Highlights of Kyrgyzstan
Days: 7
Locations which you will visit: Bishkek, Burana, Chong Kemin, Issyk Kul, Karakol, Song Kol
Tour Highlights
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kyrgyzstan on this 7-day tour, exploring its majestic mountains, picturesque gorges, and serene lakes. Start in Bishkek with a visit to Ala Archa gorge before traversing the scenic landscapes of Chon Kemin on horseback. Be enchanted by the celestial Issyk Kul Lake, marvel at the ancient petroglyphs and experience the nomadic tradition of eagle-hunting. Venture to the awe-inspiring Son Kul Lake and witness the art of felt carpet making in Kochkor. Complete your journey by crossing the 33 parrots pass, capturing memories of Kyrgyzstan's unspoiled nature and rich cultural heritage on this unforgettable tour.
Itinerary
Your driver will pick you up at Manas International Airport and accompany you to the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, just a 30-minute drive from the airport. In the morning we will visit Ala Archa gorge. It is a Natural Park. At the Soviet Time only V.I.P. people had permission to go for a walk here. The Ala Archa gorge is on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is just 45 km from Bishkek. You can have a short hiking tour to see a panoramic view of the gorge. Afterwards we return to Bishkek. The second half of the day is dedicated to a city tour of Bishkek. It includes visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. This overnight will be in a hotel.
Today you will be transferred to Chon Kemin gorge. On route to the gorge you will visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). After an interesting excursion and climbing on the top of the tower is transfer to Chon Kemin gorge. Here you will meet a nice family. In the afternoon we will have 3 hours of horse riding. Your route will go high in the mountains and you will even ride horses through a mountain forest. On the top you will see the panorama view of the gorge. The night will be in a guesthouse.
Today you will be transferred to the celestial Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m above sea level). Its length is 180 km and it is 60 km wide. The lake is called "the pearl of Central Asia". On the way, we will take a short break to give you the opportunity to visit ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.). These petroglyphs were made more than 2000 years ago by shamans. Then we will drive along Semenovskoe and Grigorievskoe gorge! These two picturesque gorges are connected at the end. It means you will start driving in at one gorge and will drive out through the other one! Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol. You will visit the Dungan mosque. One of its highlights is the fact that it was built in a Chinese style without using a single metal nail. The mosque will be followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. The night is spent in a hotel.
Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rocks formations that have a name Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. Also you will see there the Broken Heart Mountain. If you want it is possible to go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge. Then we continue our trip, breaking in Bokonbaeva village, where we will meet a local eagle-hunter. He hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles (a traditional way of nomadic hunting). Night is in a guesthouse in Kochkor. We will drive there along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.
After breakfast we start our drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level. Kyrgyz nomads started to come to this wonderful area with their families for rest and relaxation. Herders of the Naryn region come to the lake to use it as a pastureland. After our arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings. Today you will drive to Moldo
Ashu. Moldo Ashu Pass (3201 m) is considered one of the most beautiful passes in Kyrgyzstan. From the top of Moldo Ashu Pass, you can see almost the entire road winding up to the pass. It also affords spectacular views of the Naryn Valley and some stunning mountain ranges to the south. Overnight is in nomadic collapsible dwellings – yurts. They are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.
In the morning we will drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. The road to the city goes through 33 parrots pass (3 133 m). In Kochkor village you will spend some time with a family that will show you the way our national felt carpets are produced. Also you will visit a small handicraft museum there. They have many examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and more. Afterwards you will be transferred to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. Night is in a hotel.
In the morning is transfer to airport.
Services Included
- Transport
- Accommodation:
- Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4* /“Plaza” Hotel 4*
- Chon Kemin – “Jekshen" Guesthouse
- Karakol – “Karagat” Hotel 4* or “Green Yard” Boutique Hotel
- Kochkor – “Mira” Guesthouse
- Son Kul – Yurts, “Nomad’s Dream” camp (4 pax in 1)
- Entrances to all museums Mineral water during the tour
- Horse riding in Chon Kemin gorge
- Meals
- PCR test
- Single rooms Early check-inTravel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide