Tour details
- Period
- Year-round
- Trip length
- 6 days
- Tour specialist
- Sergey – 25 reviews
- From
- 500$
This short but intensive tour gives you a chance to explore famous sights of Kyrgyzstan and have rich cultural experience in a limited amount of time. You will make a round trip along the shores of Issyk Kul lake, the largest alpine lake in Central Asia, making all the possible stops at gorges, sites and views. You will meet eagle hunter and learn about this ancient hunting tradition. Also you will get acquainted with nomadic culture and sleep in yurts by the lake Song Kol at the altitude of 3,016 meters. Your tour will be full of history, culture and amazing views. This tour is excellent to combine with other neighbouring countries.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
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. The first half of the day is dedicated to a guided 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. In the afternoon 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. This overnight will be in a hotel.
Day 2: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore – Karakol
In the morning you will be transferred to celestial Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608m.above sea level). The lake is called “the pearl of Central Asia”. You can come up to the lake and to see mountains all around it. On route you will visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). Today you will drive along the whole northern shore and arrive to Karakol town. Also we will visit today a place with ancient stone patterns – petroglyphs. In Karakol you will see a Russian Orthodox Church and a Dungan mosque. Night is in a hotel.
Day 3: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Kochkor
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 Bokonbaevo 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). When we arrive at Kochkor village you will meet a family who will show you how to make national woollen felt carpets. Night is in a home stay.
Day 4: Kochkor – Song Kol
After breakfast we start our drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Song Kol 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. It is possible to ride horses at Son Kul lake for 2-3 hours. But it depends on the availability of horses at that moment. Overnight is in nomadic collapsible dwellings – yurts. They are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.
Day 5: Song Kol – Suusamir – Bishkek
After meeting with locals, we will drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. The road to the city goes through the southern part of Kyrgyzstan. During your transfer be prepared for amazing views of impressive mountains and gorges. Today you will see panoramic views of Tue Ashuu pass which is more than 3000 meters high! This road is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Kyrgyzstan. You will have many photo stops so that you will remember this day. Fantastic roads, amazing views, nomads, high mountains; ensure your memories of Kyrgyzstan will last a lifetime. Night is in a hotel.
Day 6: Bishkek – Airport
In the morning is transfer to airport.
Prices
Price per person based on 3* accommodation:
- 2 people – 775 $
- 4 people – 500 $
- 6 people – 390 $
- 8 people – 340 $
- 10 people – 305 $
- Single supplement – 100 $
- Early check-in – 35 $
- Single early check-in – 60 $
Price per person based on 4* accommodation:
- 2 people – 815 $
- 4 people – 545 $
- 6 people – 425 $
- 8 people – 375 $
- 10 people – 345 $
- Single supplement – 120 $
- Early check-in – 55 $
- Single early check-in – 90 $
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transport & accommodation
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
Accommodation
- Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4* /“Plaza” Hotel 4*
- Karakol – “Green Yard” Boutique Hotel
- Kochkor – Homestay
- Song Kol – Yurts, “Nomad’s Dream” camp (4 people in 1 yurt)
Transport:
- 2 people – Mitsubishi Delica
- 4-10 people – Mercedes Sprinter
NOT INCLUDED
- English speaking guide – 425 $ per group
- To be 2 in one yurt (now 4 people) – 20 $ per person
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- Meals: Half board – 75 $ / Full board – 150 $
- Horse riding 25-30 $