The Path of Manas 2025

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Route: Bishkek – Chon-Kemin – Karkyra – Karakol – South Shore of Issyk-Kul – Bishkek
Season: Year-round, starting January 4, 2025 – every Saturday
Age: 12+
Level: Beginner
Languages: Russian- and English-speaking guide (upon request)

 What makes this tour unique?

“Path of Manas” is not just a tour — it’s a journey into a living legend, where every trail, mountain pass, and lake whispers a tale from one of the world’s greatest epics. This is a new format of cultural travel, where myths and reality merge into an unforgettable narrative.

You won't just visit Kyrgyzstan — you'll live its story.
The itinerary follows a dramatic structure: prologue, rising action, climax, and resolution.
And you are not a spectator — you are a participant.

Following the steps of the legendary hero Manas, you'll discover:

 Majestic landscapes and sacred places of power
 Unique nomadic rituals and traditions
 Genuine hospitality and the living heritage of the Kyrgyz people

The Epic of Manas is the soul of Kyrgyzstan.
And the Path of Manas is your way to feel it deeply.

It’s time to begin your own epic journey.

Fixed Departure Dates:

• June: 21–26, 28.06–03.07

• July: 5–10, 12–17, 19–24, 26–31

• August: 2–7, 9–14, 16–21, 23–28, 30.08–04.09

• September: 6–11, 13–18, 20–25, 27.09–02.10

• October: 4–9, 11–16, 18–23, 25–30

• November: 1–6, 8–13, 15–20, 22–27, 29.11–04.12

• December: 6–11, 13–18, 20–25, 27.12–01.01

Tour Program

Day 1 / Saturday: Bishkek – Burana Tower (UNESCO) – Chon-Kemin Valley (190 km / 4 hrs)
The journey begins with the tale of young Manas, fascinated by horses and skilled in games. At Burana Tower, guests can try horseback riding and Kok Boru, just like Manas and his forty warriors. In Chon-Kemin, locals re-enact the historic meeting of Manas and Khan Koshoi with demonstrations of traditional Kyrgyz games like Kuresh (wrestling).
Dinner – yurt camp

Day 2 / Sunday: Chon-Kemin – Karkyra Valley (300 km / 7 hrs)
Morning immersion in nomadic life: milking cows, breakfast in a yurt. Travel to the scenic Karkyra Valley. Here, guests will participate in preparing a ritual feast called Ash, as told in the epic during Khan Koketey’s celebration.
Breakfast & Dinner – yurt camp

Day 3 / Monday: Karkyra Valley
A full day on the jailoo (highland pastures), engaging in traditional games and contests: Toguz Korgool, Ordo, archery, and more.
Full board – yurt camp

Day 4 / Tuesday: Karkyra – Karakol (120 km / 2.5 hrs)
Travel to Karakol. A boat ride on Lake Issyk-Kul will be accompanied by a story of how Manas drew strength from these sacred waters. In the evening, meet a Manaschi (epic storyteller) and learn the rhythm of oral epic performance.
Breakfast – yurt camp

Day 5 / Wednesday: Karakol – Jeti-Ögüz – Skazka Canyon – South Shore (250 km / 6 hrs)
In Jeti-Ögüz Gorge, guests will dress like warriors. At Skazka Canyon, symbolic “throne conquest” activities take place. Guests will try archery and witness a golden eagle hunting demonstration — echoing the military prowess of Manas.
Breakfast – guesthouse/hotel, Dinner – yurt camp

Day 6 / Thursday: South Shore – Bishkek (200 km / 5 hrs)
On the way back to Bishkek: stop at Kyzyl-Tuu village to witness the setup of a traditional yurt. In Bokonbaevo, take part in a felt carpet (shyrdak) workshop. Return to Bishkek in the evening.
Breakfast – yurt camp

Tour Price per Person (2025):

Organized by local partners in Kyrgyzstan
Some cultural activities may vary depending on weather or availability