What Makes This Journey Special?
This route isn’t just a trip — it’s a deep dive into the heart of mountainous Kyrgyzstan. Every day feels like a new scene from a living film: waterfalls, red cliffs, alpine meadows, and a turquoise lake sitting at 3,900 meters.
You don’t just watch — you walk, feel, and breathe it all in. The silence of the forest, the roar of the river, tea by the waterfall, stars above the mountains — all genuine. No rush, no crowds, no stage sets.
This is a journey of contrasts and rhythm: from a gentle start in Ala-Archa to the climb up Ala-Kul, ending with a bittersweet return. There are no tourist displays here — only living culture, people, earth, and sky becoming a part of you.
Tour Program
Five days in the heart of Kyrgyzstan — more than just a trip, it’s a film of living landscapes. You’ll encounter the icy waterfalls of Barskoon, the turquoise mirror of the high-altitude Ala-Kul, the red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz, misty pine gorges, and pastures where herds of horses roam.
At every turn, panoramic views of Tian Shan’s snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows waist-high with flowers, rivers rushing over stones, and a starry sky that feels within reach.
This tour is for those who want to step off the city path and truly breathe in the spirit of the mountains.
Day 1
Everything begins with the silence of the morning valley and a slow approach to the mountains. Bishkek welcomes you with warmth, honeyed flatbread, and herbal tea. Then comes Ala-Archa: a winding trail through fir trees, the roar of a fast river, rocky ledges, and a waterfall crashing against the stones. The first break is under the whisper of the wind with the taste of hot tea from a thermos. In the evening — an Eastern-style dinner, soft lamp light, kazy and lagman, and a stroll along the avenue under streetlights. The city quiets down. Tomorrow — Issyk-Kul.
Day 2
The road along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul is a meeting with the real: horse herds, smoke rising from yurts, dusty trails, and the lake’s shimmering horizon. Lunch with a view of the water feels like meditation. Jeti-Oguz greets you with red mountains — the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart.” A walk through the gorge: green meadows, pines, a river, and the scent of wet grass. Karakol awaits at dusk, and dinner brings warm beef, fresh salads, and talks about mountains that already feel close.
Day 3
Morning among wooden churches, nail-free mosques, and a lively bazaar where you can buy tea in bundles. Then — Barskoon. Here, waterfalls sound like music amid dense forests: the “Leopard’s Tears” and “Manas’ Cup.” Stones underfoot, fir in the air, and silence everywhere. A picnic by the stream, icy water cupped in your hands, and a sky that feels especially deep. Evening feels like home-cooked food and just enough coziness to remind you: you’re exactly where you belong.
Day 4
Early morning, the hum of an off-road vehicle, a road climbing alongside the river. Then — on foot. Rocks, steep slopes, breath catching — all for one thing: to see Ala-Kul. The lake sits at nearly 4,000 meters — a mirror of the sky, nestled among snowy peaks. Here, no words are spoken — only silent gazes. Hot tea, bread, nuts — everything tastes better than ever. The return feels like a dream. Evening brings the final dinner. Firelight in your eyes, healing fatigue in your body, and mountains in your heart.
Day 5
The last cup of thyme tea, the scent of morning wood, and rare footsteps along the streets of Karakol. The road along Issyk-Kul slowly carries you away from the mountains but doesn’t take the feeling — it leaves it with you. Lunch in a simple, cozy café where taste matters more than presentation. Then — the journey to the airport. Kyrgyzstan sees you off without words. It simply stays — inside.
Where Clouds Are Born: A Journey Through Mountains and Lakes
Duration: 4 nights / 5 days
Season: April – September
Route: Bishkek — Ala-Archa — Barskoon — Jeti-Oguz — Altyn-Arashan — Bishkek
Highlights: trekking, folklore, workshops, canyons, ethnography, sightseeing
Group size: 8 people
Important Information
Pricing
Tour Information:
— Group size: 8 people
— Groups are formed in advance; private bookings are available upon request.
Important:
— Prices are quoted per person for the specified group size.
— Rates may vary depending on the season, chosen accommodation level, and additional services.
