Open in 5 days: mountains, canyons, local culture, central Asian food. By choosing this tour, you are going to see Issyk-Kul lake that doesn't freeze in the winter and has amazing nature around the lake. You are going to visit Burana Tower that is one of the main sightseeing that relates to the 9-11 Century and the place was one of the main stops in the period of Silk Road. In winter times you can enjoy skiing in one of the most famous ski resort-Karakol ski bases.
At your hotel
Kyrgyzstan is famous for its mountains. Just 50 minutes from Bishkek we have a beautiful National Park - "Ala-Archa" Enjoy views of the Ala-Archa that is 30 km from Bishkek, where you will see glaciers on the top of mountains. By the way to National Park, you can also see the life of people that live in a city and in a village. After arrival at National Park Ala-Archa, you are going to forget the noisy city and relax in a piece. After 1 hour walking in Ala- Archa we are going to drive to the village and visit one family that lives in a village. The family will prepare for your lunch, however before you are going to see the way of cooking of traditional dish with explanation and learn how to cook Kyrgyz traditional food. Maybe after coming back to your homeland, you will cook traditional Kyrgyz food for your friends. Local families will also be glad to make excursions to their farm and garden. Come back to your hotel with a good memory.
After breakfast drive to Cholpon – Ata. On the way visit Burana Tower (the main historical complex from 11 centuries on the Silk-Road). While driving to Issyk-Kul lake you are going to pass boom gorge. Have lunch en route in buffet and drive to have felt carpet show. (supplementary). After excursion around museum drive to Resort to take a rest and there is a possibility to swim (in July and august temperature of the water is good for swimming)
After breakfast drive to Karakol. On the way visit Ruh-Ordo (open-air museum in Cholpon-Ata). Have lunch in Cholpon – Ata and drive to Karakol. Have a city tour in Karakol and visit the museum of antiquarian belongings, the orthodox museum, and the Dungan mosque. After the city tour has a rest in Guesthouse. And in the evening we have dinner with the Dungan family. This minority group came to Kyrgyzstan after the conflict in China and has been living in Karakol since the 19th century.
Today we are going to take a rest on the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake. After breakfast, we will leave Karakol and drive to the Jeti-Oguz Gorge. It is a lush, picturesque valley with some striking red sandstone rock formations, including the “Seven Bulls”. It is located 28 kilometers west of the city of Karakol along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. The name "Jeti-Oguz" (translated as " bulls") came from a chain of weathered red rocks, similar to bulls lying on the ground, and became a visiting card of the gorge. The local point of interest is the rock "Broken Heart", near which you can always make incredibly beautiful photos.
For 25 km on both sides of the gorge, there are blue spruce trees that are included in the red book of Kyrgyzstan. In the gorge at an altitude of 2200 m, there is a resort Jeti-Oguz, known for its healing geothermal springs. You will spend there enough time to explore the area, to walk in the forest and have lunch in a local house. By your wish, there is a possibility to hike up to the waterfall. After we are going to visit Skazka (“Fairy Tale”) Canyon. The canyon, the beauty in the south of Issyk-Kul lake, was named after its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into various sculptures and formations. Some structures have been named for their similarity to well-known objects and places. For example, one set of ridges in the canyon is called the "The Chinese Wall" due to its similarity to the Great Wall of China. Visitors can also find what appears to be the statues of hippopotamus, snakes, dragons, sleeping giants, and even whole castles. Not only do the rocks have different shapes, but also various colors.
Overnight in yurts or guest house on the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake.
Today we are going to drive to Bishkek. Have lunch on the way and drive to Bishkek.
At your hotel
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Transportation (Kia Karnival or similar)
Eagle hunting show
1.L bottle water every day
Snacks
Accommodation
Flight ticket
Lunches and dinners
Any personal expenses
Visa
I can work any time however booking of tour should be earlier and I can arrange my plan.
I would like to write a list of belonging that you need to take:
1 Cap
1 Sunglasses
1 rain jacket
2 Shoes with good soles (in case one gets wet)
1 Slipper
1 Swimsuit
1 towel
1 sweatshirt
2 T-shirts
1 Sunscreen
2 pants
Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, shampoo, soap)
Power bank
Charger
Ala Archa National Park is one of those must-visit spots in Kyrgyzstan, and this day trip nicely pairs it with a meal at the home of a truly hospitable local family. Aidana, meanwhile, is a great guide who answered my countless questions about the country – encountering a female tour guide on my solo travels was just a bonus!
Lovely and flexible ,, knowledgeable and fun
Aidana was very cool and told us a lot about Bishkek and it’s history. Also showed some interesting buildings. And many thanks for souvenir shop with some unique stylish Kyrgyz souvenirs.
Hello Yuriy! Thank you for your review Yuriy! It was an interesting tour with you and your friend. Hope to see you in Kyrgyzstan one more time.