Around Issyk Kul lake

 

Name of tour: Around Issyk Kul lake
Itinerary duration: 6 days/ 5 nights

Day 1: Bishkek - Ala Archa - Bishkek
Your guide will meet you at Manas airport and drive you to Bishkek city, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. You will start the day with a sightseeing tour. It includes visiting Victory Square, oak Park, Central Ala-Too Square,  National Philharmonic and many other places. In the afternoon we will visit Ala Archa gorge. After 40 min. driving you will find yourself in the alpine gorge with fast flowing rivers, panoramic views and snow-covered peaks. At the end of the day the guide will take you back to the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
Meeting with your guide at 8 a.m at the hotel. Today your tour will continue to Issyk Kul Lake, the most famous highlight of Kyrgyzstan. It ranks as the largest lake of Central Asia, the second largest saline lake in the world and seventh deepest lake. Located 1608 m. above the sea level, the salt in its water prevents it from freezing despite the altitude and the cold winters. On the way we will visit Burana Tower and open-air museum of bal-bals. You will spend the night at the hotel.

Day 3: Issyk Kul lake - Karakol
After breakfast you will travel along the northern shore of Issyk Kul lake to the small town Karakol, administrative center of Issyk Kul region. On the way, we will take a short break to visit ancient petroglyphs (dating back to 800 B.C.). These stone inscriptions were made by shamans more than 2 000 years ago and are the most ancient articrafts in Kyrgyzstan. Then we continue our way to Karakol. You will visit the Dungan mosque. One peculiar feature of this mosqe is the manner of its construction. It was built in a Chinese style without using a single metal nail. The mosque will be followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church. Then you will have a rest at the hotel.

Day 4: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Kochkor 
Not far from Karakol is placed one of the most beautiful gorges. We will continue our tour there. Jeti Oguz, which means "Seven Bulls" is a sandstone rock formation. For the best view you can hike up the hill on the opposite side. Then we continue our trip to Bokonbaeva village to meet local falconer. He will tell you about eagle hunting, how he hunts foxes and hares, show you his birds.  After that we will drive to Kochkor village and spend a night in a home stay.

Day 5: Kochkor - Bishkek 
In Kochkor village a local family will show you how our national felt carpets are made. This place is famous and beloved by travellers. You can even learn the art of felt making and create your own carpet! You will also get to visit a small handicraft museum there. It is a perfect place to buy souvenirs as well. They have many examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolves, horse saddle decorations, carpets and more.  Afterwards you will be transferred Bishkek city. In Bishkek you will have some time for shopping. It is the end of one of the best tours in Kyrgyzstan. Night is in a hotel.

Day 6: Flight
The transfer to the airport in the morning.