Best of Kyrgyzstan: Discover Finest Lakes, Steppe Land & Historic Towns – 8 days (SR-05)

Upon your arrival, our guide and driver will be there to greet you and provide transportation to your hotel. Your Kyrgyz adventure will kick off with a visit to Ala Archa Natural Park, which is located just 45 kilometers away. Here, you can take a scenic hike alongside the river, immersing yourself in the stunning mountain landscapes. Following a picnic in this natural setting, you'll return to the city, with stops at the Baytik Baatyr mausoleum. Afterward, you'll explore key city landmarks such as Ala Too Central Square, the State History Museum, Bishkek's own White House, Parliament House, the Lenin Statue, and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. (D)

On the second day of your journey, you'll have the opportunity to experience genuine local hospitality and meet the people who continue to live by traditional nomadic practices. To reach your destination, you'll travel through the picturesque Boom gorge, passing by the Orto Tokoi water reservoir. Your journey will take you over the Kalmak Ashuu mountain pass, reaching an impressive elevation of 3,445 meters, before stopping for a delightful lunch with a welcoming Kyrgyz family.

The day will conclude with dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the authentic nomadic way of life. The total driving distance for the day will be approximately 360 kilometers (225 miles). (B,L,D)

Today, you'll embark on a car journey to Naryn, a town located amid picturesque mountain landscapes. You'll pass over the Moldo Ashuu mountain pass, which stands at a breathtaking elevation of 3,665 meters, providing you with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.

In Naryn town, you'll enjoy lunch with a local family, experiencing their warm hospitality and local cuisine. Following this, your journey will take you to Tash Rabat, where you'll explore an ancient Caravanserai. This remarkable stone structure, dating back to the 15th century, once served as an inn for merchants and travelers along the Silk Road. It is celebrated as one of the best-preserved Silk Road sites globally, offering a captivating glimpse into history. The total driving distance for the day will be approximately 280 kilometers (175 miles). (B,L,D)

Your journey will take you to Naryn, a town renowned for its traditional felt-making and the crafting of 'shyrdak' felt rugs. In Naryn, you'll also have the opportunity to explore the local culture further by visiting the Central mosque, the central square, and an art gallery. If you're interested in acquiring shyrdaks, Kyrgyzstan offers a wide variety of them, many adorned with motifs inspired by nature, such as animal horns and mountains.

Following your visit to Naryn, your adventure will continue as you travel to Kochkor village, crossing over the Dolon pass, which reaches an elevation of 3,030 meters. In Kochkor, you'll have the chance to explore a handicraft museum-shop, where you can appreciate and purchase exquisite handmade crafts. The total driving distance for the day will be approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles). (B,L,D)

Today, you will embark on an excursion to the picturesque Jety-Oguz gorge, a natural wonder nestled in a canyon on the northern slope of the Terskey Ala-Too range. Located approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Karakol, this stunning gorge boasts an elevation of 2,200 meters. It is known for its distinctive red sandstone rock formations, which provide a highly photogenic and awe-inspiring backdrop.

Two of the most iconic rock formations in the region, the Broken Heart and Seven Bulls, have come to symbolize the beauty of the Issyk Kul region and are reminiscent of picture-postcard-perfect scenery. To further immerse yourself in local culture, you'll enjoy a traditional dinner with a welcoming local family and spend the night in a guesthouse. The total driving distance for the day will be approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles). (B,L,D)

Karakol, the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, is a prominent tourist destination and serves as a central hub for those interested in hiking, trekking, skiing, and mountaineering adventures in the high central Tian Shan region to the south and east.

During your visit to Karakol, you'll have the opportunity to explore its diverse cultural and historical sites. This includes a visit to the Dungan mosque, a Russian Orthodox cathedral, and the Przhevalskii museum. Additionally, you'll have the chance to explore some Scythian burial mounds and view ancient petroglyphs, offering insights into the rich history of the area.

Lunch will be enjoyed in a local café, allowing you to savor local cuisine. Later in the day, you'll have dinner and spend the night in a hotel located by the lakeshore, with time to relax and visit the beautiful lakeside beach. The total driving distance for the day will be approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles). (B,L,D)

Today, you will embark on a scenic drive along the northern lakeshore toward Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. En route, you'll make a fascinating stop at the Burana archaeological and architectural site. Burana was once the historical city of Balasagun, serving as the capital of the Karakhanids State during the 10th to 12th centuries. Today, you can explore the remnants of an ancient minaret and the ruins of three mausoleums, providing a window into the city's rich history.

It's worth noting that Balasagun held such significance that Genghis Khan's Mongol Horde chose to spare the city from destruction. During your journey, you'll enjoy a local lunch with a welcoming family, offering you a taste of Kyrgyz hospitality.

As the day comes to a close, you'll spend the night in a hotel in Bishkek, marking the final leg of your journey. The total driving distance for the day will be approximately 280 kilometers (175 miles). (B,L,D)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. (B)