The blue jewels of Kyrgyzstan

Early arrival in Bishkek where everyone will be picked up at the airport by our driver. Short transfer to your hotel in Bishkek city centre and resting time in the morning. Around midday, meeting at the reception desk with your guide for the general briefing, before enjoying a tasty Kyrgyz lunch. Then we stop at Ala Too Square where you will start a walking tour of Bishkek. You will be able to visit countless parks, the Osh Bazar and get to know your guide. Tonight, everyone will get to know each other at a welcome dinner with a mix of the best local dishes and drinks.

Option: visit the Frunze museum

In the morning, depart from Bishkek toward the scenic Issyk-Ata Valley, known for its natural hot springs and peaceful mountain setting. Take time to explore the gorge and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic spa area.

Continue to the archaeological site of Balasagun to visit the famous Burana Tower, a minaret dating from the 11th century and one of the most important Silk Road monuments in northern Kyrgyzstan. Walk among the ancient remains and petroglyphs scattered across the site.

In the afternoon, drive to Chong Kemin National Park, a beautiful protected valley of forests, rivers, and alpine pastures. On arrival, visit the Chabdan Batyr memorial park, dedicated to the Kyrgyz national hero and military leader.

In the evening, enjoy a cultural program organized by the regional ecotourism association in the village of Karol-Döbö, offering a warm introduction to local traditions and rural life.

In the morning, we enjoy a refreshing walk through the beautiful forests of Chong Kemin National Park — or, for those who prefer, a peaceful horseback ride surrounded by alpine landscapes and fragrant pine trees.

Afterwards, we drive toward the magnificent Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest mountain lake, shimmering like a turquoise gem between the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan.

In the afternoon, several options await: a two-hour hike through the striking red formations of Konorchek Canyon, a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul, or cultural visits to the petroglyphs of Ornok or Cholpon-Ata, the Regional Museum, or the open-air cultural complex of Rukh Ordo.

We arrive at our accommodation by the lake in the evening and enjoy dinner while admiring the tranquil mountain and lake setting.

Morning transfer to the Altyn Arachan valley, then walk 2 hours / 6km to the hot springs and shelters. Afternoon, free time, we are able to walk to the top of the valley. Night at the shelter (very basic accommodation).

Morning walk downhill to the village of Ak-Suu, and then transfer to Karakol. Meal in a typical restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Barskoon valley. We drive to the pass Soek 4021m. (collar bone). Above the sirthes Arabel and Taragai. Then back to the Issyk Kul lake. Overnight in Tamga Guesthouse (WC / shower on the floor).   

Morning, free time. At noon, transfer to S-Е lakeshore. Horse riding or walking to scenic views. Petroglyph researching. Back to our yurts and discovery of traditional equestrian games. 

Morning, transfer to the Karaketche pass and descent to the valley of Jumgal. On the road, a panoramic view of Lake Song Kul, and an open-air coal mine. Stop in Chaek, and in the small village of Kyzyl Oi passing by the middle of the canyon Kekemeren, with purple colors. Night at CBT (Guesthouse).

In the morning, departure towards Bishkek through stunning mountain landscapes. We first follow the Kekemeren River, flowing through a colorful canyon. As we exit the canyon, we reach the high valley of Suusamyr, where we stop in the village of Kojomkul, named after a legendary Kyrgyz hero. 

We then pass through the main villages of this vast valley, located at over 2,500 meters above sea level. We cross the Too-Ashuu tunnel, which cuts through the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, before descending into the Chuy Valley. Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the hotel, and free time for last shopping or personal exploration of the capital.

Depending on your flight time, your guide will join you to the airport and help you check in for your flight.  If your flight is later in the day your guide will show you more places in Bishkek before your flight. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and we hope you come back again to explore other counties in Central Asia with us.