KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan - Land of the Heavenly Mountains
Sitting at the heart of Central Asia, the former Soviet nation of Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country rich in dramatic landscapes, Silk Road history, nomadic heritage and warm hospitality. Still largely devoid of mass-tourism, its beauty is truly tonic for the soul.
Home to snow leopards, ancient walnut forests, azure mountain lakes and lofty peaks, this ‘Switzerland of Central Asia’ is a cultural melting-pot of Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Uighur and Russian culture. That’s no surprise, given the country’s location at the heart of the old Silk Road.
Silk, jewels, spices, armies and religions have flowed through these lands since the time of Alexander the Great. But while trade routes change over time, mountain ranges remain - the highlight of any trip to Kyrgyzstan is its mighty Tian Shan or Tengir-Too - ‘heavenly’ - mountains, of which 7,439 metre Jengish Chokosu is the highest.
We arrange both small-group tours and tailor-made trips to Kyrgyzstan, and work with the very best guides in the country, people we have worked with for years. All our trips are designed and managed by either Antonia or Marley, and we pride ourselves on arranging immersive, imaginative journeys that take our guests off the beaten path, and into the heart and soul of the country.
Get in touch to start planning your Silk Road Adventure to Kyrgyzstan.
Some of our Kyrgyzstan highlights
Kyrgyzstan Small Group Tours
Explore Kyrgyzstan 2026 - Across the Heavenly Mountains
A fabulous two-week adventure, drawn from more than a decade of our explorations of wonderful Kyrgyzstan. This small-group trip will take you to some epic locations - from remote mountain pastures to the bustle and history of Bishkek. Meet artists, journalists and conservationists and delve into the story of Kyrgyzstan.
Departs: 9th June, 2026
Duration: 14 days
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Joanna Lumley’s Footsteps: 2027
Explore the Silk Road as Joanna Lumley did in her popular TV series. This ever-popular trip was designed by the series producer and Silk Road Adventures director, Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent, and provides a unique chance to follow in Joanna’s footsteps. Our 2026 trip is now SOLD OUT. Please contact us to be added to the waiting-list for 2027.
Departs: Late May, 2027 (dates TBC in early 2026)
Duration: 16 days
Tailor-Made Kyrgyzstan Tours
With our background in journalism and television production, and more than a decade’s experience of planning bespoke trips for individuals, families and small groups, tailor-made journeys are what we do best.
Whether you want to do a logistically challenging (horse) riding expedition in remote Kyrgyzstan - replete with chefs, luxury tents with proper beds, look for snow leopards, hike over high mountain passes, explore the country by motorbike or bicycle, uncover the history of the Silk Road or do a deep dive into the art and textiles of Kyrgyzstan, we can make it happen.
Spotlight on: Riding the Heavenly Mountains
If you love riding and adventure, then Kyrgyzstan is the country for you! Horses are an integral part of this nomad nation’s identity, and many Kyrgyz children learn to ride before they can run.
We’ve organised multi-day horse riding adventures in some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Kyrgyzstan. From satellite internet to hot showers to top quality chefs, comfortable camp beds and evening musical entertainment, this is a proper dose of adventure (without feeling like you’ve slept in a ditch for a week).
Antonia was a founding director of the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest multi-horse race, setting up the race in 2009 and running it for the first few years - so she knows a thing or two about organising equine adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions - Expert Answers from Silk Road Adventures
Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan?
The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is generally from early June to late September, to ensure all high altitude roads and camps are open. The peak season for trekking and yurt camps is from July to August. That said, there is plenty for visitors to see and explore outside these months. For lower-level hiking and incredible wild flowers, mid-April to late May are perfect, although the weather can be unpredictable. For skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, the season runs from late November until late March - depending on the region. For snow leopard spotting, visit between January and March. September into October brings an outstanding display of autumn colours, whilst March is the time of the Navruz (Nawrus, Nooruz) spring festival, which is well worth experiencing.
How much does one of your Kyrgyzstan tours cost?
Small Group Kyrgyzstan tours with Silk Road Adventures range from upwards of £4,000 per person for a 10 to 14 day small-group tour. These include - all accommodation (in a mix of high-quality, carefully chosen hotels and guesthouses), ground transportation in quality 4x4 vehicles, most meals (typically breakfast and supper with some light lunches), expert English-speaking guides, entry fees to national parks and attractions, airport transfers and unique experiences along your route.
Tailor-made private tours start from around £450 per person per day.
Is Kyrgyzstan safe for travelers?
Yes, Kyrgyzstan is very safe for tourists. As specialists who have run dozens of tours there since 2015, we can confirm:
This is a country with an outstandingly low crime rate against tourists;
A uniquely welcoming culture - hospitality being central to Kyrgyz values;
It’s safe for solo female travelers;
An 100% safety record - zero serious incidents in 10 years. We provide 24/7 emergency support, satellite phones or Starlink access in remote areas, and have years of experience living and working across the region, meaning we create our trips using first-hand knowledge.
Do I need a visa for Kyrgyzstan?
UK, US, EU, Australian, NZ, Singapore and many other citizens do NOT need a visa for stays up to 60 days. Citizens of most Western countries enjoy visa-free entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
What's included in your Kyrgyzstan trips?
Every Silk Road Adventures Kyrgyzstan small group tour includes:
Pre-trip planning consultation with our directors, if required
Small group size (maximum 12, typically 6-8)
Brilliant, experienced English-speaking guides, personally chosen by us
Comfortable accommodation in high quality hotels and authentic guesthouses
Traditional yurt stays
Ground transportation in high-quality 4x4 vehicles (Toyota Sequoia or similar)
Most meals, featuring plenty of local cuisine
All activity, historical site and national park fees
Emergency support where required
Comprehensive pre-departure information in the Vamoos app format, with regular updates, articles, playlists, films and all of our personal recommendations along your route
NOT included: International flights, visa fees (if required), travel insurance, some lunches, drinks, tips.
How fit do I need to be for travel in Kyrgyzstan?
This totally depends on the type of trip you are seeking! Our Kyrgyzstan small group tours accommodate most fitness levels, but you will generally need to have good mobility at the very least, and be able to walk in cities and on rough ground at a reasonable pace. Because we have three or four vehicles and guide on our group tours, there are options to split the group, so some folks can do half day hikes and others can relax at the yurt camp or guesthouse. For a tailor-made trip, we will of course design this around your interests, wishes and abilities.