Cultural Tour 1: Kyrgyzstan’s Best Lakes

The tour is offered from end of May till mid of September.
Kyrgyzstan’s Best Lakes Tour includes visiting the center of modern capital Bishkek, ruins of ancient city Balasagyn, ancient temples in Karakol and petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata. You will enjoy fascinating trips to incredibly beautiful Jety-Oguz, Skazka and Djuuka gorge, where you may swim in healing springs, you will also have the chance to ride a horse and watch falconry in Bokonbaevo.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Bishkek

Arrival to Bishkek, transfer to the city. Check in at the hotel at 14-00. After some rest Sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Philarmonic hall, Statue of Manas, Victory Square and Oriental market – Osh bazaar. After lunch transfer to the Ala-Archa National Park (40 km). In an hour you will be in the alpine gorge through which the fast flowing Ala-Archa River runs, flanked by tall, snow-covered peaks, steep-sided, fir - forested mountain slopes and alpine meadows cowered with flowers. Hiking from the Alpine camp (2200 m) to waterfall “Ak-Sai” – 35 m, on 2700 m above sea level. Transfer to Bishkek. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek – Issyk-Kul

In the morning transfer to Issyk-Kul Lake (260 km). En route visit Burana tower, which marks the original site of the Karakhanid town, Balasagun. Next stop is at an open air museum of petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata, where an excursion in open-air art gallery of stone, said to date from 500 BC – 100 AD, will be provided; they depict wolves, long-horned ibex, goats, horses, snow leopards, sacrifices and some hunting scenes. You can also visit museum of local lore. Dinner and overnight in the hotel on the northern shore of Issyk - Kul.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 3: Cholpon-Ata – Jety-Oguz – Karakol

Transfer to Jety-Oguz gorge, the picturesque gorge, which is famous not only with coniferous forest, flower clearings and interesting gorges for hiking, but also with red and sandy formations which are called «Seven Bulls» and «Broken Heart».
Transfer to Karakol (220 km). Upon arrival city tour in Karakol: visiting Prezhevalskiy Museum, Russian-orthodox church, Dungan Mosque in Chinese style. Dinner in Uigur or Dungan family. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 4: Karakol – Skazka – Bokonbaevo – Kochkor

Transfer to Kochkor along the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul lake (280 km). On the way visit to Skazka gorge, fantastic gorge with red mountain formations. One of the best views on the Issyk-Kul Lake is guaranteed. Next stop is Bokonbaevo, where you will watch an eagle hunting show.
On arrival to Kochkor you will visit a felt carpet workshop. It’s a place where you can see the process of making Kyrgyz national felt carpets. Dinner with Kyrgyz family. Family run accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 5: Kochkor – Son-Kul

Transfer to Son-Kul (140 km) in the morning. Son-Kul is one of the highest lakes in Kyrgyzstan (3016 m above sea level). It’s a place where you can experience a nomadic life. You will have a chance to ride a horse, see edelweiss flowers, camels, yaks, golden eagles, and watch how local women make Kyrgyz national drink – Kymyz (mare’s milk). This is a remote mountain lake situated on a treeless, high mountain plateau ( 3016 m ) where shepherds bring the livestock in the summertime, establish a camp for living – setting up their yurts. In this magnificent place you can see hundreds of herds and a lot of different yurts. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 6: Son-Kul – Bishkek

Transfer to Bishkek (360 km). Lunch on the way. Afternoon is free. Farewell dinner. Overnight at the hotel or guest house.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 7: Bishkek – airport

Transfer to the airport (30 km). End of Kyrgyzstan’s Best Lakes Tour.
Meals: Breakfast

Price includes:

Twin room accommodation – 6 nights;
Meals – as per program;
All transfers;
Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide (except for the day 7 – transfer to the airport);
Entrance fees to sights according to the program;
Mineral water;
Eagle hunting show;
Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor.

Price doesn't include:

Hotel charges for additional services;
Single supplement;
Camera/video at the sights;
Consular fees paid upon collection of the entrance visa to Kyrgyzstan;
Registration in Kyrgyzstan;
Payment for early check in (except for the Day 1) and late check out (check in time is at 13-14.00, check out time is at 12.00);
International airfares;
Kyrgyzstan visa support;
Horse riding;
Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
Personal insurance and items not mentioned above.