7 day tour "The Way of Nomad"
Tour in 7 Days
From 1250 USD per person
Tour Overview
“The Way of Nomad” is a unique opportunity to explore Kyrgyzstan and experience ancient nomadic culture. During this extraordinary journey, you will follow the path of the nomads — from ancient campsites to modern yurt camps. You will not only witness, but actively take part in sacred ceremonies and centuries-old rituals that reflect the core of the Kyrgyz nomad lifestyle.
Itinerary
Lunch Stop
Pause for lunch in a roadside café or guesthouse en route.
Arrive at Song-Kul
Meet your horse guide and ride toward the yurt camp (1.5–2 hours by horse).
Horseback Riding
Afternoon ride along the lakeshore or in nearby hills with a local guide.
Overnight in Yurt (song-kol)
Dinner and overnight stay in a lakeside yurt with views of the mountains.
Drive back to Bishkek
Return to Bishkek with lunch stop; arrival in the evening.
What to expect
Day 1
Day 1
Bishkek city – Naryn
Meeting in Bishkek and start our journey to the Naryn region – one of the most high-altitude and authentic areas of the land of nomads.
In just 1.5 hours, we will reach our first landmark of the Great Silk Road — the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower. Here you will visit a small museum with exhibits found at excavations and its fascinating collection of ancient stone balbals.
Crossing the Boom Gorge, we arrive at a yurt camp in Naryn. Here, we will learn why the Kyrgyz revered water as sacred and how nomadic traditions were born high in the mountains.
After dinner, we will explore the philosophy of Kyrgyz nomad lifestyle, the traditions of birth and coming of age, family values, and the rituals of seeing a nomad off on his final journey.
Overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.
Day 2
Day 2
Naryn – Song-Kol lake
After breakfast, we gather our strength for a true high-mountain summer nomadic experience. Upon arrival at the traditional yurt camp on Song-Kol lake, a delicious lunch awaits us.
Later, we take part in building a real nomadic dwelling — a yurt. Today, we will acquire our first nomadic skills.
Dinner and overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp..
Day 3
Day 3
Song-Kol lake – Tash-Rabat caravanserai
After breakfast at the yurt camp, we will master the art of horseback riding.
After a horseback ride to the lake, we will embark on an important mission — to deliver a valuable cargo, a symbol of trust and a part of a ritual for prosperity.
We continue toward Tash-Rabat, a 15th-century caravanserai nestled high in the mountains. After an engaging tour and a meal, we continue to a traditional yurt camp, where dinner and an introduction to the traditions of the nomadic people await us.
Overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.
Day 4
Day 4
Canyon corridors and return to Bishkek
On the final day of the expedition, explore the Kulzha-Bashi canyons—a hidden gem of the region, where wind and water have carved out bizarre architectural forms from clay and sandstone.

After enjoying the "Martian" views, head towards Naryn for lunch. The journey home will take you through familiar mountain ranges, and a farewell dinner in the Boom Gorge will be the perfect time to share photos and impressions. Late in the evening, return to Bishkek, taking with you a piece of the magic of the Tien Shan.
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Day 4
Day 4
Tash-Rabat caravanserai – South shore of lake Issyk-Kul
After breakfast, we take a walk to explore Tash-Rabat caravanserai, the ancient refuge of travelers and merchants. Later, we head towards the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul.
Here, we will take part in Salburun, a traditional hunting practice that includes golden eagle hunting, archery, and the Kyrgyz Taigan hunting dog.
Upon arrival at the yurt camp/guesthouse, we will take a walk along the lakeshore, followed by dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp/guesthouse.
Day 5
Day 5
South shore of lake Issyk-Kul – Karkyra valley
After breakfast, our journey leads us to the Karkyra valley, home of the Cranes Migration. On the way, we visit masters of felt carpet-making, explore Karakol’s diverse culture with a visit to the Dungan Mosque, built without a single nail, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where a miraculous Greek icon is preserved, and stop by the Old Mill Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to the 5th century BCE.
In the evening, we arrive in the Karkyra valley, where a cozy yurt camp and a delicious dinner await us.
Day 6
Day 6
Karkyra valley
After breakfast, we will set off on a hike to the Char-Kuduk Gorge.
Upon our return, lunch will be served. Later, we participate in a boorsok (Kyrgyz bread) cooking masterclass and there will be an opportunity to try on traditional wedding outfits.
Dinner and overnight at a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.
Day 7
Day 7
Karkyra valley – Bishkek city
After breakfast our journey is coming to an end. On the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the village of Ornok, the guardians of the Museum of Nomadic Civilizations will welcome us and present the final symbol of the nomad. Over a farewell lunch, we will take photos to remember our expedition. Return to Bishkek.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private transport with driver
  • English-speaking cultural guide
  • 3 nights in yurts or guesthouse
  • Entrance fees (Skazka, canyons)
  • All meals (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
Pricing
Private tour
$2000 USD per person​
Group of 2 people
$1320 USD per person
Group of 3-4 people
$1100 USD per person
Group of 5 or more people​
By Request
Additional Information
  • Duration:
    4 days / 3 nights
  • Language
    English
  • Activity level
    Moderate (horseback riding, hiking, canyon walking)
  • Accomodation
    2 nights in yurts, 1 night in guesthouse or yurt (depending on weather/location)
  • What to bring
    Comfortable shoes, warm clothes, sunscreen, swimsuit, reusable water bottle, flashlight
How to Buy Tour:
Start with us
  • Contact us
    our manager to choose the right tour and discuss all the details.
  • Get details
    Once everything is confirmed, you'll receive the payment details.
  • Confirm
    Make the transfer and send us a confirmation.
  • Booking
    Our manager will send you a booking confirmation and all necessary documents.
Contacts:
Телефон: +996 551 996 600
Почта: orient@travel.kg
orient-travel, 720001, Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek