Title of tour: Land of Nomads
Days / Nights: 9/8
Overnights: Bishkek, Kochkor, Son Kul, Tash Rabat, Karakol, Chon Kemin
Day 1: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
You will arrive to the Manas International Airport and your driver will pick you up. Then you will drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan Bishkek, the way will take about 30 minutes. The first part of the day is dedicated to exploring amazing Ala Archa gorge. This exciting gorge will not leave you indifferent, you can enjoy the charm of nature, plunge into harmony with Mother Nature, learn a lot of facts about the flora and fauna of the gorge and much more. You can take beautiful photos and get some fresh air. In Soviet times, only VIP persons could get to this gorge, today access is open to everyone. We are sure you will like it! It is just 45 km from Bishkek. After that we will transfer to the capital Bishkek. You will have today a city tour. In course of the tour you will explore such sites as Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many other highlights. This night will be in the hotel.
Day 2: Bishkek – Burana – Kochkor
Our team is happy to provide you wonderful tour. Today you will explore the amazing place o Bishkek Asian Bazaar. You will discover the colorful rows and walk along them. Don’t miss a chanced to take photos! This place will leave you with a vivid impression! You can enjoy shopping and buy souvenirs for yourself and your family. Here you will feel the real atmosphere of the national. Do not miss the opportunity to bargain with sellers and get a great discount. Then you will continue trip with transferring to Kochkor. During the tour you will break at the important site Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). You can also see ancient buildings on the territory, as the ancient city of Balasagyn, the capital of the Karakhanids, was located here. After arrival to Kochkor you will get acquianted with local family that will tell you about making of national felt carpet. It is incredible that you can create your own carpet! Don’t miss a chance to visit a small handicraft museum there and find many silver decorations, coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and more. This night you will spend in the home stay.
Day 3: Kochkor – Son Kul
After breakfast you will transfer to amazing Lake Son Kul. This beautiful lake is located at an altitude of 3016 meters and will give you the opportunity to have a great time. You will be able to see spectacular landscapes, enjoy nature and breathe fresh air. Since ancient times, pastures are used for grazing, and nomads come here and live in the summer. Here you will have the opportunity to meet real nomads and talk about life, learn about the life hacks they use. On Son Kul you will relax from the bustling cities and civilization and take beautiful photos. You will have a chance to feel yourself as a real nomad and spend the night in the yurts.
Day 4: Son Kul – Tash Rabat
After breakfast you will transfer to Tash Rabat Caravanserai on the Great Silk Road. Tash Rabat was used in ancient times as a hotel for caravans of the Great Silk Road. As a caravanserai, it began its existence in the 14th century. There 31 rooms with thickness of 1 meter. It is an almost square building with sides of 35.7 m and 33.7 m, similar to a medieval castle, completely covered with a solid horizontal roof with a spherical dome rising in the Western part. People have been solving the secrets of the caravanserai since ancient times. You can also find a prison here. Tash Rabat is located at an altitude of 3200 meters. You will spend the night in the yurts near Tash Rabat Caravanserai.
Day 5: Tash Rabat – Kochkor
Today you will have a trip to Kara Koiun gorge. You will have a great opportunity for walking and relaxing, where you can also get to know the locals. Along the way you will observe wild mountain animas as yaks. They are very useful to people, as they produce meat, milk and wool. Kara Koiun translates as "black valley" because you can find there much snow. Powerful rocks are a barrier to protect against frosty snow that melts from mid-October to mid-April. In winter, it is very cold and reaches a temperature of - 50 degrees Celsius. After that you will drive to the village Kochkor. You will be amazed by the spectacular gorge that is 3 000 meters high. This night will be in the home stay.
Day 6: Kochkor – Issyk Kul southern shore – Karakol
After breakfast you will drive to the stunning lake Issyk Kul that is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. This is the second largest Alpine lake in the world located at an altitude of 1608 meters and has healing properties. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has charming views. The lake is known as the "Pearl of Central Asia" and many tourists want to visit it. You will transfer today along the south shore of Issyk Kul, and transfer to Bokonbaevo village. After arrival you will meet the local eagle hunter that will tell you about ancient methods of hunting and eagles. The eagles hunt hares, foxes and other small animals. After that you will transfer to fascinating gorge of Jeti Oguz, Red Rocks. This gorge is translated as Seven Bulls and it give you the opportunity to enjoy the rock standing in one row. Along the way you will see the Broken Heart Mountain. The tour continues with transferring to Karakol town. The overnight will be in the guesthouse.
Day 7: Karakol – Issyk Kul Lake northern shore – Chon Kemin
At 8 a.m. you will be picked up by the guide. Today you will transfer along the northern shore of Issyk Kul. You can enjoy the views of the lake from all sides; see how beautiful the nature of Kyrgyzstan is. This lake is a great place to relax, summer and winter. Here you can have a great time, swim. During the tour you will visit a small local museum and find handicraft, music instruments as well as artifacts. You will rest the night in Chon Kemin village.
Day 8: Chon Kemin – Burana – Bishkek
Today you will have 3 hours of horse riding. Chon Kemin. located in the Chui region, Chon Kemin is a charming natural Park famous for its mountains and mountain forests. Here you can see panoramic views of the gorge and take photos. You can also experience the spirit of adventure on horseback. Then you will transfer to the capital Bishkek. Night you will rest in the hotel.
Day 9: Bishkek – Airport
In the morning is transfer to airport.
Transport:
02 pax – Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter
Service includes:
- Transport
- 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” Guesthouse
Chon Kemin – Homestay
- Entrances to all museums
- Horse riding in Chon Kemin
- Mineral water during the tour
Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide