Exploring Kyrgyzstan in 9 days from Bishkek

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Northern coast of Issyk-Kul
5 stops
1
Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the largest city in the country. Our journey starts here. We will meet you at your hotel or at the airport and go to Issyk-Kul region, the center of mountain tourism in Kyrgyzstan. We will have breakfast in the Boom mountain gorge overlooking the clay canyons and go to the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The picturesque Boom Gorge is located in the middle reaches of the Chu River on the border between the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and Kungei Ala-Too ridges. The length of the gorge is about 30 km. The Boom Gorge connects the Chu Valley with the Issyk-Kul Basin and is a kind of calling card on the way from Bishkek to Lake Issyk-Kul. 06.00- meeting at the hotel, departure from Bishkek, 08.00-breakfast at a cafe in the Boom gorge
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Semenovka
The first location we will visit is the Semenov Gorge. This is one of the most famous mountain gorges on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. It is located on the Kyungei-Ala-Too ridge and has a length of 30 kilometers. In the depths of the gorge there is a small lake, which is called Sacred, because of its purity and transparency. The second name of Suttu Lake is Bulak. We will take a 3.5 km one-way walk to this lake and have lunch on the shore. 11.00-arrival at the Semenovskoe gorge 11.00-12.20-hike to Lake Suttuu-Bulak, walk along the gorge 14.00-turn around 15.00-boarding the bus
4 hours • Admission ticket free
3
Grigoryevka
Next, we will drive through the famous Kirchyn pasture, where the World nomad Games were held and visit the panorama of the Grigoryevsky Gorge. Grigoryevsky Gorge is a long and picturesque gorge located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, near the village of Grigoryevka of the same name, famous for its wooded slopes, waterfall and mountain glacial river. 15.00 - a trip along the Kirchyn pasture to the Grigoryevsky gorge,15.20 - a panorama with a view of the Grigoryevsky gorge, 15.35 - the waterfall "maiden braids" 16.00 -departure to the shore of Issyk-Kul
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
We will visit the wild beach of Lake Issyk-Kul. Lake Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul is a unique place in all respects. The lake is located in the center of the vast Issyk-Kul basin, located between two huge ranges Kyungey-Ala-Too and Terskey-Ala-Too, occupying almost its entire area. The height of the lake is 1,700 meters above sea level, which makes Issyk-Kul the second largest alpine lake in the world, second only to Lake Titicaca in South America. The maximum depth of the lake reaches 702 meters, which makes it one of the deepest lakes in the world. The length of the lake's coastline is almost 700 kilometers, which clearly indicates its scale. The lake is supported by numerous glacial rivers descending from the slopes of the Tien Shan - there are more than 80 of them. The water in Issyk-Kul is salty and it does not freeze even in winter. Thanks to this, the lake got its name: Issyk-Kul means "hot lake" in Kyrgyz 17.00 - walk along the shore of Issyk-Kul, hot springs on the shore (optional)
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Karakol
19.30-21.00 dinner 21.15 check-in at the hotel, personal time
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Altyn Arashan Gorge
2 stops
6
Karakol
Karakol is a real tourist center of Kyrgyzstan. Tourists from all over the world come here every year and such popularity is not accidental at all. In addition to the amazing architecture and history of the city, the natural attractions around are extremely popular: the huge lake Issyk-Kul and the highest mountains of the Tien Shan. 08.00 - breakfast at the hotel 9.00 - departure to the Arashan gorge
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Altyn Arashan
Altyn-Arashan (translated as "Golden Spring") is a high—altitude gorge in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too ridge, located near the city of Karakol. This gorge is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyrgyzstan, due to its unique nature, hot springs located right in the gorge, extensive spruce forests and stunning views. The territory of the gorge was recognized as a specially protected protected area due to the great natural diversity of the gorge. The hot springs of Altyn Arashan are also widely known. They are located at a record height of 2,600 meters and have a healing effect due to the content of radon and hydrogen sulfide in the water, maintaining a high temperature all year round: 35 degrees for a radon source and 41 degrees for a hydrogen sulfide source. 10.00 - transfer to special transport, departure to Altyn Arashan 12.00 - arrival at the guest house, check-in 13.00 - lunch 14.00 - walk along the gorge, horseback riding 17.00 - hot springs 19.00 - dinner
9 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Rest in the Altyn Arashan gorge
2 stops
8
Altyn Arashan
There are a huge number of tourist routes in Altyn Arashan. This place is used as a base camp for radial exits, as a transit point on the way to Ala-Kul, to the Ak-Suu gorge or the valley of Karakol and Jety-Oguz. It is also a wonderful place to relax among the untouched nature of the Tien Shan. 08.00 - breakfast in the guest house 09.00 - walk through the forest, horseback riding (optional) 12.00 - lunch 14.00 - departure from the gorge by special transport 16.00 - transfer, departure to Karakol
6 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Karakol
Karakol is strikingly different from all other cities in Kyrgyzstan due to its amazing old Russian architecture, a large number of ancient sights and amazing natural beauties, of which there are a huge number around Karakol. Founded in the 19th century, this city has long been the largest and most developed city in Kyrgyzstan. Now it is the authentic capital of the Issyk-Kul region, combining the cultural characteristics of different peoples, which is best manifested in the Karakol cuisine. 17.00 - check-in at the hotel 19.00 - dinner at an ethno cafe
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Jeti Oguz Gorge
4 stops
10
Karakol
Karakol is located in an amazing place, right under the high mountains of the Terskey-Ala-Too range. This is one of the most geographically diverse corners of Kyrgyzstan, where a relatively small area accounts for a huge amount of natural beauty, for which the lion's share of tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan come here. Here in Karakol, travelers are attracted by the blue waters of the high-altitude Ala-Kul, hot springs and amazing views of the Altyn Arashan and Ak-Suu gorges, as well as complex and beautiful trekking routes in the mountains of the Karakolk and Jety-Oguz gorges. This is a real paradise for lovers of mountain hiking and trekking. 08.00-breakfast 09.00-departure to the Jeti Oguz gorge
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
The Jety-Oguz Gorge (also Jety-Oguz, Jety-Oguz, etc.) is one of the most popular attractions in the Issyk-Kul region. It is located 30 kilometers from the city of Karakol and attracts many tourists, both local and foreign. Jety-Oguz, translated from Kyrgyz means "7 bulls". Such a specific name was given to the gorge because of the rocky massif of red clay, which is a kind of visiting card of the gorge. The rocks have a very bright color, and this is quite a rarity for the Tien Shan mountains. 10.00-rocks “7 Bulls”, “Broken Heart”, panorama 11.30-Kok Zhaiyk plateau, Jeti-Oguz gorge
2 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Devichy Kosy Waterfall is a picturesque, 25-meter waterfall located in Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul region, on one of the western slopes of the Jety-Oguz gorge, about 20 km east of Karakol. Characteristics of the waterfall The height of the waterfall is about 25 meters, and the width is from 5 to 10 meters. The waterfall is located at an altitude of 2460 meters above sea level. The source of the waterfall river is the internal groundwater of the local mountains. This river is a tributary of the Jety-Oguz River. 11.30-12.30 hike to the “Devichy Kosy” waterfall, walk along the gorge 16.00- return from the waterfall
4 hours • Admission ticket free
13
Karakol
Due to the large number of residents in the city of Dungan, the cuisine in Karakol is strikingly different from the rest of Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, when you arrive in Karakol, be sure to try local dishes that are famous throughout the country and even beyond its borders. 18.00-19.30 dinner 20.00-arrival at the hotel, personal time
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Waterfalls day
5 stops
14
Karakol (formerly known as Przhevalsk from 1889 to 1922 and from 1939 to 1992) is the fourth most populous city in Kyrgyzstan. It serves as the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. The city is located near the eastern end of Lake Issyk-Kul, about 150 kilometers from the Kyrgyz-Chinese border and 380 kilometers from the capital, Bishkek. Geographically, it is located at an altitude of 1690 to 1850 meters above sea level. 08.00-breakfast 09.00-departure to the Zhuuku gorge
