Kyrgyzstan Northern Highlights

Day 1. WELCOME TO BISHKEK – THE CAPITAL OF KYRGYZSTAN

Your welcome moment. Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travelers, and learn more about your tour.

Accommodation: Not included.
Meals: Not included.

Special Information:
Keep in mind that many flights into Bishkek arrive very early in the morning. If you would like to be able to check-in on arrival, please book an additional night of accommodation beforehand so a room is available for you. The regular check-in time is 1 pm.

Day 2. BISHKEK – BURANA – CHON KEMIN
Driving time/distance: 4 hours, 180 km
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before traveling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way stop at one of Kyrgyzstan’s oldest sights, the Burana Tower, and learn about its ancient architecture – rare in nomadic culture. The territory where the tower is located was once called Balasagyn town. This town had strategic meaning for the Great Silk Road. Here you will see a small museum with exhibits found during past excavations, providing more details about this ancient settlement, including a collection of “Balbals” – Turkic grave marks. After, drive to Chon-Kemin village. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savor a home-cooked traditional dinner. Tonight, stay in a cozy guesthouse run by local families.

Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

 

Day 3. CHON KEMIN – ISSYK KUL LAKE – KARAKOL
Driving time/distance: 6 hours, 300 km
After breakfast, depart to Karakol city via Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca in South America. Its length reaches 182 km and width is 58 km, the maximum depth is up to 668 meters. On the way, we will visit the Open Air Petroglyphs Museum in Cholpon Ata town. Petroglyphs are dated back to the Sak-Wusun period from the 8th century BC up to the 2nd century AD. The territory where the Petroglyphs are found lies below the Kungey Alatoo Mountains with a beautiful view of the lake. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to Karakol city. We will take a short sightseeing tour in Karakol city by visiting the wooden Dungan mosques and Russian Orthodox church (optionally, you can go Kayaking in Issyk Kul lake before sunset for 2 hours). Dinner and overnight stay in Karakol city.

Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

 

Day 4. KARAKOL – KOK JAIYK CAMP – RADIAL HIKE TO SEE THE OGUZ BASHY PEAK
Trekking distance/time: 15km / 5-6 hours, Ascent: 340 meters
Today we will take an easy hike to see the astonishingly beautiful panoramic view of Oguz Bashy peak which is located in the heart of the Tian-Shian Mountain Range. After breakfast, we depart Karakol to Kok Jaiyk valley, a 1-hour drive. Arrive, and start the hike. From the trailhead, we follow the roadbed along the tumbling Jety Oguz river. Stunning white mountain peaks slowly begin to appear as we gain elevation. Reach the viewpoint and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and pose for stunning photos. After lunch, we hike back to the camp. Dinner and overnight in a yurt. 
Accommodation included: Yurt camp (1 night)
Meals Included: B, Picnic Lunch, D

 

Day 5. KOK JAIYK – KOCHKOR
Driving time/distance: 4-5 hours, 260 km
After breakfast, we will drive to Kochkor town. A one-hour side hike at Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon) awaits us. Skazka is a truly incredible destination that boasts an assortment of impressive rock formations. Skazka is one of the highlights of all of Kyrgyzstan. The canyon, stunning in its array of earthen colors, also provides a magnificent view of Lake Issyk-Kul and the surrounding peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Here, we will see an eagle hunting demonstration with a local eagle hunter. Eagle hunting is an ancient tradition to hunt for animals with the help of specially trained eagles.
After the show, we continue driving to the Kyzyl-Tuu village where we learn how to set up a yurt. The yurts are the traditional dwellings of the Kyrgyz nomads constructed of a multi-pieced wooden frame that is overlaid with several felt coverings of sheep wool. It takes only about two hours to put a yurt together. There are usually many colorful handmade mats, felt rugs and embroideries to be found inside. After the yurt show, our trip heads on to Kochkor town, a Kyrgyz village whose residents are known for their creation of shyrdak felt rugs, embroideries, and other handicrafts. Local ladies will share their knowledge and expertise in the making of traditional shyrdaks, through a special demonstration and workshop. Try your hand at this classic Kyrgyz art and support local entrepreneurs by purchasing handmade souvenirs from local artisans. Free time afterward to roam about the village, take photos, and enjoy the laid-back local lifestyle.

Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B, Picnic Lunch, D

 

Day 6. KOCHKOR-SONKUL LAKE
Driving time/distance: 3 hours, 130 km
Today, we drive to Son-Köl Lake, one of the largest alpine-mountain lakes in the country and considered a sacred place for many Kyrgyz nomads for its best summer pastures. You can spot nomadic herders and their families tending their goats, sheep, and horses. Lunch in a yurt. After lunch, we will ride a horse along the beautiful lakeshore. Alternatively, for those who are not interested in horse riding, a simple stroll around the lake can be had. We will have the opportunity to sample fresh airan (yogurt) and kumis (the national drink of fermented mare’s milk). After, we will stay in yurts set up along the lakeshore. Sleeping arrangements are on a multi-share, mixed-gender basis with mattresses on the floor. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there is a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. There are no bathroom facilities inside the yurts – please expect outdoor toilets. Those daring enough for a morning dip can make use of Son-Köl.

Accommodation included: Yurt Camp (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

 

Day 7. SONGKUL LAKE – BACK TO BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
Driving time/distance: 5 hours, 290 km
Enjoy your last hearty breakfast in a yurt. Vibrant Bishkek awaits your return today, so make the 5-hour return drive to the City of Bishkek. Enjoy a free afternoon walk around the city to spend as you wish before an optional final night dinner with your group.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals Included: B, L

Kyrgyzstan 7 days itinerary tour price in USD:

number of people	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
price per person	1385	1100	865	799	699	670	600

 

Included	Not included
– Transportation with experienced driver throughout the whole trip –  Accommodation twin room in guesthouses and 4 pax in one yurt – Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour – Eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo – Yurt building demonstration in Kyzyl-Tuu village – Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor – Horse riding in Son-Kul lake – Entrance tickets	– Hotels in Bishkek – Meals in Bishkek – International/domestic airfares – Alcoholic, soft, coffee, mineral drinks – Tips are not included but would be appreciated – Personal insurance and items not mentioned above. – Photo/video fees at the museum

Join one of the groups on the following dates:

Dates Start – End	Availability Remaining spaces	Status
June 2024
10 Jun – 16 Jun	8 Available
20 Jun – 26 Jun	8 Available
July 2024
10 Jul – 16 Jul	8 Available
20 Jul – 26 Jul	8 Available
August 2024
2 Aug – 8 Aug	8 Available
20 Aug – 26 Aug	8 Available

 

Note for individual travelers:  Sign-up for this tour and we will do our best to assemble a group of other interested participants in order to bring down the price and guarantee your departure. Special arrangements can also be made for smaller, private groups. Please contact us for more details directly on WhatsApp or Email.