Day 01: Arrival –Bishkek – Ala-Archa Canyon – Bishkek (120 Kilometers, 2 Hours, and 30 Minutes)
Delightfully green and full of post-Soviet anachronisms, Bishkek is a cultural hub of Kyrgyzstan. One may well be surprised by the vibrancy of this city with its culinary diversions, art scene and nightlife.
- After arrival at Bishkek International Airport, meet and greet with the tour guide. Transfer to the hotel for an early check-in.
- After a short rest drive to Ala-Archa National Park – The most popular location for a day trip in Bishkek. Spectacular mountain landscapes encompass the visitor and explore the multiple trails, ranging from gentle to steep.
- Enjoy a Barbecue lunch at Ala-Archa and head back to Bishkek.
- Upon arrival half day city tour which includes:
- Ala-Too Square – The square was built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Soviet Socialist Republic. A massive statue of Lenin originally stood at the centre of the square but was removed, now a new statue called Erkindik (Freedom) stands in the centre.
- Statue of Kurmanjan Datka – Dedicated to the ‘Queen of the Alay’, this 19th century stateswoman and tribal leader is a political icon in Kyrgyzstan.
Unique Experiences:
- Barbecue lunch at Ala-Archa National Park.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Local Restaurant), Dinner (Local Restaurant).
Overnight: Five(5) Star Hotel – Jannat or similar.
Day 02: Bishkek – Chon-KeminValley (170 Kilometers, 3 Hours)
The Chon-Kemin Valley is a popular sport amongst those who truly appreciate natural beauty. Its eponymous river flows across the Kungei-Ala-Too and Iliysky Ala-Too mountain ranges, stretching over 100 kilometers, with seven lakes in its basin. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities here, from hiking, to fishing, and horseback riding.
- After breakfast drive to Chon-Valley with a stop at Burana Tower, a UNESCO site, near the town of Tokmok – It is a 24-meter-high stump of huge brick minaret, supposedly 11th century though what you see dates predominantly from a 1950s Soviet restoration.
- Continue with the drive to Chon-Kemin Valley, upon arrival check into local Guest House, afterwards explore the valley.
Unique Experiences:
- Lunch with a local Kazakh family in the town of Tokmok.
- Horseback Riding Games near Burana Tower.
- Horseback Riding in the mountains that surround Chon-Kemin Valley.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Local Family), Dinner (Guesthouse).
Overnight: Local Guesthouse Ashuu Tor or similar.
Day 03: Chon Kemin Valley – Issyk-Kul Lake (180 Kilometers, 3 Hours)
Over 170 Kilometers long and 70 Kilometers across, Lake Issyk-Kul is the world’s second largest alpine lake. The name, meaning ‘Hot Lake’, comes from a combination of extreme depth, thermal activity, and mild salinity, which ensure the lake never freezes even in the fierce Central Asian winters.
- After breakfast at the Guesthouse, drive to Issyk-Kul Lake.
- Stop at the Boom Gorge – The name ‘Boom’ means ‘Evil Spirit’. The gorge was given this name due to the misfortune it presented to anyone that tried to passthrough it. In 1850, a Russian explorer named Pyotr Semyenov was the first who tried to cross it and took him 21 days.
- Afterwards continue with the drive to Issyk-Kul Lake, stop for lunch at a local café in the town of Cholpon-Ata – The towns name literally translates to “Venus-Father ”,a mythological spirit said to be protecting it. it is the administrative centre of the Issyk-Kul Lake district.
- Followed with a visit to the Petroglyphs of Lake Issyk-Kul – There is an extensive field of glacial boulders, many with pictures scratched or picked into their surfaces. Some of these petroglyph’s date from the Bronze Age (1500 BC), but most are Saka-Usun, 8th Century BC to 1st Century AD. Saka priests used this sacred site for sacrifices and other rites to the sun god and they lived in the settlements that are currently underwater in the Cholpon-Ata bay.
- After the days excursions check into the Resort Spa with access to Issyk-Kul Lake.
