Holiday to Kyrgyzstan: The Ultimate 3-Week Road Trip Itinerary (+Wild Camping & Off-Roading Tips)

Planning a holiday to Kyrgyzstan? This breathtaking Central Asian country quickly became our all-time favorite, and for good reason. Towering mountain ranges, vast valleys, and rugged off-road trails make Kyrgyzstan the perfect destination for an adventurous road trip. We’ve explored Kyrgyzstan twice now: once by flying in and renting a 4×4 with rooftop tent, and once by driving all the way from The Netherlands in our own Toyota 4Runner. After covering almost every corner of the country, we’ve crafted what we believe is the ultimate 3-week itinerary for a road trip through Kyrgyzstan. Looking for a shorter adventure? Don’t miss our 2-week Kyrgyzstan itinerary for a slightly faster-paced journey.

Why spend 3 weeks on a holiday to Kyrgyzstan?

One of the first things to figure out when planning your holiday to Kyrgyzstan is how much time you’ll have. The length of your trip obviously makes a big difference in what you can realistically see and do.

On our first visit in 2023, we gave ourselves two weeks. We weren’t sure what to expect and figured that would be enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. After two weeks, we didn’t want to leave at all. In fact, we were so blown away by the landscapes, culture, and freedom of exploring Kyrgyzstan by car, that we returned home and bought our own 4×4 to drive there ourselves (and further).

A year later, we made that dream come true. In 2024, we spent another two weeks in Kyrgyzstan and explored areas we hadn’t reached the first time around. There were still plenty of things to see and do left. That’s why we recommend giving yourself at least three weeks. You’ll want the extra time to truly experience what this country has to offer without rushing.

Driving around Kyrgyzstan on your own

We’ll be honest. Heading out on our own in Kyrgyzstan for the first time felt pretty intense. The landscapes are remote, the roads rugged, and there are stretches where you might not see another soul for days. Add to that our lack of serious off-road experience, and it was definitely a leap into the unknown. But the adventure promised was just too good to pass up. And looking back, we can only say: absolutely go for it.

That said, a bit of preparation goes a long way if you want to go on holiday to Kyrgyzstan. If you’re venturing into the more remote regions, take it slow, don’t take unnecessary risks, always check the weather forecast, and pack enough food and water. Renting or bringing a satellite phone or SOS device is a smart move, and basic off-road experience definitely helps. But most of all, confidence behind the wheel matters more than perfection.

One thing we can’t stress enough: bring an SOS device. We didn’t on our first trip, and it nearly cost us. We got stuck in a swamp at 4500 meters without signal or help in sight. It took two days before we were rescued, and it could’ve ended very differently. With an SOS device, we would’ve had help on the way within minutes.

These days we always travel with the Garmin InReach Messenger. It’s compact, affordable, and gives you peace of mind by keeping you connected, even when you’re completely off the grid. Highly recommended if you’re planning a self-driving holiday to Kyrgyzstan.

Renting a 4×4 car for your holiday to Kyrgyzstan

Let’s talk wheels, because choosing the right rental car for your Kyrgyzstan road trip is key. For us, it’s simple: if you’re planning to see the most beautiful and remote places in the country, you need a 4×4. No debate.

We rented our vehicle from Nick in Bishkek for our holiday to Kyrgyzstan and can wholeheartedly recommend him. He offers sturdy Toyota Sequoias with rooftop tents and all the camping gear you need. You can send him a message on this website. He’s usually fully booked in summer, so be quick! If he’s out of availability, you’ll also find a few other trusted rental companies listed on the same site.

Planning to visit places like Lake Köl-Suu or other areas near the borders? Then don’t forget your border permit. It’s required for many regions and you’ll be asked to show it at military checkpoints. You can easily apply for one here.

Want to know more about what to expect—how the roads are, what facilities are like, and what you really need to pack? Check out our guide: Traveling to Kyrgyzstan: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go.

