Silk Road via Issyk-Kul & Karakol to Torugart — 7 Days
About this tour
The Great Silk Road was one of the greatest achievements of world civilisation: a vast network of caravan routes linking the Mediterranean with China, carrying trade and ideas between East and West. Three of its branches crossed Kyrgyzstan, leaving caravanserais, ancient cities and minarets along the way.
This week-long route loops around Issyk-Kul before heading south: the Chon-Ak-Suu gorge, Karakol with its Dungan mosque in Chinese style, the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan and the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, then Naryn and the Tash-Rabat caravanserai on the way to the Torugart pass.
Highlights
- Chon-Ak-Suu gorge
- Karakol's Dungan mosque and Orthodox church
- Hot springs of Altyn-Arashan
- Jeti-Oguz 'Seven Bulls' rocks
- Tash-Rabat caravanserai
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival in Bishkek
Meeting at Manas airport, check-in and a city tour: Ala-Too square, the History Museum, Victory square, the Philharmonic and more.
02
Day
Bishkek – Burana – Cholpon-Ata – Chon-Ak-Suu
Drive to Cholpon-Ata via the Burana Tower and its archaeological museum. Afternoon excursion to the Chon-Ak-Suu gorge. Night in a hotel or resort.
03
Day
Cholpon-Ata – Karakol
Drive to Karakol and tour the Przhevalsky museum, the Russian Orthodox church and the Chinese-style mosque. Night in a guesthouse.
04
Day
Altyn-Arashan
Excursion to the Altyn-Arashan ('hot springs') gorge to bathe and enjoy the scenery. Night in Karakol.
05
Day
Jeti-Oguz
Excursion to the Jeti-Oguz ('Seven Bulls') gorge to see the famous 'Seven Bulls' and 'Broken Heart' rocks. Night in Karakol.
06
Day
Karakol – Naryn
Drive to Naryn. Night in a guesthouse.
07
Day
Naryn – Tash-Rabat – Torugart
Drive to the Torugart border, visiting the 14th-century Tash-Rabat caravanserai on the way.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route, including meeting you at or taking you to the border post
English-speaking guide
6 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
Breakfast and dinner every day
Border-zone permits
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $180 (6 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch
Transport on the Chinese or Uzbek side of the border
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide and driver
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Travellers with average fitness — there are no particular difficulties on the route
- First-time visitors who want the highlights by road
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 3,400 m (mountain passes and Song-Kol/Tash-Rabat). Nights there are cold even in summer; move slowly if you feel the altitude and drink plenty of water.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights at Song-Kol and Tash-Rabat are cold
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping bag (for yurt and tent nights)
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Do you meet us at the border?
Yes, we meet you at the Kyrgyz side of the border post. Crossing rules at Torugart and Irkeshtam change from time to time — tell us your nationality and dates and we will confirm the current requirements.
