Kyrgyzstan: nature and nomadic culture.

A scenic drive through the Chui Valley and along the northern shore of the famous Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest high-altitude lake in the world, awaits you.
8:00 AM — Departure from Bishkek.
The journey begins. Along the way, you'll see wide steppe valleys, the Tien Shan mountain ranges, and traditional Kyrgyz villages.
9:30 AM — Burana Historical Complex.
Visit the ancient Burana Minaret. The Burana Tower is one of the country's most famous historical monuments and a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun, an important center on the Silk Road. Here you can climb the minaret, explore the museum, and see a collection of ancient stone statues—balbals.
11:30 AM — Kok-Moinok Canyons.
A short stop at the impressive Kok-Moinok Canyons.
These red canyons resemble a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. A short walk and a great opportunity to take beautiful photos.
1:00 PM — Lunch in Balykchy
The northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul begins here.
2:30 PM — Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs
Visit to the petroglyph archaeological complex. This unique open-air museum features thousands of ancient rock carvings dating back over 2,000 years. Many of them depict hunting scenes and animals.
4:00 PM — Walk by Lake Issyk-Kul
A short stop on the shore. Take a stroll along the beach, enjoy the view of the lake, and take beautiful photos against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan.
7:00 PM — Arrival in Karakol
Arrival in the city of Karakol. Accommodation at a guesthouse or hotel.
8:00 PM — Dinner
Discover the local cuisine and unwind after a busy day.

One of the most beautiful mountainous places in Kyrgyzstan awaits you – the Altyn Arashan Valley, famous for its hot springs, dense spruce forests, and impressive views of the Tien Shan peaks.
8:00 AM – Breakfast in Karakol
Breakfast at a guesthouse or hotel and preparation for the trip to the mountains.
9:00 AM – Transfer to the Altyn Arashan Valley.
The adventure begins in the legendary Soviet off-road UAZ "Bukhanka" minibus, specially designed for challenging mountain roads. Distance: 16–20 km, Travel time: 1.5–2 hours. The road passes through the Ak-Suu Gorge.
Along the way, you will experience:
crossing mountain rivers
a narrow, winding road through dense Tien Shan spruce forests
breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks
11:00 AM – Arrival in the gorge Altyn-Arashan
Arrival in an alpine valley surrounded by green meadows, forests, and glaciers. Free time to relax and explore nature.
Possible activities:

• Easy hiking - Walks through the valley with panoramic views of mountain peaks and glaciers.
• Hot springs - Bathing in the natural hot springs for which the valley is famous. The warm mineral water helps you relax after the journey and is considered beneficial for your health.
• Photography and outdoor recreation - Enjoy the clean mountain air and incredible scenery.

7:00 PM - Dinner
Home-cooked dinner in a cozy mountain atmosphere with views of the mountain peaks.
Overnight: Accommodation in a mountain guesthouse or yurt camp in the valley. The tranquility of the mountains, the starry sky, and the fresh alpine air create a truly special atmosphere.

Today, a true mountain adventure awaits you—a horseback ride along the alpine trails of the Tien Shan towards one of the region's most famous passes, the Ala-Kol Pass.
8:00 AM - Breakfast
Breakfast at a mountain guesthouse or yurt camp.
9:00 AM — Start of the horseback ride
Meet the local guides and prepare the horses.
Route duration: 5–6 hours
Format: Circular route
The trail gradually ascends the gorge, revealing increasingly impressive views of the Tien Shan mountain peaks. Along the way, you'll see:

• dense Tien Shan spruce forests
• crystal-clear mountain streams
• alpine meadows with wildflowers
• panoramic views of glaciers

The route follows the leading trail to the famous high-mountain lake Ala-Kol, but doesn't include the full climb to the pass, making the trip comfortable and accessible for most travelers.
1:00 PM – Picnic in the mountains
A short stop for rest and photos amidst the mountain scenery.
3:00 PM – Return to Altyn-Arashan
Descent back to the valley. Free time to rest or visit the hot springs again.
7:00 PM - Dinner
A home-cooked dinner in a cozy mountain atmosphere.
Overnight:
Accommodation at a guesthouse in Altyn-Arashan. A calm evening in the mountains, fresh alpine air and the incredible starry sky of the Tien Shan make this night especially memorable.

