- Overview
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Well, this one is a perfect blend of a cultural tour around the whole Issyk Kul region and a challenging 2 day trek to the high altitude mountainous lake Ala Kol (3600m) and then down to Altyn Arashan valley. You will be trying the best authentic activities of Kyrgyzstan within this delightful, adventurous tour. Only the most exciting experiences will await you day by day during this 1 week journey through half of our country. In a nutshell, here’s what you can expect of your incredible vacation escape: endless nature, towers, museums, lakes, boat ride, gorges, hikes, discovery of Kyrgyz cuisine, treks, tent stay, hot springs, yurt stay, canyons, waterfalls, horseback ride, falcon hunting show, wild beaches and much more… If you’re looking for something that will treat your soul and body to the highest extent – this tour is your best choice!
Details
Start time: 8 AM or coordinated
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Level of difficulty: medium-advanced
This is a private tour – only your group will participate
What we suggest to have with you: Summer clothes, warm clothes (necessary for Ala Kol! The temperature may drop down to 0-5 degrees °C in the summer night), baseball cap/panama, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, hiking shoes, umbrella, camera.
Prices
1 person – $2300
2 – $1350 p/person
3 to 10 – $1050 p/person
for larger groups please make an inquiry
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In the morning you’ll be picked up from a hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
Itinerary
1 day
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Konorchek canyon - Cholpon Ata
On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to the history fiends. We’ll spend around 30 minutes here: climb on the top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at the balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Moving on. The next stop is the picturesque Konorchek canyon. A light hike through the narrow mountain passage will lead us to the breathtaking panorama of the whole place. Enjoy a walk in an otherworldly place and take some awesome pictures. Resuming our way to Issyk Kul. Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s northern coast) check in to a hotel. Lunch. Now we’re gonna have a beautiful boat ride out on the lake. After roaming 5km the boat will stop at the depth of 150m. In the hot season (May-September) you may dive into the water and enjoy the surreal swim (life jackets provided). In the other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the boat enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains around. Free time. Dinner. Overnight (Zaton guest house or similar).
2 day
Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov gorge - Karakol
In the morning we’re visiting the spiritual center Rukh Ordo that gives a good idea of Kyrgyz heritage. After that we’re moving towards Karakol town which is located on the line between the northern and southern coasts. On the way we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore its wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes. Lunch after the hike. Moving on. Arrival in Karakol. Check in at a hotel. Free time. Now we’re driving to the neighboring village Ak Suu to have a relaxing swim in the Hot Spring pools near the forest. This will be a great touch after the active day. Return to Karakol. Dinner at a restaurant. Preparations for tomorrow’s trek to Ala Kol lake. Overnight (Green Yard hotel or similar)
3 day
Karakol town - Karakol gorge - trek to Ala Kol lake
In the morning we’ll have a short city tour: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895). Now, we’re heading to the nearby Karakol gorge. Upon arrival we’ll start some preparation for the 2 day trek to one of the most beautiful mountainous lakes in Kyrgyzstan - Ala Kol. It’s situated at the height of 3600m above sea level and it is the most enticing trekking experience for every traveler visiting Kyrgyzstan. After having packed all the necessary equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats, etc.) we’ll start our challenging but breathtaking journey to the Ala Kol gem. Lunch break on the way. The trek usually takes about 5-7 hours (depending on the travelers’ physical condition). The snowy mountain peaks never melt here, even in summer, so trailing up, you’ll be surrounded by some really otherworldly scenery. Having reached Ala Kol itself you will feel like on the edge of the Earth contemplating the turquoise water surface from the panorama, and inhaling the purest, crystal air. Setting up a tent camp. Free time for a walk around. Dinner. Overnight in tents.
4 day
Ala Kol - Altyn Arashan - Karakol
In the morning after cooking some breakfast with your guide, you’ll start descending down the other side of Ala Kol lake to finish your trek in the picturesque Altyn Arashan valley (6-7hours). This place is abundant in numerous hot springs of natural origin, so it is the very right time for having a nice relaxing bath after a decent trekking experience. Lunch. After this our driver will pick us up to deliver back to Karakol town. Check in to a hotel. Rest time. Dinner. Overnight (Green Yard hotel or similar)
5 day
Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Barskoon - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp
In the morning after breakfast we’ll head to Jeti Oguz (Seven Bulls) valley which will disclose to you its legends. Driving up the mountains, deeper into the valley of flowers we’ll arrive at “Jailoo” (green summer pasture) where a yurt camp is located . Now it’s time for a magnificent horseback voyage through the forests and rivers to the lovely waterfall. Moving on along the southern coast of Issyk Kul. A visit to Barskoon waterfalls to do a light hike and explore its 3 waterfalls. Lunch. A visit to the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon. An easy but awesome hike. The final destination for today is the wonderful Bel Tam yurt camp located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. This yurt camp has all the necessary facilities like: showers, toilets, water sinks, laundry and a bar. Sleeping in a cozy and warm yurt with a murmur of the immense lake’s waves will be one of the loveliest highlights of your trip. Free time for chilling. Dinner. Overnight in yurts.
6 day
Bel Tam - Ak Sai - Bishkek
Today is the last day of our incredible journey but it doesn’t mean that adventures are over. We have still got a couple of exciting activities to experience.
In the morning after breakfast at the yurt camp we’ll have some time for relaxing. Explore the beach, evaluate the lake’s scale and chill around. Now we’re getting on the main road of the south coast and moving towards Ak Sai village where we’ll witness a spectacular Eagle hunting show. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in archery. Don’t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal carcass as a prey. After this experience we’re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore the hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. Otherworldly views are insured! Now we’re driving down from the canyon and moving to the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake. Now it's time to leave this fairy region and move towards Bishkek (200km). Upon arrival in the capital city you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). End of the tour. Thank you very much!
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
English-speaking guide
Additional mountain guide
Accommodation for 5 nights – Hotels, tent, yurt/guesthouse
Meals: full board (B, L, D)
Trekking equipment: tents, sleeping bags, mats, gas burner, trekking poles, etc.
All the activities due to the itinerary
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Flight tickets
Accommodation on the 6th night
Health insurance
Other personal expenses