Holiday to Kyrgyzstan guide & essential apps

Our itinerary is largely inspired by the incredible off-road routes from the travel guide created by Olivia and Victor, the duo behind Ountravela. They spent years exploring Kyrgyzstan in their 4×4, mapping out the most epic trails the country has to offer. We were lucky enough to meet them on the road and have now driven most of their routes ourselves. Without a doubt, these drives were the absolute highlights of our holiday to Kyrgyzstan. And that says a lot.

If you’re planning to go on a holiday to Kyrgyzstan by car and crave adventure, their guide is a must-have. You can order it here.

Bonus tip: Ditch Google Maps and use Yandex for navigation. Yandex is far more accurate when it comes to roads in Kyrgyzstan. Google often sends you the wrong way. For off-road tracks, we recommend Maps.me, which also works well offline. And if you’re into wild camping, check iOverlander or the wild camp suggestions from the Ountravela guide. Both are packed with valuable info that’ll take your trip to the next level.

The ultimate 3-week itinerary for your holiday to Kyrgyzstan

Below you’ll find our carefully crafted itinerary with what we believe are the most breathtaking places in Kyrgyzstan. This route is designed specifically for a 3-week holiday to Kyrgyzstan, but even then, you can’t see everything this country has to offer. Some highlights like Jyrgalan, Engilchek, and Altyn Arashan didn’t make the cut. But we made those choices with care, and as far as we’re concerned, this is the best possible route for a 3-week tour.

That said, Kyrgyzstan isn’t the kind of place you plan down to the minute. Don’t try to fix your whole schedule in advance. Pick out a few must-sees, but leave room for detours, surprises, and spontaneous moments. Because if there’s one thing you can count on in Kyrgyzstan, it’s that nothing goes exactly according to plan. And that’s exactly what makes it so special. Embrace the freedom of the open road, roll with whatever comes your way, pitch your tent wherever you land, and enjoy every minute of it.

Day 1: Start of your holiday to Kyrgyzstan – City tripping Bishkek

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Welcome to Bishkek, the starting point of your Kyrgyzstan road trip. Here, Lenin and Marx still stand on their pedestals, watching over a city where Soviet charm meets modern energy. You’ll find a curious mix of grand, gray architecture, leafy boulevards, buzzing bazaars, and laid-back parks.

Start your day at Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, and the State History Museum to get a feel for the city’s Soviet past. Looking to relax? Head to Oak Park or Panfilov Park for a shady break. Need to stock up? The chaotic but fascinating Osh Bazaar is your go-to spot. You’ll find everything you need for your road trip through Kyrgyzstan.

Bishkek has become surprisingly trendy in recent years. Think cozy cafés, stylish guesthouses, and great food spots. Grab a coffee at Sierra Coffee (our favorite coffee place), treat yourself to a good meal, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime. The adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 2: Konorchek Canyon

Distance: approx. 150 km (4-hour drive)

This is where your holiday to Kyrgyzstan truly kicks off. Pick up your 4×4 in Bishkek and hit the road. If you’ve rented your car from Nick, there’s a good chance you stayed at his place the night before. One of the perks of booking early. Make sure to check availability with him—just send him a message on this website.

As you leave the city, you’ll pass the Burana Tower. It’s a well-known historical site, but unless you’re a history enthusiast, we’d say skip it. The real adventure lies just ahead.

Follow route 4 from Ountravela’s travel guide and head toward Konorchek Canyon. This off-road drive is next-level. Think bright red rock formations, panoramic views, and a winding trail that makes you feel like you’re the only one out there.

Set up camp somewhere with sweeping views of the valleys and distant snow-capped peaks. Hike through the canyon, cook a simple meal on your stove, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. If you’re lucky, you’ll wake up to wild horses grazing near your tent.

Konorchek is everything a road trip in Kyrgyzstan should be. And it’s only your first night.

Day 3: Issyk Kul & The Forgotten Rivers

Distance: approx. 200 km (4-hour drive)

Waking up to the silence and sunrise at Konorchek Canyon is something special. If you didn’t explore the canyon the day before, take a morning hike through its winding paths and towering red walls. Next up: make your way toward Issyk Kul, the second-largest mountain lake in the world.

