Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek

Your driver will pick you up at Manas International Airport and accompany you to the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, just a 30-minute drive from the airport. The first half of the day is dedicated to a city tour of Bishkek.

In the afternoon we will visit Ala Archa gorge. Just 45 km from Bishkek, this national park on the spurs of the Tien Shan mountains used to be exclusively reserved to Soviet party members. After a short hike to take in a panoramic view of the gorge, we return to Bishkek for the night.

Bishkek – Burana – Chon Kemin

Today we go east. Our first stop is the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret from the earliest Turkic civilization, a lone reminder of the now-gone capital of Balasagun. We continue towards the untouched Chon Kemin gorge on the northern edge of Issyk Kul. Here you will meet a nice family that will prepare a traditional lunch for you.

In the afternoon we have 3 hours of horse riding. Yes, in the snow! It’s beautiful, and ever so soft. Our route goes through open meadows, quiet forests and frozen lakes. Tonight, we have dinner and sleep in a guesthouse.

Chon Kemin – Issyk Kul lake northern shore

Finally we get to Issyk Kul Lake. 180 km long and 60 km wide, framed by mountains on all its shores, it truly is a sight to behold.

Thanks to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. On the way, we will take a short break to give you the opportunity to visit ancient stone inscriptions These petroglyphs were made more than 2000 years ago. This sacred place offers a wide panorama of the lake – it’s not hard to see how people back then thought they lived in the middle of the world. Overnight in a hotel.

Issyk Kul northern shore – Grigorievskoe – Karakol

In the morning we drive to the protected Grigoriev gorge. It’s beautiful year-round, but winter snow adds an extra charm. Birds flutter through the silent forest, the fresh air streaming off the mountain tops towards the cold lake. Here you will find peace of mind.

Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol. First we visit the Dungan mosque. It was built in a Chinese style without using a single metal nail. Followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church, you get a feel for the multicultural atmosphere in this quaint mountain town. Night is in a hotel.

Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Kochkor

Today we drive to Jeti Oguz gorge, along Issyk Kul’s southern shore. It’s famous for its red rocks formations – the Seven Bulls of Jeti Oguz. There is time for hiking for those who want a panoramic shot of Issyk Kul from the other side.

It’s a beautiful coastal ride from here along vineyards and farm fields. We break in the village of Bokonbaeva, where we will meet a local eagle-hunter. He hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles , it’s a traditional way of nomadic hunting. We continue on to Kochkor village, where you will meet a family who will show you how to make traditional woolen felt carpets. Night is in a hotel.

Kochkor – towards Son Kul Lake – Kochkor

After breakfast we start our drive towards the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level. So high up, it’s freezing cold, but it’s worth it. The atmosphere is unique, especially in winter.

In summer Kyrgyz nomads come with their families and their flocks to feed them on the rich pastureland. There is no guarantee that we make it up to the top due to the road, but we will try to see the beautiful landscape and enjoy the roads. After some adventure in the mountains, we will drive back. Night is in a hotel.

Kochkor – Bishkek

In the morning you will drive back to Bishkek. In the afternoon you will have time to visit Bishkek’s biggest market. This bazaar is a noisy and colorful tapestry of fabrics, produce, and people selling and buying goods. After that you can go shopping to big malls of Bishkek, or do some urban exploring of your own. Night is in a hotel.

Airport

In the morning is transfer to airport.