Trip Around Issyk Kul Lake ‹ Ak-Sai Travel – Silk Road tours, Mountaineering: Lenin peak, Khan Tengri peak, Pobeda peak, trekking, fixed depature dates

Description

The best tour in Kyrgyzstan for those who don’t have much time. Only in 6 days you will drive around the second largest alpine lake in the world and explore:

Hiking in Ala Archa Natural Park

Kyrgyz Folklore show

Sun-bathing at Issyk Kul Lake

Scythian stone drawings - Petroglyphs

Ruins of Silk Road town Balasagyn

Itinerary

Day 1. Airport “Manas” – Bishkek city – Ala-Archa gorge – Bishkek city. (80 km)

Upon arrival to the international airport “Manas” you will be met by “Ak Sai Travel” guide. Short drive to Bishkek then transfer to Ala-Archa gorge.
Ala Archa National Park located in a picturesque gorge of Ala Archa 40 km off from Bishkek. It is a popular place for hiking, skiing and mountaineering including trips to more than 20 glaciers.
Lunch in the Ala-Archa gorge. Afternoon drive back to Bishkek.
Bishkek city tour.
We visit Manas Monument, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Then excursion to the State History Museum and walking tour around main Ala Too Square to watch ceremony of changing of the Guard of Honor, Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, main governmental buildings, and finish at the Old Square with Parliament House. Transfer to the Victory Square to finish the city tour by short excursion there.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2. Bishkek city – Cholpon-Ata town via Burana Tower. (250 km)

In the morning one hour drive to Burana Tower (old minaret) near Tokmok city.
That minaret was constructed in Balasagun town; one of the capitals of Karakhanid State existed in 11-12 centuries AD.
Optionally: At the area around the tower it is possible to organize horse riding games. Lunch en route.
After that we drive to the Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America.
In that day you also visit so called “Stone garden” or Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs site.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel on the shore of the Lake.

Day 3. Cholpon-Ata town – Karakol town. (150km)

In the morning, after breakfast, you drive to Karakol town situated in the east of the lake area, at the foot of the most picturesque mountains of Tian Shan.
Optionally: Before leaving Cholpon-Ata Town you can get a boat cruise.
On the way visiting the museum of N. M. Przhevalski, the outstanding Russian explorer of Asian continent.
Lunch in Karakol café.
Then sightseeing tour in the town. Visit Dungan mosque, a unique construction in Chinese style, but serving as a mosque. Also you will see an old orthodox cathedral made of wood without any nails.
Dinner in a local café/restaurant.
Optionally: it’s possible to arrange dinner in Uigur family with cooking master class or dinner in Dungan family with folklore performance.
Overnight in a hotel in Karakol.

Day 4. Karakol town – Yety Oguz gorge – Kochkor village. (300 km)

After breakfast transfer to Djety Oguz Gorge for excursion.
Upon arrival in the gorge short hiking to admire the scenery of the gorge from bird eye’s view.
Optionally: Golden Eagle hunting show on the slopes of Djety Oguz canyon. After walking continue your trip along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake.
Transfer to Kochkor village along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. In the late afternoon you will arrive in Kochkor village where you will watch how local people make felt, various carpets and other handicraft stuff.
Optionally: It is possible to take part in “shyrdak show” yourself and try to make your own felt rug! Also you can get folklore show at the same place.
Overnight in a family guest house in Kochkor village.

Day 5. Kochkor village – Bishkek city. (220 km)

In the morning, after breakfast we drive to Bishkek city.
Our way to Bishkek goes through tight Boom Gorge.
Upon arrival accommodation in hotel. Free time. Dinner in a local café/restaurant.
Optionally: During dinner we take the unique opportunity to listen to the Manaschi (a singer performing the national Kyrgyz epos, Manas) and see Kyrgyz folklore show.