Multi-Day Private Tour in Kyrgyzstan

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
BISHKEK – BURANA -CHON-KEMIN (180 km, 3,5 hours) Altitude 1533 m
3 stops
1
Bishkek
Upon arrival, drive to Bishkek for city tour. Start the tour with visiting the Ala-Too main square, National flagpole & changing of guards, the monument of Peace and Friendship dedicated to April 2010 revolution victims, Manas on horse monument, open air Art Gallery where you can see paintings of local artists, Oak Park, Old Square, walk along the Erkindik boulevard where you can meet towns people of all ages resting. Youth Alley where the Statue of Manas - the founder of the Kyrgyz nation is located in front of the Kyrgyz State Grand Philharmonic Hall.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon
From there drive to the Burana Historical Complex which is located within a large archaeological and architectural complex near Tokmok, 80 km to the east of Bishkek. This is a unique minaret, built in the 11th century in the medieval town Balasagun, the capital of prosperous Karakhanid State. Once near the tower stood a mosque and a minaret which was used to call people to pray. You can climb the stairs to the top of Burana, where you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding valley. On the east side of the tower there are the remains of mausoleums. Along the perimeter of the museum complex you can find ancient Turkic stone sculptures. Lunch at a local family. Get to know local people's lifestyle and traditions.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
3
Continue drive to the incredible Chon Kemin Valley, a protected region which is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the country. Arrive at Tarsuu village, check-in to a family run guesthouse in Chon-Kemin valley. Before dinner at the guesthouse, time will allow us to take a gentle stroll around the village and glean a fascinating insight in to rural Kyrgyz life. Enjoy a campfire in the evening.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
СHON-KEMIN - TEPKE (300 km / 5 hours) Altitude 1600 m
3 stops
4
Issyk Kul Lake
Issyk-Kul Lake is the second largest mountain lake in the world at the altitude of 1,607 meters above sea level, depth of 668 meters asl. Lake is situated at the territory of the Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve. Issyk-Kul Lake is 182 kilometers long and about 60 kilometers wide, with an area of 6,236 square kilometers. Issyk-Kol is translated as a “warm lake” from the Kyrgyz language. It is true that it never freezes. Lake is surrounded by snow-capped high mountain ranges – Kungoi Ala-Too (“sunny” slopes) on the North and Terskei Ala-Too (“shady” slopes) on the South part. These high mountain ranges give the lake mild microclimate year around. About 118 rivers and streams flow into the lake (Jyrgalan, Type and even mineral hot springs), and no rivers coming out. So that it gives healing creativeness for the waters and salinity of 0,6%. The biggest towns and villages around the Lake are Karakol, Cholpon-Ata, Balykchy, Bosteri, Kyzyl-Suu, Bokonbaevo.
Admission ticket free
5
Cholpon Ata
The small city of Cholpon-Ata is famous for its petroglyphs, resorts, sandy beaches, and underground mineral springs. The city grew as caravanserais were built, and in Soviet times, the many resorts made Cholpon-Ata a summer destination. Now it is a very popular place in the summer with numerous resorts, hotels and attractions. On the way open air petroglyphs museum (stone inscriptions) that contains more than 2000 petroglyphs dating from 800 BC to 1200 AD. On the rocks you can see drawings that depict hunting scenes, sacrifice, victory, war, and everyday activities.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
6
Arrive at Eco-Farm Reina-Kench at Tepke Valley. This guest house is located on the territory of the agro-complex of the same name, one of the main features of which is a stud farm that breeds "Novo Kyrgyz" and "Russian Trotter" breeds of horses. Guest house "Reina-Kench" was built in a picturesque area at the foot of the Tien Shan mountain range, at the intersection of ancient trade routes known as the Great Silk Road. The guest house has 20 double rooms with a breathtaking view from the window. Each room has its own shower with towels, toiletries, hairdryer, slippers and autonomous heating. Here guests can organize beautiful walks, feel unity with nature and enjoy croako therapy.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
TEPKE - JYRGALAN (50 km / 1,5 hour) Altitude 2300 m
2 stops
7
After breakfast, have a walk along the river Jyrgalan, the biggest in Issyk-Kul area (2 hours), enjoy idyllic rural views and visit the race horse farm. Have a walking tour around the farm accompanied by the owner who will talk about farm history. Visit apple orchard and arboretum. Optional – fishing, herbal tea degustation, traditional folklore, showing national customs, archery, chaise riding.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Jyrgalan Valley
Drive through pristine alpine scenery as you make your way into the wilderness of the Jyrgalan Valley. It is one of the beautiful places hidden away in the far-eastern part of the country, close to the border of Kazakhstan. Tucked among the mountain ranges of Terskey Ala-Too; Jyrgalan is 2300 meter above sea level and has established itself as a stronghold of natural beauty and untouched scenery. You will pass through several tiny authentic villages surrounded by sharply inclined peaks. Snowmelt Rivers carve their way between jagged peaks and alpine lakes sit calmly amongst undulating pastures. Several old Soviet buildings still stand in the village today including an old coal warehouse and weighing station and a small village named Karabakh. This area is not densely visited by tourists thus many of the things there are kept in their original view without restoration and destruction.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
JYRGALAN – KARAKOL (60 km / 1.5 hours ) Altitude: 1700m
2 stops
9
Jyrgalan Valley
Half day hiking tour to surrounding mountains. There are different kinds of level/distance hiking trails, which can be decided on spot. You can get to the legendary Manas rock (Tulpar-Tash).
