The Pearl Of Kyrgyzstan-Issykkul Lake
About this tour
The lake Issykkul and be in the heart of Tien-shan mountains, see the true beauty of Kyrgyzstan wildlife and nature
This tour is for people who want to relax from city life and feel the harmony of man with wild nature and untouchable landscapes with best panoramic scenery to Tien Shan Mountains
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan to Ala-Archa, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, transfer to Ala Archa National Park, in the mountains, just 30km outside of Bishkek. We will have a walk in the Park, enjoying the nice views and fresh air. Transfer back to Bishkek for lunch in the city center. Lunch and Dinner in a nice local restaurant. Afternoon go for city tour. Free time before Dinner.
Day 2: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast we depart from Bishkek. First stop is in Don-Aryk village to watch Kyrgyz National Horse Game (Ulak-Tartysh), then have lunch in Kyrgyz family where you will have a chance to taste one of the Kyrgyz National Food (which is called Besh-Barmak it means Five Finger leaking food). Later, go to Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok, 60km east of Bishkek. The minaret from the 11th century is the only remaining building from the ancient town of Balasagun, once capital of the mighty Karakhanid Empire. You can walk up the winding staircase and enjoy a nice view of the Chuy valley. There is also a small open-air museum with “balbals”, carved stone figures used as monuments. After excursion in Burana, we then continue driving further into the mountains to a guesthouse in the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Upon arrival, check in. In the afternoon you can have a walk in the village, observe the life of the local people, or optionally go for whitewater rafting. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.
Day 3: Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan
Breakfast at guesthouse. Today, we will have a fantastic day trek to apline lake which is situated close by to Lake Isskkul in Kungei Ala-Too range. The best view is guaranteed. Trek will take us about4-5 hours amazing walk in the deep of forest in Kok-archa Gorge, where we might meet or see some wild animals like wild boars, deers and so on because we will do this trek in Chon-Kemin NP. Picnic on the way. Dinner and Overnight in tents.
Day 4: Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan to Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan
Afternoon, transfer to Jyrgalan village, the road will go along the northern shore of the sparkling pearl of Central Asia – Issyk-Kul Lake. Lunch in local restaurant. On the way, stop to visit Semenov gorge with further proceeding to Grigoriev gorge and visit small mountain lakes. Then Stop to visit Petroglyphs, the museum of petro-glyphs under open air (dating to 800 B.C.) Later, continue driving to Jyrgalan. Upon Arrival, Check in. Overnight and Dinner at Jyrgalan Mountain Hotel. Overnight at Jyrgalan Meals: B/L/D Accommodation: Jyrgalan Guesthouse or similar
Day 5: Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan to Karkara Base Camp, Kyrgyzstan
Transfer to Turuk pass 3350m from Karkyra Valley Via Sary Djaz Valley. The landscapes at that day will be most beautiful during our trip. The Sary-Jaz valley is located at the altitude of 2700-3600m.This place well known for its green diversity, on the way, we will visit Tamerlane’s stones at Karkyra valley. There are many beekeepers in summer time. Not far from Santash village, there are kurgans and remains of the Caravanserais, where the Tamerlane’s troop used to pass. The legend has it that they were composed by the army of Tamerlane when he went to the West with Great War. When the commander went on his campaign, he ordered each soldier to take a stone with them, and here, at the pass, they all laid these stones into a large mound. Upon return, soldiers who survived took a stone each from the mound and placed it by their side. Therefore, there are now two mounds made of stone, one of which became a monument of the victims who died on a foreign land. There are peak Semenov 5816m and peak Karakol 5280m at the upper part of Sary-Jaz valley. In this mountainous kingdom, many animals inhabit such as: argali, ibex and others. In Turuk Pass you can see many snow peaks. You can see summit of famous Khan-Tengri peak (7010m) and Peak Pobedy (7439) in clear weather. Picnic lunch in open air condition. Dinner and Overnight in tents. The Best View is guaranteed Meals: B/L/D Accommodation: Tents/ Camping
