Kyrgyzstan Exploration Small group Tour – 6 Days – 5 Nights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin (ca. 200 km, 3-4h)

Today we head to the picturesque Chon Kemin Valley (1450 m), located in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning mountain views.

Along the way, we will visit the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley. The tower, along with funerary monuments, earthworks, the remains of a castle, and three mausoleums, are all that remain of the ancient city of Balasagyn, founded by the Karakhanids in the late 9th century.

Lunch en route. We will have the opportunity to taste traditional Kyrgyz kattama, a delicious flatbread.

Upon arriving at the guesthouse, we will begin preparing boorsok, a traditional fried dough prepared for family celebrations and always served at the table.

Before dinner, you will have free time to explore the village and observe local life.

Dinner at the guesthouse.

Meals included: dinner

Overnight Stay at the Guest House.

Day 2: Chon Kemin

Breakfast at the guesthouse. Today we will spend the day in Chon Kemin.

We will head to a panoramic viewpoint in Chon Kemin, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley, the village, and the surrounding landscape. After a short break at the viewpoint, we will continue our ascent to a coniferous
forest before heading back.

Lunch upon return to the guesthouse.

After lunch, we can attend a traditional equestrian game, Kok Boru, where riders compete to carry a goat carcass to the opposing team’s goal, demonstrating their skill and strength (optional).

Before dinner you will have some free time.

Dinner at the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hike: 5 km, 3-4 hours

Overnight Stay at the Guest House.

Day 3: Chon Kemin - Semenov Gorge - Karakol (ca. 320 km, 5h)

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we head to Lake Issyk Kul, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca. Its name means “hot lake” in Kyrgyz.

Lunch at a restaurant in Cholpon Ata.

Along the way, we’ll visit the Semenov Gorge, located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. We can walk, enjoy the wild nature, and spend some quality time in this beautiful place.

Upon arrival in Karakol, we explore its famous sites such as the Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque.

For dinner, we will go to a local restaurant where you can taste ashlyam-fu, a dish famous in Karakol for its special taste.

Meals included: breakfast

Overnight Stay at the Hotel/Guest House.

Day 4: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Barskoon - Skazka - Bokonbaevo (ca. 210 km, 3-4h)

After breakfast, we head to the Jeti Oguz Gorge. The name of the gorge is symbolic and means “seven bulls” in Kyrgyz because there are seven giant red-brown rocks resembling angry bulls standing together.

Lunch at the guesthouse or in a small cafe.

Next, we head to the Barskoon Gorge, famous for its waterfalls. One of the most famous is the Leopard’s Tears waterfall. This is where the monument to the first cosmonaut Yu. A. Gagarin is located, who loved this place very much and rested in the nearby Tamga military sanatorium.

The next destination is Skazka Canyon, which translates to “fairy tale” in Russian. It features rocks of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal may appear before you.

Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in the village of Bokonbaevo.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Overnight Stay at the Guest House.

Day 5: Bokonbaevo - Ak Say - Kyzyl Tuu - Kochkor (ca. 120 km, 3h)

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Today we will meet an eagle hunter with his bird of prey and have the opportunity to witness the bird’s impressive speed. Eagle hunting is an ancient nomadic tradition.

We then head to the Ak Say Canyons. We hike to the viewing point to enjoy a magnificent view of the canyons and the lake that opens up before us.

Lunch at the guesthouse in the village of Kyzyl Tuu.

Kyzyl Tuu being known as the cradle of yurts, after lunch we will attend a yurt making demonstration, during which a local family will share the secrets of this ancient craft passed down from generation to generation.

The next stop is Kochkor, known for its felt and skilled artisans. Upon arrival, we’ll meet Kyrgyz women who will demonstrate the traditional art of felt rug making.

Before dinner, we will attend a folk music performance by Kyrgyz musicians, highlighting traditional melodies.

Dinner at the local cafe or guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Overnight Stay at the Guest House.

Day 6: Kochkor - Bishkek (ca. 200 km, 4h)

Breakfast at the Hotel.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we return to Bishkek.

Arrival in Bishkek around noon. Arrival at the agreed place.

Meals included: breakfast