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Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world. And this incredible 5 day journey has been designed to become one of the best trips of your lifetime! 11 destinations and numerous experiences. Not being the longest one this tour implies all authentic activities that you would experience only in Kyrgyzstan. Five beautiful and action-packed days around the charming and boundless lake will get you through its both sides: from modern resorts on the north coast, to wild and pristine nature on the south. You will be trying the national cuisine, riding horses up, sailing the endless lake on a ship, sleeping in a yurt, seeing wild animals, visiting museums with parks, roaming canyons with gorges and so much more! Spend your unforgettable vacation this stunning way embarking on the tour that is a pure treasure!
Details
This is a mini group tour: number of people – 3 to 12
Start time: 8 AM or coordinated
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Level of difficulty: easy – moderate
Transport mode: Minibus Mercedes Benz or similar
What we suggest to have with you: Summer clothes, warm clothes, baseball cap/panama, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, umbrella, camera
Price: $880 per person
Fixed dates for summer 2024
May 8 – May 12
May 15 – May 19
May 22 – May 26
May 29 – June 2
June 5 – June 9
June 12 – June 16
June 19 – June 23
June 26 – June 30
July 3 – July 7
July 10 – July 14
July 17 – July 21
July 24 – July 28
August 7 – August 11
August 14 – August 18
August 21 – August 25
August 28 – September 1
September 4 – September 8
September 11 – September 15
September 18 – September 22
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In the morning we're meeting at Ala Too square in Bishkek and heading straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
Itinerary
1 day
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Chon Kemin valley - 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). Resuming our way to Issyk Kul. Second stop on the way is a mountainous valley of Chon Kemin. Here we’re going to have a fascinating horseback ride through the picturesque fields, forests and a serpentine mountain pass up to a panorama. Lunch in the loveliest restaurant with a 360 view. Moving on further to Issyk Kul. On the way, we’re visiting the fabulous Konorchek canyon for a light but awesome hike. Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s northern coast) we're checking-in to a hotel. Free time for relaxing. Dinner at 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 called Rukh Ordo that gives you a good idea of the Kyrgyz heritage. After that we’re heading 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 the other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the ship enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around. After the ship ride we’re moving towards Karakol town that 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 the hot spring pools near a forest. This will be a great touch after such an active day. Return to Karakol. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight (Green Yard hotel or similar)
3 day
Karakol - Ski Base - Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley
Today we’re exploring the beauties around Karakol.
Short city tour in the morning: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895). Now we’re heading out of Karakol to the famous and best Ski Resort in the country (7km). In winter you would have a beautiful skiing experience here but in summer you will enjoy no less stunning views of the whole region. Luscious green meadows, vast conifer forests, snow capped mountain peaks, glaciers and the entire lake in the background - it’s all about this Ski resort. The chair lift will take us up to the height of 3040 meters and back down. Return to Karakol. Lunch. Now we’re leaving this small, nice town and heading towards the southern coast. Today’s final point is the gorgeous Jeti Oguz 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. Free time for a walk on pastures. Dinner. Bonfire time outside and stargazing. Overnight in yurts (traditional Kyrgyz dwelling).
4 day
Jeti Oguz - Barskoon valley - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp
In the morning after breakfast we’re resuming our way along the south coast. Visiting the Jeti Oguz panorama. Moving on. Visiting the lovely Barskoon valley to do some hiking and explore its 3 waterfalls. Lunch. Moving on. Visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming hike. Resuming the road. Arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp that's 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 in a big kitchen yurt. Bonfire time outside. Overnight in yurts.
5 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 going to 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! Now we’re driving down from the canyon and moving towards the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake. 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!
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
English-speaking guide
Accommodation for 4 nights – twin or double stay at hotels, yurts
Meals: full board (B, L, D)
All activities due to the program
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Flight tickets
Accommodation on the 5th night
Health insurance
Other personal expenses