Day 6: Karkara Base Camp, Kyrgyzstan to Enilchek, Kyrgyzstan
Breakfast at camp. Today, we will drive to th mouth of Kaindy valley via Soviet abounded industrial town Engilchek (or Enilchek) which is located at 2500m. It is based 150 km from Karakol at the confluence of the rivers Sary-Jaz and Engilchek. With the closure of the tin mine, the population fell from 5,000 to less than 20 families. At the 2009 census, its population was 345. You need permission to that area due to the reason that it is close to the China border. Upon arrival to Kaindy valley, you will take a bath in unique wild hot spring. Picnic lunch in open air condition. Dinner and Overnight in Tents by Wild Hot-Sping (Kara-Tash). Meals: B/L/D Accommodation: Tents/ Camping
Day 7: Enilchek, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Breakfast at camp. After breakfast moving to Karakol via Chon-Ashuu pass, which is at the altitude of 3822m. Arrival to Karakol via Basharin valley. Where you will be guaranteed for best view to whole Basharin valley. Upon Arrival, go for sightseeing tour in Karakol. Lunch on the way. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: B/L/D Accommodation: Jenya Guesthouse or similar
Day 8: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Altyn-Arashan, Kyrgyzstan
In the morning transfer to Altyn Arashan gorge by Russian military 4WD vehicle. Altyn Arashan ("Golden Spa") gorge is one of the most famous gorges in Karakol, there you will see wonderful fir tree forests and there are also thermal springs in the whole gorge. Afterwards you will have whole day time for hiking in the gorge and then you will be transferred to the city. Upon arrival to Karakol go to hotel for some rest. Dinner in Uighur family where you can watch how to make Uighur Noodle which will be demonstrated by Uighur cook and join the process of making Noodles; (Uighur Noodle Master class) then enjoy Folk music;
Day 9: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Beltam Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan
Breakfast at guesthouse. On the way visit Jety Oguz Gorge (Seven Bulls Red-Rock Gorge). Later watch Kyrgyz ancient traditional eagle-hunting show. Next stop is at the canyon “Skazka”, translated as “Fairytale” due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. We go for a short hike. Upon arrival to Yurt camp, check in. In the late afternoon you can have a walk in the shore of lake Issykkul Meals: B/L/D Accommodation: Bel Tam Seaside Yurt camp or similar
Day 10: Beltam Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Breakfast at camp Visit ponaramic view spot to lake Issykkul, then depart to Bishkek, on the way stop to visit kok-moinok canyon.upon arrival to Bshkek. check in. rest. Dinner at local restaurant.Overnight in Bishkek. next day morning flight to home. End of service
What's included
1. Single room accommodation as stated in the program; 2. Transportation thru out trip; 3. Permit for (Kyrgyz-Chinese bordering area); 4. English-speaking Guide; 5. Entrance and Ecological fees; 6. Meals: Full Board; 7. Mineral water 1L per day per person; 8. 1 day trek to Chonkemin lake 9. All camping equipment for 1 day trek Chonkemin , and Turuk-Sary-Djaz-Karakol route: Kitchen Utensils, Tent and Sleeping Bag rentals; 10. Chef-Cook for Kegen-Turuk-Sary-Djaz-Karakol route;
1. Hotel charges for additional services; 2. Single supplement; 3. Consular fees paid upon collection of the entrance visa to Kyrgyzstan (if applicable); 4. Visa support (if applicable); 5. Registration in Kyrgyzstan; 6. Payment for early check in and late check-out (check in time is at 13-14.00, check out time is at 12.00) 7. Folk music in Karakol; 8. Yurt Set Up; 9. Horse Game 10. 1 hr Boat ride in Cholpon-Ata; 11. 4WD RUSSIAN TRUCK TO Altyn-Arashan;
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan to Ala-Archa, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan