To the Pearl of Tian Shan

Description

Drive around the Pearl of Tian Shan (Issyk Kul Lake) and know more about Kyrgyz nomads, visit marvelous mountain gorges, and enjoy fresh eco food.

.

Itinerary

Day 1. Bishkek – Chon-Kemin gorge. (150 km / 2-2.5 km)

Upon arrival at the international airport “Manas” you will be met by our guide and driver. Have direct transfer to Chon-Kemin National Park.
En route have breakfast / breakfas boxes and proceed to Chon-Kemin.
After arrival rest. Have walking / hiking in the territory of national park.
*Optionally horse riding is available at guest house at extra cost.
Dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast – local café or breakfast-box; dinner – guest house)

Day 2. Chon-Kemin – Bokonbaevo village (180 km, 3-4 hours)

After breakfast drive to Bokonbaevo village, where clean mountain air, lush meadows, majestic mountain ranges will attract every lover of eco-tourism. In Kadzhi Sai village visit a Skazka (fairy tale) Canyon. Skazka Canyon is an area with many geological features, crazy rock formations and variety of bizarre figures of stone and clay. It is composed of multi-colored clays, minerals and rocks, that add to the scenic beauty of this place.
Some of the natural sculptures in the canyon have names. The most recognizable is the “Chinese Wall”, very reminiscent of the famous architectural monument of China. Walking around is magical. Further drive to yurt camp.
Dinner and overnight in authentic yurt camp.
(Breakfast – guest house, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 3. Bokonbaevo – Karakol (150 km, 3-4 hours)

Breakfast at the yurt camp. Near Bokonbaev village possible to meet a hunter and his bird and see scene of eagle hunting demonstartion either on rabbit or on fox skin (for extra cost).
After the demonstration you will have a chance to ask the hunter about tradition of eagle hunting and his bird features. You can take a closer look at the bird and hold it in your hands.
Proceed to Karakol. Upon arrival hotel check-in and rest.
Overnight in guest house “Karagat” / “Green Yard” or similar.

Day 4. Karakol city tour and Djety-Oguz gorge

After breakfast explore Karakol, visit its popular places as old Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral.
After city tour visit picteresque Djety-Oguz gorge.
Dzhety Oguz in Kyrgyz means “Seven Bulls”. This picturesque gorge is named so because of the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan spruces. Dzhety Oguz is also famous for its resort located at the altitude of 2200 m, where hot springs with water enriched with radon and hydrogen sulfide hit out of the ground.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 5. Karakol – Cholpon-Ata (160 km, 2-2.5 hours)

Today proceed by the northern shoe of Issyk-Kul lake to Cholpon-Ata town which is famous and one of the largest resort cities located in Issyk-Kul region. A large number of sanatoriums and resorts, modern hotels cottages and rent houses are functioning there. Possible to visit hot springs and enjoy there time (for extra cost).
Afetr visit cultural center Rukh-Ordo. Overnight in hotel “Karven Four Seasons” or similar.

Day 6. Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek (260 km, 4.5-5 hours)

Breakfast at hotel. En route stop at Burana Tower. Excursion in the Historical Complex “Burana Tower”. Visit the ruins of the medieval city Balasagyn with its famous Burana Tower (IX – XII AC). Once it was one of 3 capitals of Karakhanid Empire and one of the most developed cities during the golden ages of the Great Silk Road.
Upon arrival to Bishkek hotel check-in and rest.
Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast – hotel)

Day 7. Bishkek – Ala-Archa NP – Bishkek (90 km / 2 hours)

After a restful morning and breakfast at the hotel we drive around 40 km out of Bishkek to Ala Archa National Park. It is popular place for picnics, hikes, rock climbing and alpinism. There are 20 glaciers in the territory of the park. The total area of the park is 200 km2. You can go for a walk on the paved road along the river or hike up to the mountains to get a spectacular view of the gorge.
After excursion return back to Bishkek, free time for visiting shopping malls.
Overnight in hotel.
(Breakfast – hotel)

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

Early breakfast or breakfast box.
Today in Bishkek your trip concludes.
(Breakfast/box – hotel)

Map

Additional Info

Clothes and equipment:

You can take all necessary things. Please take into consideration that in summer time the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to 40 oC and in the mountains the temperature decreases to 10 oC. Be prepared for unexpected changes of the weather.

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)
• 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.
• Sunglasses
• Photo camera
• Notepad and a pen to make notes as you travel
• A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase

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

Photos

Prices

Price 2023 p/pax in US$: Price in USD p/p based on 4* hotel

LOI – 15 USD PER PERSON (doesnt include in package price)