u/Falafel_23 — reddlx

I'm planning a road trip in Kyrgyzstan with my boyfriend from August 4th to 17th, and I'd love some advice!

We're interested in: Trekking and mountains, sports in general, soviet-era architecture and palaces, abandoned places,

Our current idea for the itinerary is:

Day 1: Bishkek
Day 2: Bishkek → Kochkor (maybe Ala Archa in the morning?)
Day 3: Kochkor → Son-Kul Lake
Day 4: Son-Kul Lake
Day 5: Son-Kul Lake → Bokonbaev
Day 6: Bokonbaev → Karakol
Days 10-12: Trekking around Karakol (possibly multi-day treks)
Day 13: Karakol → Jyrgilan (trek + overnight stay)
Day 14: Jyrgilan → northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (TBD)
Days 15-16: Still deciding on a location for these 3 nights
Day 17: Return to Bishkek

We were thinking about including Naryn, but we'd rather take our time and really experience each place rather than rush through the trip. Do you think Naryn is a must-see?

Do you have any recommendations for trekking routes around Karakol? Where would you suggest spending 3 nights on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul? Any must-see abandoned places or Soviet-era sites? Finally, this itinerary realistic timing-wise?

Thanks! 😄