Today, the journey continues along the southern shore of the famous Lake Issyk-Kul.
8:00 AM — Breakfast in Karakol
Breakfast at the guesthouse and preparation for departure.
9:00 AM — Departure from Karakol
Departure from Karakol towards the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.
9:40 AM — Jeti-Oguz Gorge
Visit to the picturesque Jeti-Oguz Gorge. The gorge is known for its bright red rock formations. The main natural landmark is the legendary "Seven Bulls" rock, which has become a symbol of the region. A short walk and time for photos.
11:00 AM — Kok-Zhaiyk Pasture
Ascent to alpine meadows. This beautiful high-mountain pasture is surrounded by dense spruce forests and the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan. A short walk and photo stop are included. 1:30 PM — Barskoon Gorge
Stop at the famous Barskoon Gorge. The gorge is renowned for its picturesque waterfalls. It also houses a monument to Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, who loved to vacation in Issyk-Kul. A short walk to one of the waterfalls.
4:00 PM — Skazka Canyon
Visit the unusual Skazka Canyon. Wind and erosion have created amazing multicolored rock formations here, reminiscent of ancient castles, towers, and fantastical figures. Walk through the canyon and take photos against the backdrop of unusual landscapes.
6:30 PM — Arrival in Bokonbaevo
Arrival in the village of Bokonbaevo. Here, guests will enjoy a demonstration of traditional golden eagle hunting—an ancient nomadic art passed down from generation to generation. 7:30 PM — Dinner
Home-cooked dinner at a guesthouse and an introduction to local culture.

Today, you'll journey through the central mountain landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, offering panoramic views of alpine pastures, high passes, and crystal-clear lakes.
8:00 AM — Breakfast in Bokonbaevo
Breakfast at the guesthouse and preparation for departure.
9:00 AM — Departure from Bokonbaevo
The road begins along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul and continues toward the village of Kochkor. Along the way, you'll see picturesque villages, pastures, and traditional Kyrgyz yurts, where nomadic shepherds continue to live.
12:30 PM — Stop in Kochkor
A short walk and photo stop in the village of Kochkor, famous for its handicraft workshops, where you can see felt carpets and traditional souvenirs being made.
2:00 PM — Road to Lake Son-Kol
A high-altitude drive through alpine pastures. Along the way, views of crystal-clear rivers, high passes, and wild mountain meadows open up.
Lake elevation: 3,016 meters above sea level
Son-Kul Lake is one of the most famous sites of nomadic culture in Kyrgyzstan, where nomads breed herds and live in traditional yurts.
5:00 PM — Arrival at Son-Kul Lake
Accommodation at a yurt camp on the lakeshore. Free time for walks, photography, observing the nomadic way of life, and watching the sunset over the lake.
7:00 PM — Dinner
Traditional dinner in a yurt with views of the lake and mountains. Accommodation at a yurt camp on the shore of Son-Kul Lake. A night under the open sky in the mountains, the starry sky, and the silence of the high-altitude lake create the unforgettable atmosphere of a true Kyrgyz expedition.

The day is dedicated to exploring the high-altitude pastures around Lake Son-Kol. Guests will have the opportunity to experience traditional nomadic life and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the highlands.
Possible activities:

• Horseback rides along the lakeshore
• Hiking through alpine meadows
• Visiting nomadic families
• Learning about the traditional Kyrgyz way of life

The final point of the journey is a return to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, you'll discover some of the most picturesque mountain landscapes of the central Tien Shan, including passes and alpine pastures.
8:00 AM — Breakfast at Son-Kol Lake
Breakfast at a yurt camp with views of the lake and mountain peaks.
Enjoy the sunrise over the lake and take your last photos surrounded by alpine meadows and nomadic pastures.
9:00 AM — Departure from Son-Kol
Begin the journey back to Bishkek. Along the way, you'll pass alpine passes, mountain rivers, and pastures where nomadic families continue to live.
11:30 AM — Stop at 33 Parrot Pass.
A short photo stop and rest on one of the high mountain passes. Panoramic views of the valleys and mountain ranges make this stop an excellent opportunity for photos and a short walk.
1:00 PM — Drive through the village of Kochkor
Short stop in Kochkor.
3:00 PM — Drive through valleys and mountain passes
Continue along picturesque valleys, mountain rivers, and forests. Enjoy panoramic views and make stops at your leisure.
7:00 PM — Arrival in Bishkek
Arrival in the city. Tour ends. The driver will take you to your hotel or the airport.