3 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Karakol
İn the afternoon drive along the scenic road to Karakol town. Located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, the city of Karakol was founded late in the 19th century as a Russian military outpost and grew as a refuge for Chinese Muslims fleeing persecution in the early 20th century. Some buildings here are constructed in a Chinese style from wood and without metal nails and others remain from the Russian colonial period. Sightseeing tour in Karakol. Explore Central Bazaar to see locals buying and selling household products, food and fabrics. Visitalso One village-One product shop for local organic and handmade products. Visit the beautiful Dungan mosque and Orthodox church in Karakol. Enjoy a home cooked dinner at a local Uighur or Dungan family’s home with traditional food specialties ( Uigurs are Turkic Muslims who make up a large minority of the population of Western China and Dungans are Hui Chinese people who also consider themself muslims).
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
KARAKOL - ALTYN ARASHAN - KARAKOL (100 km / 5 hours ) Altitude: 2400 m
1 stop
11
Altyn Arashan
Off-road day trip to Altyn-Arashan Gorge by special 4WD truck (Russian UAZ). This is a favored destination for tourists from all over the world. Altyn-Arashan (translated as Golden Spa) is a valley and mountain resort near Karakol. It is a hot spring development set in an alpine valley, containing the 4260 meter Peak Palatka in its southern part. The resort has numerous wooden sheds, which contain hot sulfurous pools to cure various ailments. The resort is set in a botanical research area called the Arashan State Nature Reserve, which has about 20 snow leopards and several bears. For those who are interested, there are hot spring tubs. Optional: horseback riding tour is available upon request for extra charge (1-3 hours). Possible to bathe at open air swimming pools and hiking in the area
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
KARAKOL - KOCHKOR ( 270km / 5hrs) Altitude: 1770m
4 stops
12
Djety-Oguz in kyrgyz language means "Seven Bulls" - this is how people name of one of the most beautiful places of the Tien Shan, located in the southeast of the Issyk-Kul basin. The mountain valley, which was formed by the river of the same name, descends to Issyk-Kul from the northern slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too ridge, rounds a well-known resort located at the entrance to the valley. The resort was created on the basis of hot hydrogen sulphide waters, the healing power of which has been known since ancient times. Here you can take therapeutic water procedures. In the area of the resort you can see very rare beautiful rock formations such as "Broken Heart" and "Seven Bulls", composed by tertiary (Paleogene) reddish deposits.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
13
Visit Fairy Tale Canyon (1-2 hours hiking, easy to medium level). The canyon was named due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. Some formations in "Skazka" have been named for their similarity to well-known objects. For example, one set of ridges in the canyon is named "The Chinese Wall" due to its similarity to the Great Wall of China. You can also find what appear to be statues of a hippopotamus, snake, dragon, sleeping giant and even whole castles. Because the different rocks are composed of distinct materials, the rocky statues not only have unusual shapes, but also magical colors.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
14
Bokonbayevo
Enjoy home cooked lunch at a local family’s home in Bokonbaev village. Visit the house of a local hunter who trains falcons. Learn about the hunting heritage and eagle hunting show.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Kyzyl-Tuu
Stop at Kyzyl-Tuu village, well-known as a Yurt maker’s village, to learn about the tradition, its importance as well as techniques of yurt making details (all handmade) from local experts. More than a half of the villagers work as yurt makers. Visit the workshops and observe how yurts are put up. Once covered with felt and decorated with colorful carpets, a Kyrgyz yurt serves as a well insulated home during cold nights, especially for families that live in the mountains. Participate in building a yurt with local experts. Take part in the fun process of yurt building.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
KOCHKOR – KOK -KYIA ( KEL SUU) (260km/ 6 -7 hrs) Altitude: 3514m
2 stops
16
Kochkor
After breakfast presentation of cultural activities: spend time meeting a local expert learning about the traditional craft of felt making, a craft that has survived the centuries. Kyrgyz have always used felted wool to cover their yurts, and to make rugs, bags, slippers and hats. To make an ala-kiyiz rug, a second layer of felt of one or more colors is pressed into the original piece, creating a rug with a fuzzy pattern. A shyrdak is made with the appliqué method, and results in a crisper design. In 2012, the art of making these felt rugs was included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The people who know how to make them are mostly older women and the knowledge is not being passed down to new generations.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
