Kyrgyzstan Culture tours Culture tours

The pearl of Central Asia

Description

A lot of incredible discoveries and positive impressions expect you during this trip around Issyk Kul Lake, the pearl of Central Asia.

  • *Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
  • **Set menu includes salad, soup, main course, bread, tea & water
  • Note: the offered accommodation options are subject to availability. Reservations are made only after confirmation and payment.
What's included
  • Group transfers in comfortable and air conditioned vehicle
  • English speaking driver (2-4 pax)
  • Russian speaking driver (6-8 pax)
  • Accommodation described in the program in twin /double room
  • Breakfasts (except day 1)
  • 1 Dungan lunch (day 2)
  • Local guide during the hike in Bokonbaevo (day 5)
  • Visits described in the program
  • Mineral waterMineral water 1L/per person/per day
What's excluded
  • International flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Insurance
  • Single room supplement - 255 USD per person
  • Early check-in on arrival day in Bishkek - 95 USD per DBL/TWN room
  • Early check-in on arrival day in Bishkek - 75 USD per SGL room
  • Lunches & dinners (set menu**)- 275 USD per person
  • English speaking guide for the group of 2-6-8-10pax – 1200 USD
  • English speaking guide for the group of 4pax – 1340 USD (because of the vehicle)
  • Optional activities
  • Tips for driver and guide
  • Alcohol
  • Other services not mentioned as included
Itinerary
Day 1. Airport – Bishkek (ca. 30 km., 40 min.)
Day 1. Airport – Bishkek (ca. 30 km., 40 min.)

Arrival at Manas Airport in Bishkek where our team will pick you up and will drive you to the capital. Standard check-in at hotel after 14:00.

We start our city tour in Bishkek. We will visit the heart of the city, Ala-Too Square. After, we can enjoy a walk in Oak Park, one of the favorite places of local people. Bishkek is known as the greenest city in Central Asia thanks to its countless parks and alleys.

After lunch, we will have time to visit the local market – Osh bazaar. Here you can appreciate the creativity and talent of local artisans. Just as you step into the market, you plunge into the oriental atmosphere: an infinite flow of people and a great variety of goods and colors.

In the evening, we can go to one of the best restaurants in Bishkek, where you can taste delicious Kyrgyz national dishes.

Meals included: no meals included

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel) 

Note: it is highly recommended to book an extra night at the hotel, as most flights to Bishkek arrive late at night or early in the morning.

Day 2. Bishkek – Burana – Iskra village - Chon Kemin (ca. 200 km., 3h.)
Day 2. Bishkek – Burana – Iskra village - Chon Kemin (ca. 200 km., 3h.)

Breakfast in the hotel. Departure.

Our journey begins with a visit to the Burana Tower. The Burana Tower is an ancient minaret located in Chuy Valle. The tower with funerary monuments remains of the castle and three mausoleums – that’s all what last out of the ancient Balasagyn town that was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.

On the road, we stop in Iskra village to have lunch with the Dungan family. You learn the fascinating story of why this Muslim Chinese group immigrated to the region 140 years ago, and how families today keep their traditional culture and cuisine alive.

After we keep our way towards Chon Kemin valley. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse in Tar Suu village.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Kemin Guesthouse)

Day 3. Chon Kemin – Grigoriev and Semienov gorge – Karakol (ca.320 km., 5h.)
Day 3. Chon Kemin – Grigoriev and Semienov gorge – Karakol (ca.320 km., 5h.)

After breakfast, we go towards Issyk Kul lake, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan.

We visit Grigoriev and Semienov gorges, located on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, 60 kilometers from Cholpon Ata. These places are considered as one of the most famous attractions in the Issyk Kul region. You can walk, enjoy the wild nature around you, and have a pleasant pastime in this beautiful place.

Lunch on the road in the restaurant.

When we get to Karakol, we will visit its famous sights such as the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Dungan mosque.  Dinner at a restaurant or in the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Hotel 78)

Day 4. Karakol – Jety Oguz – Barskoon – Tamga (ca. 135 km, 2-3h)
Day 4. Karakol – Jety Oguz – Barskoon – Tamga (ca. 135 km, 2-3h)

After breakfast, we go towards 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. You can take a walk here and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

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, who was very fond of this place and rested in the nearby Tamga military sanatorium.

When we get Tamga, you will try a Russian sauna. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse (U Pavla Guesthouse)

Day 5. Tamga – Skazka – Bokonbaevo (ca. 50 km, 1h) / Hike to the viewpoint
Day 5. Tamga – Skazka – Bokonbaevo (ca. 50 km, 1h) / Hike to the viewpoint

Breakfast in the guesthouse. Then we go towards Bokonbaevo by the south shore of the lake, where it is possible to meet an eagle hunter with his bird of prey (option). Eagle hunting is one of the ancient traditions of nomads.

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.

Arrival in Bokonbaevo. Transfer to the jailoo Bos-Salkyn, from where you start a half-day trek to the viewpoint with a local guide. On this unique tour that is possible all season, you will enjoy an unforgettable view of the Issyk Kol lake and the surrounding canyons that will astonish you with their colorful appearance will move.

After the driver will bring you to the guesthouse, where you overnight and have dinner.

Hiking: 7.5 km, 3-4 hours
Max. Altitude: 2850m, Panorama: 360 ° Schatyly Peak

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse (Emily Guesthouse)

Day 6. Bokonbaevo – Kyzyl Tuu - Bishkek (ca. 300 km, 4 h)
Day 6. Bokonbaevo – Kyzyl Tuu - Bishkek (ca. 300 km, 4 h)

The road to Bishkek passes again through the Boom gorge.

Optionally we propose to stop in Kyzyl Tuu village where the local family reveals the secrets of yurt production. This family is engaged in this unique art from generation to generation (option).

Upon arrival to Bishkek, we will have time to visit the local market and buy some presents.

In the evening, dinner at the restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel)

Option: yurt show

Day 7. Bishkek – Airport – Departure (25 km., 30 min airport transfer)

Transfer to the airport. Departure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Additional information

*Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00

Private tour
Season All Seasons
Duration 7 days
Group 2-10 persons
1450 USD 2 pax (SUV)
930 USD 4 pax (SUV)
780 USD 6 pax (Minibus)
685 USD 8 pax (Minibus)
630 USD 10 pax (Minibus)
Price per person
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