Kyrgyzstan Express Adventure Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek

Stop At: Ala-Too Square, Bishkek Kyrgyzstan
Our driver and guide meet you at the airport at the appointed time and transfer you to the hotel (early check-in) in Bishkek.
After breakfast and a short rest, you will be taken to the center of the city where you will be introduced to the main sightseeing areas of Bishkek on foot. The Victory Square, the Theater of Opera and Ballet, the Oak Park and the Ala Too Square are among the places to visit. You will be introduced to the short history of this young city full of life and contrasts which still reflects the architectural atmosphere of the country’s Soviet past.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Ala-Archa Gorge, Bishkek Kyrgyzstan
After lunch in a local restaurant, you will be taken to the Ala Archa National Park 41 km south of Bishkek. The park is one of the most famous attractions for local and foreign visitors for its diverse landscape as well as richness of flora and fauna allowing it to be used for mountaineering, hiking, recreation and leisure all year round.
Upon return to Bishkek, if we have time we visit the Osh bazaar – the main marketplace in the city, to get a glimpse of local life, explore its different sections and buy some small and interesting gifts for your loved ones.
Afterwards, the car takes you to a local restaurant for dinner. Transfer to the hotel after dinner.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Local boutique hotel

Day 2: Bishkek - Karakol

Stop At: Burana Tower, Don-Aryk, Tokmok 722201 Kyrgyzstan
Today we will make our way to Karakol. Our journey from Chui to Karakol runs through a scenic gorge called Boom, a natural corridor that has been used since very ancient times by Silk Road traders, and along the northern shore of the Issyk Kul lake.
On the way we visit the Burana Archaeological and Architectural Complex founded on the remains of Balasagun (10th-15th centuries), once the capital of the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate (Karakhanids are known as the first Turkic dynasty to accept and announce Islam as their state religion). It was one of the largest medieval cities in the Chui valley established on the site of an older Silk Road settlement. Worth noting is that the place is in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Cholpon Ata, Cholpon Ata, Issyk Kul Province
Lunch in Cholpon Ata. Some free time for swimming in the lake after lunch.
Next, we visit a family-run eco farm, one-of-a-kind in the region. A short excursion across the farm during which the family tells about the history of the farm and dinner in the farm.
Afterwards, the car takes us to our accommodation in Karakol.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Family-run guesthouse

Day 3: Karakol

Stop At: Dungan Mosque, Karakol Kyrgyzstan
Today we have a small walking tour in the center of the town, during which we visit Dungan Mosque (for Dungan, please, see below) and Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, the two most well known historical and cultural monuments in Karakol dating back to the 19th century.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Karakol Gorge, Karakol Kyrgyzstan
In the afternoon, the car takes us to the territory of the Karakol National Park, where we have free time for walking and enjoying the scenic view of the Karakol gorge and lowlands.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner: Dungan cuisine, which carries Chinese marks. Dungans are a Muslim minority ethnic group who fled from Xingjian province.
Accommodation included: Family-run guesthouse

Day 4: Karakol – Bokonbaev

Stop At: Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks), Kyrgyzstan
Today we continue our journey from Karakol westwards to Bokonbaev along the southern shore of Issyk Kul enjoying wild landscapes and stunning views of Terskei Ala Too mountains. The highlights of the day are photo-stop at the legendary Jeti Oguz red cliffs, waterfall hike at the picturesque Kök Jaiyk pasture.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Canyon Skazka, Tosor Kyrgyzstan
Short walking tour in the Skazka (Fairytale) canyons. Lunch is served at a family-run guesthouse in Tosor.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bokonbayevo, Bokonbayevo, Issyk Kul Province
In Bokonbaev, we visit a local women handicraft cooperative. Here not only can you see, but also get involved in the felt making process and make your own felt keepsake.
Accommodation for tonight is a yurt camp not far from Bokonbaev, allowing for an exclusive experience of staying in real nomad yurts. A mini-concert after the dinner by a local music band playing national instruments and singing soulful songs will end the day on a positive note.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: With a typical rural Kyrgyz family
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Yurt camp

Day 5: Bokonbaev - Bishkek

Stop At: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
Today we head back to Bishkek (270 km). But before that, if weather conditions are suitable, we take to the saddle in the Boz Salkyn pasture to go horseback riding. Here you may find yourself in the center of the ordinary life of local shepherds – the true bearers of centuries-old Kyrgyz nomadic traditions.
Next, you will get a sense of true nomadic life through the demonstration of salbuurun – the only traditional method of hunting in the world that combines the teamwork of golden eagle, taigan dog – local Kyrgyz breed, and traditional archery while on horseback. It is also a unique opportunity to take an iconic photo with a golden eagle.
Lunch in a guesthouse. Transfer to Bishkek.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, the car takes you to the hotel, where you have a short rest. Then we go to one of the best Kyrgyz restaurants to have a good-bye dinner.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Local boutique hotel