We will depart from Bishkek at 8 AM and drive 80km to our first stop at Burana Tower. This minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval city of Balasagun, capital of the mighty Karakhanid Empire. You can climb up the minaret’s winding staircase to enjoy a wide view of the scenic Chuy Valley. There is also an open-air museum here featuring a collection of ancient balbals, carved stone figures often found around ancient burial mounds.
In June, July, August & September: Song-Kul
From Burana, we will continue driving to the village of Kochkor, where we stop for lunch. It is then another 4-5 hours drive, mostly on dirt roads, up to Song Kul and around the lake’s southern shore to the yurt camp. The lake is situated at an altitude of around 3,000m and is only accessible in summer.
Overnight in a yurt (one yurt for 2 of you, shared bathroom facilities)
In May & October: Chon Kemin
From Burana, we will drive further on into the mountains to our guesthouse in the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley. We will have lunch at the guesthouse on arrival. In the afternoon, you can walk into the village, observe the life of the local people; or opt for a short horse ride into the surrounding hills. Dinner will be served at the guesthouse.
Kemin Guesthouse (single/ twin room with private bathroom)