Trip To The Heart Of Kyrgyzstan 15d14n
About this tour
A Central Asian country located along the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan is a melting pot of cultures with 40 ethnic groups – with many still practising their nomadic lifestyles. Having 95% of the country covered by mountains, the country also offers travellers plenty of beautiful landscape that includes snow-capped mountains, lakes and rivers. Come and experience the untouched country as it slowly emerges from its past Soviet governance as part of USSR. July is wonderful month to visit as it is the start of summer and welcomes visitors with variety of wild flowers and seasonal fruits.
Activities included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
(D) Arrive Bishkek evening, with Dinner in a local restaurant. Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan with about 1.5 million people. Overnight (O/N) hotel Bishkek
Day 2: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D): After breakfast, Our chartered transport then brings us towards Chon Kemin valley (national nature reserve). Along the way, we stop by Don-Aryk village to have lunch prepared by Kyrgyz family. After lunch, we visit Burana Tower (minaret of 11th century) and the open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). We then proceed to Chon Kemin valley for overnight in guesthouse. O/N guesthouse
Day 3: Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan to Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast you will have time to explore Chong-Kemin valley. Our chartered transport takes us to Cholpon Ata city via the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. It is the 2nd largest alpine lake in the world, after Lake Titicaca in South America. We will have lunch along the way, and also visit to the open air museum of petro-glyphs (dating to 800 B.C.). After lunch, we have a 1-hour cruise on a steam boat on Issyk-Kul and dinner at local restaurant. O/N hotel
Day 4: Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast, we move to Karakol about 140km away. Along the drive, we will visit the museum of M.V. Prejvalsky, one of the world’s greatest explorers. His main achievements include crossing the great Taklamakan Desert and discovering more than 4000 animals, such as the Horse of Prejevalsky. When we arrive at Karakol, we proceed to visit the Dungan mosque- built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail and a wooden Orthodox Church. Dinner with Uyghur family to taste Uyghur food and enjoy Kyrgyz folklore show. O/N guesthouse for 2nights
Day 5: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Altyn-Arashan, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) 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. Here one will see wonderful fir tree forests and thermal springs along the whole gorge. Upon arriving to Altyn Arashan, we will have time for our lunch, short walk and soak in thermal waters. Dinner in a local café. O/N guesthouse for 2nd night
Day 6: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast, we drive to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Its name in Kyrgyz language means “Seven bulls”. The name is symbolic, because there is a 35 km long wall of seven huge red-brown cliffs resembling furious bulls standing together. Jeti-Oguz is also famous for its hot springs with waters enriched with minerals, popular during the USSR period. We drive towards the upper part of Jeti-Oguz to enjoy an easy walk heading towards a beautiful waterfall. After that, our chartered transport brings us 120km towards Bokonbaevo for our overnight yurt stay. Along the way, we have a stop to watch eagle-hunting, one of the ancient traditions of Kyrgyz people. Bokonbaevo town is located along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Time permitting, you have time to go to the lake side to lie on the warm sand or swim inside the lake. O/N Bel-Tam seaside yurt camp with shared toilets, showers available.
Day 7: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan to Tash-Rabat, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast, transfer to Tash Rabat- Caravanserai on the Great Silk Road (Stone Castle from the 15th century). Lunch en route. We will also stop at a local workshop to learn more about Kyrgyz yurts and felt carpets. We have a long drive towards Tash Rabat, which is located in the heart of Tian Shan Mountains at 3,200m above sea level. Made from stones, it is one of the cities located along the Great Silk Road and this building had been used in the past as a hotel and shelter for travellers. There are also underground prison cells for ancient thieves. Overnight local yurt camp with outdoor toilet and no showers, stream nearby.
Day 8: Tash-Rabat, Kyrgyzstan to Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast, we have a full day’s drive towards the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan - Son Kul Lake via Naryn. We will also be driving along Naryn river, which is the longest in Kyrgyzstan at 535km which flows into the Aral Sea. Upon arrival at Son Kul lake located at 3,013m above sea level, we will have free time to relax from the long drive. Horseback riding trip around the surroundings is also available. O/N Yurt with outdoor toilet, no showers.
