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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 alpine lake Ala Kol (3600 meters). You will be trying the best authentic activities of Kyrgyzstan within this delightful, adventurous tour. Only the most exciting experiences will be awaiting you day by day during this 1 week journey through half of our country. In a nutshell, here’s what you can expect from this incredible vacation escape: endless nature, ancient tower, museums, lakes, ship ride, gorges, hikes, discovery of Kyrgyz cuisine, treks, tent stay, hot springs, yurt stay, canyons, waterfalls, horseback ride, eagle hunting, 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! Temperature may drop down below 0 degrees °C in summer nights), baseball cap/panama, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, hiking shoes, umbrella, camera.
Prices
1 person – $2400
2 – $1400 p/person
3 and up – $1050 p/person
for larger groups please make an inquiry
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In the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
Itinerary
1 day
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Konorchek canyon - Cholpon Ata town
On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here: climb on top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Moving on. The next stop is the picturesque Konorchek canyon. A light hike through the passage between mountains will lead us to a breathtaking panorama of the whole place. Enjoy a walk in an otherworldly place and take some awesome pictures. Resuming our way to Issyk Kul. Lunch in a road cafe. Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town Issyk Kul’s north coast) check in to a hotel. Now we’re driving to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on the lake. After roaming 4km away the ship will stop at the depth of 120m. In the hot season (May-September) you may dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the ship enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around. Free time. Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight (Olimp hotel or similar).
2 day
Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov gorge - Karakol town
In the morning we’re visiting a spiritual center Rukh Ordo that gives you a good idea of the Kyrgyz heritage. After that we’re moving towards Karakol town which is located on the line between the north and south coasts. On the way, we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes. Lunch after the hike. Moving on. Arrival in Karakol. Check in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Now we’re driving to the neighboring village Ak Suu to have a relaxing swim in hot spring pools near a forest. This will be a great touch after such an active day. Return to Karakol. Dinner in a restaurant. Preparations for tomorrow’s trek to Ala Kol lake. Overnight (Green Yard hotel or similar)
3 day
Karakol town - Altyn Arashan valley - trek to Ala Kol mountain pass
In the morning we’re doing a short city excursion of Karakol: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895). Afterwards, we’re loading up our trekking stuff on a special mountain truck and heading to the famous Altyn Arashan valley. 2 hours of off-road wading. Upon arrival in Altyn Arashan we’ll start to prepare for our 2 day trek to one of the most beautiful alpine lakes of Kyrgyzstan - Ala Kol. It’s situated at the height of 3600 meters above sea level and it is one of the most enticing experience for every trekker visiting our country. After having packed all necessary equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats, etc.) we’re starting our challenging but breathtaking journey to Ala Kol. Lunch break on the way. The trek usually takes about 7 hours (depending on travelers’ physical condition). The snowy mountain peaks never melt here, even in summer, so when trailing up, you’ll be surrounded by a really sumptuous scenery. Reaching a plateau before the Ala Kol mountain pass. This is where we're setting up our tent camp for tonight. Free time for walking around while our cook makes a delicious dinner. Overnight in tents.
4 day
Ala Kol lake - Altyn Arashan - Karakol
In the morning after cooking our breakfast we're setting off for the last stretch till Ala Kol lake itself. The only thing we have to do is to overcome the Ala Kol mountain pass (3600 meters). Having reached the lake you will feel like on the edge of the Earth, contemplating the turquoise water surface from the panorama and inhaling the purest, crystal air. After enjoying the views for some more we're starting to come back down to the valley (5 hours). Lunch on the way. Reaching Altyn Arashan. 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 such a decent trekking experience. Returning back to Karakol in the same mountain truck. Check in to a hotel. Rest time. Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight (Green Yard hotel or similar)
5 day
Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley - Barskoon waterfalls - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp
In the morning after breakfast we’re heading to Jeti Oguz (Seven Bulls) valley which will disclose to you its legends. Driving deeper into the valley of flowers we’ll arrive at “Jailoo” (green summer pasture) where yurt camps are located. Now it’s time for a magnificent horseback voyage through forests and up the mountains to the lovely Maiden Braids waterfall. Moving on along the south coast of Issyk Kul. Lunch on the way. Visiting the Barskoon valley to do a light hike and explore its 3 waterfalls. Moving on. Visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but awesome walk. The final point for today is a wonderful Bel Tam yurt camp located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. This camp has all 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 in a big kitchen yurt. Bonfire time. Overnight in yurts.
6 day
Bel Tam - Ak Sai village - Bishkek
Today is the last day of our incredible journey but it doesn’t mean that adventures are over. We still have 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’re gonna witness a spectacular eagle hunting process. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in the archery part. Don’t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal's carcass as a prey. After this experience we’re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore its hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. Otherworldly views are insured! Driving down from the canyon and moving to the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake. Free time for swimming and sunbathing. Now it's time to leave this fairy region and move towards Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the capital city you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). End of the tour. Thank you very much for sharing this incredible journey with us!
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
English-speaking guide
Additional mountain guide
Accommodation for 5 nights – Hotels, tent, yurt
Meals: full board (B, L, D)
Trekking equipment: tents, sleeping bags, mats, gas burner, trekking poles, etc.
Special mountain truck for Altyn Arashan transfers
All activities due to the program
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Flight tickets
Accommodation on the 6th night
Health insurance
Other personal expenses
