Kook’s Kyrgyzstan: 10 Days on the Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan
$3200 (payment plan dates: Jan 1 / May 1) | $800 deposit to reserve spot
Solo room supplements available, inquire to learn more
TRIP 1: July 19 - 28, 2027
13 spots
TRIP 2: August 2 - 11, 2027
12 spots
Kyrgyzstan is one of the last places on Earth where nomadic life still plays out across high mountain pastures, and this trip takes you into the heart of it.
About the Adventure
Kyrgyzstan is Central Asia at its most wild and most beautiful. This 10-day trip moves through some of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes on Earth: ancient Silk Road ruins, the sweeping alpine lake of Song-Kol at 3,000 meters, the turquoise shores of Ysyk-Kol, red rock canyons, petroglyphs, and the kind of stargazing you simply cannot find anywhere else.
You will start in Bishkek and head out into the countryside almost immediately, visiting an 11th-century Silk Road minaret before spending a night with a local family in Kochkor, learning the traditional art of felt-making that has been practiced here for centuries. From there you cross the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass up to Song-Kol, a high-altitude lake surrounded by rolling summer pastures and nomadic yurt camps where Kyrgyz herder families spend August with their horses and livestock. You will ride along the lakeshore, share fermented mare’s milk with a herder family, and wake up to mountain views that stretch further than you can see.
The second half of the trip moves to the famous Ysyk-Kol, Central Asia’s largest alpine lake, with days spent watching an eagle hunter demonstrate one of the region’s oldest traditions, hiking through the red cliffs of Fairy-Tale Canyon and Jeti-Oguz, exploring ancient petroglyphs on the lakeshore, and finishing back in Bishkek with a farewell dinner and a morning walk through Ala-Archa National Park.
This trip is designed for curious travelers who want something genuinely different. You do not need riding experience. You do not need to be an extreme adventurer. You just need to be open to a part of the world that will completely reframe how you think about travel.
Trip 1: Led by Brian & Xenia
Hi friends! We’re Xenia and Brian, and we’re so excited to be joining Kook’s Wild Ride as international trip leaders!
Together, we spent 14 months backpacking across Asia, where we met Kook in India and instantly connected over our shared love for authentic travel and adventure. Our experiences have included trekking, climbing, scuba diving, exploring caves, and immersing ourselves in new cultures.
For more than ten years, we also led an adventure group in California, bringing people together to explore, challenge themselves, and build lasting friendships.
We’re especially excited to lead this Guatemala trip because it combines everything we love into one trip-adventure, connection, and even some mindful aspects!
Trip 2: Led by Kook & Abby
This journey will be guided by two leaders who between them have taken KWR travelers to Nepal, Patagonia, South Africa, Guatemala, Albania and beyond. They bring complementary energy to every trip and a shared belief that the best travel is the kind that changes you a little.
🌿 Kook (Kaleigh McAndrews) is the heart and vision behind Kook’s Wild Ride. A passionate traveler and connector, she curates adventures that blend epic landscapes, cultural immersion and meaningful human connection. Whether she is leading a trek, swapping stories over a campfire or scouting the next hidden gem, Kaleigh’s enthusiasm and care make every trip feel like traveling with an old friend.
✨ Abby is a licensed massage therapist and certified yoga instructor with a deep passion for the outdoors and for helping people feel at ease in new places. Originally from Illinois and now based in Idaho, Abby has led KWR trips to Nepal and Patagonia and brings a grounded, warm presence that makes travelers feel supported from day one. Snow-capped mountains are her favorite playground and Kyrgyzstan has been on her list for a long time.
Together, Kook and Abby bring the full KWR experience: high adventure, genuine connection and the kind of care that makes a group of strangers feel like old friends by Day 3.
10-Day Itinerary Overview
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Note: Accommodations are subject to change due to availability, but we will ensure any alternatives are of equal quality.
DAY # 1
Arrival in Bishkek (D)
Arrive in Kyrgyzstan’s capital and get picked up from the airport in a private transport. After checking in, take an evening walk around the city center and Ala-Too Square before sitting down together for a welcome dinner.
Activities:
☯ Individual airport transfers to the hotel
☯ Evening walk around Ala-Too Square and Bishkek city center
☯ Welcome group dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
DAY # 2
Bishkek to Burana Tower to Kochkor (B, L, D)
Leave the city behind and head out into the Chuy Valley to visit the ancient Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret that once stood along the Silk Road. From there, continue to the village of Kochkor for a hands-on shyrdak felt-making workshop with a local artisan, followed by a home-cooked dinner with a Kyrgyz family.
