Bishkek

Overview

Gallery

Itinerary

• In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your Bishkek hotel to begin your journey east. Drive through the fertile Chui Valley and along the Kazakh border, enjoying views of the snow-capped Tien Shan Mountains and small local villages.Explore one of Kyrgyzstanu2019s most important historical monuments u2014 the 11th-century Burana Tower, part of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the valley, visit the small archaeological museum, and walk among the open-air collection of ancient balbals (stone warrior statues).

• Continue your journey through the spectacular Boom Gorge u2014 a natural gateway between Bishkek and Issyk-Kul. Here, the Chu River carves its way through red-rock cliffs and green valleys. Stop for lunch at a local cafu00e9, where you can enjoy national puff cakes with sour cream and tea brewed in a Russian samovar.

• Arrive in Bokonbaevo on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake u2014 the heart of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. Witness a live Golden Eagle Hunting Show, where a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) demonstrates ancient falconry traditions, Taigan hunting dogs, and Kyrgyz archery.nSpend the evening in a cozy yurt camp by the lake, enjoying a traditional dinner under the stars.

• After breakfast drive to Skazka canyon.Explore this colorful red-sand canyon where nature has carved whimsical shapes resembling animals and castles u2014 an unforgettable photo stop with views of Issyk-Kul Lake.

• Drive into Barskoon Valley, famous for its waterfalls cascading down from alpine forests. Visit the u201cTears of a Leopardu201d waterfall and see the monument to Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, who once vacationed here.

• Discover the scenic u201cSeven Bullsu201d u2014 towering red-sandstone cliffs u2014 and the u201cBroken Heart Rock.u201d Enjoy a short hike or horse ride amid the green meadows and mountain rivers before heading to Karakol.

• Karakol is the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, near the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, about 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the Kyrgyzstanu2013China border and 380 kilometres (240 mi) from the capital Bishkek. It is the administrative capital of Issyk-Kul Region.

• Explore Karakolu2019s charming mix of cultures and architecture. Visit the colorful Dungan Mosque (built without a single nail), the wooden Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, and the bustling local market.

• On your return journey, travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul through these twin alpine gorges. Snow-capped peaks, pine forests, and crystal-clear streams make this area one of Kyrgyzstanu2019s most picturesque landscapes u2014 perfect for scenic stops and photography.

• On the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, 40 km to the east of the resort town of Cholpon-Ata, above the village of Semyonovka, is one of the most beautiful places in Issyk-Kul region u2013 Kyrchyn Gorge (Semyonov Gorge).nnThe gorge is 30 km long. The tumbling mountain river of clean glacier water Ak-Suu runs along the bottom of the gorge, and along the slopes grow majestic Tian-Shan spruce. During the spring and summer, the clean mountain air is filled with the scent of aromatic alpine grasses.nnSemyonov Gorge is one of the main tourist attractions in the Kyrgyz Republic and is an essential excursion for tourists vacationing at Issyk-Kul. In the summer yurts are constructed here, where all who wish can try traditional Kyrgyz dishes. Horse excursions in the gorge can also be arranged for those who love riding.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Specialized infant seats are available

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews