8 Days Kyrgyzstan Tour to Bishkek, Kochkor and Naryn

 Your driver will pick you up at Manas International Airport first; and then the driver will accompany you to the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, which is just a 30-minute drive from the airport. Bishkek, also known as Broken City, is the birthplace of famous poet Li Bai.In the morning we will visit Ala Archa gorge, which is a beautiful Natural Park. As a part of the Tianshan Mountains, the magnificent scenery of the Ala Aqha Gorge, which is covered with snow all year round, is like a paradise.  It is just 45 km from Bishkek and here you can have a short hiking tour to see a panoramic view of the gorge. The second half of the day is dedicated to a city tour of Bishkek. It includes visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic, and many other tourist attracts; the everlasting fire is burning all year round in Victory Square. In addition, the three huge granite monuments in the center of the square merge to form a yurt silhouette, which mainly commemorates the martyrs who died during World War II and represents a tenacious spirit. Traditionally, a commemorative event is held here on May 9 every year. Every weekend, many newcomers from all over the country will come to Victory Square to lay wreaths, take photos, and pray for happiness!  This overnight will be in a hotel.

Today you will be transferred to Chon Kemin gorge; on route to the gorge you will visit an 11th century minaret Burana Tower, which is a large minaret in the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan, near the town of Tokmak; and also visit an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). After an amazing excursion and climbing on the top of the tower, you will be transferred to Chon Kemin gorge; Much of the area around the Chon Kemin River is protected by the Chon-Kemin State Nature National Park, which protects a total of 5000 hectares. This park was created in 1997 to protect the unique species of flora and fauna in the area, including the Tolai hare, pheasant, and fir trees. The river basin is rich in habitat and biological diversity, and has been left practically untouched. Later, you will meet a nice family here and in the afternoon we will have 3 hours of horse riding. Your route will go high in the mountains and you will even ride horses through a mountain forest. Besides, on the top you will see the panorama view of the gorge. At night, you will be in a guesthouse. 

Today you will visit the celestial Issyk Kul Lake, which is the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608 meters above sea level). it’s length is 180 km and it is 60 km wide; and the lake is called "the pearl of Central Asia". On the way, we will take a short break to give you the free time to visit ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.).  The golden sandy beach, the scenery of Issyk-Kul Lake, the turquoise water and the towering snow-capped mountains that seem to stand in the middle of the lake; it is known as the  dazzling pearl of Kyrgyzstan and its  irresistible charm bringing people from the city draws to its hinterland.Then we will drive along Semenovskoe and Grigorievskoe gorge! These two picturesque gorges are connected at the end. It means you will start driving in at one gorge and will drive out through the other one! Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol; it is located in the east of Kyrgyzstan, close to Issyk-Kul Lake, 380 kilometers from the capital and 150 kilometers from the border between China and Kyrgyzstan. It is the seat of the capital of Issyk-Kul state. The city is the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan and an important tourist destination. Then, you will visit the Dungan Mosque. The famous Dungan Mosque is a wooden mosque built by Chinese artists for the local Dungan people, built from 1907 to 1910. There is also a regional museum here, which mainly collects and exhibits Issyk-Kul petroglyphs, Scythian bronze art works, etc. The lively weekend market is a great place to experience the traditional local way of life. Afterwards, you will have a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. The Church in Karakol is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people. This wooden church was built in 1895. There are legends that it was erected without a single nail, but this is not so. Night is in a hotel.

Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge (Seven Bull Canyon), named after a fiery red rock, shaped like seven bulls, with rural wheat fields at the foot of the mountain. You will also see the Broken Heart Mountain there. If you want you can go on a top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panorama view of the gorge. Then we continue our trip, breaking in Bokonbaeva village, where we will meet a local eagle-hunter. He hunts hares and foxes with the help of eagles; and which is a traditional way of nomadic hunting.  At night, you will be in a guesthouse in Kochkor. We will drive there along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. 

After breakfast we will drive along high mountains to the town of Naryn through beautiful Kichi Naryn gorge. The high mountains, picturesque passes, and nomadic way of life make Kyrgyzstan an attractive and fascinating travel destination.The view of this mountain road is really beautiful. Afterwards, you will drive over mountain pass named Jalpak Bel at an elevation of more than 3000 meters. This day you will have a great chance to  experience the variety of mountains here, and they make Kyrgyzstan so much popular. On the route it will be possible to meet real nomadic families. Night will be in a hotel.

After breakfast we start our drive to the Son Kul Lake, which is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan.  This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level. Riding a bike around the lake is the perfect way to experience the drastic beauty and exhilarating extremes for which Kyrgyzstan is famous.   Kyrgyz nomads started to come to this wonderful and beautiful area with their families for rest and relaxation. Son Kul Lake is a prime destination for those wanting to live like a nomad for a couple days. Yurts are filled with thick mattresses (but not typical western beds) and blankets, and there are outdoor toilets not far from yurt camps. There are yurt camps that are specifically organized for visitors, and there are also the yurts of local shepherds who live at Son Kul. Though many locals are friendly and welcoming, it’s best to coordinate your visit ahead of time to ensure you have a place to stay and food to eat. There are no trees on the high plains around the lake, but there are lots of herbs and plants that are used for their medicinal properties. Plenty of birds, including falcons and golden eagles, live around Son Kul, and the mountains are home to deer, foxes, Marco Polo sheep, leopards, and wolves (though these animals tend to stay high in the mountains). In addition,  herders of the Naryn region come to the lake to use it as a pastureland. After we arrive here, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings. At night you will be in nomadic collapsible dwellings – yurts. They are made of a wooden skeleton, covered with felt coverings.

 In the morning we will drive to the Bishkek city, which is the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The road to the city goes through 33 parrots Pass (3133 m). And we will reach to the  Kochkor village, which is now home to artisans who specialize in traditional Kyrgyz art, and who revive the traditions of the region and make sustainable souvenirs. It has become well-known for its shyrdaks and felt carpets, which are made in workshops around the city. Here you will spend some wonderful time with a family and they will show you how these beautiful carpets are made. And you will visit a small handicraft museum there too. They have many examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and more. Afterwards you will be transferred to the  Bishkek city. Night is in a hotel.

 In the morning,  go to airport directly from Bishkek.