Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Most flights arrive very early in the morning. Transfer to the hotel and early check-in. You can have a rest after your long flight and have breakfast.
In the afternoon we will have a city tour in Bishkek. The tour includes Osh Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Ala-Too Square with the National History Museum, and a monument to national hero Manas. Dinner in a nice local restaurant with folklore show
Hotel Navat or similar
Transfer to Ala Archa National Park, in the mountains, just 30km outside of Bishkek. We start there our winter light trek with snowshoes (if the weather allows) to the frozen waterfall. Lunch as a picnic in fresh air. In the afternoon transfer to the hotel. Dinner in the local restaurant with New Year performance. Overnight in the hotel.
Notes: for trekking you need normal hiking shoes, as it is in wintertime be sure that they are waterproof.
Hotel Navat or similar
After breakfast we depart from Bishkek. First stop is Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok, 60km east of Bishkek. The minaret from the 11th century is the only remaining building from the ancient town of Balasagun, once capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire. You can walk up the winding staircase and enjoy a nice view of the Chuy valley. There is also a small open-air museum with “balbals”, carved stone figures used as monuments.
We then continue driving further into the mountains to a guesthouse in the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Upon arrival we have lunch at the guesthouse. In the afternoon we go for a light trek to the panorama view or optionally rent horses and do horse trek for about 2-3 hours. In the evening before dinner, you can learn how “Boorsok” (deep-fried, typical Kyrgyz bread) is made. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.
Ashu Guesthouse (single/ twin room with private bathroom)
After breakfast transfer to Karakol along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Lake Issyk Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1600m, it is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded completely by the Tien Shan Mountains.
We drive along the entire northern shore of the lake and make a stop halfway, near Cholpon Ata, to visit an open-air site with many ancient petroglyphs, i.e. stone drawings.
By late afternoon we arrive in Karakol and start our city tour. We will visit Russian Orthodox Church made of wood and Muslim Mosque in Dungan Style. In the evening, you will experience how to cook “Lagman” (Central Asian dish of pulled noodles, meat, and vegetables), with Uighur family in Karakol. Overnight in the hotel.
Green Yard Hotel or similar
After breakfast, transfer to Nature Park Ak-Suu (20 km). We start with an excursion in Dendra Park with the many different trees from all over the world. After we go trekking with snowshoes in the Nature Park during 4-5 hours (about 12-13 km of the hike). You will cross Kara-Beltek pass 2606 m and come down to Karakol town. As an alternative to hiking, you may choose to go skiing. The car will be waiting for us to transfer back to Karakol. In the evening celebration of the New Year with the Kyrgyz family. Overnight in the hotel.
Green Yard Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we drive along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to the village of Bokonbaevo. On the way we visit Jety Oguz Valley with the famous red rock formations “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart”. Your guide will tell you the legends of how the rocks got these names. The next stop is the canyon “Skazka”, translated as “Fairytale” due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. We go for a short hike.
Finish the day in Almaluu yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
After breakfast, transfer to Bishkek, along the southern shore of Issyk- Kul Lake. Optionally, in Kyzyl – Tuu village visit one of the families who produce wooden parts of a yurt, nomad dwelling house. We will get to know all the secrets of yurt making and see its process of making. On the way, we stop at Konorchok Canyons. If the weather allows, we can do a light hike for about 3 hours. Upon arrival to Bishkek, check into the hotel and enjoy free time, before the farewell dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
Hotel Navat or similar
Transfer to the airport for departure flight back home.
Currently there are no planned trips. Please contact us if you would like to know about the availability of this tour in the future.
The Kyrgyz currency is called the Som (KGS). In the capital Bishkek and larger towns, there are many ATMs that you can find in shopping centers, supermarkets, or on the main streets. All of them accept Visa cards and some, like Kyrgyz Kommerts Bank, Demir Bank and Uni Credit accept other cards such as MasterCard. In the mountains and small villages, you better don't rely on ATMs. We also recommend that you bring some cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible everywhere. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is the most liberal and democratic country in the Central Asian region. The political situation in the country is calm and there is nothing to suggest that this situation might change. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as a very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night, and only use official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kyrgyz partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of all Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. To be sure whether you need a visa or not you can contact us. Any special permits that you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide to you free of charge.
As soon as we receive your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kyrgyzstan.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. In the Ferghana Valley in the south and in the capital Bishkek, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated more than 1500 meters above sea level, where temperatures are in the mid-20s during summer. At high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer, so make sure you bring some warm clothes. The best season to visit for activity or jeep tours would be in summer and winter for skiing tours. Please note, the weather in some mountain areas may change quickly.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kyrgyzstan are basic at best.
