Accommodation

We spend three nights in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, one night in a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, two nights in a family-run hotel in Karakol, one night in a homestay in Kochkor and two nights in a yurt camp at Son-Kol. Rooms at Chon-Kemin and Kochkor have shared bathrooms. The yurt camp at Son-Kol is based on four people sharing each yurt (single supplement does not apply at the yurt camp). The yurts are decorated in traditional style with many rugs. Shared toilets, sinks and shower are outside. There is electricity provided by generators. Drinking water is taken from a well. Temperatures can get below freezing at night at Son-Kol. During cold nights, the yurts are heated by wood or dung stoves. We recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth in the yurts. Hotel Garden, Bishkek: Kemin guesthouse, Chon-Kemin: Matsunoki Hotel, Karakol: Kochkor homestays: Son-Kul yurt camp:

Guide

The group generally comprises between four and 12 clients, plus a local tour leader.

Transport

Travel is by minibus.

Meals

All breakfasts and five dinners are included. On days 2 and 5, the leader will assist in purchasing food for lunches. Lunches can be arranged at Son-Kul. On other days, there are places to eat lunch during the journeys. Common dishes include shish-kebabs and plov (rice usually with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins and peas). The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish. Please note, vegetarian food choices are limited. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring such specialised dietary items from home. Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from – please bring a reusable bottle with you.

Others

All listed transport and activities

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Bishkek; Afternoon City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Bishkek; Afternoon City Tour

The tour starts in Bishkek. You should be at the start hotel no later than midday as we have a city tour in the afternoon. We have requested an early check-in for all clients, so the rooms should be ready for when you arrive. Bishkek is the modern capital city and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan; this afternoon, we have a walking tour to explore its wide avenues and Soviet heritage. We visit the most important square in the country, Ala-Too Square, which is home to several monuments and is the setting for state celebrations. We also visit an open-air picture gallery, Oak Park (one of the oldest parks in Bishkek), and see marble government buildings, theatres and Victory Square. Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Walk In Ala-Archa Gorge (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Walk In Ala-Archa Gorge (Breakfast)

Today we visit Ala-Archa National Park. The reserve is a small valley inside the gorge, where ridges are covered with eternal ice, and the slopes with spruce forests. The streams are fed by glacial meltwater, which leads into the Ala-Archa River. Though hard to see, the reserve is home to snow leopards and a rare blue bird the Kyrgyz call the bird of happiness. Here we take a full-day hike to Ak-Sai waterfall, reaching a maximum altitude of 9,200ft (2,800m). After, we return to Bishkek. Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Burana Tower. Walk In Chon-Kemin National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Burana Tower. Walk In Chon-Kemin National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)

We leave Bishkek this morning and drive to Burana Tower, a 12th-century Karakhanid minaret. We’ll visit the museum complex, including the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples) and petroglyphs. We then continue to Chon Kemin, a quiet valley of small villages and agricultural land with mountains and fir forests beyond. There is approximately three hours of driving in total today. On arrival in Chon Kemin, we walk up to a ridge for an excellent view over the valley, reaching an altitude of just over 6,500ft (2,000m). Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs. North Shore Of Issyk Kul To Karakol (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs. North Shore Of Issyk Kul To Karakol (Breakfast)

Leaving Chon-Kemin, we drive through the Boom Gorge to Issyk Kul. This impressive lake is 110mi (180km) long and 37mi (60km) wide, reaching depths of 2,300ft (700m). It sits in a hollow at 5,250ft (1,600m), surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau mountain ranges. More than 100 streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out. We reach the resort town of Cholpon-Ata and visit nearby petroglyphs, a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 104 acres (42ha) and contains a number of prehistoric stone structures. We also visit the Cholpon‐Alta Museum of History, which contains a large collection of national embroidery. We continue our drive to Karakol. We’ll be driving for about 4hr 30min today. Accommodation: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Walk In The Jergalan Valley (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Walk In The Jergalan Valley (Breakfast)

Today we drive to the Jergalan Valley, about 37mi (60km) from Karakol, along a partially paved road. The valley is surrounded by seven peaks and is a region of turquoise alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and coniferous forests. We walk to Turnaluu-Kol lake at an altitude of 8,530ft (2,600m), giving us fantastic views along the way. On the way back to Karakol, we stop at Ak-Suu village to enjoy the thermal baths there. Accommodation: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Walk In The Gorges Of The Southern Shore Of Issyk Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Walk In The Gorges Of The Southern Shore Of Issyk Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)

Today we’ll drive from Karakol via the undeveloped southern shore of Issyk Kul to Kochkor. The drive takes about six hours. We’ll make stops and have short walks along the way. We head first to Djety Oguz Gorge where the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rocks formations can be seen. Next is Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We’ll hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named for a Kyrgyz national hero). We continue to one of the most magnificent gorges at the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, Barskoon, known for having high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. The gorge is famous because it was visited by the cosmonaut Gagarin. Next, we continue to Skazka Gorge, where we’ll see red sandstone formations and have an hour of walking. We drive onwards to Kochkor, the main centre in Kyrgyzstan for the production of felt products. We visit a workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs. Accommodation: Homestay
Day 7 Day 7: Drive To Son-Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Drive To Son-Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)

We drive to Son-Kul, the largest body of freshwater in the country, via the 10,800ft (3,330m) Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. The route is only partially paved. It is surrounded by summer pastures dotted with yurts, grazing cattle and mountains beyond. These lands are used by shepherds of neighbouring regions as summer pastures for their flocks. They drive the livestock up in the mountains and set up a yurt camp where they live during summer. We’ll learn about the traditional lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads. Accommodation: Yurt camp
Day 8 Day 8: Walking At Son-Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Walking At Son-Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)

We have the day at Son-Kul. We walk to the mountains for views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There is also time to meet the shepherds or participate in cooking traditional meals. Our walk takes us to an altitude of about 11,485ft (3,500m). Accommodation: Yurt camp
Day 9 Day 9: Scenic Drive Back To Bishkek Via Mountain Passes (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Scenic Drive Back To Bishkek Via Mountain Passes (Breakfast,Dinner)

Today’s journey is a breathtaking six-hour drive back to Bishkek. We traverse the Teskey Torpok Pass, also known as the 33 Parrots Pass (10,827ft/3,300m). Along the way, we pass through remote villages, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of local farmers. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner followed by a folklore show, where talented artists showcase national musical instruments and their unique playing techniques. Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: End Bishkek (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: End Bishkek (Breakfast)

Our adventure ends today in Bishkek. If you’d like a bit longer to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

10 days tour

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Day 1: Start Bishkek; Afternoon City Tour

Day 2: Walk In Ala-Archa Gorge (Breakfast)

Day 3: Burana Tower. Walk In Chon-Kemin National Park (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs. North Shore Of Issyk Kul To Karakol (Breakfast)

Day 5: Walk In The Jergalan Valley (Breakfast)

Day 6: Walk In The Gorges Of The Southern Shore Of Issyk Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 7: Drive To Son-Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 8: Walking At Son-Kul (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 9: Scenic Drive Back To Bishkek Via Mountain Passes (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 10: End Bishkek (Breakfast)

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