Itinerary
- Day 1
Bishkek
You'll arrive in Bishkek and have time to check into your hotel starting at 14:00. Later that afternoon, meet your guide and the rest of the group for a briefing about what's coming up and a tour around Bishkek itself. This evening features a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant where you'll try authentic Kyrgyz food.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner in traditional restaurant with national Kyrgyz cuisine)
Included Activities
- City tour in Bishkek
- Welcome Dinner in traditional restaurant with national Kyrgyz cuisine
Landmarks/POIs Ala-Too Square Victory Square Oak Park Central Mosque - Day 2
Bishkek to Issyk-Kul
After breakfast, head out to see Burana Tower, a 9th century minaret in the Chuy Valley with old funerary monuments scattered around it from the ancient town of Balasagyn. Lunch happens with a Dungan family in Iskra village where you'll taste their traditional cooking. Then travel to Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan's largest lake and one of the world's deepest. Stop at the petroglyph museum to see stones, tombs, and ancient carvings from between the 2nd millennium BC and 4th century AD. You'll have free time to rest on the beach and swim before dinner back at the resort.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch with Dungan family in Iskra village, tasting their national cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visit Burana Tower
- Lunch with Dungan family in Iskra village
- Visit petroglyph museum
- Free time on the beach and swimming in the lake
Landmarks/POIs Burana Tower Issyk-Kul Lake - Day 3
Issyk-Kul to Karakol
Start with hotel breakfast, then head toward Grigoriev and Semienov gorges, two major attractions in the Issyk-Kul area. You'll have a picnic or grab lunch at a café along the way. Spend the afternoon walking through the natural landscape and exploring the gorges. From there, continue on to Karakol, the region's main town. Check out the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Dungan Mosque, then have dinner at a local restaurant before settling in at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic or lunch at a café on the road)
Included Activities
- Visit Grigoriev and Semienov gorges
- Visit Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Visit Dungan Mosque
Landmarks/POIs Grigoriev Gorge Semienov Gorge Russian Orthodox Cathedral Dungan Mosque - Day 4
Karakol to Barskoon
After breakfast, travel to Jeti Oguz Gorge to see the striking red cliffs and the famous 'Broken Heart' rock formation at the entrance. Take a leisurely one-hour walk with mountain views all around you. Next, head to Barskoon Gorge, known for its cascading waterfalls including the 'Tears of the Snow Leopard.' Along the route, you'll spot a monument to Yuri Gagarin, the first cosmonaut, standing in the landscape. Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Jeti Oguz Gorge with 'Broken Heart' rock formation
- One-hour leisurely walk in Jeti Oguz Gorge
- Visit Barskoon Gorge and waterfalls including 'Tears of the Snow Leopard'
- See Yuri A. Gagarin monument
Landmarks/POIs Jeti Oguz Gorge Broken Heart Rock Formation Barskoon Gorge Tears of the Snow Leopard Waterfall Yuri A. Gagarin Monument - Day 5
Barskoon to Kochkor
After breakfast, travel along the south shore of the lake heading toward Kochkor village. Visit Skazka canyons, a name meaning 'Fairy Tale,' where rock formations have interesting and unusual shapes. Meet an eagle hunter who demonstrates his bird's hunting abilities and speed, showing off one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest traditions. Grab lunch at a guesthouse or café. Stop at Kyzyl Tuu village where locals show you how yurts are made, a craft passed down through families. Continue to Kochkor for dinner and overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in guesthouse or café), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Skazka canyons
- Eagle hunting demonstration
- Yurt production demonstration with local family
- Travel to Kochkor village
Landmarks/POIs Skazka Canyons Kyzyl Tuu Village Kochkor Village - Day 6
Kochkor to Son Kul Lake
After breakfast, drive along winding mountain roads climbing higher into the wilderness until you reach Kalmak Ashu Pass at 3,447 meters. From up there, Son Kul Lake looks like a turquoise jewel spread across the highlands. As you head down toward the lake, it opens up into a huge mirror of water surrounded by green pastures. At the yurt camp, nomadic hosts greet you with traditional hospitality. You'll learn about their centuries-old way of life and connection to the land. Share a hearty dinner before spending the night in authentic yurts under the stars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Hearty dinner with nomadic hosts)
Included Activities
- Cross Kalmak Ashu Pass
- View Son Kul Lake from Pass
- Experience nomadic hospitality and traditions at yurt camp
- Overnight stay in authentic yurt
Landmarks/POIs Kalmak Ashu Pass Son Kul Lake - Day 7
Son Kul Lake to Kochkor
The morning is yours to take in Son Kul Lake. Then head to the scenic Chon-Kemin Valley with a stop in Kochkor village. Spend time with local felt-making artisans and try making your own miniature ala-kiyiz, the colorful patterned felt carpet that nomads have used for generations. If you prefer, take a quiet walk through the village with mountain views stretching out around you. Later, have a freshly made traditional dinner to wrap up your day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Freshly prepared traditional dinner)
Included Activities
- Morning at Son Kul Lake
- Felt-making workshop with local artisans
- Craft miniature ala-kiyiz (patterned felt carpet)
- Optional stroll through Kochkor village
Landmarks/POIs Song Kul Lake Chon-Kemin Valley Kochkor Village - Day 8
Kochkor to Bishkek
After breakfast, travel back to Son Kul Lake on scenic mountain roads. Your trip to Bishkek takes you through the fertile Chuy Valley with gentle hills and distant peaks framing the route. Once back in the capital, you have free time to check out the city at your own pace. Browse local markets or shop for souvenirs and gifts from your time in Kyrgyzstan. Later, have a farewell dinner before spending the night at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Travel through Chuy Valley
- Free time to explore Bishkek markets and souvenir shops
- Farewell Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Son Kul Lake Chuy Valley - Day 9
Bishkek
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
