Kyrgyzstan Tour: 5 Days

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Bishkek. After check-in and a short rest, you will begin a city tour of the capital. Bishkek is a green city with wide avenues, parks and Soviet-era architecture, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Ala-Too Mountains.

Your first stop is Ala-Too Square, the main square of the city, where you can watch the changing of the guard at the national flag. You will also see the statue of Manas, the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz people, whose epic is one of the longest poems in the world. Next, you will visit some of the city's mosques and museums, where you can learn about the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan. In the afternoon, you will visit the Osh Bazaar, one of the largest and liveliest markets in Bishkek. Here you can buy fresh fruit, spices, dried fruits and traditional Kyrgyz products such as felt items and kalpak hats. Your guide will tell you about the history of the city and the nomadic traditions of the Kyrgyz people. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Bishkek.

After breakfast, you will drive south from Bishkek to the Ala-Archa National Park, located about 40 kilometres from the city. The park is located in a beautiful alpine gorge, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and forests of juniper and fir. You will take a walk along the river, enjoying the fresh mountain air and spectacular views.

The park is home to many species of plants and animals, including ibex, snow leopards and many species of birds. After exploring the park, you will drive to Chon Kurchak, a summer pasture in the mountains. Here you will see how Kyrgyz shepherds live during the summer, when they bring their flocks to the high pastures. You may have the opportunity to try horseback riding, a traditional part of Kyrgyz life. Lunch will be served in a traditional setting, with dishes such as beshbarmak and boorsok. You may also taste kymyz, a traditional drink made from fermented mare's milk. In the late afternoon, you will return to Bishkek. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will leave Bishkek and drive east toward Issyk-Kul Lake. The road passes through the Boom Gorge, a narrow canyon along the Chu River with dramatic rocky cliffs. Along the way, you will make stops to take photographs and enjoy the scenery.

Issyk-Kul is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world and is often called the "Pearl of Central Asia". The lake never freezes, despite its high altitude, and its name means "warm lake" in Kyrgyz. In the afternoon, you will visit the open-air petroglyph museum near Cholpon-Ata. Here you can see ancient rock carvings of animals, hunters and symbols, some of which are thousands of years old. Your guide will tell you about the history of the Issyk-Kul region and the ancient peoples who lived here. In the evening, you can take a walk along the shore of the lake and enjoy the sunset over the mountains. Dinner and overnight at a hotel or guesthouse by Issyk-Kul Lake.

After breakfast, you will drive to Konorchok Canyon, a spectacular area of red rock formations and narrow gorges. You will take a trek through the canyon, walking among towering cliffs and unusual rock shapes. The colours of the rocks change with the light, creating a beautiful and dramatic landscape.

The trek is moderate and suitable for most travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. Comfortable walking shoes and a hat are recommended. Next, you will visit the Red Bridge Canyons, another area of colourful rock formations near the road to Bishkek. Your guide will tell you about the geology of the region and how these canyons were formed. Lunch will be served as a picnic or at a local café. In the afternoon, you will begin the drive back to Bishkek. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in Bishkek.

Today your five-day tour of Kyrgyzstan comes to an end. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You may wish to do some last-minute shopping or take a final walk through the city's parks.

Popular souvenirs from Kyrgyzstan include felt carpets called shyrdaks, traditional kalpak hats and handmade jewellery. Please check out of your room by the agreed time. Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to Manas International Airport. Our team will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your departure flight. During this tour, you have explored the capital, the alpine scenery of Ala-Archa and the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. You have also trekked through colourful canyons and experienced the nomadic traditions of the Kyrgyz people. We hope you have enjoyed your time in Kyrgyzstan. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.