If you’re in the mood for a bit more adventure, detour via The Forgotten Rivers route (#5) from the Ountravela guide. This lesser-known off-road track takes you along the southern shores of Issyk Kul, through dramatic canyons and wide sandy stretches that were once riverbeds.

For the night, we recommend staying at Bel-Tam Yurt Camp. Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but that just means you get cozy beds, hot showers, and good food. Luxuries you’ll start to appreciate quickly on a road trip through Kyrgyzstan. It’s the perfect place to recharge: do your laundry, sip a cold beer, enjoy their fresh coffee and share travel stories around the fire. After a night in the wild, Bel-Tam feels like a mini oasis.

Day 4: Skazka / Fairytale Canyon & Barskoon Waterfalls

Distance: approx. 70 km (1.5-hour drive)

Just half an hour from Bel-Tam lies Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. It’s a colorful, picture-perfect stop with unique rock formations. Worth a short visit if you’re passing by. For us, Konorchek Canyon still takes the crown, but since Skazka is right off the main road, it’s an easy detour.

Continue your drive along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to Barskoon, a small village at the foot of the mountains. Stock up on supplies here; you’ll be heading into remote areas for the next few days. In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a forest hike to some of the Barskoon Waterfalls. It’s a peaceful spot, and a great way to end the day. Try to find a camp spot nearby, so you can hit the mountain roads early the next morning.

Day 5: Kumtor Gold Mine & Kara Say

Distance: approx. 160 km (6-hour drive)

From Barskoon, the main road fades behind you as you head deep into the wild Tian Shan mountains. This is a truly spectacular part of Kyrgyzstan. Stock up on supplies for the next few days, bring an SOS device, and prepare for one of the most remote stretches of your trip.

Follow route 7 from the Ountravela guide past the Kumtor gold mine, one of the highest mines in the world, and continue toward the tiny hamlet of Kara Say.

Here, you can wild camp on high-altitude tundra beneath a blanket of stars. Completely alone at 4500 meters altitude. Just a word of caution: don’t pitch your tent too close to the river. We got stuck in the mud here, and it wasn’t pretty. Camp on higher ground, and always carry a satellite phone or SOS Device like the Garmin InReach Messenger for safety.

Day 6–7: Kara Say to Naryn

Distance: approx. 300 km. Plan at least 2 days to cover this stretch, especially if you’re taking off-road tracks. Travel time depends on which routes you choose.

From Kara Say, you’ve got two options to reach Naryn. The fastest is to return via route 7 to Barskoon and take the main road. But if you’re up for a serious off-road challenge, you can dive into routes 6, 8 and/or 13 from the Ountravela guide. These routes are only open in summer (usually July and August) and are no joke.

To give you an idea: it took the Dutch overlanders Star Troopy five hours to drive just 25 kilometers on route 13. Epic? Yes. Easy? Absolutely not. When we tried in June, the snow still blocked the way. Conditions vary by year, so always check ahead.

Once in Naryn, we highly recommend the Grand Hotel Khan Tengri. It’s the best place to stay outside Bishkek, with comfy beds and a proper breakfast. After days of wild camping, we nearly cried tears of joy crawling into bed. Though we were also battling yak-meat food poisoning, so our judgment may have been slightly skewed.

Day 8: Naryn to Köl-Suu

Distance: approx. 180 km (5-hour drive)

Your next stop is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular places: the turquoise Köl-Suu Lake. Unfortunately we didn’t make it there ourselves due to the food poisoning. The hike was just too much at the time. So it’s still at the top of our list for our next visit (because yes, we’re definitely coming back).

Köl-Suu lies right on the Chinese border, tucked deep in the Tien Shan mountains. From Naryn, it’s a 4 to 5-hour drive to the trailhead in the Kok Kiya Valley (route 18 from the Ountravela guide). It’s best to set up camp here, so you can start your hike early the next day. Prefer a roof over your head? You’ll also find warm yurts here.

Important: there are no facilities between Naryn and Köl-Suu, and the roads are mostly unpaved. So stock up on fuel, water, and food. And don’t forget your border permit, which is required for this area.

