7 day | Nature & Culture Heritage of Issyk-Kul

total driving: ~2.5-3hrs

Start of tour: 08-30-09:00 

• Chunkurchak gorge
  Horse riding (not included), zip-line, buggie jumping (at the weekend), ski bridge, enjoy the waterfall Golubinka 

• Ala-Archa National park: walking along the asphalt road, cross a bridge where Ala- Archa river is flowing and walk up till the view of the panorama of the valley, having some minutes or hours of relax and go back to the car. It takes around 30 min-1h hour to get there. 
• Lunch to have local fish “ river trouts” at a local cafe and dinner (in Bishkek)

Embark on an early morning departure from Bishkek, traveling along the northern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Marvel at stunning views of the lake nestled between the towering peaks of the Kungey Ala-Too mountains. Stop at Boom Gorge for dramatic landscapes and striking canyon photos. Stop in Cholpon-Ata city where you can enjoy the second largest alpine lake and lunch. Then, venture to Grigorievka and Semenovka Gorges, where lush alpine meadows and the sight of grazing livestock in traditional yurts offer a glimpse into Kyrgyz life. Arrive in Karakol, a city steeped in history and Russian influence, and enjoy a heartwarming home-cooked meal with a local Dungan family. Delight in traditional Dungan dishes like dumplings, savory stir-fried vegetables, and fried pastries. Overnight at a cozy Karakol guesthouse.

Today, you travel to the Altyn-Arashan mountain gorge. You can reach the place with a special off-road truck adopted for passengers (Ural). The road goes along the river Arashan and up the hills, you will get to the Arashan hot spring thermal bath valley. Enjoy the natural beauties and take lunch in the wild! 

Ala-Köl Lake (3533m) - Altyn Arashan valley

After breakfast hiking to Ala-Köl which take the whole day from 08-30 till 19-00 or around 7-8 hours of riding or hiking. There is alternative option to get the horses. It is important to note that you have to hike 40-50 min one way to get to the lake where the horses are not able to ride. The road is sleepily because of the tiny stones and quite steep.

Option #2: hiking instead of riding to Ala-Kul Lake.

The day begins with a visit to the famous Jeti-Oguz Gorge, known for its red rock formations, resembling “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls.” We then head to Barskoon Gorge, where you can see a beautiful waterfall and the Yuri Gagarin Monument, honoring the cosmonaut who once vacationed here. Our journey continues over the Ala-Bel Pass toward Tosor. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. Meals include breakfast, lunchbox, and dinner.

We head to Mars canyon, where you will introduce with eagle hunting demonstration with "bürkütchü" - eagle hunter. Further, we will head to Skazka Canyon, named for its unusual rock formations that resemble castles, dragons, and fairy-tale creatures. Afterward, we proceed to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, where you will stay in a yurt camp. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After breakfast, we will drive to a master class on making shyrdak, a traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet, where you will have the chance to create one with your own hands. Next, we will head to the AK Say Valley to enjoy a panoramic view of Issyk-Kul Lake, followed by a short hiking excursion. We will then continue to Kyzyl Tuu village, home to masters of yurt-making. Here, we will have lunch at one of their homes, and afterward, participate in a Boz Üi (Kyrgyz yurt) installation master class, where you will install a yurt together with a skilled master. Finally, we will drive back to Bishkek.

Conclude your tour with a transfer to the airport for your departure