Day 9: Son-Kol', Kyrgyzstan to Suusamyr Valley, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast, we depart to Suusamyr valley via Kyzyl Oi Village which is located in a narrow gorge besides the powerful Kokomeren River. Our journey takes us across one of the most beautiful and fascinating landscape framed by the red-colored mountains, which gave the place its name. Kyzyl means 'red' and Oi means Bowl in Kyrgyz. Suusamyr valley is a popular place where shepherds bring their sheeps and horses to graze during the summer. Overnight and Dinner at Oson hotel.
Day 10: Suusamyr Valley, Kyrgyzstan to Sary-Chelek, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D)Full day drive to Sary-Chelek. On the way you will be passing one of the most beautiful reservoirs in Central Asia, Toktogul, that funnels the gorgeous Naryn River into a hydroelectric station. Then continue drive to Sary-Chelek lake. The Sary Chelek biosphere reserve lies in the Arkit Gorge and surrounded by the Chatkal Mountains. There are many varieties of flora and fauna, especially wild flowers to be found inside this biosphere reserve. Dinner with a local family. O/N Family run basic accommodation with shared toilet.
Day 11: Sary-Chelek, Kyrgyzstan to Arslanbob, Kyrgyzstan
B/L/D) After early breakfast, we drive 45min towards Sary-Chelek lake to hike around the beautiful lake and enjoy the wonderful views. After lunch, we drive 5 hours towards Arslanbob village. Along the way, we will pass by the fertile lands filled with fruits and vegetable farms that borders Uzbekistan. By evening, we will reach the small village of Arslanbob populated mainly by more conservative Uzbek ethnic people. O/N family run accommodation with shared toilets.
Day 12: Arslanbob, Kyrgyzstan to Osh, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) Arslanbob's scenic beauty and pleasant climate, as well as two impressive waterfalls, attract tourists, pilgrims and other visitors during the spring and summer months. After breakfast, our chartered vehicles bring us to the start of our waterfall hike. After hike, we get transferred to the large and sacred wild walnut forest for picnic lunch. This is one of the biggest walnut forests in the world, which is cared for by the local villagers. We then travel 4.5 hours towards Osh. Along the way, we pass through the fertile Fergana valley and a short stop by Uzgen to visit a historic mausoleum & minaret. Uzgen town was one of the capitals of the Karakhanid State in the 11th and 12th centuries. O/N Osh guesthouse.
Day 13: Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast, we go for sightseeing tour around Osh, which is the 2nd largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Legends said Osh was founded by King Solomon ages ago and had an important position on trading routes of the Great Silk Road. Today you will visit Too (Solomon’s Mountain), museum and Osh bazaar – this market still operates from the same place since the heydays of Great Silk Road. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, we are transferred to the local airport for short domestic flight back to Bishkek. After check-in to hotel, we proceed to local restaurant for dinner. O/N Bishkek hotel
Day 14: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Ala Archa National Park, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
(B/L/D) After breakfast, we drive to Ala-Archa, the closest nature reserve to the capital city of Bishkek. We have time for short walk inside Ala-Archa to enjoy the beautiful mountains. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch we have walking tour around Bishkek to visit some of the places of interests around this capital city. Dinner at local restaurant. O/N Bishkek Hotel
Day 15: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan
Early morning depart to airport to fly back home
What's included
1. Twin room accommodation, 2. Meals – as stated in the program (Full Board); 3. Transportation throughout the whole trip. 4. English speaking guide; 5. Sightseeing tour program in all cities according to the program, including entrance fees to sights, museums. Camera/video fees are not included and paid separately; 6. Mineral water; 7. Boat trip in Cholpon-Ata (1 hour); 8. Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor; 9. Falcon/eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo; 10. Horse riding; 11. Domestic Air ticket: Osh-Bishkek Tickets; 12. 4WD RUSSIAN JEEP TO ALTYN-ARASHAN 13. Folk Show in Karakol
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. International airfares; 8. Personal insurance and items not mentioned above.
What to know
none
Route & locations
Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan