Experiencing the Culture and Adventure of Central Asia With Breathtaking Kyrgyzstan Holidays

Kyrgyzstan isn’t often an immediate destination that jumps to mind, but if you’re looking for a unique escape, an authentic travel experience, and the opportunity to explore the history of the legendary Silk Road and Central Asian culture, it’s a wonderful place to visit.

This remarkable country’s landscapes are just as captivating, with stunning mountain scenery, deep, turquoise lakes and a deep-rooted nomadic heritage that remains an important influence on everyday life.

While our travel specialists can offer first-hand insights to help guests start planning their ideal Kyrgyzstan holidays, we’ve shared some of our favourite things to see and do, whether you’re organising a trip as a solo traveller or would love to visit as part of a small group.

What Should First-Time Visitors Expect From a Trip to Kyrgyzstan?

One of the aspects of a Kyrgyzstan tour that our customers most often comment on is the sheer scale of the beautiful scenery, ranging from the snow-capped mountains of the Tien Shan, expansive alpine lakes and open valleys, which have given the country the nickname of the ‘Switzerland of Central Asia.’

It’s also a destination that is great for slow travel, taking the time to disconnect from everyday responsibilities and embrace the traditions of the Kyrgyz people, for whom sharing the land with shepherds, horses, eagles, and even snow leopards and brown bears is the norm.

In the remote valleys, nomadic people still follow a traditional lifestyle, with felt yurts, herds of livestock, and seasonal migrations, especially in the rural areas where travellers can sample dishes that have been made for centuries, such as kumis, a fermented milk, kurt, a type of dried yoghurt ball, and homemade bread.

These wide, open landscapes are also among the best in the world for active explorers, with popular tours such as guided excursions that include swimming and walking at Issyk Kul, trekking in Ala Archa National Park, and horseback riding in Tash Rabat.

When Is the Best Time to Organise a Kyrgyzstan Holiday?

The summer period between June and September is an amazing time to travel to Kyrgyzstan, and our exclusive seven-day tour departs on selected dates throughout this period, when the weather is hot and dry in the lowlands and the capital city of Bishkek, but cooler and more refreshing amid the striking mountain scenery.

At this point in the year, guests will find that:

• The mountain passes are safely accessible for hiking and trekking
• Weather conditions for outdoor tours and excursions are ideal
• Nomadic tribes are active around regions like Son Kul Lake
• There are numerous traditional festivals celebrating the Kyrgyz way of life

Visitors are advised that, as in many mountain regions, the weather can change quite quickly, so although the days are often very warm, it’s best to bring layers for the cooler nights, waterproof clothing, comfy hiking or walking shoes, and sun protection for the high altitudes.

What’s Included in the Colours of Kyrgyzstan Small Group Tour?

We’ve curated our week-long journey to provide a great balance of time for adventure, experiencing Kyrgyzstan’s culture, and relaxing and unwinding. You’ll start in Bishkek, an incredible city that combines Soviet-era architecture with green spaces like Oak Park and the vibrancy of Osh Bazaar, as an introduction to the country before you venture out into the wild rural landscapes.

Here is a glimpse at some of the highlights you’ll have to look forward to:

• Issyk Kul Lake and Karakol: Heading east to one of the world’s largest mountain lakes, Issyk Kul feels more like a coastal shoreline, with Karakol a base for high altitude mountain trekking and home to attractions like the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque.
• Tash Rabat: In southern Kyrgyzstan, guests can travel to Tash Rabat, a secluded valley with its famous ancient inn, surrounded by alpine scenery, staying in traditional yurt camps with horse riding and hiking.
• Son Kul Lake: A lake high in the mountains, and a peaceful retreat with miles of open sky for stargazing, with gently grazing horses, yaks and sheep in the pastures.

Visitors also comment on the hiking in Djety Oguz Canyon and Skazka Canyon, travelling through deep gorges, seeing vivid red sandstone formations shaped by the wind, and enjoying panoramic views, which are at their most unforgettable at dusk and dawn.

Throughout, our guests are supported by experienced, English-speaking guides who can point out focal points and important Silk Road monuments. The package includes return flights from the UK, comfortable accommodation in hotels and yurts, daily breakfast and selected evening meals, and all transportation.

What Makes Kyrgyzstan a Unique Travel Destination?

Part of the reason Kyrgyzstan is such a fascinating place is that it’s relatively undiscovered, which ensures it isn’t commercialised or overdeveloped, with untouched natural landscapes, protected traditions and little in the way of crowds.

Kyrgyzstan’s history is deeply linked to the Silk Road, and elements of this past remain evident in ancient sites like the Burana Tower and the mysterious Tash Rabat caravanserai, the 15th-century stone structure that once served as a stop-off for traders crossing borders between empires.

However, for us, what makes Kyrgyzstan special is its living culture, where guests can sleep under the stars in traditional yurts, enjoy the warm hospitality of local people and tribes, watch eagle hunters demonstrate their centuries-old skills, and sample delicious, time-honoured Kyrgyz cuisine.

As excerpts from guest reviews have noted:

• ‘The colours of Kyrgyzstan was a great itinerary which I thoroughly enjoyed, Laura at Baltic holidays was fantastic, and Murat, the guide in Kyrgyzstan, was excellent. I strongly recommend this adventure.’
• ‘We loved the trip, everyday was a highlight. Have to say landscapes were utterly dramatic; all were out of this world, and went on for miles & miles, much, much, better than any National Geographic magazine.’

If you’d love to visit Kyrgyzstan or would like more information about the Colours of Kyrgyzstan tour from the Baltic Travel Company, you’re welcome to get in touch, or you can find further details, prices and departure dates through our detailed package pages.