Kyrgyzstan can be challenging to travel independently as a first-time visitor. The terrain, language barrier, long distances between destinations and difficulty organising transport can make reaching some of the country’s more remote highlights more complicated.
This is where a guided tour can be incredibly helpful. You have comfortable transport, a local guide who can translate and help with communication, and the accommodation and activities are organised for youโmeaning you can spend more time enjoying the experience and less time figuring out the logistics.
We personally joined Kyrgyz Riders on their 4-day Family Tour to see some of the harder to reach parts of Kyrgyzstan that are unmissable! During our 4-day tour with Kyrgyz Riders and visited Ysyk-Kol Lake, Chong-Kemin National Park, Song Kul and Burana Tower and had a fantastic time. We experienced not just the destinations but the warmth and friendship of our guide who only enhanced our tour. For the limited time we had, four days was an excellent way to experience several of Kyrgyzstan’s highlights and left us wanting to come back for more.
Our quick verdict: Yes, we think the tour is an excellent option for travellers who want to experience some of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular landscapes without organising the logistics themselvesโbut there are a few things we’d recommend knowing before booking.
Disclosure: We received a discount from Kyrgyz Riders for this tour. As always, this review reflects our honest experience and opinions.
Table of Contents
Kyrgyz Riders 4-Day Tour: Our Quick Verdict
Best for:
This tour is best for first-time visitors to Kyrgyzstan, couples and families. It is perfect for travellers with limited time or who don’t want to drive but want a mix of scenery and culture.
Not ideal for:
I would not recommend this tour for people wanting a slow-paced holiday, serious hikers, travellers wanting luxury accommodation every night or people wanting to explore each destination in depth.
Our rating:
- Overall experience: 9.5/10
- Value for money: 9.5/10
- Scenery: 10/10
- Guide: 10/10
- Accommodation: 9.5/10
- Transport: 9/10
What Is the Kyrgyz Riders 4-Day Family Tour?
The 4-day road-trip style tour that is designed as an easier, more relaxed experience but still covers major landscapes. It includes yurt experience and is suitable for travellers wanting nature without any difficult trekking.
According to the current Kyrgyz Riders listing, the itinerary is designed around Chong-Kemin, Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul and is a family-friendly, low-physical-demand road trip.
| Tour detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Length | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Style | Road trip & guided tour |
| Best for | Families, couples, first-time visitors |
| Main highlights | Chong-Kemin, Issyk-Kul, Song-Kul, eagle hunting, horse riding |
| Accommodation | Two nights in guesthouse accommodation and one night in a comfortable yurt |
| Physical level | Easy! There were also optional activities such as hiking and horse riding |
| Best season | Check current tour dates |
| Start/end | Start and end in Bishkek |
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Why We Chose Kyrgyz Riders
We wanted to experience some of Kyrgyzstan’s famous mountain landscapes and lakes without spending days figuring out transport and accommodation logistics. With limited time to get out to Song Kul Lake, we wanted to spend most of it visiting a mixture of destinations rather than finding buses. Learning from and travelling with a local guide who knew the mountain roads were also appealing factors. After assessing the options of hiring a car or a DIY public transport trip we realised that we would be wasting too much of our time putting it together and wanted to spend more time on the experience.
Why Kyrgyz Riders specifically?
We didn’t want a large group tour that was stuffy or boring and we wanted to go with a tour company that was local so we could learn from our guide. Kyrgyz Riders fit all our requirements. The itinerary included everything we wanted to see and even a couple of places we hadn’t heard of. The communication was excellent, we got prompt responses each time we asked a question, it felt like we had found the right company.
Our 4-Day Kyrgyzstan Tour at a Glance
We chose the 4-day Family Tour as it covered a lot of ground for the 4 days that we had available, visiting both Song Kul and Issy-Kul Lake which were places we wanted to see.
| Day 1: From Bishkek drive to Chong-Kemin National Park and see Burana Tower Day 2: Visit Issyk-Kul Lake, the Kok-Moinok Canyons & Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka Canyons) Day 3: Experience eagle hunting, Kochkor Village, Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,400โฏm), Song-Kul Lake. Day 4: Horse riding at Song-Kol Lake, Tuz-Ashuu Pass, Bishkek |
Our Experience on the Kyrgyz Riders 4-Day Tour
Day 1 โ Chong-Kemin National Park
The morning
On our first day we were picked up from our hotel in Bishkek at 8:30am by our tour guide and taken to pay for our tour at the Kyrgyz Riders office. We were picked up in a Toyota Highlander that was to be our tour car for the next 4 days and it was perfectly suited to the job. We met the two other travellers joining our tour, both from Switzerland, and after paying for our tours we were on our way. There was a supermarket located just under the Kyrgyz Riders office so if you needed to pick up any last minute supplies you had the opportunity.
