This tour is designed specifically for those people who would like to see the highlights of Kyrgyzstan and prefer to stay in (budget) places where they can meet/get to know closer local people and their culture. On the days that we’re not traveling, there is some flexibility on how to spend your day.
Day 1: Airport Manas – Bishkek
Upon arrival to airport, you will meet a driver and will be transferred to Bishkek city. You will have a lot of time for independent exploration of the city without guide’s and driver’s assistance. Overnight at a Hostel (check-in at/after 14:00 pm).
Meals: no
Day 2: Bishkek – Kochkor
After the breakfast, we will depart to Kochkor village and visit Burana Tower, a small nearby museum and an open air Balbals (stone figures) – a historical sight remained from Karakhanids period. Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at a local family-run guesthouse/homestay. In the evening you can use your free time for independent exploration of village and its surroundings. Dinner and overnight at a homestay.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 3: Kochkor – Song-Kul Lake
The next day we will depart to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Kyrgyzstan, Song-Kul Lake. You will stay in a yurt camp and get to know nomadic way of life by interacting with local nomads, watching them milking cows and mares. Overnight at a yurt camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch-box, dinner
Day 4: Song-Kul Lake
Spending the whole day free at Song-Kul Lake, you can hike the surrounding mountains. Song-Kul Lake lies at an altitude of 3016 m, has an area of about 270 km2 and volume of 2.64 km3. Lake’s maximum length is 29 km, breadth about 18 km, and extreme depth of 13.2 m. It is the second largest lake after the Issyk-Kul Lake, which has to be the largest freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan. Its name, meaning “following lake”, is popularly considered to refer to this relation. A broad summer pastures and high majestic mountains surround it. This day’s program is flexible and it is up to client’s choice how to spend it: hiking, just resting or staying with local nomads.
Meals: breakfast, lunch-box, dinner
Day 5: Song-Kul Lake – Jeti-Oguz Valley
After the breakfast, we will drive to Jeti-Oguz, a lush valley with some striking red sandstone rock formations, including “Seven Bulls” from which the valley takes its name. After some sightseeing, there is an opportunity to ride Jeti-Oguz and accommodate at the yurt camp. Note: Accommodation conditions at yurt camp are very traditional, meaning that person will be able to share toilet outside of the yurt and be able to experience Kyrgyz rural lifestyle firsthand. Single accommodation is not available, 3-6 pax per yurt only.
Meals: breakfast, lunch-box, dinner
Day 6: Jeti-Oguz Valley
Spend the whole day in Jeti-Oguz Valley, possibility to do some trekking to the mountains and visit waterfall.
Meals: breakfast, lunch-box, dinner
Day 7: Jeti-Oguz Valley – Karakol
After breakfast, we will depart to Karakol. Upon arrival, sightseeing tour of the town. City tour includes a visit to a beautiful Russian Church made entirely of wood without any nails, Dungan Mosque (Dungan’s are ethnic minority of Muslim Chinese, moved from the West of China) and Kupecheskiy Proezd street that resembles an old Russian village of 19th century. Independent lunch & dinner. Overnight at a local family-run guesthouse/homestay.
Meals: breakfast
Day 8: Karakol – Cholpon-Ata
After breakfast, depart to Cholpon-Ata. Possibility to spend some free time at the beach (sunbathing, swimming). Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 9: Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek
After breakfast, visit an open air Petroglyphs Museum and Rukh-Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata. Departure to Bishkek. Upon arrival to Bishkek, an accommodation at hostel. Free time in the evening.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 10: Bishkek – Manas Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Manas Airport for departure flight.
Meals: breakfast