Discover the allure of Kyrgyzstan on our 10-day scheduled group tour called "The Secret of Kyrgyzstan". This tour takes you on a remarkable journey through Bishkek, Chon-Kemin, Karakol, Son-Kul, Naryn, Kel-Suu, and back to Naryn and Bishkek. Dive into the stunning beauty of a country often referred to as the "Asian Switzerland," thanks to its pristine, unspoiled natural landscapes.
Kyrgyzstan, a captivating oasis in the heart of Central Asia, boasts a vast array of landscapes, with the majestic Issyk-Kul Lake playing a significant role in its scenic diversity. More than just its natural beauty, Kyrgyzstan is rich in culture and historical heritage. The country preserves the traditions of its nomadic roots, evident in the summer when yurts — the nomadic portable dwellings adorned with felt carpets — dot the landscape.
During your visit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet nomads, who are incredibly welcoming and may invite you into their yurts to sample traditional Kyrgyz drink kymyz. Join us on this unforgettable journey and uncover the secrets of Kyrgyzstan!
Group size: min. 2 people
Tour itinerary:
We start a sightseeing tour of Bishkek, which includes:
The Monument of Kyrgyz National hero Manas, Kurmanjan Datka Monument, Oak Park, Opera and Ballet Theatre.
A sightseeing tour of Bishkek comes to an end at Victory Square. After excursion we will go to ZUM (Central department store) to buy souvenirs.
Burana Tower (ancient minaret) is located in 12 km far from Tokmok town. The territory where the tower is located was called Balasagun town. This town had the strategic meaning for Great Silk Road. Here you will see a small museum with exhibits found at excavations, providing more details about this ancient settlement, and become familiar with collection of Balbals, turkic grave marks.
Optionally: horseback riding games near Burana Tower at the village Don Aryk.
Continue drive to Chon Kemin. Upon arrival, get accommodated in the guest house “Ashu”.
Options to do:
1) Walking around the village or to panoramic view.
2) Renting horses and ride up to the closest mountains (extra cost).
3) Swimming in the pool (extra cost).
Dinner and overnight at the guest house.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Issyk-Kul Lake has a tectonic origin. It is a second largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca located in South America. Its length reaches 182 km, and width is 58 km, maximum depth is up to 668 m. During the summer period the water reaches up to 20-25 Co.
En route, visit an Open-air Petroglyphs Museum.
Petroglyphs are dated back Sak-Usun period from 9-8 century up to 3-5 century AD. The territory where Petroglyphs are found lying below the Kungey Alatoo Mountains with a beautiful view of the lake.
Further drive to Karakol town. Karakol was founded in 1869 as a Russian garrison, and grew rapidly as explorers passed through the town on their way deeper into the Tian Shan.
Upon arrival there are 3 visits: 1) Dungan mosque, 2) Russian Orthodox church, 3) Prjevalski Memorial complex.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meals: breakfast
After the walk, we take the direction to the village of Svetlaya Polyana for visit to a «Komuz» maker.
Komuz is an ancient Kyrgyz three-stringed instrument, resembling a small guitar. It is a significant part of any Kyrgyz folk music group. The instrument is usually fully made from apricot or juniper. The master will tell you and show the process of making a musical instrument. We will also taste herbal tea with honey from our home apiary.
Lunch here!
Further drive to Bokonbaevo village. En route another stop at the Skazka Canyon (Fairytale canyon).
After breakfast visit Skazka Canyon which is one of the most stunning places in Kyrgyzstan, a canyon filled with fantastical sandstone shapes that give the spot its name, which means fairytale in Russian. Over millennia of erosion, the red sandstone has taken on forms that some say resemble animals, landmarks, or characters from legends.
Arrival to Bokonbaevo and accommodation at a guest house.
Dinner and overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Alpine Son-Kul Lake is located on Tien Shan range at the elevation of 3016 m. The territory around Son-Kul is a pasture for the cattle driven from Kochkor village, Naryn and Jumgal regions. During the summer Son-Kul pasture is considered to be the best Kyrgyz jailoo. The road to the lake goes through the windy mountain passes and vanishes in the sky. As a result, Son-Kul Lake from Kyrgyz language translates as “Last Lake”.
Optionally: horse riding.
Optionally: horseback riding games.
Optionally: yurt setting up demonstartion of Kyrgyz people.
Accommodation in a local comfortable yurt camp.
Here you can feel like a real nomads and get acquainted with the culture.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Arrival and do some extra visits:
1) Naryn Blue Mosque
2) Fine Art gallery
3) City square with Usubaliev statue
4) History museum.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Arrival to Kel-Suu in the late afternoon. Accommodation at a yurt camp. Lunch.
Some free time in the evening to explore the area.
Remote even by Kyrgyzstan standards, the magnificent Kel-Suu lake stretches over 10 km through a sheer mountain gorge that reaches nearly to the Chinese border. Kel-Suu means “incoming water” in Kyrgyz, and indeed, sometimes the lake disappears, flowing into underground caves and grottoes, so please be aware that not everybody has the chance to see the lake.
Dinner and overnight in tents/yurt camp.
Meals: breakfast, lunch box, dinner
In the late afternoon we load our stuff into the car and continue the way back to Naryn town. Late evening arrival to Naryn and get accommodated at the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch box
En route stop in Kochkor village and visit local women cooperation where ladies produce felt and different items from it.
Optionally: watch felt producing demonstration.
Arrival to Bishkek, check in into the hotel.
Optionally: folklore show during dinner.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Price includes:
- Accommodation on twin/double base in hotels and 2-4 pax in one yurt – 9 nights;
- Entrance and ecological fees;
- Full board (breakfasts – 9, lunches – 3, dinners – 4);
- English speaking guide (except the last day);
- Transport from arrival till departure;
- Mineral water (1 l per person per day);
- Visit to a Komuz maker (master class);
- Border permission to Kel-Suu;
- Kyzyl Tuu village yurt frame producing demonstration;
- Special vehicle to Kel-Suu lake.
Price doesn't include:
- Single supplement;
- Airfares;
- All personal expenses;
- Alcohol drinks;
- Tips for guide and driver;
- Visa fee and visa support;
- Porter fee;
- Folklore show in Bishkek.
Dates & Prices, per person
Group size: 2-16 persons
Please note that itinerary and prices are subject to change due to airline and train schedule changes, currency fluctuations and other unforeseeable events.