17
Continue drive to yurt camp in magnificent Kok-Kyia valley. This is an area near the border wıth China. Along the way, get treated to some spectacular views over the At-Bashi Range and Eki-Naryn Canyon. Have a walk around the area.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
KEL SUU – NARYN (120 км / 4,5 hours) Altitude: 3514m
1 stop
18
After breakfast, start 2-3 hours (1 way) hiking to Kel Suu lake, round trip about 6 hours. (15 km round hike at medium level) Optional- Horse trekking which is faster and better, round trip 3-4 hours . Also, due to high altitude, for tourists not used to hike in high altitude area, it’s better to do horse trekking The magnificent and fascinating Kel Suu Lake is located in the valley of Kok-Kya on the border with China, at an altitude of 3,500 meters above the sea level. The lake is of a blockage type, formed as a result of a strong earthquake. The climate in the area is cold and mountainous. The air temperature in the summer (July-August) varies between 12-16 degrees during the day, at night it can fall below zero (it can snow). The water temperature fluctuates in the summer in the range of 6-8 degrees. The unusual feature of the place, sometimes the lake disappears, leaking into underground caves and grottoes.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
NARYN - SON-KOL ( 150 km / 3, 5 hrs)
2 stops
19
Moldo-Ashu Pass
A path leading to the mountain Son Kul lake passes through this interesting point on the map of Kyrgyzstan. Tourists who have visited here only once, unanimously claim that the pass is one of the most beautiful places in the entire territory of the state. The path to the pass periodically turns into a serpentine. Descending from Moldo Ashuu is also not easy because of the rather steep slope. But from here you can admire the magnificent landscapes of mountain peaks and gorges, majestic glaciers and the divine beauty of centuries-old fir trees growing on the slopes of the peaks. This area is known for the fact that fog often falls on the pass. It is so dense that visibility in the Moldo Ashuu region during this natural phenomenon is practically zero.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
20
The road to the lake has stunning views of Tien-Shan Mountains, green pastures where you can see herding horses and sheep, small mountains, rivers and local nomads with their yurts. You can stop and visit nomads where you will be offered bread and national drink Kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) as a means of their hospitality. Son Kol is a mountain lake, virtually in the center of Kyrgyzstan. The area around the lake is very picturesque, especially in summer. Due to the high altitude, there are no trees, only low hard grass and edelweiss can grow in these conditions. Arrival to Son-Kol, check-in to yurt camp.
Admission ticket free
Day 10
SON KOL Altitude: 3000 m
1 stop
21
Spend the day learning about nomadic life. Visit local shepherd’s families and introduce them, watch them run household duties – milking mares and cows; making Kymyz and other dairy products; cooking meals and taking care of livestock. Have an easy hike to check around beautiful views and panorama. Have time to walk to the lake and take a boat trip if weather conditions allow. Enjoy traditional horse games show. Optional: horseback riding tour is available upon request for extra charge (1-3 hours). Optional: early in the morning go to the shepherd’s yurt and help him to drive the animals out, taking part in the thousands years’ traditional activity.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
SON KOL - BISHKEK ( 230 km/ 5 hrs) Altitude: 800 m
2 stops
22
Kalmak-Ashuu
The height of the Kalmak-Ashuu pass is 3447 m above sea level. It is noteworthy that the road through the pass is open only in summer and autumn (from June to October), the rest of the time it remains impassable due to heavy snows. On the way to the pass, nature surprises: stone deserts give way to endless alpine meadows, decorated with beautiful edelweiss.
Admission ticket free
23
Osh Bazaar
Upon arrival visit Osh market to see the oldest market and for final souvenir shopping. Osh Bazar, Osh market is the most popular site to visit in Bishkek. The Bazar (or bazaar) is an original and authentic phenomenon for the Central Asian region. The bazar is not only a place of sale. This is a place for socialization and organization of local residents. And today, people are happy to come, bargain, communicate and find out the latest news in society. For the convenience of residents and guests of the capital, the market is divided by interests. Entering the arch, fresh bread, ready-made meat delicacies are sold on the right, there is also an indoor meat pavilion. Left rows with sweets, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, and food. Kiyal Market (“dream”) opposite the food market is located on a parallel street. They sell clothes, household goods, national products, and souvenirs.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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