Description
This tour runs from May to September 2024
8 Days | Bishkek, Son-Kul, Tash-Rabat, Kochkor, Karakol, Altyn-Arashan, Cholpon-Ata
Son-kul is the ethnic pride of Kyrgyzstan. This large lake with several hundred kilometers of coastline has been inhabited for a very long time. Traces of its ancient civilization can still be found on the shores of Son-kul. On this eight-day tour of Kyrgyz mountain life, you will not only learn many interesting facts about the history and culture of the people living on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, but also enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped mountains standing above the turquoise lake. The tour also includes a city walk in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Additional information
Kyrgyzstan Mountain Tour This tour runs from May to September 2024
8 Days | Bishkek, Son-Kul, Tash-Rabat, Kochkor, Karakol, Altyn-Arashan, Cholpon-Ata
Son-kul is the ethnic pride of Kyrgyzstan. This large lake with several hundred kilometers of coastline has been inhabited for a very long time.
Exclusions
- Early arrival night in Bishkek;
- Single supply
- Visa cost;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Flight tickets;
- Alcohol and soft drinks;
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Breakfast/lunch/dinner
- All transfers
- Excursion program with English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions according to the program;
- Mineral water
- Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor
Accommodation
- Bishkek – 1 nights (twin room) B hotel / My hotel / Bridges or similar
- Son Kul – 1 night (3-4 person in one yurt)
- Tash-Rabat – 1 night Yurts (4 people in one yurt)
- Kochkor – 1 night Nomad Lodge hotel / Olive hotel or similar
- Karakol – 1 night Karavan/Tagaytay/ Matsunoki guest house or similar
- Altyn-Arashan guest house. 2 nights. (twin rooms)
- Cholpon-Ata – 1 night
Tour itinerary
Bishkek – Lake Son-kul (360 km)
After breakfast, head to Lake Son-kul, the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Son-kul Lake is located at an altitude of 3013 meters and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Son-kul Lake is located at an altitude of 3013 meters and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is a great place to experience the nomadic lifestyle and get away from the busy city life. Upon arrival, you are free to explore and enjoy the unspoiled nature of the lake and its surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay is in a Kyrgyz yurt, a wooden frame covered with felt. The yurts are built without the use of nails.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Nutrition: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Son-kul Lake – Tash Rabat Caravanserai (Tash Fortress) (260 km)
After breakfast travel to Tash Rabat, a caravanserai on the Silk Road. Tash Rabat is located in the heart of the Tien Shan Mountains. It is built of stone and yet it is built in the mountains, 3,200 meters above sea level. It is associated with the ruins of a city on the Great Silk Road, used as a hotel and refuge for travelers. There are a total of 31 rooms on the mountain. The walls reach a thickness of 1 meter. There is also a prison for criminals in the basement. Dinner and overnight at the Yurt near the Tash Rabat caravanserai.
Accommodation: yurt camp
Nutrition: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Tash Rabat – Kochkor village (230 km)
After breakfast transfer to Kochkor village. Upon arrival in Kochkor, visit a felt carpet workshop and see the process of making felt carpets and souvenirs, Kyrgyz national costume and you can also participate in the carpet making process. Dinner with a Kyrgyz family and overnight in a homestay.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Nutrition: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Kochhor Valley – Karakol (320 km)
After breakfast, travel to Karakol (200 km) along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake (1608 m above sea level), the second largest alpine lake in the world. Due to its size, it is also known as the ‘Sea of Kyrgyzstan’. Along the way, the route passes through spectacular valleys and crosses the Orto-Tokoy reservoir and the Jety Oguz valley. The picturesque Jety Oguz Valley is located 28 km southwest of the town of Karakol. Its name in Kyrgyz means ‘seven bulls’. The name is symbolic as it is a 35-meter-long wall covered with seven huge reddish-brown cliffs that resemble wild bulls standing together.
Before the cliffs are flat mountain slopes covered with grass and pine trees. The ‘Broken Heart’ rock at the entrance to the valley is particularly romantic. Jety Oguz is also famous for its hot springs rich in radon and hydrogen sulphide. There is a spa resort in the town at an altitude of 2,200 meters.
The thermal waters are useful in the treatment of rheumatism, stomach ailments and nervous system disorders. At a higher altitude one reaches the Kok-jayik pottery, which offers a magnificent view of the valley, and the Valley of Flowers, where poppies are in full bloom. The upper part of Jety Oguz also has mountain lakes and gurgling waterfalls.
After hiking in the valley, transfer to Karakol town. Lunch at a local cafe. Sightseeing: Visit the museum of M.V. Przejalski, one of the world’s greatest explorers. His main achievements are the crossing of the great desert Taklamakan and the discovery of more than 4,000 animals, including Prejvalski horses. The tour then continues with a visit to the Dungan Mosque. The uniqueness of this mosque is that it was built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail. Then visit an old wooden Orthodox church.. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals Breakfast/lunch/dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Nutrition: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Karakol – Altyn-Arashan (2 nights)
In the morning, transfer to the Altyn-Arashan. It takes near 5 hours to reach guest house in Altyn-Arashan by walk. The Altin-Arashan Gorge is one of the most famous gorges in Karakol with its magnificent fur forests and hot springs. You will then enjoy a one-hour hike in the gorge before transferring to the city and driving to Cholpon Ata. Stay 2 night in guest house in Altyn-Arashan. Horse riding to amazingly beautiful Ala-kol lake. (depends on weather)
Accommodation: guesthouse
Nutrition: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Altyn-Arashan- Cholpon Ata (170 km)
After breakfast walk back Karakol and transfer to Cholpon-Ata along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. On the way visit the open-air museum of petroglyphs (dating back to 800 BC). Hot spring Keremet suu. You can swim in hot pool 1 hour. Stay in resort with own beach in Cholpon-Ata. Free time evening. Can swim in the lake.
Accommodation: Resort hotel
Nutrition: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Cholpon-Ata- Bishkek
After breakfast transfer to the hotel. End of the tour.
Accommodation: 3-4 star hotel in Bishkek
Nutrition: Breakfast/lunch
Tour Map
Tour Gallery
Tour Prices
Price per person
1 person-US$ 3,120
2 persons-US$ 1,620
3 persons-US$ 1,380
Single supplement -US$ 260
Prices are for 2024 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Available tour booking dates
- Saturday
15 june, 2024 - Sunday
23 june, 2024
- Monday
15 july, 2024 - Tuesday
23 july, 2024
- Thursday
15 august, 2024 - Friday
23 august, 2024