Bishkek

Overview

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Itinerary

• Arrive at any time. Standard check-in at hotel after 14:00.nFree time on your own.nWelcome meet with the guide and group at 14:00. nBriefing about the itinerary & travel plan. City tour in Bishkek.nWelcome Dinner in the traditional restaurant where you can taste the national Kyrgyz cuisine.

• Breakfast in the hotel.nOur journey begins with a visit of the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in the north part of Kyrgyzstan. The tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of the castle and three mausoleums u2013 thatu2019s all what last out of the ancient Balasagyn town that was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.

• Lunch in the Iskra village with Dungan family, the ethnicity of Chinese Muslims who had to flee China. You taste their national cuisine.

• Then departure to Issyk Kul, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the deepest in the world. We drive you to the hotel located on the lake shore. nFirst location at Issyk-Kul lake is visit the petroglyph museum. The 42 hectares of the museum are dotted with stones, tombs, balbals and various petroglyphs dated from the 2nd millennium BC until the 4th century AD.nFree time. You can rest on the beach and swim in the lake. nDinner in the restaurant.

• Breakfast at hotel. nNext location is Grigoriev and Semienov gorges. Picnic or lunch in the cafu00e9 on the road.nGrigoriev and Semienov gorges are considered as one of the most famous attractions of the Issyk Kul region. You can go for a walk, enjoy the wild nature around you and spend a nice time in this beautiful place.

• After departure to Karakol, the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. Visits in Karakol:n- Russian Orthodox cathedraln- Dungan mosquenYou have dinner in the local restaurant and you have a rest in the hotel.

• After breakfast, we set off from Karakol toward the breathtaking Jeti Oguz Gorge, where nature greets us with the striking red cliffs of the famous u201cBroken Heart.u201d Standing at the entrance to the gorge, this dramatic rock formation sets a romantic and mysterious tone for our visit. Weu2019ll enjoy a leisurely hour-long walk, surrounded by fresh mountain air and sweeping views.

• Our journey continues to the scenic Barskoon Gorge , a place celebrated for its cascading waterfalls. Among them, the enchanting u201cTears of the Snow Leopardu201d captures both beauty and legend. Midway through the gorge, weu2019ll come across a unique monument dedicated to Yuri A. Gagarin, the worldu2019s first cosmonaut, standing proudly amid the rugged landscape.nDinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

• After breakfast, we head towards Kochkor village and pass by the south shore of the lake. On the road we visit the Skazka canyons which translate as the u201cFairy Taleu201d. Here you can find objects of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal can appear in front of you.

• Next, we meet an eagle hunter with his bird. You can appreciate the alertness and speed of the bird during the hunting. It is one of the oldest traditions of Kyrgyz nomads.nLunch in the guesthouse or cafu00e9.

• Our next stop is 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.

• Continue to Kochkor. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

• After breakfast, we journey along winding mountain roads, climbing higher into the heart of Kyrgyzstanu2019s wild beauty until we reach the Kalmak Ashu Pass (3,447 m). From this lofty vantage point, Son Kul Lake shimmers in the distance, appearing like a small turquoise jewel set in the vast highland plains.nAs we descend toward the lake, its true grandeur unfolds u2014 an expansive, dazzling mirror of sky surrounded by rolling green pastures. Upon arrival at our yurt camp, we are welcomed with the warmth and hospitality of the nomads, discovering their centuries-old traditions, way of life, and deep connection to the land. In the evening, we share a hearty dinner before spending the night in authentic yurts under a sky thick with stars.

• We set out for the scenic Chon-Kemin Valley, with a stop in the charming village of Kochkor. Here, we discover the rich tradition of felt-making, an art deeply woven into Kyrgyz culture. Guided by skilled local artisans, we take part in a hands-on workshop, crafting our own miniature ala-kiyiz u2014 the colorful, patterned felt carpet beloved by nomads for generations.nOpt for a stroll through the tranquil village, surrounded by sweeping mountain views. Later enjoy savoring a freshly prepared traditional dinner u2014 a perfect ending to a day of culture and beauty.

• Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Kyrgyz u2013 Kazakh border. nBorder Crossing (Kyrgyzstan u2013 Kazakhstan)nReady for a one more stamp in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.nAdd one more country into your collectionnThe goal of the day to reach Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour to explore highlights including Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park, and the impressive WWII memorial.

• City tour in Almaty.nnMedeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends.nAfter we go to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. It is famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Kazakhstan and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruit-growing gardens. Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you would see the famous 372 meters high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus a few attractions at the top.

• The Charyn Canyon is located in the national park. It is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States. nThe erosion of the Charyn River has created dramatic and impressive landscapes. When you arrive, you will admire the magnificent panorama and walk down to the bottom of the gorge to hike about 2 km in the labyrinth of the Valley of the Castles.

• Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at the 12:00. nDeparture at any time.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.