Classic Tour Around Issyk-Kul Lake

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan and the start of your classic tour around Issyk-Kul Lake! Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Bishkek. After check-in and some time to rest, you will begin a morning sightseeing tour of the capital. Bishkek is a green city with wide avenues and parks, surrounded by the snow-capped Ala-Too Mountains.

Your first stop is Ala-Too Square, the main square of the city, where you can see the statue of Manas, the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz people. You will also watch the changing of the guard at the national flag if your timing allows. Next, 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. You will also see the Opera and Ballet Theatre, an elegant building in the neoclassical style. Your guide will tell you about the history of Bishkek and the culture of the Kyrgyz people. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Kyrgyz dishes. Overnight in Bishkek.

After breakfast, you will drive east from Bishkek toward the Shamshy Gorge, a journey of about 130 kilometres that takes around two and a half hours. Along the way, you will visit the Burana Tower, a minaret built in the 10th and 11th centuries on the site of the ancient city of Balasagun. Balasagun was once the capital of the Karakhanid state and an important city on the Silk Road.

You can climb the tower for views of the surrounding valley and the mountains. Near the tower, you will also see a collection of balbals, ancient stone figures that mark old graves. Your guide will tell you about the history of the site and the peoples who lived here. In the afternoon, you will arrive in the Shamshy Gorge, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and forests. You can choose between hiking in the gorge or horseback riding with local guides. In the evening, you will stay in traditional yurt accommodation and enjoy dinner prepared by your hosts. Sleeping in a yurt is a wonderful way to experience the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan. Overnight in a yurt camp in Shamshy.

After breakfast, you will begin a journey of about 410 kilometres, which takes around six hours. Your first stop is Konorchok Canyon, a spectacular area of red rock formations and narrow gorges. You will have time to view the canyon and take photographs of its colourful cliffs.

The journey then continues along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is often called the "Pearl of Central Asia". You will stop in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata for lunch. If time allows, you may visit the open-air petroglyph museum, where you can see ancient rock carvings. In the afternoon, you will continue along the lake to the town of Karakol, located at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul. On arrival, you may visit the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral or the Dungan Mosque, which was built without a single nail. In the evening, you will check into your hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Karakol.

After breakfast, you will set off on a jeep tour to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan, a journey of about 120 kilometres that takes four to five hours including stops. The road climbs through the Ak-Suu Gorge, passing through beautiful forests of fir trees. The gorge is part of the Issyk-Kul nature reserve and is known for its stunning landscapes.

Altyn Arashan, meaning "golden spa", is located in a high mountain valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The valley is famous for its natural hot springs, where you can relax in warm mineral water. You will also have time to explore the valley on foot, enjoying the fresh mountain air and spectacular views. Your guide will tell you about the plants and animals of the reserve. Lunch will be served as a picnic or at a local guesthouse. In the late afternoon, you will return to Karakol by jeep. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try Ashlan-Fu, a famous local noodle dish. Overnight in Karakol.

After breakfast, you will leave Karakol and drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, a journey of about 240 kilometres that takes three to four hours. Your first stop is the Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red stone mountains. The name means "Seven Bulls", referring to a line of red sandstone cliffs that resemble bulls.

You will also see the "Broken Heart" rock, a famous rock formation connected with a local legend. You will take a walk to a waterfall in the gorge, surrounded by forests and mountains. Next, you will visit the Skazka Gorge, also known as the "Fairy Tale" canyon. The canyon is famous for its colourful rock formations, which have been shaped by wind and water into fantastic shapes. You will have time to walk around the canyon and take photographs. In the afternoon, you will continue to the village of Bokonbaeva on the southern shore of the lake. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your guesthouse or yurt camp. Overnight in Bokonbaeva.

After breakfast, you will watch a traditional eagle hunting show called Salburun. Eagle hunting is an ancient tradition in Kyrgyzstan, and the hunters, called berkutchi, train golden eagles to hunt foxes and hares. You will see how the eagles are trained and how they work together with their masters.

The hunters will tell you about the history of this tradition and the special bond between the hunter and the eagle. You may also see other traditional skills, such as archery or hunting with taigan dogs. After the show, you will begin a journey of about 280 kilometres, which takes around three hours. The drive takes you along the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and through the mountains to the picturesque village of Chon Kemin. The Chon Kemin valley is a national park, known for its beautiful landscapes, forests and rivers. In the evening, you will check into a local guesthouse and enjoy dinner with your hosts. Overnight in Chon Kemin.

After breakfast, you will take part in a horseback riding excursion of about three hours through the Chon Kemin valley. Local guides will accompany you and ensure your safety throughout the ride. The route takes you through meadows, forests and along rivers, with beautiful views of the mountains.

Horseback riding is a traditional part of Kyrgyz life, and the horses are well used to the mountain terrain. The excursion is suitable for riders of all levels, and the guides will adapt the pace to your experience. You may see shepherds with their flocks and visit a summer pasture along the way. After the ride, you will have lunch at the guesthouse. In the afternoon, you will begin the drive back to Bishkek, a journey of about 140 kilometres that takes around three hours. On arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight in Bishkek.

Today your classic tour around Issyk-Kul Lake 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.

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 for your departure flight. Our team will assist you with your luggage and check-in. During this tour, you have travelled around Issyk-Kul Lake, explored beautiful canyons and gorges and relaxed in the hot springs of Altyn Arashan. You have also experienced traditional Kyrgyz culture, from eagle hunting to staying in a yurt. We hope you have enjoyed your time in Kyrgyzstan and its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Thank you for travelling with us. We hope to see you again soon.