Silk Road: Bishkek to Torugart — 5 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.
A compact route for travellers heading to China: Bishkek, the Burana Tower, a night on Issyk-Kul, a yurt on Song-Kol and the Tash-Rabat caravanserai before the Torugart pass.
Highlights
- Bishkek city tour
- Burana Tower (11th c.)
- Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs
- Yurt night on Song-Kol
- 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
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
Drive to Cholpon-Ata on Issyk-Kul via the 11th-century Burana Tower, with lunch on the way. Free time on the shore. Night in a hotel or resort.
03
Day
Cholpon-Ata – Song-Kol
Local museum and petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata, then drive to Song-Kol. Night in a yurt or tent.
04
Day
Song-Kol – Tash-Rabat
Drive to Tash-Rabat, the 14th-century Silk Road caravanserai, and visit it. Night in a yurt or tent.
05
Day
Tash-Rabat – Torugart
Transfer to the Kyrgyz–Chinese border at Torugart.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route, including meeting you at or taking you to the border post
English-speaking guide
4 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: $120 (4 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.
