Jun 9, 2025
Stunning views, Amazing food and the Best Guide! - This trip was truly something special. Every part of it was so well organized — from the clean, comfortable places we stayed (with views that honestly took our breath away) to the smooth itinerary that made everything easy and enjoyable.
The food was a total highlight — every meal felt like a culinary adventure! We got to taste so many delicious local dishes, and it really added to the whole experience.
And of course, Amir — our guide — was the heart of it all. He wasn’t just a guide, he felt like a close friend by the end of the trip. Super helpful, always there when we needed anything, and full of great stories and insights. His kindness and energy made the whole journey even more memorable.
Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a beautiful, stress-free getaway with great food, good company, and unforgettable moments. Huge thanks to Mars and Amir for making it all so special!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 19, 2025
Great road trip experience - I had a very good time discovering various sightseeings in Kyrgyzstan with my tour guide Tulegan. Apart from the main attractions he always tried to make additional stops and explain Kyrgyz culture with me. It is definitely worth the trip as the landscape is breathtaking. Make sure to pack appropriate shoes for the canyon and the waterfall tough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 18, 2025
Great introduction to culture and nature in Kyrgyzstan. - I would really recommend to do this tour if you want to learn more about Kyrgyz culture and see stunning landscapes.
I felt super VIP during this trip, because it turned out to be a private tour and I had 2 guides. Zamir was my guide and he brought Aidai, who wanted to learn more about guiding tourists to Issyk Kul Lake. Zamir speaks perfect English. He is a true patriot and ambassador for his country. He want's tourists to remember not him but the country. Well Zamir, mission achieved. It was a wonderful trip that I will remember forever.
During this trip you will not only see the beautiful lake. But you will also visit the high mountains and see magnificent canyons. I really loved jumping from stone to stone in the Skazka (fairytale) canyon. In Barskoon you will do a small hike to the waterfall. I could have stayed there forever. It was so peaceful over there. I loved the sound of the babbling river. In Chon Kemin I loved the horse riding tour. I'm not an experienced horse rider. But it felt like an easy stroll.
My mission was, besides having a good time, learn what people in Kyrgyzstan think is important. That's why I decided to stick to the program for the most part. But the guides are open for changes. So if you want to visit a specific spot that is not on the initial list, it might me added to the program. Please note that on this 3 day trip you won't make it all the way to Karakol. You would have to book the 4 day tour to go over there.
I enjoyed all the things you see that belong to everyday life in Kyrgyzstan but are strange for me and I guess for many western tourists. I loved to see small kids enjoy themselves riding a donkey.
I was very lucky with my guides. We talked a lot and sheared experiences. Both Zamir and Aidai were also very interested in me. And Aidai had the patience to help improve my Russian language skills.
Reasons to choose this trip:
- You will be sure to have an English speaking guide.
- No worries about transportation. The tour starts and ends at your hotel in Bishkek (or other point of your choosing).
- The sleeping accomodations are fine. You will have stunning views over mountains.
- You will eat a lot of local food. It is very good. Please try Kuurdak or fricassee.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 12, 2025
Unforgettable Kyrgyzstan Experience! - We took our trip to Kyrgyzstan in March this year, and it was truly unforgettable, thanks to our amazing guide, Max! From the moment we met him, it felt like we were reconnecting with an old friend. He was warm, friendly, and went out of his way to make us feel at home.
Max’s deep knowledge of Kyrgyzstan’s history, culture, and hidden gems made every part of our journey enriching and memorable. He’s also an excellent photographer and took us to the best spots for incredible views and photos- a big bonus!
As two female travelers, we always felt safe, supported, and comfortable — we couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
A big thank you as well to Atlas Group and Mars for their seamless coordination and prompt communication. Everything was perfectly organized. We highly recommend this team if you’re planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 5, 2025
Fantastic Tour and Wonderful Tour Guide! - I had an incredible experience touring Kyrgyzstan, and a huge part of that was thanks to my tour guide (Maksat). From the very beginning, he was professional, organized, and incredibly welcoming. It’s clear that he’s passionate about what he does, and his deep knowledge of the region, history, and culture added so much meaning to every stop along the way.
Maksat always made sure everything ran smoothly, and he was very attentive to the group's interests and comfort throughout the trip. Whether exploring breathtaking mountain landscapes or enjoying traditional meals, Maksat shared fascinating insights and stories. He struck the perfect balance between being informative and allowing time to relax and take everything in.
What really stood out was how personable and friendly he is—it felt like we were traveling with a friend rather than just a guide. His good sense of humor and positive attitude made every day enjoyable, no matter the weather or terrain.
I highly recommend Maksat for anyone considering a trip to Kyrgyzstan. He helped make this journey truly memorable, and I’ll always be grateful for the care and effort he put into making it special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 3, 2025
Unforgettable experience - Fantastic experience, I'll never forget the experience. Our guide Zamir knew everything about where we went and went the extra mile to make our trip special. definitely worth booking
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 26, 2025
We had an amazing time with our wonderful guide Maris. - Our guide Maris gave us the best tour of our trip to central asia. The car was super comfortable, the food was amazing and it was an absolute highlight. I highly recommend this agency, good communication and value for money,
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 24, 2025
Very considerate and well organised 3-day tour to Issyk-Kul - My guide was Maksat from Atlas.kg who was very polite, friendly, helpful and considerate (as he altered the timing and sometimes the order of activities to suit me). He explained the features and history of many places and discussed the changes in traditions as a result of the country's independence. As my visit was during winter, Maksat made sure I was warm enough in the 4WD, the hotels and during the walks/horse ride. Due to roadworks, I had been told that certain locations were inaccessible so Maksat/Atlas substituted similar scenery for those I could not visit (canyon, river and hot springs). The accommodation was very good with wifi included. I was asked my preferences for all meals - something I am seldom asked during any other tours - thank you. The locations we visited were very good - especially being able to climb Burana tower, hold an eagle (without being scratched), see the huge Issyl-Kul lake, stand on a frozen waterfall, see the different rock formations/colours at the Fairy-Tale canyon, swim in the hot springs pool and see the small town (Chon Kemin) on horseback (-20oC in some places mid-morning).
Thank you very much Maksat & Atlas.kg.
PS: I understand the weather was too cold to stay in a traditional Yurt tent so I appreciated being able to see them.
Review provided by Viator
Nov 7, 2024
Fabulous experience . Ticked all the boxes - From our first enquiry to even after the trip ended communication was excellent and responsive to our queries.
Vehicle was very comfortable with plenty of space. Our fabulous guide Maksat (Max) was very informative and we learnt so much about the area but also about life in Kyrgyzstan as well. He is a walking wikipedia. Max adapted the tour to suit the weather and our requirements and abilities which was great.
We stayed in two very different places, both unique in their own individual ways (one a yurt camp and one a family guest house). We were made to feel very welcome by the owners who went out of their way to make sure our stay was memorable. There was far too much food even for Europeans! You must try the strawberry jam.
Our final meal was of fresh fish caught and cooked by the restaurant owner a lovely elderly gentleman. We will remember that meal and his kindness for many years to come.
We had a difficult onward journey and Max provided assistance with arranging it for which we were very grateful. He went above and beyond. 10/10.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 26, 2024
Recommendable - Huge recommendation from here! Maksat as a guide is fantastic, present and skilled. Worth all the money and something I would recommend to anyone coming to Kyrgyzstan as the trip includes everything in one trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