The drive
The total drive time for the day was about 3 hours covering approximately 170km. The roads took us from the city to countryside of Kyrgyzstan passing through mountains on the sides of the roads. It was a really nice, scenic drive and we spent it getting to know the other people on our tour and our guide. We peppered her with questions and discovered her wealth of knowledge that she was happy to share. The drive was comfortable and never felt like we were in the car for too long as we made two stops along the way.
Our first major experience
Our first stop was to the historic Burana Tower, 83km from Bishkek. The Burana Tower is a minaret that dates to the 10th & 11th centuries and was once part of Balasagun, a town on the Silk Road. The tower stands 25m tall but was once 40m, part of it falling during an earthquake.
The Burana Tower is a common stop for tours passing through and there is a small museum and some yurts to check out also. We went in and were able to climb the tower to see the view from the top, the staircase inside is very dark and quite small. I loved that the entry tickets were Burana Tower stamps!
After this we stopped for lunch with a local family, experienced the Dungan culture and then headed for Chong-Kemin. The area is beautiful, wide open grasslands and a mountain behind with the national park for walking.
Lunch
We had lunch along the way with a Dungan (Chinese Muslim) family. This is a local stop for many tours and they have tables lined up ready for your group. We were served local specialities such as vegetables, meat dishes and bread. They kindly gave me rice instead of noodles as our guide was easily able to speak to them to explain that I can’t eat gluten and where that was found. I was able to eat the rest of the dishes which were really tasty.
Accommodation
We arrived to our accommodation for the night at Chong-Kemin National Park and were so surprised by how beautiful it was. The lodges were open and airy, each room was spacious and clean with lovely Kyrgyz decorative touches. The windows looked out to the mountains and the bed was really comfortable. Our private bathroom was fully equipped and the shower had great water pressure and hot water.
Dinner
Our dinner was served by our guest house at Chong-Kemin. This was a highlight of our tour, the food was such high quality and delicious. We were given a three-course meal, a salad and soup to start followed by a main which was stuffed peppers and then ice cream for dessert. There was bread and preserves on the table and we were served tea and water to drink. We sat and ate as a tour group overlooking the mountains. It was a beautiful place, after dinner we watched the sunset and went to bed already looking forward to breakfast!
Our honest verdict – Was Day 1 worth it?
We really enjoyed day one of our Kyrgyzstan tour, we got a mix of history and nature and the driving distance was not too far. The whole day was a nice, easy introduction to the tour.
Practical Information:
- Total driving distance is approximately170km
- Total driving time is approximately 3 hours
- Highest elevation: approximately 1400m
Day 2 โ Issyk-Kul (Ysyk-Kol) Lake
Morning – Kok-Moinok Canyons
After a hearty breakfast, our second day began with a drive to Issyk-Kul Lake. We travelled for 50km before stopping to visit the Kok-Moinok Canyons. These canyons are a vibrant red-orange colour with narrow winding labyrinths and slot canyons to walk through. The hikes are a moderate difficulty at most and it was a nice stop off along the way. I really enjoyed this canyon experience!
Issyk-Kul Lake North Shore
We arrived at the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and took a walk to check it out, there were families enjoying the water. We were so surprised by how huge the lake is! It really did feel like a sea, we enjoyed the views and learnt about the history of the area. We also came back to the south shore before going to our hotel and found a quieter spot to swim. It was fresh and lovely, a great ending to our day.
Lunch
We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant and it was the best meal we had during our time in Kyrgyzstan. Mike ate a local dish, kuurdak, and loved it. Our guide helped me find out what was safe for me to eat and I ordered the fricassee which was sensational. We all agreed this lunch spot was excellent, we are so glad that our guide knew the best places to take us! To this day we think this is the best meal we had in Kyrgyzstan.
Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka Canyon)
After lunch we went to Fairy Tale Canyon. These were much larger than the Kok-Moinok Canyons we saw earlier. The colours are similar red but there is less layering visible. There are also really tall parts of the canyons that you can climb up and see the view from the top, it is pretty sensational.
Issyk-Kul South Shore
We headed back to Issy-Kul Lake to cool off afterward, this time to the south shore. It was so refreshing after hiking at the canyons. We really liked the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake as it was quieter and less touristy but there was still some cabanas and shade for hire.
Accommodation
The other travellers on the tour had elected to stay at one of Kyrgyzstan’s sanatoriums on Issy-Kol Lake. This was the Tamga Military Sanatorium located on the Southern side of Issy-Kul Lake and is most famous for its retro military-cosmonaut legacy, figures like Yuri Gagarin once visited after returning from space. The sanatorium has a famous reputation now due to a book by famous Chinese author, Liu Zichao, called The Lost Satellites: A Journey into the Heart of Central Asia.
The travel writer visits the sanatorium and looks for remnants of Yuri Gaharin’s stay. International travellers are able to stay there and the guys on our tour had asked to spend a night there. You can’t prebook the accommodation so we went with them to see if they could get in. They were successful and we left them there, having a little walk around the outside to check out the interesting mosaics. It was such an interesting place, I was glad we got to see it.
