Excursion «The Secret of Kyrgyzstan (without flights)»

Kyrgyzstan is an amazing and unique in its beauty country. This small oasis in the Heart of Central Asia impresses with its huge variety of landscapes and a considerable role in it is played by unique Issyk Kul Lake. Often Kyrgyzstan is named "Asian Switzerland", however virgin mountains and richest nature of Kyrgyzstan are far excel in the cleanness of the beaten European Alps. Culture and historical heritage of Kyrgyz people are also very interesting. Until now, the country retains all the attributes of nomadic life. Only in Kyrgyzstan in summer period you will see yurts- nomadic portable dwellings decorated with felt carpets, meet nomads, who will welcome you and probably invite to their yurt to try traditional Kyrgyz drink kymyz.

Day 1. Bishkek (30 km / 35 min)

Upon arrival in Bishkek, you will be greeted by our guide and embark on a city tour. Visit cultural and historical landmarks such as the Kurmanjan Datka Monument and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, and end the day with a stroll through the Central Department Store to purchase souvenirs. (No meals)

Day 2. Bishkek city – Chon Kemin Valley (170 km / 3 hours).

After breakfast, we will head to the Chon-Kemin Valley, with a visit to the architectural and archaeological complex "Burana Tower" (a UNESCO site) on the way. This ancient minaret is located 12 km from the town of Tokmok, on the site of the former town of Balasagyn, an important point on the Great Silk Road. Here you can visit a museum with archaeological finds and a collection of Turkic gravestones (balbals). Upon arrival in Chon-Kemin, accommodation at the guest house “Ashuu”. Activities include village walks, horseback riding in the mountains, participating in horseback games, and setting up a yurt (for an additional fee). Dinner and overnight at the guest house.

Day 3. Chon-Kemin – Karakol (305 km/ 6 hours)

Today we will head to the city of Karakol along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. This lake, of tectonic origin, is the second largest alpine lake in the world. On the way, we will visit the Nomad Museum and the open-air petroglyph museum. Upon arrival in Karakol, we will have a short city tour, visiting the Dungan Mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church. Overnight in Karakol. (Breakfast at the guest house).

Day 4. Karakol – Djety Oguz gorge – Svetlaya Polyana - Kajy- Say (130 km/ 2-3 hours)

Today we'll head to Kochkor village, but before that, we'll visit the Djety Oguz gorge with its "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart" formations. This picturesque spot is famous for its red rocky formations covered in forests of Tien Shan spruces. Then, we'll stop by the village of Svetlaya Polyana to visit a master craftsman who makes komuzes, traditional three-stringed Kyrgyz instruments. Afterward, we'll continue our journey to the village of Kajy-Say, where we'll spend the evening and night in a yurt camp or guesthouse.

 Day 5. Kajy-Say – Canyon Skazka – Son Kul lake (285 km/5-6 hours)

After breakfast, we'll head to the stunning Skazka Canyon, known for its fantastical sandstone formations that give it its fairy-tale name. Then, we'll drive back to Son Kul Lake via the Kalmak Ashuu pass, stopping for lunch in Kochkor village. Son Kul Lake, nestled at 3016 meters in the Tien Shan mountains, serves as a summer pasture for local cattle and offers breathtaking views. Optional activities include horseback riding, participating in traditional horseback games, and learning about Kyrgyz culture. Accommodation will be provided in a cozy yurt camp.

Day 6. Son Kul lake - Naryn town (150 km /2.5-3   hours)

Today we drive to the most mountainous province in Kyrgyzstan – Naryn province via the Moldo Ashuu pass (3200 m). Naryn is known for some of the best meat and traditional Kyrgyz dishes in the country. Overnight in the hotel.(Breakfast – yurt camp)

Day 7. Naryn – Kel Suu lake (150 km/5-6 hours)

After breakfast, we make our way to Kel Suu. We arrive in the evening, where a camp will already be set up for us. We'll have time to explore the surroundings before dinner. Overnight stay in tents/yurts.

Day 8. Kel Suu lake - Naryn town (on foot 8 km / 2-3 hours one way) (drive 150 km / 3,5 hours)

Today you'll venture to explore the mysteries of Kyrgyzstan at Kel Suu Lake. You can reach it by foot or by car, taking approximately 2-3 hours either way. The walk is not challenging but requires proper footwear due to the high-altitude terrain. Spend time by the lake, enjoying nature and your lunch boxes. In the evening, we'll drive to Naryn town. Late at night, we'll check into the hotel.

Day 9. Naryn town – Bishkek city (350 km / 5 hours)

After breakfast, explore the surroundings of Naryn before heading to Bishkek. Along the way, stop by Kochkor village to visit a women's cooperative specializing in felt production. Upon arrival in Bishkek, you can take a stroll through Osh Bazaar and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 10. Bishkek – airport (30 km/40 minutes)

Transfer to airport to pick your flight. (breakfast – hotel)

The price is per person staying in a double room

Minimum size of the group: 4 pax

Cancellation conditions: Specify when booking

Clothes and equipment:

You can take all necessary things. Please take into consideration that in summer time the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to 40 C° and in the mountains the temperature decreases to 10 C°. Be prepared for unexpected changes of the weather.

Recommended:

• Rain-coat Sweater/fleece

• Wind-stopper

• Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking something with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)

• Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)

• Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)

• Insect repellent (skin + clothes)

• Good trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.

• Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks

• Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions). 

• Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper. 

• A small towel

• Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)

• Sunglasses

• Photo camera  

• A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.

• Flash light (torch)

• Walking poles if needed

Money exchange - if you plan to exchange dollars /euro/ to KGS, we recommend to take the notes of 50, 100 USD without stamps, inscriptions and other any damage, because damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange office.