One-month itinerary in Central Asia (page 2 of 2)

Thanks so much for these links—I went through them, and they’re really inspiring! Since we don’t have a 4x4, we’ll have to adapt, but I found this company, iDrive 4x4, that rents fully equipped vehicles with rooftop tents in Kyrgyzstan, and now I’m *super* excited about it! !

Thanks Françoise for this info. I almost gave up on the project because flight tickets had gone up by 2000 €, but I finally found a way to stick to my original route: arriving in Bukhara and departing from Almaty, which should make for a great itinerary in a month! The Aral Sea is tempting, but the desert castles less so (I went to those in Jordan last year and they were amazing—I’d rather keep those memories intact!!). Still, it’s a long detour for a time that’s unfortunately quite limited!

For Lake Issyk-Kul, I was thinking of arriving from the south and stopping more on the Karakol side (or rather on one shore of the lake).

For the yurt experience and horseback riding, I was planning to enjoy those during our days by Lake Song-Kul. Quick safety question: do they lend helmets for horseback riding, or is that just wishful thinking? 😄 The kids have never ridden before, so it’d reassure everyone—but I know our Western safety standards don’t always apply outside the West...

Okay, I won’t go on about the potholes again... but I’m really intrigued by your partner—was it from birth, a transplant, or is Majax lurking around here?

Hi Gomar! 😊

I’d love to share my incredible experience in Kyrgyzstan. Here’s a detailed itinerary that might inspire your next trip: Day 1: Almaty → Bishkek After arriving in Almaty, I headed straight to Bishkek. Crossing the Kazakh border was pretty smooth, and within a few hours, I was in the Kyrgyz capital. Bishkek is a pleasant city with wide avenues, shady parks, and an interesting mix of Soviet architecture and local traditions. I visited Ala-Too Square, the Osh Market, and tried my first Kyrgyz dishes at a small local canteen.

Day 2: Bishkek → Chong Kemin After a relaxed morning in Bishkek, I set off for Chong Kemin, a stunning valley nestled between mountains and forests. Along the way, I stopped at the Burana Tower, a relic of the Silk Road. Once in Chong Kemin, I enjoyed a beautiful hike in the valley before spending the night with a local family—a great opportunity to chat with the locals.

Day 3: Chong Kemin → Song Kul The drive to Song Kul is an adventure in itself, with incredible mountain roads and landscapes that change with every kilometer. Arriving at the lake is magical: a vast expanse of water surrounded by pastures where horses and sheep graze. There are no villages here, just a few yurts and untouched nature. I spent the evening talking with nomads and admiring a starry sky of rare purity.

Day 4: Day at Song Kul A full day to enjoy the lake and nomadic life. Horseback riding in the morning, a refreshing swim in the lake in the afternoon, and time spent chatting with local families. They explained their way of life, their connection to animals, and the importance of certain traditions, like making *koumiss* (fermented mare’s milk).

Day 5: Song Kul → Tash Rabat Heading south to Tash Rabat, an ancient stone caravanserai hidden in an isolated valley. The place is steeped in history, and it’s easy to imagine the merchants and travelers who once stopped here. I spent the night in a yurt nearby, surrounded by impressive mountains.

Day 6: Tash Rabat → Issyk-Kul After a morning exploring the area, I hit the road for Issyk-Kul, the second-largest mountain lake in the world. Unlike Song Kul, this one has villages, beaches, and even some thermal resorts. I stopped in Karakol, a town blending Russian and Kyrgyz influences, before continuing to the northern shore of the lake.

Day 7: Issyk-Kul → Bishkek Final day on the road, returning to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Along the way, I visited the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata, a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient civilizations. Back in Bishkek, I took some time to wander the streets one last time before wrapping up this trip.

Kyrgyzstan really left its mark on me with its breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of its people. It’s a country worth discovering, especially for those who love adventure and authenticity.

Hi and thank you so much for your feedback! 🙂 I have a few questions: as a woman, when swimming in the lakes, is it better to be dressed or is a swimsuit okay? For Lake Son Kul, do you have a particular camp to recommend? I gathered that there are more family-friendly camps, with 5 or 6 yurts, and much larger camps aimed more at tourists...

Thanks! And have a great day

Free country, you choose the clothing that suits you. A pullover might come in handy!!!!

thanks! we’ll think about it! ;)