What makes this route special?
• Snowmobile riding — included
• Snow activities: tubing, snowball fights, sledding, building snowmen
• Culinary master class
• Board games, creativity, traditional nomad games
• Cozy heated yurts with amenities
• Pilaf and a warm homely atmosphere in the evenings
Tour Program
We will make you fall in love with Winter!
3 days of a true winter fairy tale in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Discover a winter that is impossible not to fall in love with. Karkyra is fresh mountain air, soft snow, cozy yurts, and bright emotions that stay with you for a long time. Here, everyone will find the mood they’re looking for: active adrenaline on snowmobiles, fun winter games, peaceful walks, evening coziness, and delicious pilaf prepared by our chef.
Day 1
In the morning, a transfer from Bishkek to Karkyra.
The road takes about 8 hours. The route runs along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
We recommend making a stop for lunch (not included in the program price) or preparing a snack in advance for the road.
Dinner upon arrival at the yurt camp is included in the program.
We recommend bringing warm, waterproof footwear and clothing, an extra set of clothes in case of getting wet in snowy weather, and keeping in mind that temperatures in the mountains are always lower than in the city.
Accommodation in yurts, free time, and dinner.
Heated yurts with all amenities inside.
Day 2
After breakfast, you will have a free day for any activity of your choice:
• Snowmobile riding (included in the program price)
• Hiking
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoe walking — equipment can be rented at rental points in Bishkek (Ski Land, Ski House, the Union of Hiking Tourism, etc.)
• Winter fun (snowball fights, sledding, ice slides, building a snowman, tubing)
If you prefer peace and quiet, you will also have plenty to do while staying in the camp:
• Books, chess, checkers, cards, and other board games for children and adults; guitar songs; knitting, drawing, creative activities
• Nomad games (alchiki, tayak-tartysh, besh tash)
• Culinary master class on preparing talkan / chak-chak / boorsok — at the discretion of the chef (included in the program price)
• Sauna, plunge pool
Lunch and dinner are served according to the schedule, and for those planning to spend the entire day outside the camp, a lunchbox will be provided.
Dinner — pilaf from the chef, and an evening movie screening.
Day 3
Breakfast, free time for rest. Lunch at the camp. Departure to Bishkek.
Winter Karkyra 2025 – 2026
Tour duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Guaranteed tour dates:
December: 19–21, 26–28
January: 02–04, 09–11, 16–18, 23–25, 30–01/02
February: 06–08, 13–15, 20–22, 27–01/03
Accommodation: double yurts, single accommodation available for an extra fee.
Group: shared group from 4 to 12 people
Meals: buffet basis — breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Important Information
How to Book
Send us an email at office@atc.kg, and our manager will contact you to confirm your booking.
What’s Included in the Price?
Accommodation in yurts based on double occupancy – 2 nights
Meals – full board (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
Snowmobile riding
Transfer Bishkek–Karkyra–Bishkek
Not Included in the Price:
Single accommodation
Meals on the way to Karkyra
Bar
Additional services:
Single accommodation — 15 USD
Recommendation for clothing and equipment:
Warm jacket, pants, hat, gloves/mittens, and footwear. For skiing/snowboarding, we recommend a ski suit, ski mask, and balaclava.
A set of spare clothes in case something gets wet (socks, pants, sweater, etc.).
Ski equipment can be rented at rental points in Bishkek (Ski Land, Ski House, Union of Hiking Tourism, etc.).
Swimwear for the sauna/bathhouse.
Personal hygiene items.
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.