The capital
Almost every trip begins in Bishkek, a green, easygoing capital with Soviet boulevards, busy bazaars, the best restaurants in the country and Manas International Airport. Ala-Archa National Park sits just south of the city for a first mountain day.
The great lake
Issyk-Kul is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, ringed by snowy peaks. The north shore around Cholpon-Ata has beaches and resorts, while the quieter south shore has canyons, eagle hunters and small guesthouses.
The trekking base
At the eastern end of the lake, Karakol is the hub for hikes to Ala-Kul lake, the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan and the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, and for winter skiing.
The high pastures
Song-Kol is a wide lake at about three thousand metres where herders spend the summer in yurts. Staying a night or two in a yurt camp is the moment many travellers remember most.
The south
Osh is one of Central Asia's oldest cities, with the sacred Sulaiman-Too mountain and a vast bazaar. It is the gateway to the Alay valley and the road to the Pamirs.
How to combine them
A classic ten day loop runs Bishkek, the north shore of Issyk-Kul, Karakol, the south shore, then Kochkor and Song-Kol before returning to Bishkek. With two weeks, add a flight to Osh. Mountain roads are slow, so allow a full day for most transfers. Use the free trip planner to shape a route that fits your dates.