Kyrgyzstan is a land of celestial mountains and nomadic culture. It is well protected by large mountain ranges - the Pamir Mountains in the south and the Tien Shan Mountains in the east, which are the second highest mountain ranges in the world with several peaks above 7,000 meters. The nomadic roots of Kyrgyz people present an authentic cultural experience. Ysyk Kul - the second largest mountain lake in the world with clear blue water, alpine Son Kul lake on the lush alpine meadows will immerse you into the gorgeous nature of Kyrgyzstan.

Day 1: Bishkek

After arrival and some a rest at the hotel and we start a guided city tour. We will see the Victory Square, the Oak Park with stone sculptures, the Old Square, the Parliament, the White House, the Ala-Too Square and visit the Historical Museum just to name a few. On the first day, we will also visit the Asian Bazaar, which is a oriental market with fruit, vegetable and meat stalls. Here you can buy felted shoes and pillows, scarves and much more. Take free time, walk around and explore. In the evening, we visit a restaurant where you will taste national dishes. We will stay overnight in a three-star hotel.

🏠 Hotel

🍽 Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 2: Bishkek- Chong Kemin

The first point of the day is the Burana Tower, which dates back to the 11th century. Burana Tower is located in ancient Balasagun city, which was an important town on the Silk Road where many caravans stopped on their way from China to the Mediterranean Sea. The area is an open-air museum with Burana Tower, Balbals - small warriors carved out of stone, remains of mounds and small museum of archeological artifacts. Then we will drive to Chon Kemin village, which is located in a national park surrounded by mountains. The second half of the day will be dedicated to watching Kyrgyz Buzkashi, a popular nomadic horse game throughout Central Asia. The sport can be compared to polo. Two teams compete to hit a carcass of dead animal into the opponent's goal. It's usually a goat or a sheep that weighs about. 30 kg. Chong Kemin valley is the perfect place to take a horseback ride.

🏠 Guest house.

🍽 BLD

Day 3: Chong Kemin - Cholpon Ata Drive via beautiful Boom Gorge to the Issyk-Kul Lake. Lake Issyk-Kul is the largest mountain lake in Central Asia. Issyk Kul is 180 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide and is located 1600 meters above sea level. After arrival in Cholpon Ata we will see the famous petroglyphs, created 2,000 years ago. Afternoon is dedicated to relaxing and swimming on the beach. In summer the water is about 22 degree Celsius.

Meals: BLD

Day 4: Karakol

The next morning we will drive to the town of Karakol. The road there goes through a beautiful section on the north side of the lake. On the way we will drive up to the beautiful gorge of Chong Ak-Suu and Kyrchyn. At the very east tip of Lake Issyk-Kul is the regional center of Karakol, an old town from the time of the Russian tsars. On the outskirts of town is a museum and the tomb of the great 19th-century Russian traveler Nikolai Prezhevalsky. He named the town until 1991, when it was renamed Karakol. Visit museum and memorial park. We have lunch in Karakol and stay in a small guest house. In the afternoon we will walk around the city.

Meals: BLD

Day 5: Karakol- Jeti Oguz (Bokonbaevo) In the morning we will visit the architectural sights of Karakol: Orthodox Church and Dungan Mosque. After the visit we can shop for our first stay in the yurts. The road to our yurt camp goes via the famous Broken Heart and Jeti Oguz Rocks, which means Seven Bulls. Here we climb the observation deck and listen to the legend of the gorge with its distinctive red rock formations. Enjoy a short walk along the rushing river, passing a series of old wooden bridges. Then we enter a beautiful valley, where Kyrgyz nomads have their nomads with cattle, horses, and sheep and live in felt yurts all summer long. We will stay overnight in a yurts camp.

Meals: BLD

Day 6: Jeti Oguz- Kochkor The trip continues on the south side of Lake Issyk Kul. It's a beautiful journey with snow-capped mountains on one side and a blue lake on the other. On the way to Kochkor we visit a Kyrgyz family of traditional hunters with golden eagles. you will listen to the story of eagle hunting. We continue along the lake and through the green valley to the village of Kochkor. Kochkor is famous for its Kyrgyz traditional felt carpets called “Shyrdak”. Today we will pay a visit to a women's collective organization. Members of the collective will show the process of making carpets. Later, visit their small brand shop and museum, where handicrafts from the surrounding villages. There is an opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs made by local masters. We will stay overnight in a guest house.

Meals: BLD

Day 7: Kochkor- Son Kul Today we will continue to Son Kul Lake, the land of amazing sunsets and pure nomadic culture. Driving through high and very diverse mountains and pastures with horses, sheep and cows will bring us incredible Son-Kul Lake, 3,000 meters above sea level. Nomads come every summer to use the surrounding as a pasture to graze cattle. In the afternoon we arrive at our yurt camp. You can take a short walk around the area or take a swim in the lake. The water can be cold enough to freshen up. The rest of the day is free to explore the area.

Meals: BLD

Day 8: Son Kul Lake Son Kul Lake is very beautiful and the nature around the lake is completely unspoiled. We have a full day for hiking and visiting nomads. We climb to the top of the hill to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the lake. Here we also find petroglyphs over 2,000 years old. The hospitable nomads might have invited us for Kymyz - mare's milk, which is a part of respectable culture. We get a glimpse of nomadic traditions. In the afternoon, we can rent a horse and ride along the lake. We will stay overnight in our yurt camp.

Meals: BLD

Day 9: Son Kul -Kyzyl Oi In the morning we will drive up to the Moldo-Ashuu Pass at an altitude of 3,346 meters. After enjoying the views, we will continue along the western side of the lake to Kara-Keche Pass (3364m). After passing the summit we can enjoy the beautiful descent to the foot of the mountain, where one of the biggest coal mines is. Go on toward the village of Kyzyl Oi and along the way we get a view of the beautifully colored mountains. Picnic lunch on the way. Arrive in Kyzyl Oi and take a walk around to feel the atmosphere and village life.

Accommodation in Home stays.

Meals: BLD

Day 10: Kyzyl Oi - Bishkek This day we will return to Bishkek via Suusamyr Valley. The way goes through the rushing Kokomeren River and across the high mountain plains with beautiful views of mountains and canyons. On the way, the first stop will be the small town of Kozhomkul, which is located 25 kilometers from Kyzyl Oi. The birthplace of legendary giant Kozhomkul. Learn more at a small local history museum, organized in his honor. After the visit we drive further into the Suusamyr valley and ascend to the Too Ashuu tunnel at an altitude of 3,400 meters. After passing the 2.5 km long tunnel. We have lunch in Bishkek and have free time before a farewell dinner in the evening. We will stay overnight in a three-star hotel. Meals: BLD

Day 11: Departure from Bishkek to Manas airport

Transfer to the airport for the flight home

Meals: BLD

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