Explore Kyrgyzstan

Today, we head towards the picturesque Chon Kemin Valley (1450 m), located in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning mountain views.

On the way, we’ll visit Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley. The tower, along with funerary monuments, earthworks, the remains of a castle, and three mausoleums, is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagyn, founded by the Karakhanids in the late 9th century.

Lunch on the way. We will have an opportunity to try traditional Kyrgyz kattama, a delicious flatbread.

Upon arriving at the guesthouse, we’ll start preparing boorsok, a traditional fried dough made for family celebrations and always served at the table.

Before dinner, you’ll have some free time to explore the village and observe local life.

Dinner at the guesthouse.

Meals included: dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Kemin Guesthouse)

Breakfast at the guesthouse. Today we will spend in Chon Kemin.

We’ll head to a scenic viewpoint of the Chon Kemin, where you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the valley, the village, and the surrounding landscape. After a short rest at the viewpoint, we’ll
continue our ascent to a coniferous forest before heading back.

Lunch upon return to the guest house.

After lunch, we can watch a traditional horse game, Kok Boru, where horsemen compete to carry a goat carcass to the opposing team’s goal, showcasing their skills and strength (option).

Before dinner, you will have free time.

Dinner at the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Hiking: 5 km, 3-4h  

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Kemin Guesthouse)

After breakfast in the guesthouse, we go towards Issyk Kul lake, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca. Its name means “hot lake” in Kyrgyz language.

Lunch at restaurant in Cholpon Ata.

Along the way we visit Semenov gorge, located on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. We can take a walk, enjoy the wild nature and have a pleasant pastime in this beautiful place.

Upon arrival in Karakol we explore its famous sights such as the Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque.

For dinner we will go to a local restaurant where you can try ashlyam-fu, a dish that is famous in Karakol for its special taste.

Meals included: breakfast  

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Hotel 78) 

After breakfast, we head to Jeti Oguz gorge. The name of the gorge is symbolic and means “seven bulls” in Kyrgyz because there are seven giant red-brown rocks resembling furious bulls standing together.

Lunch at the guesthouse or at a small café.

Then we go to the Barskoon Gorge, which is famous for its waterfalls. One of the best known is Tears of a Leopard. Here you find the monument for the first cosmonaut Yu. A. Gagarin, who was very fond of this place and rested in the nearby Tamga military sanatorium.

Next destination is Skazka canyons, which translates from Russian as Fairytale. There you can find rocks of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal may appear in front of you.

Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in the village of Bokonbaevo.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner  

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Emily Guesthouse) 

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Today, we will meet an eagle hunter with his bird of prey and have the opportunity to witness the bird’s impressive speed. Eagle hunting, an ancient tradition of the nomads.

Then we go to the canyons of Ak Say. We hike to the panoramic point to enjoy a magnificent view of the canyons and lake opening in front of us.

Lunch in the guesthouse in the village of Kyzyl Tuu.

Since Kyzyl Tuu is known as the birthplace of yurts, after lunch, we’ll enjoy a yurt-making demonstration, where a local family will share the secrets of this ancient craft passed down through generations.

The next stop is Kochkor, known for its felt and skilled artisans. Upon arrival, we’ll meet Kyrgyz women who will demonstrate the traditional art of carpet-making using felt.

Before dinner, we enjoy a vibrant folk music performance by Kyrgyz musicians, showcasing traditional melodies.

Dinner at the local café or guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch 

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Mira Guesthouse) 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we head back to Bishkek.

Upon arrival, lunch at a restaurant, followed by a transfer to the hotel. Optionally, you can take a walk around the city on your own.

Dinner at the restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel)