Blooming valleys of Kyrgyzstan

Description

Tour includes the most scenic gorges and valleys in Kyrgyzstan and knowing more about Kyrgyz culture and traditions

Itinerary

Day 1. Airport – Bishkek city.

Upon arrival to the International Airport “Manas”  – meet your guide and driver.

Short transfer to the city of Bishkek. Accommodation in a local hotel (early check-in is included).

Rest, breakfast at the hotel and start sightseeing tour in Bishkek.

Visit Manas, Lenin and Kurmanjan Datka Monuments, main Ala-Too Square to watch ceremony of changing of Guards of Honor, main governmental buildings, Oak park, Fine art gallery, Old Square with Parliament House. Transfer to the Victory Square to finish the city tour by short excursion there.

Overnight at the hotel. Free time at the evening.

(Breakfast – hotel, lunch,dinner – restaurant)

Day 2. Bishkek – Ala Archa National park – Bishkek

After breakfast, drive to Ala Archa National Park.

It is a popular place for hiking, skiing and mountaineering including trips to more than 20 glaciers. It covers the area of 200 km² – mostly forested valleys, waterfalls and rivers rich in trout. The altitude of ranges varies from 1500m to the highest point 4895m (Peak Semenov Tien Shanskii). Several rare species of fauna and especially traditionally revered juniper trees are under protection in the Natural Park. It has very diverse fauna: mountain meadows are the habitat for wild goats, deer and marmots. Ala Archa National Park is one of the few places of the habitat of the rare snow leopard.

After transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – lunch box, dinner – cafe)

Day 3. Bishkek – Cholpon Ata town (280 km / 5-6 hours).

After breakfast, drive to Issyk Kul Lake via Boom gorge and to the Northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

On the way visit Burana tower.

Lunch at local family in Tokmok.

Arrival in Cholpon Ata. Here we have several visits:

1) Open air Petroglyphs site.

2) Local historical museum or Rukh Ordo complex.

After excursions, drive to the hotel and get accommodation in the resort area on the shore of Issyk Kul lake.

Dinner and overnight.

(Breakfast – guest house, lunch – family, dinner – resort)

Day 4. Issyk Kul Lake – Karkara valley (200 km / 3-4 hours).

Continue drive along the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

Today we reach beautiful area at the border with Kazakhstan – Karkara. Here we stop at the luxury yurt camp with private facilities.

Here we have time to explore the area walking along the canyon up and down, climb up closest hill to see panoramic view or mountain bike or just sit by the river with a nice book. Up to you and your preferences.

Lunch and dinner in Karkara camp.

(Breakfast – resort, lunch – yurt camp, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 5. Karkara valley – Tepke village  (120 km / 3 hours).

AM free time for walking.

After lunch drive to Tepke village.  Upon arrival  excursion around the farm.

Here we see local racing horses, admire views, bone fire place and gardens.

Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.

(Breakfast,lunch – yurt camp, dinner – guesthouse)

Day 6. Tepke village – Karakol –  Djety Oguz gorge – Bokonbaev village – Kochkor village (270 km / 6 hours).

After breakfast, drive to Karakol town.

Short sightseeing in Karakol.

After sightseeing drive to Djety Oguz gorge to admire the landscapes and to make some photos.

At the beginning of the gorge you will face a famous “Broken Heart Rock”. Walking up further to panorama you will see those famous Seven Bulls rocks.

Drive to Bokonbaev village. Arrival and lunch in a local family house. Here we meet eagle hunter to see demonstration of hunting with birds of prey (for the group of 4 people and more).

After demonstration continue drive to Kochkor village.

Arrival and accommodation in a hotel. Dinner and rest.

(Breakfast – GH, lunch – local family, dinner – guest house)

Day 7. Kochkor village – Bishkek city (250 km / 5 hours).

In the morning we visit local women cooperation and see products they sell. Souvenirs shop-museum is one of the most popular in our country.

Drive back to Bishkek city via Kuvaky pass and spectacular view to the Ort o Tokoi water reservoir.

Lunch en route.

Arrival to Bishkek. Visit ZUM Department store for the last shopping (if necessary), accommodation in a hotel and ready for the last dinner.

Dinner in a local restaurant

(Breakfast – guest house, lunch – cafe, dinner – restaurant)

Day 8. Bishkek city – airport. (35 km / 40-45 min)

Early breakfast.  Today in Bishkek your trip concludes.

(Breakfast – hotel)

Prices

Price 2022-2023 p/pax in US$:

Additional Info

Clothes and equipment:

You can take all necessary things. Please take into consideration that in spring and autumn the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to +30 oC and in the mountains the temperature decreases to 0 oC in case of the bad weather. Be prepared for significant temperature changes.

Recommended:

• Rain-coat
• Sweater/fleece
• Wind-stopper
• Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
• Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
• Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
• Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
• Good trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
• Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
• Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
• Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
• A small towel
• Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)
• Sunglasses
• Photo camera
• Notepad and a pen to make notes as you travel
• A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
• Flash light (torch)
• Walking poles if needed

Money exchange - if you plan to exchange dollars /euro/ to KGS , we recommend to take the notes of 50, 100 USD without stamps, inscriptions and other any damage, because damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange offices.

Photos

Map