2 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Juuku Gorge (also Zhukuu, Zauka) is the longest gorge on the Terskei-Ala-Too ridge, famous for its diverse nature, beautiful views and wide expanse. It is located on the southern coast of Lake Issyk-Kul, 70 kilometers from the city of Karakol. Now the Jukuu Gorge mainly attracts tourists with its natural beauty, but in ancient times this place was part of the routes of numerous merchants and travelers from various countries. In different eras, Scythians, Chinese, ancient Turks, Nestorian Christians and, of course, nomadic Kyrgyz found shelter here. Despite the difficult terrain of the gorge, Juuku has long been the only way from the Issyk-Kul Valley to China. 10.30-arrival at the gorge, visit to the Zhuukuchaak waterfall 12.00-caves, red mountains 13.00-departure to the Barskoon gorge
2 hours • Admission ticket included
16
Barskoon Gorge
The Barskoon Gorge (also Barskaun) is one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern shore of Issyk—Kul, famous for its high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. It is here that the largest gold mine in Kyrgyzstan, Kumtor, is located. The first man to fly into space, Yuri Gagarin, was here at the time. The length of the Barskoon Gorge is about 30 kilometers. It stretches deep into the Terskey-Ala-Too mountains, reaching the high-altitude plateau (Syrta) Arabel, which is separated from the gorge by a cascade of passes. The height of the passes in the Barskoon gorge is very high and reaches 4000 meters. A good quality road runs through the gorge and you can freely move along it by almost any car, as well as by motorcycle. Barskoon is very attractive for tourists both for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. The cascade of the Barskoon waterfalls are the favorite places of tourists. 14.30-arrival at the Barskoon gorge
3 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Barskoon Waterfall
We will visit 2 waterfalls in the Barskoon gorge. Tears of Barsa Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Kyrgyzstan, its height is 24 meters. The path to it is relatively simple, and nearby is the Manasa Bowl waterfall. 14.30-17.00 visit to the Manas Bowl and Leopard Tears waterfalls
2 hours • Admission ticket included
18
Once part of the ancient region known as Turkestan, Karakol became a stop on the Silk Road and is now a modern city whose rich history makes it an extremely exciting destination for travelers. 18.30 - dinner 20.00 - arrival at the hotel
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Fairy Tale Canyon
4 stops
19
Karakol
Karakol is the capital of the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan and the largest city on the shores of the lake (about 65 thousand inhabitants). The city is located near the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul and was founded by Staff Captain Kulbars in 1869, shortly after Kyrgyzstan became part of the Russian Empire, as a military-administrative center on the caravan road between the Chu River valley and Kashgaria, a historical region in eastern China. The city changed its name several times - so it is now quite difficult to say which of the two names of the city is historical. The original name was Karakol - after the river on which it was founded. 08.00-breakfast 09.00-departure from Karakol
9 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Canyon Skazka
Skazka Canyon is a small gorge on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, famous for its red clay rocks. Soil erosion, which has been going on for thousands of years, has taken its toll: a variety of bizarre figures made of stone and clay rise in the canyon. The Skazka Canyon is made up of multi-colored clays, minerals and rocks, which adds to the picturesqueness of this place. Some of the natural sculptures in the canyon have their own names. The most recognizable is the “Chinese Wall”, which is very reminiscent of the famous architectural monument of China. In winter, there is practically no snow here, and therefore you can see the Fairy Tale in all its glory at any time of the year. 11.30-arrival at the Skazka canyon 13.00- departure from the Fairy Tale Canyon for lunch in Kaji-Sai
2 hours • Admission ticket included
21
Bokonbayevo
Kadzhi-Sai is a favorite place for tourists in Issyk-Kul. There are no fashionable hotels or noisy clubs on the southern coast of the lake. People come here for the majestic nature. In this village on the southern south of Issyk-Kul, near the village of Bokombaeva, we will have lunch. 13.30-lunch at the cafe in the village of Kaji-Sai 14.30-departure to Son Kul Lake
1 hour • Admission ticket free
22
Son Kul Lake
Son-Kul, alpine lake (Inner Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan). Lake Son-Kul is located in the heart of the Inner Tien Shan, 90 km northwest of Naryn. The basin, 57 km long and 29 km wide, is located inside powerful mountain formations. In the center of this basin lies the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan - Son. - Kul. 19.00-arrival at Lake Son-Kul, check-in at the yurt camp 19.30-dinner 20.30-rest, free time
