Journey around Issyk-Kul
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Route: Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata – Karakol – Tokmok – Bishkek
Difficulty: 3 out of 5
Best season: April – October

description
This is classic tour around the main treasure of Kyrgyzstan – Issyk-Kul lake. The lake is the second largest alpine lake after Titicaca in the world and named differently. One of interesting names is Blue Eye of the Earth as the lake's shape resembles human's eye from the space. You will visit beautiful places around Issyk-Kul lake from the north to the south shore and enjoy your journey
Highlights
Guided city-tour in Bishkek and local bazaar
Tour to Ala-Archa National Park
Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Burana Tower
Excursion to Chon-Aksuu, Djety-Oguz, Kok-djayik, Barskoon gorges
Waterfalls in Barskoon gorge
Night in a real nomad dwelling - yurt
Shopping in busiest Osh bazaar and Dordoy Bazaary, biggest in Central Asia
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Bishkek. Ala-Archa National Park
(distance: 35 km one way, 40 min – 1 hour)
Meal plan: B


Meet and Greet on arrival and transfer to your hotel (cost of early check-in already included).
Breakfast at hotel. After some leisure time at hotel drive to Ala-Archa National Park, one the most picturesque sights of Bishkek surroundings. Here, in the narrow valley of Ala-Archa river you may see a concentration of wonderful, stunning landscapes, waterfalls and amazing rocks. Here is unexpectedly rich flora and fauna, so that many people suppose this region to be a symbol of Kyrgyz mountain range (Ala-Too).
Afterwards, explore Bishkek city – one of the greenest city of Central Asia. The city tour starts from exploring the central square – Ala-Too with highest flagpole and statue of Kyrgyz hero – Manas. Afterwards visit the Museum of Fine Arts, see the facade of architectural heritage – Opera and Ballet Theatre. Have short walk to oldest park of the city – Oak Park with beautiful sculptures at the open air. Before the city tour finish see the facade of National University, walk through Youth Alley and take photo of the State Philharmonic Hall.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2. Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul lake
(distance: 260 km, 3.5 – 4 hours)
Meal plan: B
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast proceed to the second largest alpine in the world after Titicaca – Issyk-Kul lake, located at the altitude 1600 m. above sea level.
En route visit UNESCO Heritage Site – ancient Burana Tower and get acquaintance with history of Silk Road period.
Continue driving to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake via gorgeous Boom gorge.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
*Optional activities and services
  • Visit local Kyrgyz family and learn to make traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet
Day 3. Full day in Issyk-Kul lake
Meal plan: B
Today spend full day in the city center – Cholpon-Ata and visit main sights of the area as open air museum of Petroglyphs, local historical-ethnographical museum and Rukh-Ordo complex.
Enjoy remain part of the day swimming at the shore of the lake.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
*Optional activities and services
  • Boat cruise at the lake
Day 4. Issyk-Kul lake – Chon-Aksu gorge – Karakol
(distance: 160 km, 2.5-3 hours)
Meal plan: B
Today drive to Karakol, a peaceful, low–rise town with back streets full of Russian gingerbread cottages, shaded by rows of huge white poplars.
En route group will visit picturesque Chon-Aksu gorge where possible to emerge into a real nomad atmosphere with meeting local nomads, tasting national Kyrgyz beverage – "Kymyz" (mare's milk), and riding a horse.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5. Karakol – Djety-Oguz and Kok-Djayik gorges
(distance: 50 km one way, 1.5-2 hours)
Meal plan: B & D

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast explore Karakol city, visit Dungan Mosque and Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral.
If your stay in Karakol is on Sunday, early morning possible to visit Sunday cattle market and see the real life of semi-nomadic Kyrgyz people.
Afterwards transfer to majestic Djety-Oguz and Kok-Djayik gorges.
Overnight stay with dinner at the yurt camp.

*Optional activities and services
  • Upon a wish horse riding in the gorge is possible.
Day 6. Kok-Djayik gorge – Tokmok – Barskoon gorge
(distance: 350 km, 4.5-5 hrs)
Meal plan: B
Today proceed to Tokmok town by the southern shore of Issyk-Kul lake.
En route visit Barskoon gorge which is famous for its cascading waterfalls. The most picturesque have interesting names: Tears of a Bars, Oldman Beard, Splashes of Champagne and Cup of Manas.
Afterwards stop at dramatic Fairy Tale canyon for hiking.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7. Tokmok – Bishkek
(distance: 280 km, 3.5-4 hrs)
Meal plan: B
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast meet with Kyrgyz eagle hunter who will demonstrate scene of hunting with an eagle. Afterwards return to Bishkek.
Upon arrival to Bishkek, visit local Osh bazaar for shopping souvenirs etc.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport in proper time according to your flight.
photos
Tour Info
Inclusions
✓Accommodation at the hotels mentioned or similar with breakfasts
✓Transfers and transport according to itinerary in A/C transport with driver (2-4 pax – car/minivan, 5-10 pax – minibus, 10+ pax – two minibuses)
✓Entrance fees to sites listed
✓English/Arab speaking tour guide accompany the group
✓All excursions by tour guide
✓Water during the tour (1 liter per day per person)
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Visa
- Full board
- Insurance and airport taxes
- Tips and Porterage.
- All items of personal nature and also food and drinks not forming part of the touring group's menu.
Accommodation
Allotment: standard rooms in the following hotels and resorts:
2 nights in "Madison Ave" 4* hotel or similar in Bishkek 2 nights in "Akun Issyk-Kul" resort or similar in Issyk-Kul
1 night in "Reina Kench" guest house or similar in Karakol
1 night in yurt camp in Kok-Djayik gorge
1 night in "Grand Burana" hotel 4* or similar in Tokmok

Prices: 626 USD per person (when group of 10 people)
Single supplement: 299 USD
Note: Single room is not available at all places
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Booking and Enquiry Form
We are glad you planned to spend your vacation with us. Please fill the form below and our team will contact you as soon as possible.

Note: Deadline for booking of the tour is 5-15 days before the starting date of the tour (depending on the program).