Ala Kul Lake
Higlights of Kyrgyzstan
Welcome to Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan!
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Most international flights arrive in the very early morning, so today you can take the time to arrive, rest and/or explore Bishkek. ​The Highlights of Kyrgyzstan Tour officially starts tomorrow morning with a welcome meeting from your guide at the hotel where you’ll be introduced to the group and the team. There will be a briefing about the tour and room for questions.
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Day 0 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
It is advised to arrive the day before the tour starts, so that you will have plenty of time to acclimatise, rest after a day of traveling, and stroll around the city a little if you wish. You will be welcomed today by your guide and get to know the rest of your group.
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Accommodation: hotel (not included), a room will be provided upon booking so that you will be ready to check-in
Meals included: none
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Day 1 Bishkek
We leave Bishkek in the morning and take the main road Bishkek-Osh, and after passing the Too-Ashuu pass (3200 m) we turn left and enter high alpine Suusamyr valley. A little bit after we will be able to see the incredible Kokomeren river - the main inflow of Naryn river - the biggest water arterial of Kyrgyzstan. We will take a short walk along Kokomeren to enjoy beautiful surroundings.
After a little while we will stop at Kojomkul museum to get to know the famous Kyrgyz hero, who lived in the 20th century and was largely known for his tremendous strength.
We will arrive to Kyzyl-Oi village in the afternoon. We can have a short walk in the village to admire its surroundings and the serene nature.
Accommodation: shared room at a guest house run by a local family
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Day 2 Son Kul Lake
Drive from Kyzyl-Oi village to Son Kul lake - one of the most beautiful high alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan (3016 m above sea level). There are several passes to Son Kul, we will take Kara-Keche pass (3300 m), where there is also a coal mine that provides fuel for the whole republic.
When we arrive at the lake, we will be able to see an immense pasture where Kyrgyz live only by nomadic lifestyle - in yurts, ancient nomad dwellings that have been used by people for centuries.
Accommodation: shared room in yurt.
Optional activity: horseback riding to have beautiful views over Son Kul lake
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Day 3 Issyk Kul
We leave Son Kul and take another mountain pass leading to the main road. Around 4-5 hours by car to reach our destination – Issyk Kul lake, its south shore.
A stop in Kochkor village on the way to have a good lunch and visit a local souvenir shop. We will see Orto Tokoi water reserve, its water is used for irrigation of Kyrgyzstan.
Arrival to the south shore of Issyk Kul lake late in the afternoon.
Accommodation: shared room in a yurt camp
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Day 4 Karakol
In the morning we visit an eagle hunter who will show and explain how he works and trains his eagle. We will get to know this ancient art of hunting that nomads used since old times.
After the demonstration we will continue our way to Skazka canyon, a unique place of multicolored sand rock which resembles various animals and objects, hence the name – Skazka (Fairytale) canyon.
Then we will head to Jeti-Oguz (translated from Kyrgyz as "7 bulls") valley, famous for its red rock formation and its incredible nature. We take a stroll to admire the surrounding views, and after this we go to Karakol town.
Accommodation: shared room in a guest house in Karakol
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Skazka Canyon
Day 5 Start Of 3-Day Trek
Today we start our adventurous 3-day trek to the breathtaking Ala Kul lake. We will transfer to Karakol National Park, gradually ascending tl we reach a waterfall, with wonderful views of pristine nature, glacier-fed vibrant river and lush vegetation.
Once we reach a waterfall, we go a bit higher and turn left, from where the ascent gets steeper. We stop at Sirota yurt and tent camp for an overnight stay, either in yurts (if available), or in tents. Note: if it is easier to camp in tents, let’s go for that option! It’s a unique experience for tourists as well - Yes, we can do that. I was, however, thinking that if we don’t tell the tourists that there are yurts as well, and only indicate that there are tents only, when they see that there are yurts as an available option, they might wonder why we didn’t tell them :)
A reason why we stay in yurts or in tents is because it is a less expensive option to stay at a designated camp spot. Thus we don’t have to hire local porters for tents, equipment, food, and use the equipment, tents, and prepared meals from the camps.
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Elevation: +1000 m
Hiking distance: approx. 12 km
Difficulty level: hard/strenuous
Accommodation: overnight stay in a tent at 3000 m above sea level
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Day 6 Second Trekking Day
Second day of the hike to Ala Kul lake, the most difficult part of the trek. We need to start early, we will climb to the lake (situated at 3500 m), and continue going along it till we reach the mountain pass (3900 m), from where an amazing view opens to the lake and surrounding snow capped mountain peaks.
Then we start descending into Keldike valley, a steep downhill and rocky path, challenging parts present.
Once we pass the steep downhill, we continue going down the gorge and will arrive at Altyn Arashan valley, famous for its natural hot springs beneficial to health.
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Elevation: +1200 m, -1600 m
Hiking Distance: approx. 15 km
Difficulty level: hard/strenuous
Accommodation: shared room at a guest house
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
​​​Day 7 Final Trekking Day to Karakol
Free time in the morning to enjoy the natural landscapes of Altyn Arashan, then start off the hike down the valley, going along Arashan river. The road to Altyn Arashan is passable by cars, so we will encounter different types of 4x4, horse riders, and hikers on our way. Beautiful scenery and quite a relaxing walk (after the intense hike of the previous day). We arrive in Ak Suu village closer to afternoon, we meet our car and get a transfer to Karakol. Check-in to the hotel to have a well-deserved rest after a challenging 3-day hike to wonderful Ala Kul lake. ​
Elevation: -750 m
Hiking distance: approx. 14 km
Difficulty level: moderate
Accommodation: hotel in Karakol
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner​
Day 8 Chon Kemin Valley
Drive from Karakol to Chon Kemin valley, along the north shore of Issyk Kul lake. Transfer of around 6 hours, with photo stops at scenic locations.
Once we arrive in Chon Kemin, we will have time to enjoy nature by walking to the nearest hills, or going on a horseback (optional activity) in the village or a bit further, where we can get some beautiful views.
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Accommodation: shared room at a guest house in Chon Kemin.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Day 9 Bishkek
Transfer to Bishkek. We will have a stop at the Burana tower – an ancient minaret that is more than 1000 years old. This monument is one of the rarest buildings left from ancient times. This was a period of blossom of the Silk Road, and this place belonged to its main routes. That's why there were found numerous objects of different religions and cultures that we will be able to see in the museum on the territory of the Burana architectural complex.
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After a visit to Burana we will drive to Bishkek. We will have a short city tour to the highlights of the city, such as the main square Ala Too, The Oak Park and some other interesting spots.
If needed, we will call a taxi for you, so you can easily get to your hostel or hotel.
This is the moment where the tour is finished! There’s an optional dinner to say goodbye to our amazing new group of friends!
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Accommodation: hotel (not included), if you wish an extra night, let us know, so that a room will be ready for you and we will take care of the booking.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
