5-day Treasures of Kyrgyzstan

The driver will be waiting at the meeting point at 09:00.
We will begin our journey exploring the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, with Chon Kemin Valley as
our first destination.
On the way, we will visit the Burana Tower, located about 80 km from Bishkek. This ancient
minaret, along with its funerary monuments, earthworks, castle remains, and three
mausoleums, is all that remains of the historic city of Balasagyn, founded by the Karakhanids at
the end of the 9th century.
Upon arrival in Chon Kemin, you will discover the untouched natural beauty of the valley, a
peaceful and scenic area perfect for travelers. You will stay in a comfortable guesthouse situated
at an altitude of 1,500 meters, and have the chance to learn more about the local way of life.

• Dinner at the guesthouse.
• Meals included: dinner
• Accommodation: Guesthouse (Kemin Guesthouse)

Breakfast at the guesthouse and we drive towards Issyk Kul lake, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. It is the
second largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca.
On the way we go towards the spectacular Ak Say Canyons. These striking red canyons and
winding valleys reveal the raw beauty of nature carved over centuries. We take a scenic hike
enjoying panoramic views and capturing unforgettable photos of the unique rock formations.
We can also stop in the small village Kyzyl Tuu. Here you will see how the Kyrgyz family makes
the yurts and you try to set up with help of local people the real Kyrgyz yurt. This family is
engaged in this unique art from generation to generation (option).
In Bokonbaevo after lunch we meet an eagle hunter with his bird of prey. Eagle hunting is one
of the ancient traditions of nomads (option).

• Overnight in the guesthouse.
• Meals included: breakfast
• Accommodation: Guesthouse (Emily Guesthouse)
• Optionally: yurt show (70 USD per group), eagle hunting (70 USD per group)

After breakfast, we head to Karakol, while exploring the southern shore of Issyk Kul lake.
Along the way, we visit 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. You can do short hiking in the canyons.
Then we go to the Barskoon Gorge. The gorge 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.
After that you will discover the Gety 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. You can take a walk here and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
When we get to Karakol, we will visit its famous sights, such as the Russian Orthodox cathedral
and Dungan mosque.

• Overnight in the hotel.
• Meals included: breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel)

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a discovery of the stunning northern shore of Issyk Kul.
Our next stop is the Semenov Gorge, located about 60 kilometers from Cholpon Ata on the
northern shore. These gorges are among the most famous natural attractions of the Issyk Kul
region. You will have the chance to take a walk and fully enjoy the wild, pristine nature
surrounding you.
Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata, we will visit the Petroglyphs Museum. Spanning 42 hectares, the
site features ancient stones, tombs, balbals, and numerous petroglyphs dating from the 2nd
millennium BC to the 4th century AD.
You will spend the night in a comfortable resort hotel right on the shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

• Meals included: breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel 4* (Karven Resort Hotel)

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our return journey to Bishkek.
On the way, we’ll pass through the beautiful Boom Gorge, surrounded by countless mountain
peaks and alpine meadows.
We will arrive at the same meeting point as on Day 1. End of services.

• Meals included: breakfast
• Accommodation: not included