Around Issyk-Kul Lake and Kok-Ukok Lake
Days: 8
Locations which you will visit: Bishkek, Chui valley, Issyk Kul, Karakol
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Tour Highlights
Dive into the rich history of Kyrgyzstan on an 8-day journey that takes you to archaeological sites, vibrant valleys, and tranquil lakes. Begin at the historic Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun, before heading to the stunning Chong-Kemin Valley. Revel in the natural beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake, the pearl of Central Asia.
On this tour, you'll experience a blend of culture and adventure: exploring archaeological sites, visiting traditional Kyrgyz families, trekking through stunning landscapes, and even hunting with eagles. Enjoy relaxing thermal baths under the open sky and learn about traditional yurt-making in Kyzyl-Tuu village. Your journey culminates with a visit to the serene Kol-Ukok Lake before returning to Bishkek. This tour is a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, offering a glimpse into the heart of Kyrgyzstan.
Itinerary
Morning transfer to Chong-Kemin valley, on the way make a stop to visit Burana tower, architectural complex of 10-11 century, important point on the Great Silk Road. Continue your way to Chong-Kemin valley to Karool-Dobo village. Upon arrival to home stay, have a lunch and free time. Optional, you can do short trek or horse riding. Dinner and B&B at home stay.
Morning transfer to Karakol by northern lake shore of Issyk-Kul lake, on the way make a stop to visit open-air museum in Cholpon-Ata. Upon arrival to Karakol, visit Dungan Mosque and Russian Ortodox Church. Dinner will be at café, overnight at guest house.
Morning after breakfast transfer from Karakol town to Ak-Suu. Meet your guide team and start trekking up to the river Ak-Suu. Ascent the hot spring first day. At the Altyn-Arashan resort is possible to take a thermal water bath. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Overnight in hut.
Spend time till lunch in Altyn-Arashan gorge. At the Altyn-Arashan resort is possible to take a thermal water bath. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Afternoon walk from Altyn Arashan resort down by Arashan Gorge (4 hours). Drive to Karakol (30 minutes). Dinner at café. B&B at guest house.
Morning transfer to Bokonbaevo village, on the way we will make 2 stops, 1st stop will be at Jety-Oguz gorge (Seven bulls gorge). Then you will have a lunch at Kyrgyz family. 2nd stop will be at Skazka Canyons (Fairy Tale canyons). Dinner and B&B will be at Bel-Tam yurt camp/home stay at Bokonbaevo village.
After late breakfast you will continue your way to Kochkor village (Naryn district), on the way you will make a stop at Jaychi yurt camp, where you will experience Hunting with an Eagle. The eagle hunter will tell us about this old tradition. How important it was in the past when people didn’t have rifles yet. We also will learn how he trains eagles and of course will see hunting demonstration. It will be interesting to talk with family and see their farm. You will have a lunch at yurt camp, then transfer to visit Kyzyl-Tuu village. This village famous with a yurt makers, Visit a Kyrgyz family where all family members make a Boz Ui (Yurt) – a traditional Kyrgyz dwelling tent. Lunch in the village. Then continue your way to Kochkor, upon arrival to home stay, have a dinner and B&B at home stay.
Transfer by car from Kochkor to Isakeev village, 30 minutes. Go on foot to the Ters-Tor jailoo, famous for its pure air and lots of crystal clear water. Arrival in the shepherd’s yurt at Ters-Tor. Lunch. After lunch continue to the Kol-Ukok Lake. After visiting the lake trek back to the Ters-Tor jailoo. Dinner and B&B in a yurt.
Sleep out and enjoy the late breakfast. After breakfast trek back to the tour starting point. Transfer to Bishkek. Upon arrival to Bishkek, hotel accommodation, dinner at café.
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Services Included
- Accommodation according the program (home stays, guest houses and yurt camps)
- Meals during tour (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners), except alcoholic drinks
- Transport services
- English speaking touring guide
- Visiting cultural/historical places and entrance fees
- Cultural events and show according to the program
- 2 days trek to Altyn-Arashan hot springs
- 2 days trek to Kol-Ukok lake
- Accommodation in Bishkek
- meals at cafes
- single supplement
- personal expenses
- activities out of program
- travel insurance
- tips
- international air fare
- horse riding
- boat trip and rafting
- visa fee and visa support