Activities:
☯ Visit Burana Tower and the surrounding open-air museum of ancient stone figures
☯ Shyrdak felt-making workshop in Kochkor
☯ Dinner with a local family in their home
Accommodation: Homestay in Kochkor
DAY # 3
Altyn Arashan Valley and Hot Springs (B, L, D)
A bumpy 4x4 ride through pine forest brings you up into Altyn Arashan, a quiet remote valley tucked beneath snow-capped Tian Shan peaks. Spend the afternoon walking through one of the most beautiful alpine landscapes in Central Asia before soaking in natural hot spring pools at the mountain guesthouse.
Activities:
☯ 4x4 transfer up through pine forest to Altyn Arashan valley
☯ Walk through the alpine valley with views of glaciers and Tian Shan peaks
☯ Soak in natural hot spring pools at the guesthouse
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse in Altyn Arashan
DAY # 4
Altyn Arashan to Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and Dungan Dinner (B, L, D)
A gentle morning in the valley before heading back down to Karakol. From there, a beautiful and easy walk through the red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz, one of the most iconic landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. The evening ends with a home-cooked dinner with a Dungan family.
Activities:
☯ Morning at leisure in Altyn Arashan valley
☯ 4x4 back down to Karakol
☯ Walk through the red-cliff Jeti-Oguz valley
☯ Dungan family dinner in Karakol
Accommodation: Hotel in Karakol
DAY # 5
South Shore of Ysyk-Kol: Eagle Hunter, Fairy-Tale Canyon and Lakeside Sunset (B, L, D)
Move along the south shore of Ysyk-Kol for one of the most memorable days of the trip. Watch a traditional eagle-hunting demonstration in Bokonbaev where this ancient Central Asian practice has been passed down for generations, then hike through the surreal red rock formations of Fairy-Tale Canyon before arriving at a lakeside yurt camp for a swim and a sunset over the water.
Activities:
☯ Traditional eagle-hunting demonstration in Bokonbaev
☯ Hike through Fairy-Tale Canyon
☯ Swimming in Ysyk-Kol and sunset at the yurt camp
Accommodation: Yurt camp by the lake at Ysyk-Kol
DAY # 6
Up to Song-Kol: First Ride (B, L, D)
Cross the dramatic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass and arrive at Song-Kol, a high-altitude alpine lake at 3,016 meters surrounded by rolling summer pastures and nomadic yurt camps. In the afternoon, saddle up for your first horse ride along the lakeshore.
Activities:
☯ Drive up the 33 Parrots switchbacks to Song-Kol
☯ Arrive at the high-altitude lake surrounded by nomadic summer camps
☯ Afternoon horse ride of 2 to 3 hours along the lakeshore
Hike/Ride Details: 2 to 3 hour beginner-friendly horse ride. Pace and route adjusted to the group.
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song-Kol
DAY # 7
Song-Kol: Nomad Day (B, L, D)
A full day at Song-Kol with nothing on the agenda except being fully present in one of the most beautiful places you will ever find yourself. Morning horseback ride across the high pastures or a guided hike among the summer yurts and grazing herds. Free afternoon to wander or rest. Stargazing in the evening from some of the darkest skies in Asia.
Activities:
☯ Morning horseback ride across the pastures or guided hike among nomadic summer camps
☯ Free afternoon at the lake
☯ Stargazing in the evening
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song-Kol
DAY # 8
Song-Kol to Kochkor: Felt-Making and Homestay (B, L, D)
A final morning at the lake before descending over Kalmak-Ashuu Pass to the village of Kochkor, where you will learn the traditional art of shyrdak felt-making with a local artisan, an ancient craft that has been practiced in these mountains for centuries. Dinner and overnight with a Kyrgyz family in their home.
Activities:
☯ Last morning at Song-Kol lake
☯ Drive down over Kalmak-Ashuu Pass to Kochkor
☯ Shyrdak felt-making workshop with a local artisan
☯ Dinner with a local family in their home
Accommodation: Homestay in Kochkor
DAY # 9
Burana Tower, Bishkek and Farewell Dinner (B, L, D)
Head back toward Bishkek with a stop at the ancient Burana Tower, an 11th-century Silk Road minaret surrounded by open steppe and ancient stone figures. Afternoon stop at Osh Bazaar, Bishkek’s most vibrant market, before a farewell dinner together in the city.
Activities:
☯ Visit Burana Tower and the surrounding open-air museum of ancient stone figures
☯ Return to Bishkek
☯ Osh Bazaar for souvenirs and local market exploration
☯ Farewell group dinner in Bishkek
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
DAY # 10
Ala-Archa National Park and Departure (B)
A final morning walk through Ala-Archa National Park on the outskirts of Bishkek, with views of the Tian Shan peaks, before individual airport transfers according to each traveler’s flight time. Kyrgyzstan will stay with you long after you leave.
Activities:
☯ Morning walk in Ala-Archa National Park
☯ Individual airport transfers for all travelers
Included
Individual airport transfers to and from Bishkek for every traveler
Large private Sprinter van with driver for the entire route
English speaking AZAT TOURS guide throughout all 10 days
9 nights accommodation: 4 hotel nights, 1 mountain guesthouse night, 3 yurt nights and 1 homestay night.
All meals as listed throughout the trip (breakfast, lunch and dinner daily except arrival day lunch)
Drinking water throughout
Beginner-friendly horse rides at Song-Kol lake (2 to 3 hours, pace adjusted to the group
Shyrdak felt-making workshop in Kochkor
Eagle-hunter demonstration in Bokonbaev
All entrance fees and national park fees throughout the trip
Your dedicated trip operator handling all pre-trip logistics, flight guidance and everything in between so you show up ready to go
Not included
International flights
Kyrgyzstan visa (required for some nationalities, we will alert you and guide you through the process)
Travel insurance (required and must cover horse riding)
Single room supplement ($65 per person per night)
Alcohol and extra drinks
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips for the guide, driver and horsemen (tips are expected)
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Which trip is right for me? What do I do about visas? How much do I tip? For questions frequent and otherwise, this is the spot.
Do I Need a Passport?
YES. The second you consider a trip with us, please check to ensure your passport is up to date and does not expire up to 6 months after the trip. At the moment, all of our trips are international. However, if we choose to do a domestic one, you would not need a passport but would need the REAL ID. In general, this is something you should consider getting soon to assist with your travel needs next year
Will I need a Visa?
Whether you need a visa depends on the country we are visiting. We will let you know in advance if a visa is required for any of our trips. Please be aware that visa fees are not included in the trip prices, but they are generally inexpensive. We will guide you through the simple visa application process before each trip.
Do I need to buy Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in our trip package. While it is not mandatory to join our trips, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover various aspects of your journey, and there are many types and options available. We are happy to assist you in finding the right insurance that suits your needs before the trip.
Are flights included?
Flights are not included in our trip packages unless . However, we are happy to assist you in finding and choosing the best flight options for each trip. Please keep in mind that we recommend purchasing flight insurance for added peace of mind.
We offer flight help for a $60 fee.
Note: some trips include a domestic flight transfer as part of the itinerary, which will be listed as part of the trip details / inclusions on the webpage.
Are transfers to and from the airport included?
Yes, transfers to and from the airport upon arrival and departure are included in our trips. Please note, that if you arrive or depart outside of the scheduled trip dates, we can arrange transfers for an additional fee.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?
We are dedicated to accommodating special dietary requirements as best as we can. Please inform us of your specific needs in advance, and we will make every effort to ensure you are properly catered for throughout the trip. Please note that the ability to accommodate dietary restrictions may vary by location. We are knowledgeable of the areas we visit though, and will inform you if your specific needs cannot be met.
How do you arrange room sharing on the trip and who will I have to share with?
We arrange rooms based on your preferences. Often, friends and partners sign up together and request to share a room. Alternatively, solo travelers sometimes express a desire to share, and we assist in pairing them up.
On most trips we offer a solo room supplement for an additional fee. Please inquire via email, text, or through Instagram DMs for pricing if you are interested in this option.
If I am traveling with a significant other or friend, how do I ensure we are put in the same room?
When you sign up for the trip, please specify the person you wish to room with. We will ensure that you are placed together in the same room automatically.
Are there options for single rooms if I don’t want to share?
Yes, single rooms are available on our trips. There is an additional fee for solo rooms, which varies by country. We will inform you of this fee when you sign up.
When is the final due date for my trip?
We typically offer payment for our trips in 2-3 installments. The initial deposit is deducted from the total trip price. The final payment is due typically between 35 to 60 days prior to the start of the trip. The exact deadline depends on the country and payment schedule requirements.
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