KYRGYZSTAN: JOURNEY TO THE EAGLE HUNTERS
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Discover Kyrgyzstan’s raw beauty and nomadic traditions with Jambo. Trek through the dramatic landscapes of Song-Kul and Jyrgalan, where rolling pastures and alpine lakes offer endless adventure. Stay in traditional yurts, ride horseback across vast valleys, and experience the warm hospitality of local herders. Explore Karakol’s diverse cultural influences and soak in natural hot springs beneath snow-capped peaks. From rugged mountains to authentic nomadic experiences, this journey is an unforgettable deep dive into one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets.
BEST TIME TO GO
The summer months of Jun to Sep are our favourite times to visit. It is ideal for trekking, horseback riding, and staying in traditional yurts, with long sunny days and crisp, refreshing nights at higher altitudes. Beyond summer, May and early Oct also offer pleasant weather, with fewer travellers and beautiful autumn landscapes in the mountains. In winter, an entirely different kind of expedition opens up, with Kyrgyzstan transforming into a playground for snow sports, including backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and winter yurt stays in the remote highlands.
AVAILABLE TRIP FORMATS
Private trips: ideal for honeymooners, couples, families, and groups of friends. You get to pick your own dates and enjoy the flexibility to customize parts of the program with our range of optional add-ons. During the trip, you also have greater control over the pace of travel.
Open group trips: ideal for solo travellers, couples, small groups of friends open to meeting other like-minded adventurers. We do our best to open a couple of group trips per destination each year. Available trip dates can be found below.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
ALTYN ARASHAN
The hidden gem. Trek through stunning alpine scenery to reach this pristine valley, where natural hot springs offer a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Surrounded by breathtaking views, it's an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
EAGLE HUNTERS OF BOKONBAEYVO
Experience the ancient art of eagle hunting, where you'll witness the bond between hunter and eagle in action. Marvel as these majestic birds soar through the sky, diving with incredible precision to capture their prey. This rare, awe-inspiring tradition offers a glimpse into the nomadic heritage of the region.
EXPERIENCE NOMADIC CULTURE
Immerse yourself in Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture by staying in a traditional yurt camp. Experience the thrill of Kok Boru, an ancient horseback game, and connect with locals in nearby villages. As the day ends, unwind in the peaceful setting and witness stunning sunsets over the mountains.
HORSEBACK RIDING AT SON KUL
Ride across the stunning landscapes of Son Kul Lake, exploring valleys and panoramic viewpoints on horseback. With an experienced handler guiding you, even beginners can quickly learn the basics and enjoy the adventure. It’s a scenic, immersive way to experience Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking wilderness.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival, Cattle Market or Burana Tower, →Chon-Kemin Valley, Horse Cart Ride
Day 2
→Issyk Kul lake, Rafting or Boat Ride, →Karakol
Day 3
→Altyn Arashan, Hiking, Natural Hot Pools, Dungan Dinner
Day 4
Jeti Orguz, Barskoon, Skazka Canyon, Sunset Eagle Hunting Showcase
Day 5
Yurt Making Workshop, →Son Kul Lake
Day 6
Son Kul Lake, Horse Riding, Shepherd's Home, Kok Boru Games
Day 7
Son Kul Lake, →Kochkor, Shyrdak Carpet Making Workshop, →Bishkek
Day 8
Bishkek City Tour, Shopping, Osh Bazar
Day 9
Departure
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
Rest and Recharge in Comfort
We know a comfortable stay is a key part of an enjoyable experience. We have handpicked our preferred properties after rounds of on-site inspections. We’ll be staying in a mixture of city hotels, guest lodges, and cozy yurt camps. Additionally, with the help of feedback from past Jambo Adventurers we are able to continually ensure we work with quality properties. Beyond a comfortable stay, we love these properties for their warm sense of hospitality that often makes all the difference!
WHY TRAVEL WITH JAMBO?
Handpicked adventures,
crafted with firsthand experience
Every Jambo program is built from the ground up with care and intention. After weeks of research, we travel down ourselves; meeting partners, personally testing experiences, and understanding the finer nuances of local tourism. We blend our deep travel expertise with the invaluable knowledge of our trusted partners to create journeys that are immersive, authentic, and designed for Adventurers like you.
Hosted by trusted partners,
who feel like friends
Great experiences come from great people. We don’t just work with guides and hosts. We build real relationships, sharing meals, stories, and time together long before a Jambo trip ever happens. That’s why when you travel with us, you’re welcomed not just as a guest, but as a friend of Jambo. And thanks to the positive goodwill from past Adventurers, you’ll step into a network of hospitality, trust, and warmth.
Incredible journeys,
without any of the stress
The best travel moments happen when you’re fully present. Whether it’s standing in awe of a vast landscape, sharing a laugh with new friends, or experiencing a culture from the inside out. Jambo takes care of the logistics, research, and planning so you can focus on what really matters: traveling deeply, connecting meaningfully, and exploring with confidence, curiosity, and respect.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TRAVELLER REVIEWS
I love the way that JAMBO sees travel - travel that is adventurous, social, and integrated with the local community. It feels like the type of travel that inspires curiosity and respect for the richness and diversity of the world - all while sharing a good laugh and fun times with like-minded people!
Melody Lau
Friendships made - everyone got along really well and we had tons of fun and laughter over our shared experiences, even though most of us didn’t know each other prior to the trip. BBQ-ing next to the lake, staying in yurt camps, solo horse riding, challenging each other to ice cold river baths, bar hopping, late night games - these all made the entire experience so much more enriching and memorable!!
Rebecca Tan
Trip was packed with what we are calling “core memories”! Horseback riding - it was my first time ever on a horse. All the training summed up in a simple rule: “Choo Choo” to go, “Brrrrr” to stop. The thrill before the adventure hits you, and once you’re on that horse it’s like blending into nature - mountains, lake, sky, sunset, all in sync. Incredible experience! *
Aleksandra
