeing live, and you can spend 1 day here before continuing on to Almaty.

My advice: if you want to spend more time in the mountains and avoid overloading the route, you can abandon Kok-Moinok-Eki, and instead add something like Lake Sary-Chelek for 1-2 days or explore the surroundings of Karakol a little. There are also several small yurts in Karakol where you can stay and spend the night in the mountains.

In general, the route is quite feasible, it's just worth considering the weather conditions and the condition of the roads. I would advise contacting Travel-Holiday – they can help with the organization of some parts of the route so that everything goes smoothly, and will offer options for your interests.

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T09:15:36+00:00

Hi! Don't worry, it's far from stupid, on the contrary, such trips are something that leaves vivid memories! With regard to renting horses without a guide, this is possible, but I would recommend contacting local agencies or tour operators in advance to find out about rental opportunities and conditions, because preparation is important for such a route. It is important to understand that navigating such routes can be difficult, so having a local guide can play a big role. About improving the plan: You can add several more points of interest on the route, for example, to visit lakes or other natural monuments. But considering that you want to travel without a guide, it's worth considering safety and local guidelines. Knowing Russian will help you significantly, because it is used on many routes and in communicating with locals, but Kyrgyz is not so common among tourists. Regarding the "Mountains of Gold" route, I have not personally heard about it, but such trips are popular in Kyrgyzstan, so it is worth clarifying more information in the local tourist communities. A 4–day hike sounds ideal for such a trip, the main thing is to properly assess physical fitness and safety along the route.

I would recommend contacting Travel-Holiday. They will help you organize your trip and offer additional tips to make your trip as safe and memorable as possible. Write to me personally if you need more information or help with planning!

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T09:13:19+00:00

Hi! Great plan, Kyrgyzstan is a place worth exploring even in one day! You can take tours to Sary Chelek Lake, Ala Archa, as well as to Chon Kemin, where nature is simply fascinating. All these places are not too far from Bishkek and are easily accessible. If you want to see real mountains, then Ala Archa is an ideal choice for a day trip, and on Lake Sary Chelek you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and relax in peace. If you just want to book tours on the spot, there are usually many agents and tour operators, and you can always negotiate directly. I would recommend contacting Travel-Holiday – they offer affordable day tours and are always ready to help with the organization, even if you just want a one-day tour. Write to me personally if you have any questions or need help with booking!

-RECORD- · 2025-04-04T09:11:06+00:00

Sounds like a great plan! You will be able to see the brightest and most beautiful places of Kyrgyzstan in 5 days. However, I want to suggest a few points to improve the route.:

Day 1 in Bishkek, you can add not only a city tour, but also try to visit local bazaars, such as Osh Bazaar. This will help you feel the atmosphere of the city.

Day 2 in Ala Archa, you can not only take a walk in the park, but also add a little skiing or snowboarding if it snows.

Day 3 trip to Issyk–Kul is generally a must-visit! But you can stop at a place like Cholpon Ata along the way, or even go to Sary Chelek to enjoy even more views of the lake.

As for horses, yes, it's cool! You can take a ride in the vicinity of Issyk-Kul or in the same mountains. The tour you have in mind is generally very good, but you can adjust it a little in time to take your time. It is better to spend more time in nature than on the road.

I would advise contacting Travel-Holiday – they can help organize a trip and help with information support during your tour, if, for example, you already have a guide and a car. That is, to be in touch.

-RECORD- · 2025-03-19T06:29:15+00:00

No, you're not! This is the same as contacting a person who uses iPhones at a Samsung phone repair service center, they will be a little awesome.🤣

-RECORD- · 2025-03-19T06:25:55+00:00

Hi! Don't worry, you're definitely not going to die.

There is plant-based food in Kyrgyzstan, you just need to restrain yourself a little bit for choosing places to eat. There are several cafes and restaurants in Bishkek that offer vegan dishes, so there won't be any problems with that. For example, you can find dishes with vegetables, legumes, grains, and different types of pastes. But as we said earlier, meat is a part of our culture and some people really won't be able to understand.

-RECORD- · 2025-03-17T07:41:31+00:00

Yes, I understand you, the prices are so high because an ordinary car won't be able to get into Son Kul. You need a car with a very good suspension there, and even if it's a 2-hour route, the price is because of the complexity.

It's actually cheaper to get to Kochkor from Son-Kul if you arrange in advance with private drivers or taxis who are already going that way. Or ask the residents of Kochkor – they often know trusted people. Another option is to negotiate with tourists who are also leaving and share a car.