We went to the arranged guest house and entered a beautiful space, run by a lovely couple. The rooms had a retro vibe but were extremely clean and comfortable. There was a private bathroom, small fridge, everything we needed for an easy night to relax.
Our favourite part was their beautiful lush garden, it was so lovely to sit and relax here. We really enjoyed our evening here, sitting watching the sun set in the garden was magic.
Dinner
We ate a delicious meal of borsch soup and meat and potato stew. It was wholesome and very tasty. The kitchen area was cute, tea was served and coffee available as well. Our breakfast was equally filling and very well made, each dish was carefully prepared.
Was day 2 worth it?
Day two of our Kyrgyzstan tour was great. I loved the two canyon experiences, both of which felt quite different. Our visits to the lake were a nice change of scenery and the garden of our accommodation was so lovely, it was like stepping into another world. Definitely worth it.
Practical information
- Driving distance: Total for day 2 is approximately 190km
- Highest elevation: approximately 1600m
Day 3 โ Song-Kul Lake
Morning
Today was a big day, our breakfast was early and we were off to see eagle hunting! This was located close to the town of Bokonbayevo, a main transport hub in the area. We drove out to a remote pasture area in the mountains and found a family of eagle hunters waiting for us.
Eagle Hunting
We met three generations of eagle hunters from the same family, a fading traditional method of hunting in Kyrgyzstan. The hunters demonstrated the relationship between the eagle and its handler, explaining that the bird responds to its owner. One of the hunters rode up the mountainside while another held meat below, calling the eagle down for the demonstration. The eagle swooped down and grabbed the meat, landing with precision.
They also let us sit on their horse and get a photo taken holding the eagle. This was a pretty surreal moment. The eagle is quite heavy and it was a struggle for me to hold it as high as it wanted to be, Mike had no problem with this. The men let us wear their traditional clothing although women can’t wear the hat.
After watching the eagle hunt and the Taigan, a dog that is local to Central Asia, hunt they took us to do some archery which was a lot of fun. We all really enjoyed the whole experience. It was great to get a glimpse into the culture.
Lunch
We stopped for lunch at a restaurant in Kochkor which is a transport hub for Song Kol. The restaurant was really lovely and the food was great. Our guide knew exactly where to take us in each location and recommended dishes to try that were interesting for the others and safe for me. We shared salads and ate our meals with kompot and tea.
Song Kul
We arrived at Song-Kul in the afternoon and this was immediately one of the most spectacular moments of our trip. The enormous alpine landscape, horses wandering around the camp and the lake stretching into the distance made it feel completely different from anywhere else we’d visited in Kyrgyzstan.
Accommodation
We were so excited to stay in a yurt at Song-Kul Lake. Our yurts were spacious and there was a heater oven in the room to keep us warm at night. We had three single beds in our yurt and a light that came on in the evening with the generator which also ran the wifi. We spent the late afternoon walking the area, checking out the scenery, soaking up the vibe and truly relaxing. The sun set over the lake creating a magical sky. It really was a pinch me moment.
Was day 3 worth it?
Today felt like a “this is why we came to Kyrgyzstan” day. We went from eagle hunting to one of the most beautiful and special alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan. Being out in the more remote part of the country was what we were waiting for and it was totally worth it.
Practical Information
- Driving distance: Total for day 3 is approximately 220km
- Highest elevation: approximately 3400m
Day 4 โ Horse Riding & Song Kul Lake
Morning
I woke up at sunrise to see the sky over the yurt camp, it was really pretty and so quiet but chilly! We had such a good night’s sleep under the thick blankets and the heater kept the yurt really nice and warm. Slowly we got up for breakfast which consisted of eggs, bread and fruit with tea and coffee.
Horse Riding around Song-Kul
This was one of the highlights of our four-day Kyrgyzstan tour. We absolutely loved riding around the mountains and lake. As it was an optional activity it did cost extra but was so worth it. We did 2 hours of horse riding, one hour after breakfast, then an hour break followed by our final hour. We rode up to the mountains and then down to the lake.
Lunch
After horse riding and a quick dip in Song-Kul Lake to freshen up we were ready for lunch, we had a beef stew and fruit. Our group was the last left at the camp and it was so peaceful and nice. We had the whole place to ourselves to enjoy.
Afternoon
We headed back to Bishkek after lunch, it was an approximately 300km drive, we made a couple of stops for views at Tuz-Ashuu Pass which reaches an elevation of 3,229 m at the peak. The drive took about 5-6 hours, our guide was an excellent driver and we all fell asleep at times during the trip.
Practical Information
- Driving distance: Total for day 4 is approximately 300km
- Highest elevation: 3,229m
The highlights of our 4-day Kyrgyzstan Tour:
Chong-Kemin National Park: Worth the Overnight Stop?
Chong-Kemin National Park is located in the northern alpine valley of Kyrgyzstan, it is a valley surrounded by mountains and there is a river running through it. I think this is somewhere you could definitely come and spend a few days to explore it properly. We arrived in the late afternoon and it was more of an overnight introduction to the area rather than a destination we explored in depth.