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Son-Kul Lake
3 stops
23
Son Kul Lake
Son-Kul translated from Kyrgyz means “lake where wild ducks live.” The lake is located at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. Son-Kul covers an area of ​​278 square kilometers. The average depth is 8.6 meters, the maximum is almost 14 meters. The lake is partially located in the Karatal-Zhapyryk State Reserve, founded in 1994. Son-Kul is a lake formed as a result of melting glaciers. The river of the same name flows out of it and flows into Naryn. From late September to early June, the water in Son-Kul freezes. In this region, temperatures can reach -20°C in winter. 06.00 - sunrise on the shore, walk along the shore of the lake, watching wild ducks and horses 08.00 - breakfast at the yurt camp 09.00 - departure to Lake Kel-Suu
3 hours • Admission ticket included
24
Naryn is one of the cities of Kyrgyzstan. It is located 186 km from the border with China, at the intersection of the Bishkek-Torugart highway. Naryn is the administrative center of Naryn region. There are museums, institutes, and various administrative and government buildings located here. Like many other Central Asian cities, Naryn arose as a small fortification on trade routes that led from East Turkestan (Kashgar) to Central Asia. Until the 19th century there was no city as such in this area. 12.00 - lunch in Naryn
1 hour • Admission ticket free
25
Kel-Suu is a high-mountain lake of glacial origin, located in the southeastern part of the Naryn region, near the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, at an altitude of 3500 meters. The lake is stunning with its views - the water is bright blue and contrasts very beautifully with the harsh rocks surrounding it. This is one of the most beautiful, and at the same time inaccessible places in Kyrgyzstan. Kel-Suu is a dam-type lake formed in a large crevice between the rocks. Most of it is not visible from the shore, and therefore to see the entire lake, you need to sail along it by boat. The length of the lake is 9 kilometers, and its width varies from 500 meters to 2 kilometers at its widest point. 18.00 - arrival at the yurt camp, check-in 19.00-dinner 20.00-rest, free time
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Lake Kel-Suu
1 stop
26
We will go to Lake Kel-Suu along the Kyok-Kyya valley, which is located in the border zone of the Naryn region, approximately 550 km from the city of Bishkek. In the valley, the river of the same name flows through winding canyons. The huge rocks standing here fascinate the observer with their majestic and mysterious appearance. This place is so pristine and untouched that it seems as if no human has ever set foot here. Although there are small settlements here, where hospitable and always open to guests residents live, whose main occupation is breeding yaks. 08:00-breakfast 09:00-start of the hike to the lake 12:00-15:00-free time on the lake 20:00-dinner and gatherings by the fire
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Road to Bishkek
3 stops
27
On the way back from Lake Kel-Suu we will visit the canyon. The Kulzha-Bashi Canyon is notable for the fact that in addition to the bizarre rocks in which you can find many images, there is also a river and even a small waterfall. 08:00-wake up 08:30-breakfast 09:00-departure 10:00-Kulja-Bashi canyons
2 hours • Admission ticket included
28
Geographically, the city of Naryn is located in a picturesque area. The city itself is located at the foot of the Naryn-Too mountains, where the Naryn River also flows, which is the longest river in Kyrgyzstan. The natural landscape of Naryn combines mountains, forests and steppes. There are also many small reservoirs that feed the main channel of the Naryn River. 15:00-lunch in Naryn
2 hours • Admission ticket free
29
Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the largest city in the country in terms of population (more than 1 million). Bishkek is located in the center of the Chui Valley at the foot of one of the Tien Shan mountain ranges - the Kyrgyz Ala-Too. Its length is 375 kilometers and extends from the Boom Gorge to the Talas region. The highest point of the ridge (4875 meters) is the Semenov-Tyan-Shansky peak. Bishkek is a square city. You will find practically no winding streets in it. That is why it is almost impossible to get lost here. 19:00 - dinner in the Boom Gorge at the cafe 21:00 -arrival in Bishkek
6 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

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