Made on
Tilda
Time of year: June to September
Tour category: Most popular. Road trip
Duration: 5 days
PRICE
The price is influenced by various factors such as group size or season. The accessability of some places can change during the year. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price.
Itinerary
Accommodation
Useful info
Why you will love this tour
Day 1. Bishkek – Burana – Song-Kol Lake
This morning, you will start explore the country with a drive to alpine Song-Kol Lake – a cradle of Kyrgyz nomadic tribes. The first stop on the map is archaeological and architectural complex "Burana Tower" registered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Founded in the 11th century, the Burana tower was the minaret of a mosque in the city of Balasagun, the capital of the once largest empire – Khara-Khanid Khanate of local Turkic-speaking tribes in Central Asia. While except of the tower none of the original city stands above ground today, there is a museum onsite that explains the history of this important site and showcases some of the archaeological discoveries. Take a tour of the ruins in the surrounding hills and then visit the top of the tower with a view of Chui Valley. Next, you will have a lunch at the local authentic café with a local famous food “kattama” and continue your trip driving a couple more hours to Song-Kol Lake. On the pass of Kalmak-Ashuu (3400m) you will get the first view of this alpine lake. After a while enjoying the view and stretching your legs, the drive continues across grassy hills, home to grazing herds of sheep, goat, horse, and cattle. In the warm summer months, nomad families will be busy with daily chores including milking cows and horses. You will arrive in yurt camp by the lake and the remainder of the day you will spend strolling around or by the water. For horse riding lovers, the shore of the lake provides a perfect place with grassy landscape. Enjoy a supper at yurt under a starry night sky in this beautifully wild landscape and get ready to spend your first night at boz-ui – a traditional yurt of the Kyrgyz people.
Notes: at yurt
Day 2. Song-Kol Lake – Bokonbaev
Wake up at yurt ready for horseback riding! You'll enjoy a peaceful horse riding along the lake. Your smooth horse riding allows for better enjoyment of the lake's tranquility and observation of the peaceful animal's life, including dozens herds of horses - a forever partners of nomads. After lunch at yurt, say goodbye to the family and Song-Kol Lake, then drive to Bokonbayevo village on the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. You’ll enjoy 5-hours’ drive, taking in stunning views of Ysyk-Kol Lake and enormous mountains of Terskey-Ala-Too. After you’ll check-in at the guesthouse, you can rest until dinner. Notes: at guesthouse
Day 3. Explore the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake
Early in the morning, leave Bokonbaev village behind as you travel to the east along the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Your destination is a city of Karakol – the most touristic city of the country. In the village of Bokonbaev, where you’ll meet eagle hunter. After some explanations of the peculiarities of golden eagles and hunting with them, he will demonstrate hunting to fox and rabbit. If you do not want to see how the eagle hunts the wild animals, then the hunter will use the skin of a fox. After the demonstration, there will be many opportunities for you to snap some great photos with the eagle on your wrist You’ll drive further afyer lunch in the village. On the way, you will discover some of beautiful and popular sites on the southern shore, starting with a transfer to the canyons Fairy-Tale. The red and yellow cliffs here, towering above a lunar-like landscape, are immense, and the area is perfect for some easy hiking Then it's on to Barskoon gorge. Barskoon Gorge (also Barskaun) is one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol, famous for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. Here, you will go for a short hike to the first waterfall. Continue to Jety-Oguz mountains. Jety-Oguz is one of the most gorgeous sites in Kyrgyzstan, a rich valley home to many impressive waterfalls and canyons. It is also a national zoological reserve, where many species of animals and birds live. Snap some beautiful pictures in front of Jety-Oguz red Rocky Mountains, then continue the journey towards Karakol city. Founded in 1869 by Russian settlers, now Karakol is the most popular tourist city. Finish up your day with a dinner in restaurant. Notes: at hotel
Day 4. Off-road trip to Altyn-Arashan
Today you’ll change to a four-wheel drive Soviet vehicle UAZ for the rugged journey to Altyn-Arashan. The road can be almost as challenging for passengers as for drivers, but it is incredibly scenic! It travels along Ak-Suu river and has some breathtaking serpentines. Altyn-Arashan (translated as "Golden Spring") is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyrgyzstan, thanks to its unique nature, extensive spruce forests and stunning views. Altyn Arashan is also widely known for its hot springs located right in the gorge. You will arrive in Altyn-Arashan in time for lunch and spend next few hours relaxing in hot springs. Take a walk around the valley before you hit the road back to Karakol. Finish the difficult but adventurous day with a delicious dinner at the restaurant and go to your bed at the hotel. Notes: at hotel
Day 5. Way back to Bishkek
Finish up your Kyrgyzstan experience with a driving day back to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek city. You will drive on the main coastal road with Ysyk-Kol Lake on one side and the Kungey Ala-Too mountain range on the other. Along the way, you will stop to visit the famous Kyrchyn (Grigorievka) valley, where the World Nomad Games were hold. You will be able to hike around the area and there will be many opportunities for you to snap some great photos. Once you're back on the road, make a stop in Cholpon-Ata city which is on the lakeshore and have a lunch at restaurant. After arriving in Bishkek, you'll have the late afternoon for short sightseeing. Highlights include The main square Ala-Too, the Houses of Parliament, White House and vibrant market Osh bazaar. Top off the day at restaurant with the farewell dinner with your guide team.
Good to know
Horse riding experience not required
We have from 8 to 10 days tour options following this itinerary
If you would like information regarding the price of this tour please send us a request