We stayed at Kemin Guest House and it was really lovely, one of the nicest places we stayed in Kyrgyzstan. The rooms were very comfortable, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.
After arriving and checking in we decided to take a walk behind the guest house into the mountains. There was a sign explaining that there were fees to enter but the guard let us through when we didn’t have cash on us. We strolled up into the mountainside, following a path that seemed to be leading to a little stream. The scenery was really nice, very relaxing and great to be out in the fresh air and stretching our legs after being in the car.
After a while we decided to turn around and head back as it was close to dinner time, we wandered back through and saw lots of people on horseback rides returning from their tours. Dinner was one of the best meals we had in Kyrgyzstan, hearty and wholesome but so well crafted and full of flavour. Breakfast was the same, we really enjoyed the meals at this guesthouse.
Would we return?
We would absolutely return to Chong-Kemin National Park! It is approximately120km from Bishkek and spending a couple of nights here would be bliss. I would love to do a tour to find the river and larger valley views. I would return to spend a few nights in the guest house, it was just that good.
Our Experience at Issyk-Kul Lake
Issyk-Kul Lake was a great stop on the tour. Seeing this enormous lake in person was even more impressive than we expected. We visited it three times, once to a busier north shore beach where local people were swimming, a quieter section in the south shore and then finally in the very early morning. Out of the three visits, we really enjoyed the early morning the most as it was the most quiet and peaceful.
Issyk-Kul Lake offers a variety of activities including swimming water sports boating and hiking. We spent a couple of hours here and thoroughly enjoyed it. The lake is quite interesting, itโs the eleventh-largest lake the second-largest saline lake and one of the world’s deepest lakes. Swimming in it was a real treat!
Song-Kul Lake and Sleeping in a Traditional Yurt
Song-Kul is one of the most distinctive experiences on our tour itinerary. It was the place that we were most excited to see and really was the main highlight of our trip.
Arriving at Song-Kul
We began the drive out to Song-Kul and noticed that the terrain was becoming more mountainous and the road a little more winding. Crossing the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass at around 3,400 metres felt like an exciting moment. As we drove down towards Song-Kul, the landscape opened up into enormous green pastures beneath a brilliant blue sky. The landscape was gigantic, the fields and mountains seemed to stretch on forever and the lake was massive.
First we went to visit a local family yurt camp, this is an option if you want to stay at a camp that is more traditional. There were yurts lined up all in a row, set back off the lake. The toilets were clean and the little outdoor basin was so cute. Then we headed to the yurt camp we would be staying in which was right by the lake.
What Was the Yurt Like?
The yurt camp we stayed in was called Rima Yurt Camp, it was very close to the lake and had such a pretty outlook. There were horses wandering around, lush green grass and our tent was lovely. We had our own yurt with three single beds in it, they were comfortable and the blankets provided were thick and warm. The light came on with the evening generator so did the wifi! There was a small wood stove with a chimney and the staff at the camp came around in the late afternoon to fill up the heater and get our yurts warm enough to get through the chilly night. It was perfect!
The bathroom was a shipping container with individual western style toilet stalls, each with their own sink. There was toilet paper and hand soap available. There were no showers available, however this is the norm in the yurt camps and I had brought wet wipes with us to use as a shower replacement.
What Was It Like Sleeping at Song-Kul?
Sleeping in the yurt at Song-Kul felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even though it can get to 5ยฐC at night, our yurt was lovely, warm and cosy with the heater going and the camp was so peaceful and quiet at night. I could hear the comforting sounds of horses walking around and dogs keeping them away from our tents. The night sky was a dazzling display of stars and the entire camping experience was truly magical.
Horse Riding At Song-Kul Lake
In the morning we took a peek out of the yurt to see sunrise and slowly got up for a hearty breakfast before going horse riding! This was another pinch me moment. I have very little horse riding experience, in fact I have only done it once before in the snow at the Lofoten Islands, Norway. So I was a little apprehensive, I really didn’t need to be though.
Our guide and the staff at the yurt camp organised horses that matched our personalities, my horse was kind of stubborn, just wanted to go home and eat, while Mike’s horse was a little headstrong and wanted to be in control! We both had a fantastic time, riding out to the mountains and then later down by the lake. We did a total of two hours riding, splitting it up with an hour break in between. The countryside here is so beautiful that we thoroughly lost track of time and just enjoyed it.
Would We Recommend the Song-Kul Experience?
I would absolutely recommend the Song-Kul experience with Kyrgyz Riders, it was perfect. This is one of the most famous places to visit in Kyrgyzstan and going on this tour makes it so accessible and easy. If you don’t want to spend several days reaching Song-Kul on horseback or navigating the logistics independently, this tour makes visiting much easier, and you can absolutely give you the full experience in comfort.
โ Check out Our Complete Song-Kul Lake Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.
What Was the Transport Like?