Technically, there is a 4×4 route that leads all the way to the lake (route 19 in the guide), but it’s not recommended to take this road anymore (last updated April, 2025). The path is in bad shape, cars often get stuck, and it damages the landscape. So just enjoy the hike. It’s worth it.

Day 9: Hike to Köl-Suu Lake

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Lake Köl-Suu lies at 3500 meters altitude, hidden between rugged cliffs and snowy peaks. Its turquoise water, fed by glaciers, makes it feel like another world. Since we couldn’t make it to the lake ourselves, fellow overlander Klaus Promberger sent over some of his amazing shots. Follow him on Instagram for some epic off-road adventures and great outdoor photography!

Köl-Suu photos by Klaus Promberger

The hike is about 12 kilometers round-trip and takes 4 to 6 hours. It’s not too steep or technical. Prefer not to walk? You can ride a horse from most yurt camps in the valley. It takes about 2 hours each way and follows the same trail. Expect to pay around 800 som per person, plus 1500 som for a guide.

Day 10: Historical Tash Rabat

Distance: approx. 180 km (6-hour drive)

After the hike, you head back the same way toward Naryn. But instead of turning right to the city, take the left turn toward Tash Rabat. This 15th-century caravanserai was once a shelter for traders on the Silk Road. It’s one of the most iconic historical sites in Kyrgyzstan, and incredibly well preserved.

But what really steals the show is the nature surrounding it. The gravel road winds through a dramatic gorge, flanked by sharp rock formations and vast open plains. You’re still up high—about 3500 meters in altitude—with hardly anyone around. You can set up camp in the wild or stay in a nearby yurt.

Day 11: MELS mountain pass & Song-Kul

Distance: approx. 180 km (6-hour drive)

Time to head north. Not far from Tash Rabat, you hit one of the most scenic mountain passes in the country: MELS Pass, named after Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin (yep, really). This off-road stretch (route 20 from the Ountravela guide) is absolutely stunning. Expect wild trails, scattered yurts, grazing yaks, and vast views of the Tian Shan mountains.

Once you’ve tackled MELS, you continue to the Kulak Ashuu Pass (at 3390 meters altitude), where old ruins and ancient mausoleums appear like ghosts from the past. From there, a winding, steep mountain road (route 17 from the guide) takes you to Song Kul.

This high-altitude lake above 3000 meters in altitude is one of the most magical places in Kyrgyzstan. In summer, nomads bring their herds here to graze, and the green valleys come to life with yurts, horses and sheep. You’ll find plenty of yurt camps. After a long day on the road, a warm meal and a basic bed might be just what you need. But if you’d rather camp in the wild, go for it.

Day 12: Peaceful Song-Kul

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There’s something special about waking up at Song Kul. The silence, the horses roaming freely, snow-covered peaks in the distance, and absolutely no phone signal. It’s peaceful in a way that’s hard to describe.

Spend the morning like a nomad: on horseback. Every yurt camp offers rides across the jailoo (summer pasture), and there’s no better way to take it all in. Breathe deep, slow down, and enjoy the stillness.

Day 13–14: Song-Kul via Kazarman to Osh

Distance: approx. 450 km (around 11 hours of driving, spread over 2 days)

Time to hit the road west. These two days are all about covering distance. But in Kyrgyzstan, that’s always an adventure in itself. Many travelers skip the western part of the country because the distances are longer and the highlights less clustered. But if you’ve got 3 weeks, don’t make that mistake. The west has some absolute gems that are well worth the effort.

Start with route 16 from the Ountravela guide (illustrated on the photo is route 15, as we took a slightly different route at the time), heading from Song Kul toward Kazarman. Part of this route is now beautifully paved. The locals call it the “China Road,” since it was built by the Chinese as part of the New Silk Road project. That said, the section over the Kaldama Pass toward Jalal-Abad is still tough: steep, rough, and unpaved. From Jalal-Abad to Osh, the final 130 km is smooth asphalt again.

