Classic Tour Around Issyk Kul Lake
Bishkek - Karakol - Bokonbaeva - Chon-Kemin - Bishkek
- Visit Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and see its modern architecture, such as the Ala-Too square and the Fine Art Museum of Kyrgyzstan
- Visit Issyk-Kul Lake, a famous lake in northeastern Kyrgyzstan surrounded by the Tien Shan mountains. It is the second-largest alpine lake in the world and never freezes in winter, which is why it is called the “Warm Lake”
- Meet an eagle hunter and learn about this ancient Kyrgyz tradition
- Visit a local market and try some traditional Kyrgyz food
- Stay in a yurt, a traditional Kyrgyz tent
- Watch a performance of traditional Kyrgyz music and dance
- Trip Map
- Reviews
- Itinerary
- What is included
- Essential Information
Itinerary
Arrival in Bishkek. Meeting at the airport “Manas”, transfer to the hotel rest. Sightseeing tour: visit Ala-Too square, Osh market Opera and Ballet Theatre, Fine Art Museum, World National Library and etc. Accommodation at the hotel*. Meals: no meals
Breakfast. Transfer to Shamshy Gorge (120km, 2,5 hours). On the way visit Burana Tower, a large minaret dated to the 10th century, a settlement on the Great Silk Road. Lunch on the way. Afternoon hiking to the mountains or as option horseback riding for extra charge. Shamshy Gorge is a unique natural reserve where the natural landscapes are preserved almost in virgin state. The glaciers are neighboring with green coniferous forests and steppe regions where tourists can feel real Kyrgyz dwelling in Yurt Inn as a nomad people. Overnight in Yurt Camp. Meals: full board
Breakfast after breakfast transfer to Karakol city on the way you can see Konorchok canyon. The amazing landscape of Konorchek canyons resembles the Grand Canyon in the USA, but at the same time they carry a significant particle of the unique nature of Kyrgyzstan. The road will go along the northern shore of the Issyk-Kul Lake (150km) via Cholpon-Ata city where you can stop for lunch by your own. Further, afternoon visit on the way Semenovka gorge. Here you can see Nomad Games with horses and archeries and nomad village. Continue drive to Karakol city accommodation at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Breakfast. Excursion to Altyn-Arashan Gorge (Hot Springs) by Russian jeep UAZ, 4 WD (45 km, 2,5 hrs). On the way visit Issyk-Kul reserve in Ak-Suu Gorge. Lunch-box. See different size of hot springs in the Altyn-Arashan Gorge, walking through the fir-trees forest and enjoy magnificent view of local nature. Back to Karakol. Accommodation at the hotel. Meals: breakfast, lunch-box
Transfer to Bokonbaeva village southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way excursion to Jety-Oguz Gorge, see seven red stone mountains and Broken Hurt mountains. Walking to waterfall in the Kok-Jaiyk summer pasture which is surrounded by coniferous forests. Lunch-box. Continue excursion on the way and visit Skazka Gorge Dinner and accommodation in Family Guest House.
Meals: full board
Breakfast after you can see Salburun show (Eagle hunting show) in Bokonbaeva village. |Lunch a on the way continue drive to Chon-Kemin village. The village has one of the most picturesque landscapes in Kyrgyzstan with its vast river, its lakes, its glaciers, and its immense forest. It’s a delight both for nature lovers in search of a calm holiday, and for extreme sports enthusiasts who can go trekking or rafting dinner and accommodation in Family Guest House. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Breakfast. Free time for walking or horse riding (optional horse riding on extra cost) Lunch in the family.
Afternoon transfer to Bishkek (140 km, 3 hours). Check-in the hotel. Free time for your own. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast. Check out from hotel. Transfer to Airport. Departure.
End of the tour. Meals: breakfast
What's included / excluded
- Accommodation in mentioned in program based on twin/double shared room
- Transportation during this the tour:
- 1-3 pax by SUV with English speaking driver
- 4-10 pax by 2 Mercedes Sprinter 18 seats
- 11-20 pax by 2 Mercedes Sprinter 18 seats - English speaking Guide for group from 4 pax
- Excursions according to tour program
- All mentioned activities in the program description
- Eagle hunting show
- Felt show
- Yurt assembles
- Kyrgyz folklore show
- Boating 1 hour - Entrance fees for all mentioned monuments
- Memorable souvenirs
- All local taxes
- Air tickets
- Early check-in on day 1 Medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Horses for horseback riding (30$ per day)
- Kok-Boru (horse game) – 280$ for group
- Any personal expenses
reviews
It was a great experience to visit Turkmenistan in a company of very knowledgeable, having tour guide and kind drivers. We had an opportunity to see the extraordinary city of Ashgabad, we were able to feel the hospitality of locals in Nokhur, we dived into the desert and slept in yurts next to the "Gates of hell". All the above and much more have made the trip unforgettable.
The whole experience exceeded our expectations. Maksat is a great guide that together with his driver made us feel like we were traveling with friends. He is a professional, eager to share his country's history with you and while his doing that he's taking care that you have all the possible comfort and all your needs are fulfilled.
Turkmenistan is a must-do exotic experience with the highlights being. Ashgabat and Darvaza, but all the historical sites are worth seeing and the night spent in the yurt is unforgettable.
It was a great experience to visit Turkmenistan in a company of very knowledgeable, having tour guide and kind drivers. We had an opportunity to see the extraordinary city of Ashgabad, we were able to feel the hospitality of locals in Nokhur, we dived into the desert and slept in yurts next to the "Gates of hell". All the above and much more have made the trip unforgettable.
The whole experience exceeded our expectations. Maksat is a great guide that together with his driver made us feel like we were traveling with friends. He is a professional, eager to share his country's history with you and while his doing that he's taking care that you have all the possible comfort and all your needs are fulfilled.
Turkmenistan is a must-do exotic experience with the highlights being. Ashgabat and Darvaza, but all the historical sites are worth seeing and the night spent in the yurt is unforgettable.