We covered approximately 880 km on our tour so we really hoped the transport would be comfortable enough for us all. The terrain can be challenging as well, especially if there is rain so it had to be something that could handle the mountain roads.
The vehicle
We had a Toyota Highlander for our tour vehicle, it was clean, in excellent condition. It was comfortable, although the rear seat felt a little tight with three adults. in the back seat with three adults but there was the opportunity to sit in another seat in the back if we wanted more space. The air conditioning was excellent, we could control it in the back as well as the front, the boot space was large enough for all our luggage.
The driving
During the tour the road conditions were constantly changing. From city and smaller towns, rural landscapes and mountainous high passes, we saw every type of road. Our guide was an excellent driver and we never felt concerned while in the car. The drives were not too long at the start of the tour, heading out to Song Kul and back were the longest. The roads were in quite good condition, the only bumps coming from roadworks or roads under construction and those out on the grassy shores of Song-Kul.
Stops
We stopped pretty regularly along the way to each destination, we didn’t feel like we had to ask to get out and stretch our legs, there was always another stop coming up. While we were stopped we never felt like our guide or group were in a rush, everyone had the chance and time to take photos, ask questions and take in the views.
We felt like the transport was a deciding factor in doing this tour. While you can piece it together yourself it can end up costly or time-consuming and not very comfortable. We looked at a lot of options before deciding on this tour and were so glad we had gone with our instinct and booked this tour!
What Was the Accommodation Like?
On the whole the accommodation was excellent everywhere. We really liked that we stayed at guesthouses to get to experience some of the culture and local foods along the way.
Chong-Kemin accommodation
This was one of our favourite guesthouses of the whole tour. The style was so lovely, using Kyrgyz materials and decorative pieces in a tasteful way. The buildings were spacious and they looked out onto the mountains so we could watch the sunset and rise from the comfort of our room or the main dining areas.
Our room was very comfortable, with enough charging ports and pillows with a private bathroom that included hot water and all amenities. We really loved our space here, it was clean and very comfortable.
Of all the guesthouses we stayed at this was the one that served the very best food. We were given three-courses at meals and they were of such high quality and super tasty. Ultimately I loved the atmosphere, stunning views and quality rooms and food at the Kemin Guesthouse and would love to come back to spend more than a night here!
Song-Kul yurt
Staying in a yurt in Kyrgyzstan is a must-do experience. The country is known for its nomadic heritage and this is one way you can really experience it. There are many different yurt camps, ranging from traditional to more tourist focused comforts.
Our Yurt & Bathroom
Our yurt experience was excellent, the yurt itself was in excellent condition and clean inside. The beds were comfortable and there were thick, heavy blankets to keep you warm. The space was quite large, with three single beds inside so we used one for our bags. There was a mat on the ground to walk on rather than bare ground and a heater with a chimney to keep us warm through the night. A staff member came around to fill the heater with wood and charcoal and get them going so they would keep the space heated.
There were shared bathroom facilities in a shipping container, with multiple individual Western-style toilet cubicles, each with toilet paper and their own sink with hand soap. There were no showers but this is normal for Song-Kul yurt camps.
Restaurant & Evening
The restaurant area was very nice, there were two large yurts set up with big windows to take in the view while eating. The food was wholesome and filling, with more than enough at each meal. We had tea and coffee as well as nuts, lollies and dried fruit available.
We spent the late afternoon and evening watching the sunset, admiring the view and enjoying the serenity. It felt like we were a million miles from modern civilisation and we loved it!
The thing to remember is that…
at Song-Kul, the accommodation is part of the experience rather than luxury accommodation.
We didn’t dislike anything about our yurt stay, it was a very nice experience with lots of time to enjoy the outdoors. However if you are not someone who likes camping or not having a luxury hotel experience, this may not be for you.
Issyk-Kul Guesthouse
For our Issyk-Kul Lake stay our group split up, as the other group wanted to stay in an old Soviet sanatorium they had read about. We went to drop them there and got to have a look around the grounds a little. It was so interesting and very retro, I loved the mosaics in the garden. Availability could not be booked in advance, so staying there depended on whether rooms were available on arrival. One of the bonuses of our tour is that we could request these types of things so the other group was able to stay there and have the experience they wanted.
We stayed at a guesthouse nearby in Tamga Village selected by Kyrgyz Riders, and it was so lovely! The guesthouse was run by a really nice couple who have the most beautiful garden. It was a pleasure to sit outside in one of the covered table areas and watch the sunset in the garden.
Our room was very big, extremely clean and comfortable and had a retro vibe. There was a private bathroom with hot water and a small fridge and TV in our room. The meals were served in a little cottage style food room and they were very good! Tasty and wholesome, it felt like you were being cared for by family.
What Was the Food Like?
Overall, the food on our four-day tour was excellent. The quality of each meal was very good and the taste was delicious, there wasn’t one meal that we can remember thinking it was not good or unpleasant.
Breakfast
Each day breakfast was served by our guesthouse. It was slightly different but usually a combination of eggs, porridge, toast, fruit, nuts, tea and coffee. Our favourite breakfast was served by the Chong-Kemin accommodation, attention to detail was exceptional.
Lunch
For lunch we had a few different types of meals, from eating at a local Dungan family home, to restaurants and in the remote Song-Kul at our yurt stay. While all the food was different, each was a great experience. The common theme for all meals was that bread accompanied every meal as did a tray of nuts, lollies and dried fruits to snack on. The Dungan family gave us Chinese style foods, sautรฉed vegetables, stir fried meats and noodles. At Song-Kul we had a hearty and wholesome stew which felt like you were eating with a local family.
We visited restaurants while we were on the road travelling through towns. We ate in two different restaurants, both very good, however we all loved the one in Balykchy town the most. The food was incredible with perfect flavours and mouthwatering dishes. We all agreed this was perhaps the best meal we had in Kyrgyzstan. In the restaurants we were able to look over the menu and order something we wanted to try. Mike had the kuurdak and I had the fricassee and both were incredible. Our guide ordered salads for us to share and either tea, the local kompot drink or soft drink to share. It was great getting the chance to choose a traditional meal you wanted to taste.
Dinner
We spent each dinner at the guesthouses, here we were usually served a three-course meal each day with soup, salad, main and dessert. It was all very delicious and consisted of borsch soup, fresh salads, a stuffed capsicum or a meat stew style dish. We really enjoyed eating food cooked by the families we were staying with as it felt very traditional.
Was it possible to eat gluten-free on the tour?
Yes! I was able to eat gluten-free at all times. For every guesthouse our guide informed them of my allergies prior to our arrival and made sure they either had a different meal for me or that it was something I could eat. I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything and was totally catered to. In restaurants our guide would ask my preference then ask the staff member what was in the food and confirm there were no hidden gluten ingredients. I was able to take salads first before any risk of cross contamination could occur. I felt really safe and well looked after, in fact I had brought snacks in case I needed them but never even touched them. Our guide had also found some gluten-free crackers and gave them to me to eat where bread was served which was so sweet!
What Was Our Guide Like?
Our guide was amazing. She took care of everything and made us all feel at ease, it was like travelling with a knowledgeable friend who was showing us around her home.
Knowledge
Her knowledge of the Kyrgyz culture, history, nomadic traditions and the different landscapes was excellent. We peppered her with questions constantly throughout the 4 days and on the rare occasion she didn’t know the answer she would find it out. I learnt a lot about Kyrgyzstan’s culture and traditions which I found so interesting. There was never a moment when it was too much, all our questions and conversations were handled with ease. We constantly asked questions about everything and were so glad that we had a guide who was happy to share her knowledge and experience.
English
Communication was so easy as our guide was fluent in English. We never had any miscommunication and we were so grateful for her to translate for us, especially for my allergy questions. Being able to communicate so easily was a pleasure and really helped us all learn more about the country we had come to visit.
Personality
Yes! Her personality was honestly perfect for our tour and our group. Friendly, comfortable, in control but never bossy. We felt like we were in very safe hands at all times. I really enjoyed getting to know her and sharing our trip together.
Flexibility
The time on our tour was completely flexible, we had enough time to stop for photos where we wanted. When the other group wanted to try and stay at the other Tamga accommodation she was able to arrange it and get us all where we had to be.
Safety
I felt very safe, in fact if I had been solo travelling as a woman I would have felt very safe with our guide. She expertly organised us and kept us where we were meant to be. She was always with us or watching without feeling intrusive, it just felt like we were a group of friends. Her driving skills were excellent and she managed to organise us anything we asked for.
Local insight
Our guide was born and had lived in Kyrgyzstan for years, but had also travelled and worked internationally which was great as she understood where we were coming from yet had all the knowledge of someone who had grown up in Kyrgyzstan. She shared the local insights on everything, we definitely were asking a lot of questions about the country, traditions and different aspects of life and we loved getting such open responses. For me this was one of the best parts of having a guide.
What We Loved About the Kyrgyz Riders Tour
1. The scenery
The scenery we saw over our 4 day tour was incredible, it changed from city and towns to rural countryside, lakes and alpine environments. It was diverse and spectacular.
2. Song-Kul, horse riding and the yurt experience
Song-Kul Lake was the overall highlight of our Kyrgyzstan tour. It was everything I had hoped it would be and felt like the quintessential ‘Kyrgyzstan experience’. Being out in nature so far from anywhere, staying with nomadic people in a yurt and horse riding around a pristine alpine lake and mountainous environment was magic.
3. Seeing a lot in only four days
We loved that this tour was 4 days and we got to do and see so much in that time. It was the best organised tour we had seen that really got around in such a short period and yet didn’t feel rushed.