Count on two full days behind the wheel. It’s long, but not dull. These mountain roads offer sweeping views, hairpin bends, and cliffs that will take your breath away. The landscapes alone make the drive worth it. This is what Kyrgyzstan is all about.

Day 15: Osh

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To be honest, Osh itself isn’t the most exciting city. But after days in the remote mountains, it feels like pure luxury. You’ve got Wi-Fi again, hot showers, laundry, good coffee, cold beers, and even pizza. Bliss.

If you’re here on a Sunday morning, don’t miss the Osh animal market. It’s a chaotic, authentic slice of Kyrgyz life, where locals trade sheep, cows, donkeys, and horses. Many wearing traditional Kyrgyz kalpaks (felt hats). It doesn’t get more local than this.

Day 16: Osh to Tulpar Lake at Peak Lenin

Distance: approx. 200 km (5-hour drive)

This is the reason you came to the far west: Peak Lenin. Towering over 7000 meters, it’s one of the most impressive places in the country. Wide green hills roll into snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains. An unforgettable setting.

You’ve got two 4×4 routes to choose from to get to Peak Lenin: route 23 or 24 from the Ountravela guide. We started with the more adventurous route 24, but a sudden storm turned the trail into a muddy mess. With lightning on the horizon, we turned back and took route 23 instead. A bit easier, but still epic. The road leads to Tulpar Lake, right at the foot of Peak Lenin. You can wild camp here or stay in one of the nearby yurt camps. Either way, it’s absolute magic.

Day 17: Hiking at Peak Lenin

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A holiday to Kyrgyzstan wouldn’t be complete without hiking near one of its most iconic peaks. The trails around Peak Lenin offer nonstop views of this 7000-meter giant. If you finish early and feel like moving on, you can already drive a bit north to ease the coming travel days. But the stunning scenery around Tulpar Lake makes it worth slowing down and staying just a little longer.

Day 18–20: Peak Lenin to Toktogul

Distance: approx. 600 km (spread over 2–3 days)

As your three-week road trip comes to an end, it’s time to make your way back toward Bishkek. That means covering some distance; about 600 kilometers in total from Tulpar Lake to the Toktogul Reservoir. Depending on your pace, you can do it in two full driving days or split it into three more relaxed ones.

The scenery along the way is beautiful, so you won’t be bored. If you opt for two days, plan to stay somewhere near Uzgen, roughly halfway. Prefer to stretch it out over three? Then overnight stops around Osh and Tashkömür are great options. Around Tashkömür, you’ll even find some outdoor activities like rafting, horseback riding, or hiking. Or simply check iOverlander for a quiet wild camping spot en route.

Day 21: Toktogul Reservoir

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After all those bumpy tracks through the mountains, it’s finally time to take a breather. Toktogul Reservoir is a bright blue lake where you can wild camp right on the beach. It almost feels like a Mediterranean holiday. Something we didn’t expect in Kyrgyzstan, but man, did it hit the spot after weeks of high altitude and off-road adventures.

Fire up the BBQ, float in the lake, and fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves. If you’ve got time to spare, it’s the perfect place to stay an extra day. We camped here (coordinates: 41.827290, 72.931897). Still hungry for off-road routes? Try route 21 from the Ountravela guide along the lake for one more adventure.

Day 22: Final day of your holiday to Kyrgyzstan – back to Bishkek

Distance: approx. 300 km (5-hour drive)

And just like that, your holiday to Kyrgyzstan is coming to an end. Today, you head back to Bishkek and return your now beloved rental car. The drive takes you through the scenic Chychkan Gorge, past endless jailoos with grazing animals, yurts, and rolling green hills. A beautiful final stretch, and honestly, a fitting way to wrap things up.

If you’ve rented your car from Nick, you might be able to spend the night at his place. Just check in advance if there’s room.

Three weeks may sound long, but they’ll fly by. And even after all this, you’ll still have more to see. So who knows? Maybe Kyrgyzstan will call you back again one day. Need more ideas? Check out our 2-week itinerary for even more inspiration or read our guide about everything you need to know before you go.

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