Birds Of Prey Festival In Kyrgyzstan - 14 Day Tour
About this tour
The tour includes a short three-day light trekking in the area of Karakol city to Ala Kul Lake, and it is for both experienced and not experienced trekkers, all the camping equipment and staff are included. Horse Trekking to Son Kul Lake is very popular in summer. Both sides of Issyk Kul with all the main attractions, such as Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs, Grigoriev Gorge, Mosque and Church in Karakol city, Dzhety Oguz Gorge and Skazka Canyon, Bokonbaev village etc., are visited. Visit to the annual Birds of Prey Festival is of the main highlights of the tour. During the tour the nights in trekking tents and nights in a traditional Kyrgyz felt Boz Ui, or yurt with comfort are experienced. Finally visit to Chon Kemin National Park with its cozy guesthouses, just to relive and summarize all the natural, cultural, historical, authentic wealth and beauty of the Kyrgyz Republic!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan
Arrival to Bishkek. Walking tour in the center of the city –Ala Too Square, the State National History Museum, Old Square and the Parliament, Oak Park and the Statue of Kurmandjan Datka (Kyrgyz Queen), the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Victory Square and Eternal Fire, ending at ZUM. If time allows visit to Osh Bazar and the National park Ala Archa.
Day 2: Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Drive from Bishkek city to Karakol city via northern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. On the way visit to Konorchek or Kok Moinok Canyons (subject to the weather conditions). In Cholpon Ata town – visit to the Open Air Museum of Petroglyphs. Short visit to Grigoriev Gorge. Upon arrival, city tour of Karakol - visit an Old Russian Orthodox Church and mosque in Dungan style. Most surprising is that both the mosque and the church were built without a single nail or any metal cords. The builders used only wooden beams of the Tien Shan fir, elm and local poplar. Briefing with the trekking guide in the evening.
Day 3: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Sirota Camp, Altynarasan, Kyrgyzstan
The first day of trekking: Drive from Karakol to Karakol Gorge and further trekking to Sirota area (2500asl, 10-12km, 6-8 hours). In trekking all the meals (breakfast, lunch box for lunch and dinner) are provided by the trekking staff. Overnights are in tents. All the equipment is carried by porters (depending on the number of tourists at trekking); guests carry their daily pack with personal belongings.
Day 4: Sirota Camp, Altynarasan, Kyrgyzstan to Ala-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
The second day of trekking: Trekking to Ala Kul Lake, long day trekking. Ala- Kul lake is a large high-mountain glacial lake that really amazes with its colours: bright turquoise water adjoins with mountains, snow, green grass and flowers (3500asl,10-12km, 6-8 hours), one of the most stunning surroundings. In trekking all the meals (breakfast, lunch box for lunch and dinner) are provided by the trekking staff. Overnights are in tents. All the equipment is carried by porters (depending on the number of tourists at trekking), guests carry their daily pack with personal belongings.
Day 5: Ala-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan to Jety - Oguz, Kyrgyzstan
The third day of trekking: Trekking from Ala Kul Lake to Altyn Arashan Gorge (1700asl, 10-12km, 6-8 hours). Radial hiking in the gorge and swimming in the natural hot springs. You will enjoy the surrounding nature of the Altyn Arashan (Golden Spa), observing local shepherds and animals, watching birds and breathing fresh air. From Altyn Arashan drive down to Karakol by UAZ, meeting the driver and transfer to Dzhety Oguz Gorge. Shepherds tell a lot of legends about the beautiful, famous, red rocks known as Dzhety Oguz "Seven Bulls" and it’s "Broken Heart" rock. In trekking all the meals (breakfast, lunch box for lunch and dinner) are provided by the trekking staff. A relaxing evening in a yurt camp.
Day 6: Jety - Oguz, Kyrgyzstan to Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
In the morning a short hike to the Maiden Tears Waterfall in the gorge, lunch and in the afternoon further drive by southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake to the Bokonbaev village. Visit to Skazka Canyon – the Fairy Tale Canyon on the way.
Day 7: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
Full day on The Birds of prey festival. The Birds of Prey Festival is devoted to golden eagles and falcons, which are revered by the Kyrgyz. Demonstration of hunting with a Golden Eagle; folklore show; exhibition and sale of handicrafts and souvenirs; tasting of Kyrgyz cuisine.
Day 8: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan to Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan
Drive from Bokonbayevo to Kyzart. Preparation to horse trekking, please read our rules for the horse trekking below. Today we drive to the most mountainous region in Kyrgyzstan, on the way we will see fascinating Orto-Tokoy water reservoir
Day 9: Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan to Kilemche, Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan
Kyzart horse trekking to Kilemche Jailoo. It translates as “carpet-like” because the pasture is coated in thick, vibrant grass, making it the perfect area for nomadic herders in the summertime.
Day 10: Kilemche, Kyzart, Kyrgyzstan to Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Horse trekking from Kilemche Zhailoo to Son Kul lake. During the summer this place is inhabited by plenty of flocks, nomads and yurts. During the summer, shepherds with their families stay at pastures in the area around Song-Kul Lake in traditional felt dwellings Boz Ui or yurts, grassing their flocks and herds of animals. At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights.
Day 11: Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Day at Son Kul Lake. Day at leisure. Optional activities: Swimming in the lake, short trek to Petroglyphs, horse riding (for an extra charge). At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights.
Day 12: Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan to Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan
Drive from Son Kul Lake over Kalmak Ashu Pass to Kochkor village first. A visit to a handicraft workshop to take a participation in making a traditional Kyrgyz carpets – Ala Kiyz and Shirdak, listed as an immaterial UNESCO heritage. Local bazaar exploration. Further drive to Chon Kemin National Park. Optional activities in Chon Kemin: Hiking for about 2 hours to panorama viewpoint or a drive to Dzhashyl Kol Area.
Day 13: Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, transfer to Bishkek. On the way visit to the historical complex Burana Tower (11th C.) the remains of Karakhanid's empire in Central Asia. Optionally Kyrgyz folklore program during the farewell dinner.
Day 14: Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan to Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Transfer to the airport Manas to take a flight back home.
What's included
* accommodation on twin base in hotels / Home stays / Yurts – 14 nights * entrance and ecological fees, entrance fees to the festival * Meals – according to the program (B – 14, L – 9, D - 10) * Mineral water (1 liter per person per day) * transport from arrival till departure by an air-conditioned tourist vehicle, UAZ to Altyn Arashan * English speaking tour escort guide as per chosen option * Shyrdak Show in Kochkor * Trekking guide/ porter/ cook in trekking * Sleeping bags/ Tent/ all the cooking equipment for camping * English speaking Horseman/ horses in horse trekking
* Single supplement * Alcohol drinks * All personal expenses * Fees for the video/ photography in museums * International flights * Folklore show in Bishkek - 70USD per group/ Boat Ride at Issyk Kul Lake -100USD per group
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan