True Kyrgyz Nomads Life Trip
About this tour
Nomads Life, wildlife, nature , culture and tradiotions
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan to Ala Archa National Park, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Meet local guide. transfer to Bishkek. time for rest. later, go for sightseeing tour of Bishkek which includes: The Central Square Ala-Too, Historical museum, Lenin Statue and Oak Park, visit Osh bazaar. if time allows visit Ala-Archa NP. Check in. Dinner at local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
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. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: Guest house
Day 3: Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast transfer to Karakol city along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Lake Issyk Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1600m, it is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded completely by the Tien Shan Mountains. Some evidence suggests that ruins of an old trade center from 2nd century BC can be found under the water. We drive along the entire northern shore of the lake and make a stop half way, near Cholpon Ata, to take one-hour boat ride in Yssyk-Kul lake. By late afternoon we arrive in Karakol city, where we stay for the night in the guesthouse Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: Guesthouse (single/ twin room with private bathroom)
Day 4: 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; Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 5: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast we go for Karakol city tour: Visit Orthodox Church, Dungan Mosque then drive along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to Jety Oguz Valley with the famous red rock formations “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart”. Your guide will tell you the legends of how the rocks got these names. Lunch in Golden Yurt camp in Kok-Jaiyk/Jety-Oguz. Near the village of Jety-Oguz we will then meet an eagle hunter, who will make a demonstration for us. Afternoon transfer to Kochkor, On the way, stop 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. Then, you will continue driving to Kochkor village, which is the settlement that has been a Silk Road spot for travelers to stop by and pitch their camps, today famous as a handicrafts center and one of the most authentic spots which has successfully preserved ancient customs of Kyrgyz nation. Meet the local people of this beautiful countryside, enjoy the process of making felt carpet 'shyrdak' and learn about ancient traditional craft skills of Kyrgyz people. There will be mainly felt carpets for sale. Overnight and dinner at guesthouse Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: Guesthouse (Single room might not be available, shared western toilet and shower inside)
Day 6: Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan to Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast we depart towards another mountain lake – Song Kul. The lake is not very far from Kochkor, but due to bad road condition it will still be a quite long and bumpy ascent to the lake. Lake Song Kul is a mountainous lake on the altitude of 3016 meters above the sea level. The nomads pass their summer on the “jailoo” (summer pasture) with their animals. You can see herds of horses and sheep grazing on meadows full of Edelweiss. If you like, you may go for a short horse ride. Accommodation and dinner will be in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. You can taste “kymyz” (mare’s milk) and observe the shepherd’s wife preparing bread and cheese. At night, gaze at the skies like an astronomer – the nearness of the stars will take your breath away. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner Accommodation: Yurt stay (shower, outdoor toilet)
Day 7: Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast transfer to Bishkek via Kyzyl-Oi village which is located in a narrow gorge on the riverside of the powerful Kokomeren River some 40km south of Suusamyr on the road to Kochkor Village and Son-Kol Lake (both in Naryn region), and about 200km from Bishkek. The elevation is 1,800 metres asl; On the way you will be passing one of the most beautiful and fascinating landscape which opens up somewhat to form a hollow ringed by the high red-colored mountains, which gave the place its name. Kyzyl means 'red' and Oi means Bowl in Kyrgyz. Lunch on route at home-stay (Kyzyl-Oi Village). After Lunch continue driving to Bishkek via Suusamyr valley with its beautiful scenery, which is at altitude of 2200 m a/s/l. Great view is guaranteed and crossing a mountain pass over then 3000 m high (Too-Ashu). Upon arrival Check in. Dinner at local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan
Breakfast at hotel. depart to airport End of Service
What's included
1. Double/Twin room accommodation, 2. Meals – 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. 4WD RUSSIAN TRUCK TO Altyn-Arashan; 8. Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor/ 9. Horse Riding in Son-Kol lake/
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. 9. Tips for guide and driver 10. Folk music in Karakol/ 12. 1 hr Boat ride in Cholpon-Ata/ 13. Falcon/eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan to Ala Archa National Park, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan