Tour to the alpine lakes of Kyrgyzstan
Tour 9: Tour to the alpine lakes of Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 8 days
Places to visit: Bishkek - Belogorka - Burana - Kochkor - Son Kul lake - Tash Rabat - Karakol - Issyk Kul - Bishkek
Day 1: Bishkek - Belogorka gorge - Bishkek
After arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport on the first day of tour and accompany to the capital city Bishkek. The first half of the day in Kyrgyzstan, you will discover most popular places of city: Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many others attractive sites. Afternoon, transfer to Belogorka Gorge to the north of the city in the beautiful mountain range. There are several hiking path in this gorge that travellers like to conquer. One of them is easy and goes to beautiful waterfall. You will take stunning pictures of waterfall and surrounding landscape. Afterwards, have a picnic with the view of amazing view of the gorge. The beauty of the gorge make you to admire. Return to Bishkek and overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Bishkek - Burana - Kochkor
In the morning, you will explore vibrant Asian Bazaar, very popular in Kyrgyzstan, and where you can find everything: from fresh fruits to traditional handicrafts and many others during your tour. After exploring and taking colorful pictures, leave to Kochkor village. On the way, we will stop at archeological and architectural complex of Burana. It is the ruins of the city Balasagyn during the 11-12th centuries. It is possible to climb up to the top, where you will have great view of whole Chui Valley. Burana Tower was the sign tower for caravans travelling on the Silk Road. The collection of old Turkic grave stones, knowm as Balbals, are an interesting part of the complex. They usually erected for the honor of the warriors who died in the battle for Motherland. After excursion, drive to Kochkor. Night in a homestay.
Day 3: Kochkor - Son Kul Lake
In the morning, you will travel to the land of nomads, famous part of the tour. The second largest Lake of Kyrgyzstan, Son Kul, situated on the altitude of 3016 meters. Around the lake is used as a summer pasture by the shepherds of Naryn region. From May to October; you can see lots of yurts. Yurts are traditional portable dwelling of nomads; its carcass is from wood and covered with thick layer of felt. These nomadic houses made without any single metal. After arrival, you will be free to enjoy the fantastic beauty of the landscape. You will spend night in a yurt.
Day 4: Son Kul - Tash Rabat
Today you will drive Tash Rabat Caravanserai, which was the stopping point on the Silk Road which you will visit during your tour today. This extraordinary construction dating back to 14th century was used by ancient travelers to stop for overnights on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Tash Rabat is situated in the arms of Tien Shan Mountains at the altitude of 3200m. It was completely constructed from blocks of rocks and some part of the building goes into the mountain hill. The walls are very thick reaching 1 m in width. There are 31 room are found and some of them have underground cells. It is believed that they used as a prison. Dinner and night will be in yurt close to caravanserai.
Day 5: Tash Rabat - Kochkor
After enjoying breakfast, travel to Kochkor village, famous in Kyrgyzstan as a transit village and, where you will see the process of making traditional felt carpets during your tour today's tours. Kochkor is the motherland of carpets. There amazing masterpiece of traditional art can serve for many decades. After you creating your own carper, we will visit small but interesting museum of ancient things like silver decorations, coats made of wolf's skin, horse saddle decorations and others. Stay in a homestay.
Day 6: Kochkor - Issyk Kul southern shore - Karakol
Today your adventure will go on to Issyk Kul Lake where you will enjoy travelling. It is the second largest mountain lake in the world, located at the altitude of 1608 m above the sea level. Issyk Kul is famous as "the pearl of Central Asia". Since ancient time local people on the territory of Kyrgyzstan accepted Issyk Kul as a sacred lake and no one fished of swam. The lake is surrounded by snow-caped mountains. On the way during your tour, you will have a break at Bokonbaeva village in order to meet eagle hunter. Eagle hunting is one of the traditional ways of nomadic hunting. Hunter will tell the story of hunting and training process. Continue drive along the untouched beaches of south shore of the lake. Another stop en route will be Jeti Oguz, which is known as Seven Bulls. Arrive to Karakol town and check in to hotel.
Day 7: Karakol - Issyk Kul northern shore - Bishkek
Another enjoyable you will travel along the northern shore of the lake. There will be many beautiful places to stop for taking photos during the tour in Kyrgyzstan. En route, we will visit the second biggest collection of petroglyphs of Kyrgyzstan. Shamans depicted these drawing on the rocks more than 2 000 years ago. Here you will have a grand view of the lake, because site is located in the foothills of mountain. Arrive to capital and stay in a hotel.
Day 8: Airport
In the morning, your guide will accompany you to the airport.
Transport:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter
Price per person:
02 pax - 875 $
04 pax - 545 $
06 pax - 425 $
08 pax - 365 $
10 pax - 325 $
Single - 105 $
Early check-in - 35 $
Single early check-in - 60 $
Half board - 105 $
Full board - 200 $
English speaking guide - 530 $ per group
To be 2 in a yurt (now 4 in 1) - 30 $ per person
Tour includes:
- Transportation
- Accommodation:
Bishkek - "Discovery" 3* or "Garden" 4*
Kochkor - Homestay
Son Kul - Yurts, "Nomad's Dream" camp (4 pax in 1)
Tash Rabat - Yurts (4 pax in 1)
Karakol - "Karagat" Hotel 4* or "Green Yard" Boutique Hotel
- Entrances fees
- Mineral water
Tour does not include:
- Visa
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- English speaking guide
