If you are interested in nature, culture, traditions and history of Kyrgyzstan at the same time, this tour will be a perfect choice to satisfy all of your wishes. After a short stay in Bishkek you’ll travel around the Issyk-Kul Lake (1608 m), the second largest alpine lake in the world! Additionally, you will visit Burana Tower, an important site on the Silk Road, the town of Karakol, the flower valley Jeti-Oguz and Kochkor village which is famous for its felt production.
Day 1: Manas Airport – Bishkek
Upon arrival to airport meet with a local guide/driver and transfer to city. After it, you will have a city tour through all of the capital’s main highlights: Ala-Too Main Square, Open Air Art Gallery where visitors can see the paintings of local artists, Oak Park, Panfilov Park, Erkindik Boulevard where one can meet Kyrgyz urban people of all ages. A visit to the Youth Alley where the Statue of Manas, the founder of the Kyrgyz nation, is located will be added to the program of this tour. Dinner at a yurt-styled restaurant at Supara Ethno-Complex (traditional Kyrgyz cuisine). National folklore show with Manaschi chanting the epic Manas is followed during the dinner. Arrive back to Bishkek, overnight at hotel. Check-in to hotel at/after 14:00pm.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Day 2: Bishkek – Kochkor village (230 km/4 h)
After breakfast, you will depart to Kochkor village and spend a day with Kyrgyz family to experience the daily life of local people welcoming you into their home. We will also visit Altyn-Kol (“Golden Hands”), a cooperative shop of women from the surrounding villages where they sell handmade felt products. To learn more about Kyrgyz traditions and culture you will assist the family with bread baking, cows’ milking and meals’ cooking. In the afternoon you will watch the demonstration of felt craft making and take part in the procedure. Traditional lunch and dinner at the house with a family. Free time for rest in the evening.
Meals: breakfast, lunch dinner
Day 3: Kochkor – Jeti-Oguz (385 km/6 h)
After breakfast we will depart to Jeti-Oguz Valley alongside the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way to Jeti-Oguz Valley, we will also visit Manjyly-Ata and have a lunch at a yurt camp, and examine the famous Fairytale Valley/Canyon. It was named after its bizarre rocky landscape, which has been transformed for many years by wind into various sculptures and formations. Some of them have been named for their similarity to well-known objects. For example, one set of ridges in the canyon is called the “The Chinese Wall” due to its similarity to the Great Wall of China. Visitors can also find what appear to be statues of a hippopotamus, snakes, dragons, sleeping giants and even whole castles. The rocks not only have different shapes, but also various colors. Upon arrival we will accommodate at yurt camps.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Jeti-Oguz – Karakol (40 km/1.5 h)
Having some free time in the morning, you can walk around the valley and taste a national beverage Kymyz (fermented mares milk), experiencing the real nomads’ life. After lunch at a yurt camp, we will depart to Karakol, but on the way we will visit a group of famous red rocks known as “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart”, which are easy for walking and trekking. Upon arrival to Karakol town, we will begin a city tour, which 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. Further, we will visit One-Village-One-Product local shop for handmade souvenir products, run by the association of local women who produce a wide range of products products and materials found in the Issyk-Kul region, which includes wild berry jams, handicrafts, herbal soaps and many other souvenirs. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Karakol – Chon-Kemin (340 km/ 6 h)
After breakfast, we will depart to Chon-Kemin Valley via the Northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake, visiting open-air Petroglyphs Museum and Rukh-Ordo Cultural Complex in Cholpon-Ata town on the way to or point of destination. Upon arrival to Kalmak-Ashuu village, we will accommodate at Ashuu guesthouse. Traditional homemade dinner at the guesthouse. Free time for rest and/or easy walking tour around the village.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Chon-Kemin – Bishkek (135 km/3 h)
After breakfast, we will spend the morning visiting the Kalmak-Ashuu Gorge. A horseback riding is available upon request. We will depart after the lunch for Bishkek, making stops at Burana Historical Complex, Burana Minaret and open air museum of ancient city of Balasagyn. Upon arrival to Bishkek, we will check in to a hotel and have some free time. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Bishkek – Manas Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport for the departure flight.
Check-out from the hotel before/at 12:00 pm.
Meals: breakfast
Included in the price:
• Excursions
• Folklore show