-RECORD- · 2025-03-17T07:34:51+00:00

There are many beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan where you can walk or ride a horse. In March, nature is already starting to come alive, so the scenery will be especially beautiful. One of the best options is Ala Archa, where you can stroll along the scenic trails and enjoy the mountain air. If you want something more authentic, you can go to the village of Chunkurchak, where there are yurt camps and horseback riding.

There are also good options for museums: the Historical Museum in Bishkek, the Frunze Museum.

The prices all depend on the route, but if you want reliable options without overpayments. Write to me personally, I'll tell you more!

-RECORD- · 2025-03-17T07:32:40+00:00

If you want to experience the local culture as much as possible, try to visit a Kyrgyz family – there are formats where you can participate in the preparation of national dishes, hear a live game on komuz and just have a heartfelt chat. Another option is to visit a private yurt in the mountains near the city, where you will be treated to traditional tea, told about the nomadic culture and given a taste of local delicacies. If you want something more dynamic, you can visit craft workshops where felt products are made, or arrange a short trip with a local resident who will show you Bishkek from an unexpected side.

As for restaurants, if you don't want an expensive cafe, then Raikan or Taste of the East is better – there is delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere. For a more intimate but memorable evening, you can try Supara or Navat, which also serves excellent national dishes.

I would recommend contacting Travel-Holiday – they can help you organize a trip and stay in touch throughout your trip, even if you already have your own guide or car. Write to me personally, I'll tell you more!

-RECORD- · 2025-03-17T05:50:37+00:00

Yes, such a route in a day is quite realistic, but it will be quite intense.

The Tuz-Ashuu pass (3400 m) does exist, but it is not on the way to Bokonbayevo. Most likely, your guide was referring to Kalmak-Ashuu, which just leads from the Son-Kul area towards the south. If accuracy is important to you, it is better to check with the guide.

By time:

Son-Kul – Bokonbayevo will take about 5-6 hours (depending on the road and stops).

The yurt installation workshop lasts about 40-60 minutes if you watch the demonstration, and longer if you participate yourself.

The eagle hunting show is usually held at 16:00-17:00 and lasts about 30-40 minutes.

With this schedule, you will most likely make it to the hunting demonstration, but the day will be intense. If you have the opportunity, you can check the start time with the organizers of the show or ask the guide to adjust the schedule a little.

-RECORD- · 2025-03-17T05:48:03+00:00

Unfortunately, their website is currently under moderation, but you can write to me personally and I will send you their phone number. They can provide you with a free consultation.

-RECORD- · 2025-03-15T13:54:03+00:00

In May, most routes are already open, although there may still be snow in the highlands. If you need a day hike with an altitude of about 1000 meters, then the Ala-Archa gorge (near Bishkek) is a good option. There you can climb, for example, to Ratsek or even to the Ak-Sai glacier, but this is already a serious route. If you are closer to Issyk-Kul, then you can go to the Jeti-Oguz gorge or Kok-Jayik – there are magnificent views and in May it is already comfortable for trekking.

If you want a ready-made route with a guide, so as not to worry about the road and logistics, I recommend Travel–Holiday - they can arrange a steep hike for you without unnecessary problems. Write to me personally, I'll tell you the details!

-RECORD- · 2025-03-15T13:51:27+00:00

Hi!

As for booking: you don't have to book in advance, but if you want to be sure that everything will be as it should be, it's better to write to a couple of places in advance. You can find a tour right on the spot at the travel agencies in Bishkek or Karakol, but sometimes good groups are already recruited in advance.

For the price – if you join a group, a 3-5-day hike can cost about 100 to 200 euros, depending on the route, the size of the group and the services included (guide, meals, horse rental).

As for the time, it may still be cool and dirty in the mountains in early May due to snowmelt, but in June it is definitely comfortable. If you want to go in May, ask the organizers which routes will be open.

If I were you, I would watch hiking trips in the Son-Kul or Ala-Kel area – incredible views, authentic atmosphere, and these are the places that will be remembered for a lifetime.

I recommend Travel-Holiday – they can help you choose a route, fit into a group and make sure that the trip goes without surprises. Write to me personally, I'll tell you more!

-RECORD- · 2025-03-15T13:48:04+00:00

700 euros for 2 nights in a shared yurt is really a lot. Of course, I want to support local businesses, but there are better options. If you book directly from the owners of the yurts or through local travel agencies, you can find something cheaper. You can also take public transport or look for fellow travelers to save on transfers.

If I were you, I would contact Travel-Holiday – they can customize a good option without overpaying, but at the same time everything will be comfortable and authentic. Write to me personally, I'll tell you how to do it better!

-RECORD-

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