— For corporate and private groups, pricing can be calculated based on your preferences.
What’s Included in the Price?
Transportation:
— Private transfers in a comfortable minibus throughout the entire route
— Airport pick-up and drop-off
— Off-road transfer (Oasic) to Altyn-Arashan Gorge
Guidance:
— Professional guide accompanying the group throughout the trip
— Photographer services capturing key moments of the tour
Excursions & Activities:
— Treks:
• Ala-Archa National Park
• Jeti-Oguz Gorge
• Barskoon Waterfalls
• Ascent to Ala-Kul Lake
— Stop at Issyk-Kul beach
— Visits to viewpoints and monuments
— Cultural and natural sites along the route with immersive regional traditions
Accommodation:
— 1 night in a hotel in Bishkek
— 3 nights in a hotel in Karakol
Meals:
— Three meals a day throughout the tour
Not Included in the Price:
— International airfare
— Trekking poles rental or purchase
— Travel insurance
— Additional beverages
— Personal expenses and souvenirs
Payment & Cancellation Policy
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to Take with You? (April – October)
In the Kyrgyz Republic, summer means bright sunshine, mountain winds, and cool nights. To make your trip comfortable and easy, make sure to pack the right clothes and essentials.
Clothing
It’s hot in the valleys during the day, so bring lightweight cotton or linen clothing that breathes and protects from the sun. A hat, cap, or scarf is a must. Sunglasses and sunscreen with high SPF will help you avoid sunburn. In the mountains, the heat gives way to coolness — in the evening and morning you’ll need a warm sweater or windbreaker. A light raincoat or jacket will come in handy in wet weather.
Footwear
For city walks — comfortable sneakers.
For the mountains — sturdy trekking boots with good soles.
For relaxing by lakes or in yurts — light flip-flops or sandals.
First Aid Kit
Each group is provided with a basic first aid kit, antiseptic, and wet wipes from our tour company — we take care of your health and safety. You should bring your own personal medicines and any specific medications you may need. Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Electronics & Photography
Our buses are equipped with chargers for your devices, but we recommend bringing your own as well. Don’t forget your smartphone with a camera and a power bank — in the mountains, power outlets may not be available. We suggest downloading offline maps and guides in advance.
If you want to capture the best moments of your trip, you can use the services of our professional photographer and videographer. You’ll get beautiful photos and videos as a keepsake.
Preparing for Your Trip
Before traveling to the Kyrgyz Republic, it’s important to plan everything well so that nothing distracts you from enjoying the beauty of the country.
Visa
Citizens of most CIS countries do not need a visa — just take your passport and head for adventure! For tourists from other countries, an e-visa can be obtained via the website eVisa.kg — it’s fast and convenient, and we are always ready to assist with instructions.
Currency
The national currency in the Kyrgyz Republic is the som (KGS). It’s best to exchange money at official exchange offices or banks in Bishkek and other major cities. In the mountains and small settlements, cash is often the only payment method, so bring enough soms with you.
Weather
Summer weather is changeable: hot sun in the valleys is replaced by coolness in the mountains, and short rains are possible. Before your trip, check the forecast to know exactly what to pack. Evenings and nights in the mountains can be chilly, so don’t forget warm clothes.
Communication
Our comfortable buses have Wi-Fi, so you can always stay connected. Most hotels also offer internet. If you want stable connectivity on the go, we can provide you with a tourist SIM card at a good rate. Even without it, urban areas have good coverage, and mobile networks work in most popular tourist spots in the mountains.
What Are the Etiquette Tips?
Hospitality and respect for traditions are highly valued in the Kyrgyz Republic. When entering a house or yurt, it is customary to remove your shoes. Do not refuse offered food — it’s a sign of respect to the hosts. In rural areas, dress modestly and behave politely, respecting local customs.
What Dishes Are in Kyrgyz Cuisine?
Beshbarmak — boiled meat with noodles, a symbol of Kyrgyz cuisine.
Lagman and manty — popular meat dishes with an Eastern touch.
Kymyz — fermented mare’s milk, a traditional nomadic drink.
Flatbread baked in a tandoor — served with almost every meal.