Meals: Breakfast (Guesthouse), Lunch (Local Café), Dinner (Hotel)
Overnight: Four(4) Star Hotel – Karven or similar
Day 04: Issyk Kul Lake – Karkara Valley (200 Kilometers, 3-4 Hours)
The Karkara Valley follows the Karkara river which also serves as a natural border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Beautiful, picturesque alpine meadows in this region lie at an altitude of around 2,200 meters. The valley has always been used as a breeding ground and one can always see huge herds of horses, sheep, and cows. The Karkara valley is also famous for its mare’s milk called “Kumys", a traditional drink in Central Asia.
- After breakfast at the hotel, drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Karkara Valley.
- Upon arrival at the valley have the option for Horseback Riding or Mountain Biking. Explore the Valley with your choice of activity to take in the panoramic views of natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Yurt Camp), Dinner (Yurt Camp)
Overnight: Luxury Yurt Camp
Day 05: Karkara Valley – Karakol (120 Kilometers, 3 Hours)
A shady grid of tree-lined streets, Karakol has of activities and is a good base from which to access some of Central Asia’s best skiing and most gloriously accessible alpine trekking. The town offers clear-day backdrops of snowy peaks contrasted against the old blue shutters and whitewashed walls of some remnant antique colonial-period houses. Founded in 1869 as a support town for the garrison of Teploklyuchenka (Ak-Suu), it housed many merchants, officers and explorers, most famously Nikolai Przhevalsky.
- After breakfast at the Yurt camp drive to the town of Karakol.
- Enroute to the town stop at the Tepke Horse Farm – Pure Kyrgyz horses are bred here along with many other animals. Explore the farm at a relaxed pace, have the option to see local horse racing, admire the views and stroll through the local gardens. Have lunch at the farm.
- Continue with the drive to Karakol and upon arrival visit the following:
- Przhevalsky Memorial Museum – Dedicated to the Russian explorer who died here in 1888 and for whom Karakol was previously named.
- Dungan Mosque – A tip-tilted triple roof, carved-layered eaves and wooden exterior pillars give this colorful 1910 mosque the look of a Chinese Buddhist Temple.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral – Set peacefully amid trees, this hefty wooden structure is topped with green-roofed towers and almost-golden onion domes. The 1872 stone original was destroyed by an 1890 earthquake. Built on the same foundations isa new wooden version, finished in 1895.
Unique Experiences:
- *July and August Only* Early morning helicopter excursion to the south Inylchek Glacier.
- Lunch at Horse Farm.
- Dinner with a local family in Karakol
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Horse Farm), Dinner (Local Family)
Overnight: Three(3) Star Hotel – Karagat or similar
Day 06: Karakol–Djety Oguz Gorge – Bokonbaeva Village – Kochkor (250 Kilometers, 5 Hours)
- After breakfast drive to Djety Oguz Gorge – In Kyrgyz language it means “Seven Bulls”, it is one of the most popular attractions in the Issyk-Kul region. The gorge got its special name because of the red clay massif.
- Afterwards drive to Bokonbaeva Village – A village in the Issyk-Kul Region, it was established in 1912 and is the largest village on the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
- Continue with the drive to Kochkor Village – A large village in the Northern Naryan Region it was established in 1909.
Unique Experiences:
- Lunch with a local family in Bokonbaeva Village.
- Meet and greet with an expert eagle hunter, see a demonstration of hunting with birds of prey in Bokonbaeva Village.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Local Family), Dinner (Hotel)
Overnight: Nomad Lodge or Similar Guesthouse
Day 07: Kochkor –Bishkek City (200 Kilometers, 4 Hours)
- After breakfast at the Guesthouse, visit the local women’s cooperation and see the products that they sell. Get a chance to visit the most famous souvenirs shop in Kyrgyzstan.
- Afterwards drive back to Bishkek via the Kuvaky Pass and marvel at the spectacular view of the Orto Tokoi water reservoir.
- Arrive in Bishkek and visit the ZUM department store for any last-minute shopping.
- Check into hotel and meet for farewell dinner later in the evening.
Unique Experiences:
- Farewell Dinner with Folklore Show
Meals: Breakfast(Guesthouse), Lunch (Local Restaurant), Farewell Dinner (Local Restaurant)
Overnight: Five(5) Star Hotel – Jannat or Similar
Day 08: Departure –Bishkek City
- After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel)
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