4. Not having to organise the logistics
I loved not having to worry about logistics. Once we were picked up the rest was left to our guide and we were just passengers. We didn’t have to organise transport out and around areas which can be a little difficult or time consuming especially in the more rural areas. We didn’t have to think or research where to eat, our guide already knew the best places, nor did we have to look for accommodation or try to Google Translate, it was all taken care of for us, it really made us feel like we were on holiday.
5. Local knowledge
We loved being able to learn from our guide, she had a wealth of local knowledge and coupled with her own experience of travel made her a perfect fit! We learnt about everything from the land, nomadic life, food, family life and traditions. It was really interesting and added so much more depth to our experience rather than just simply looking at a place.
6. The flexibility
The itinerary also felt flexible. If we wanted to stop somewhere for photos or request a different accommodation option, Kyrgyz Riders was willing to discuss what could be arranged. and the activities such as eagle hunting and horse riding were optional experiences. This flexibility made it feel less like a ‘package tour’.
7. Eagle Hunting
We weren’t sure what to expect with the eagle hunting experience, it was an optional extra that we decided as a group to do. I was concerned that it might feel too touristic but it really wasn’t. These men are third generation eagle hunters, and true to the nomadic culture they move around a lot so we had to wait to find out in the morning where they would be.
We met them out in the countryside somewhere and were introduced to the family of brothers and their eagle. Watching the relationship and how the bird was cared for was great. We all got a chance to sit on their horse and hold the eagle, met the unique local breed of hunting dog and then do some archery. It was obviously for tourists but didn’t feel fake or cheesy at all, it felt like they were there to share their culture and tradition. I loved this as it gave us another glimpse into the history of the country.
Things We’d Know Before Booking
Overall we had a fantastic experience with Kyrgyz Riders, but there are a few things we’d recommend knowing before booking. The biggest thing to understand is that this is a relatively short four-day trip covering some enormous landscapes. Kyrgyzstan is a much bigger country than many first-time visitors realise so seeing Chong-Kemin, Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul in just four days naturally involves spending a significant amount of time on the road.
This wasn’t necessarily a negative for us – the drives were part of the experience, and the scenery along the way was often spectacularโbut travellers looking for several days at each destination may prefer a longer itinerary.
It is also worth remembering that some of the accommodation and facilities, particularly in remote areas such as Song-Kul, are part of an authentic adventure experience rather than a luxury holiday. The weather can change quickly, nights can be cold and it is important to come prepared. Read our full Packing Guide for Kyrgyzstan to be organised for this!
We’d recommend knowing before booking:
- There can be long driving days particularly when travelling between more remote destinations.
- You’ll get a taste of each destination. Four days is enough to experience the highlights, but not enough to explore in depth.
- Some roads are mountainous and can be rough, which is all part of travelling through Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular landscapes.
- Accommodation becomes more basic in remote areas. Staying in a traditional yurt at Song-Kul is an unforgettable experience, but it isn’t the same as staying in a luxury hotel.
- Song-Kul can be cold, even during the warmer months and especially at night. We were there in July and while the days were lovely the temperature dropped at night.
- This is a road-trip-style adventure. It’s best suited to travellers who want to see a lot in a limited amount of time and enjoy the journey between destinations as part of the experience.
For us, none of these things were deal-breakersโthey’re simply important expectations to have before booking. If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to experience some of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular scenery without organising transport, accommodation and logistics yourself, we felt the tour offered a lot in a relatively short amount of time.
However, if you prefer slower travel and want several days at Song-Kul, Issyk-Kul or in the mountains, we’d recommend choosing a longer itinerary instead. Kyrgyz Riders offers longer tours and more specialised itineraries that may be a better fit for that style of travel.
Who Is This Kyrgyzstan Tour Best For?
This 4-day Kyrgyzstan tour is best for:
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First-time visitors
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People who want the Kyrgyzstan experience including Song-Kul in a comfortable, organised way
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Travellers with limited time
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People who want Song-Kul without planning everything or spending 3 days on a horse
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Couples
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People who want or prefer to do the activities in an easier way rather than serious trekking
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Families
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People who are not confident travelling in remote areas
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People not confident driving overseas or remote, mountainous areas
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Who Might Prefer a Different Tour?
Consider another option if you are a serious hiker or want an independent road trip. It would not suit you if you prefer to stay in luxury hotels, hate long drives or want to slow travel with days in each destination.
Kyrgyz Riders also offers longer road trips, horseback tours and active itineraries, so travellers wanting a more specialised experience can look at their other options.
Is the Kyrgyz Riders Tour Good Value for Money?
For us, the value wasn’t simply in being transported from one destination to another. It was having the route, accommodation and logistics organised while being able to experience places we may have found difficult to fit into a short independent trip.
Our tour included all transport, a guide, accommodation, all meals and planning/logistics. As we had such little time to do a Song-Kul trip we wanted to get more from the experience than just a 3 day horse ride and figured that the time we saved by getting ourselves out there and organising it piece by piece would be better spent seeing more of the country. We were really happy with our decision.
If you are asking yourself, “could I do this cheaper independently?” The honest answer is yes, independent travel may be cheaper for some travellers. However, for people with only four days who want to see Song-Kul, Issyk-Kul and other highlights without spending significant time organising transport and accommodation, we felt the convenience and efficiency offered excellent value.
So, Is the Kyrgyz Riders 4-Day Tour Worth It?
Yesโif you’re looking for a short, easy way to experience some of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular landscapes without organising the logistics yourself, we think the tour is absolutely worth considering.
We really enjoyed the tour and felt like it was well worth the time we spent. We would recommend it if you have a short amount of time and would like to maximise the quality of your experience and the amount you can fit in to the time.
I wouldn’t recommend it if you are looking for a slower travel trip, there are plenty of options for this on the Kyrgyz Riders website, I would select one of those.
Our favourite experience was our time at Song-Kul Lake, it was exactly as incredible as we had hoped for. I would have loved to have another day spare to stay 2 nights here.
Would we do it again?
Absolutely! We both agreed that this tour made our time in Kyrgyzstan so much better and easier. We loved our guide, the itinerary was great as it fitted our time frame but also ticked off some of the places we really wanted to go in a comfortable way. I felt like we had an amazing introduction to Kyrgyzstan and already want to go back.
How to Book the Kyrgyz Riders Tour
- Check current availability
- Confirm dates
- Discuss group size/private options if relevant
- Tell them your requirements and any changes to the itinerary you may wish to make
Kyrgyz Riders currently offers both group departures and tailor-made tours, with a custom enquiry process that allows travellers to specify dates, group size, preferred pace, destinations and accommodation style.
๐ Ready to Explore Kyrgyzstan?
FAQ For Our Kyrgyzstan Tour
How many days is the Kyrgyz Riders Family Tour?
The Kyrgyz Riders tour we took was a 4-day tour, it was really well organised to maximise the time that we had available and get the best possible experience.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Definitely! The transport is comfortable and safe, our guide was excellent and very organised. I think this would be a perfect tour for families.
Do you need to be fit?
Not at all, we are not athletes and have a regular fitness level. We had no problem in doing the activities such as walking at the canyons or horse riding in Song-Kul.
Do you need hiking experience?
No hiking experience is needed as your guide will help you at all stages. We didn’t even have hiking shoes, we were both wearing regular old sneakers and it wasn’t a problem at all. The only time I struggled a little was going up the steep viewpoint at Fairy Tale Canyon and my sneakers were slipping. Our guide showed me a way to get up safely and stayed with me the whole time to make sure I was comfortable. I felt very safe and grateful for her patience!
Is Song-Kul included?
Yes. There is a night staying in a yurt at Song-Kul, included in the 4-day family tour. It is a must do experience in my opinion!
Do you sleep in a yurt?
Yes, we slept in a yurt at Song-Kul Lake and it was a wonderful experience. You get to really see what it would be like to live a nomadic lifestyle. We stayed in really nice yurt camp on the lakeside however you can choose to stay in a very traditional yurt camp if you prefer a more local experience.
Is the tour suitable for first-time visitors to Kyrgyzstan?
This tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Kyrgyzstan! It really covers a lot of ground in an un-rushed manner and really gives you an easy and comfortable introduction to the country and its culture. Our guide was excellent and shared so much information that you learn a lot and your experience feels deeper because of it.
Can you customise the tour?
Yes, you can request to change accommodation, activities or some of the locations, however this does all have to be sorted out prior to your arrival so a final quote and itinerary can be arranged and availability checked.
What is the best time of year to take the tour?
The current listing states the family tour operates during the MayโOctober period, although readers should always check current availability and exact dates before booking.
Final Verdict
We really loved our time on the 4-day Kyrgyzstan Tour with Kyrgyz Riders. It made our time so much easier and more comfortable, we still did all the must do things, just in a more comfortable and efficient manner. We would do another tour with Kyrgyz Riders on our next trip to Kyrgyzstan and hope to do so soon!
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๐ฐ๐ฌ Continue Planning Your Kyrgyzstan Adventure?
๐ Bishkek Guide. Everything you need to spend time in this underrated capital city.
๐ Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide. Everything you need to know to go!
๐ Kyrgyzstan 7, 10 & 14 Day Itinerary. Want to plan your own trip, check out our adaptable itinerary.
๐ Song-Kul Travel Guide. The quintessential Kyrgyzstan destination; everything you need to know to go!
๐ Karakol Travel Guide. The perfect transit hub and adventure capital of eastern Kyrgyzstan. This is the best way to plan your time effectively.
๐ Issyk-Kul Guide. There is a lot to see at this massive lake. This guide shows you how to do it all.
๐ Altyn Arashan Guide. A perfect destination to be up in the mountains and really feel like you are away from it all.
Want to see it all in action? Watch our Kyrgyzstan content on YouTube (subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with our travel guides) and follow along on Instagram @passport_nomads and @kelly___buckley for real-time travel tips, guides, and behind-the-scenes moments.
