Treasures of Kyrgyzstan

Description

Treasures of Kyrgyzstan 

The wild Kyrgyz nature and the ancient history of the Great Silk Road well presented in our new trip "Treasures of Kyrgyzstan". Join us to see stunning snowy peaks, high alpine meadows, broad grasslands filled with fragrances of plants and flowers, wild mountain rivers, and serene mirrored lakes scattered among the tall peaks. This is a unique, off-the-beaten-track experience that will stay in your heart forever.

Duration: 12 days, 12 nights

Itinerary

Day 1. Bishkek city – Ala Archa National Park – Bishkek city.

Upon arrival in Bishkek you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to a hotel in Bishkek (early check in is included).
After a restful morning and breakfast at the hotel, we start our trip from visiting the first treasure of Kyrgyzstan – Ala Archa National Park (40 km one way).
It is a popular place for picnics, hikes, rock climbing and alpinism. There are several hikes suitable for different levels. In each of them you will be surrounded by stunning nature. Heading back to Bishkek. Lunch at a local cafe.
After lunch city tour in Bishkek: the Monument of Kyrgyz National hero Manas, Kurmanjan Datka Monument, Oak Park, Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Victory square, dedicated to the world war II soviet heroes.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – local cafe, dinner – local restaurant)

Day 2. Bishkek city – airport. Flight to Osh city (30 km / 40 min)

Early morning transfer to Manas International Airport, flight to Osh city. Upon arrival to Osh International Airport, transfer to the city to start a sightseeing in Osh. Here we face with the second treasure – Suleiman Too (mountain). Walk along the hill, visit the Historical Museum, praying caves, slide of wishes, Babur’s House and see a very old cementery on the slope of the hill. Follow the way of the famous pilgrimage route and go down the stairs.
Lunch in a local cafe.
Continuation of the city tour. Visit famous Kurmanjan and Alymbek datka museum, main square and Lenin’s monument, orthodox cathedral and finish at Osh bazaar walking along raws of different stuff, ending at the blacksmith worshops and jewelry section.
Accommodation in a hotel and free time. Dinner in a local cafe.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – cafe, dinner – cafe)

Day 3. Osh city – Arslanbob village (180 km / 4 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Arslanbob village. Upon arrival, lunch and accommodation in a local family house.
In the afternoon, we head to see another treasure of Kyrgyzstan – the biggest in the world walnut forest and local small, but extremely beautiful waterfall. Light walk or horse ride to around the area, enjoing the nature, incredible views, meeting people from local Uzbek comunities.
Dinner and overnight in the local family house.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – local family, dinner – local family)

Day 4. Arslanbob village – Kazarman village (225 km / 6 hours)

After breakfast, drive back to the main road Osh – Bishkek and head to Jalal Abad town via Fergana valley. Here we turn to Kazarman village and head over the mountain pass Kaldama Ashuu (3000 m asl)
Lunch picnic on the way. Upon arrival to Kazarman in the evening, accommodation in a guest house. Free time to rest or walk around the village.
Dinner and in a guest house.
(Breakfast – local family, lunch – en route, dinner – guest house)

Day 5. Kazarman village – Son Kul lake (200 km / 5 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Son Kul through Toguz Toro region and the impressive Moldo Ashuu pass (3200 m asl).
The way is one of the most interesting in Kyrgyzstan and demonstrate another type of treasure of Kyrgyzstan – serpantine mountain roads with spectacular breathtaking views.
Lunch en route picnic.
In the late afternoon arrival to Son Kul – undisputable treasure of Kyrgyzstan. Here we get accommodated in yurts.
In the area around the lake, Kyrgyz still live in traditional simplicity, so be ready to step into nomadic life!
Dinner and overnight in yurt camp.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – picnic, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 6. Son Kul lake.

Feel like a nomad while exploring the area of Son Kul. Do not hesitate to talk to sheppards or visit nomadic families in their yurts! Kyrgyz are extremely hospitable and happy to meet visitors. They might invite you to their yurts and offer you tea or traditional dairy products like Kurut or Kymyz (fermented mare’s milk). Other possibilities are walking to the shore of the lake or look for petroglyphs as ancient civilizations left some carvings in the area.
Optionally: horse riding.
Optionally: horseback riding games.
Optionally: yurt setting up demonstration.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – yurt camp, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 7. Son Kul lake – Tash Rabat caravanserai (250 km / 5 hours)

After breakfast, drive towards Tash Rabat through the beautiful “33 parrots” pass (3133 m asl) and via Naryn town. Lunch in a local cafe of Naryn.
In the afternoon drive through the town to see local Blue Mosque that is included to list of 10 the most beautiful mosques of Central Asia (no doubt is the tresure of Kyrgyzstan). Later drive to Ak-Bashi region and reach Kara Koun canyon where we stop for accommodation in yurts.
Here we stay close to the next treasure of Kyrgyzstan, one of the main archeological sites – Tash Rabat Caravanserai. A caravanserai is an ancient, simple dwelling historically designed to accommodate merchants of the Great Silk Road. Caravanserais are considered the first kind of accommodation in the tourism industry.
Free time in the afternoon to rest or explore the area. You can hike or horse ride different ways surrounded by stunning nature.
Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – cafe in Naryn, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 8. Tash Rabat caravanserai – Kel Suu lake (230 km / 5 hours)

After breakfast, start driving towards to the next treasure of Kyrgyzstan – Kel Suu lake.
Lunch en route (picnic). The distance is relatively short, but the conditions of the road delay the arrival.
Arrival to Kel Suu in the late afternoon. The camp will be installed to your arrival, all infrastructure ready/ pick up you r tent and get comfortable.
Some free time in the evening to explore the area before dinner.
Remote even by Kyrgyzstan standards, the magnificent Kel Suu lake stretches over 10 km through a sheer mountain gorge that reaches nearly to the Chinese border. Kel Suu means “incoming water” in Kyrgyz, and indeed, sometimes the lake disappears, flowing into underground caves and grottoes, so please be aware that not everybody has the chance to see the lake.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – picnic, dinner – tent camp)

Day 9. Kel Suu lake – Naryn town (150 km / 3-4 hours)

Morning hiking to the magical Kel Suu lake. From the camp to the lake you can walk or drive up as it takes about 2-3 hours on foot (Level of difficulty only prescribed by the altitude (3200-3300 m asl), walking terrain is not challenging, but you need proper hiking boots).
Picnic lunch on the shore of the lake.
Arrival back to the camp, grab our gears and start driving to Naryn town. Evening arrival, accommodation at the yurt glamping near the town.
Dinner and overnight in the comfortable yurt camp.
(Breakfast – tent camp, lunch – lunch boxes, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 10. Naryn town – Cholpon Ata town (270 km / 4-5 hours)

After breakfast, drive to the next treasure of Kyrgyzstan – Issyk Kul lake. En route stop in Kochkor village to visit local women association where they make handicraft, felt, and different kind of carpets in the traditional style.
Optionally: watch demonstration of the carpet producing.
Carpets are an essential part of Kyrgyz dwellings, not only protecting from cold, but also playing an important decorative role. After the demonstration, visit their handicraft shop-museum.
Lunch in a local family.
Keep driving after lunch along the north shore of Issyk Kul. Upon arrival to Cholpon Ata, visit the petroglyphs site, also known as “Stone Garden”, a large open air museum with petroglyphs dating back from VIII century BC up to II century AD. After the visit, drive to your accommodation: a resort area with private beach area on the shore of Issyk Kul.
Dinner and overnight in the resort.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – Kochkor, dinner – resort)

Day 11. Cholpon Ata town – Bishkek city (280 km / 4-5 hours)

Morning option: boat cruise at Issyk Kul Lake (1 hour). You will be captivated by the stunning view of the lake surrounded by the Great Tian Shan mountains. A perfect chance to take memorable pictures!
After breakfst drive back to Bishkek city. En route we stop by the last treasure of Kyrgyzstan, the treasure of the Great Silk Road – Burana tower Historical Complex (UNESCO site) where you can explore the tower itself – an ancient minaret built in the 11th century, a collection of Balbals, and a small museum.
Optionally: Horseback riding games near Burana tower.
Kyrgyz are highly skilled horse riders. Enjoy several traditional Kyrgyz horseback riding games (Ulak Tartysh, Kyz Kuumai, Tyiyn Enmei, etc).
Lunch in a local family house in Tokmok. Upon arrival to Bishkek, accommodation in a hotel. Free time before your last dinner. Farewell dinner and folklore show at a local restaurant.
Especially for you musicians will play national melodies of Kyrgyz people and show you musical instruments. You will listen to a singing and enjoy the charming melodies of our ancestors.
Overnight in hotel.
(Breakfast – resort, lunch – Tokmok family, Dinner  – restaurant)

Day 12. Bishkek city – airport (30 km / 40 minutes)

Transfer to Manas International Airport. Flight back home.
(Breakfast – hotel)

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