15D14N Kyrgyzstan Ancient Trails

Arrive in Bishkek and meet your local driver and guide. Transfer to the city and enjoy a walking city tour featuring the Historical State Museum, Ala-Too Square, Manas Statue, and Lenin Statue. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, drive to Kegety Gorge, a beautiful alpine area with streams, meadows, and forests. Take a short walk to the Kegety Waterfall. Stop for lunch with a Kyrgyz family to experience traditional hospitality. Continue to the Burana Tower, a historical minaret from the 10th century and a relic of the ancient city of Balasaguni. Drive to Chon-Kemin Valley, where you can explore the village and observe local life.

Enjoy a morning hike or horse ride in Kok-Archa Gorge before heading to Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Stop in Cholpon-Ata for a boat ride on the lake and visit the Petroglyphs Museum, an open-air collection of ancient rock carvings. Continue to Karakol for a city tour, including the Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque.

Transfer to the picturesque Altyn-Arashan Gorge via a rugged 4WD vehicle. Known for its thermal springs and stunning fir tree forests, Altyn-Arashan offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and relaxation. Return to Karakol in the afternoon.

Travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Stop at Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red rock formations, including the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart. Visit Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon, where wind-sculpted rock formations create a unique landscape. Arrive at Jaichy Agro Yurt Camp for an authentic Kyrgyz experience.

Continue to Naryn, passing the stunning Orto-Tokoi Reservoir and Kochkor Village, a center of Kyrgyz handicrafts. Learn about traditional felt-making and shop for Shyrdak carpets. Enjoy lunch with a local family before reaching Naryn.

Visit the Tash-Rabat Caravanserai, a 15th-century Silk Road structure surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Continue to Son-Kol Lake, located at 3016m above sea level. Experience nomadic life in traditional yurts, try kymyz (fermented mare’s milk), and stargaze under the vast mountain skies.

Spend the morning exploring Son-Kol Lake, known for its summer pastures and herds of grazing animals. After lunch, journey to Kazarman Village, located in a remote and scenic region.

Drive to Osh, passing the Uzgen Minaret, a 12th-century relic from the Karakhanid Empire. Upon arrival in Osh, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time before dinner.

Visit the sacred Suleiman Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and significant pilgrimage site. Explore Babur’s House, a historic meditation site. Transfer to Arslanbob, known for its stunning waterfalls and vast walnut forests.

Hike to Arslanbob Waterfall and enjoy a picnic in the wild walnut forest, one of the largest in the world. Continue to Sary-Chelek, a biosphere reserve known for its pristine lakes and diverse flora.

Travel to Suusamyr Valley, passing the stunning Toktogul Reservoir. Enjoy dinner and stay with a local family in the valley.

Drive to Bishkek, passing through the scenic Too-Ashu Mountain Pass at over 3000m. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time before dinner.

Visit Ala-Archa National Park, located just outside the city, for a short hike and breathtaking mountain views. In the afternoon, explore Victory Square, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Osh Bazaar. End the day with a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Farewell, Kyrgyzstan!