Off road tour in

Today we will see one of the marvelous and peaceful lakes of Central Asia at 3000 m altitude. On the way we make photo stops and picnic-lunch, pass one of the local villages called Chaek. “Songkol” means end-lake because a long time ago our ancestors were looking for good pastures and by chance encountered this beautiful lake full of pastures around and decided to settle down here as this was the perfect spot for the nomads with their animals. The highest point on the way will be the 3300 meter-high Kara-Keche pass. We stop at the viewpoint nearby the biggest coal mining area of Kyrgyzstan. Closer to the lake we will see thousands of animals like horses, cows, goats and if lucky even yaks. We will make a visit to one of the local shepherds’ families to get to know how they live.

Accommodation: yurt camp (facilities outside)

After relaxing morning we will be driving along the lake Songkol and stop at the viewpoint of 33 parrots pass (there is a story behind this name). Going down the pass we will have to do 33 serpentines and afterwards we will stop to do a hike to the Songkol waterfall. We will have our lunch on the shore of the river in another beautiful gorge. In the afternoon we will come to Naryn, the capital of Naryn province squeezed between the mountains with the biggest river of Kyrgyzstan crossing the whole city. The river is also called Naryn and it is more than 800 km long. Naryn river eventually floats into the biggest water reservoir of the country and continues further to Fergana valley to form Syrdarya river.

Accommodation: 4* hotel

Today we start early in the morning to make sure we will be as early as possible at the 3800 meter-high pass called Tosor. Within one hour after the departure we will see the spot where two big rivers joining: Big Naryn and Small Naryn. Again we will see vast pastures with shepherds yurts and animals around. Picnic-lunch on the way. On the top of the Tosor pass there will be a small lake and the glazier that is million years old. Today afternoon we will see the pearl of Kyrgyzstan – the Issyk-Kul lake. Issyk-Kul is of tectonic origin and is million years old. It is 180 km long and 60 km wide and 700 meters deep. Hopefully we will have some free time in the evening to go for a swim in the lake as our mini-resort is pretty close to the lake.

Accommodation: mini-resort (this is a resort area)

After the breakfast within half an hour will be in the magnificent Skazka (fairytale) canyon for taking pictures of the magnificent and multicolor formations and hiking among them. At some point you will meet the real eagle hunter in his 3^rd generation. You will learn everything about this bird of prey, see how they are trained and attack prey during the hunting, shoot from the bow and make a ton of pictures with the bird and the hunter. The next destination will be the picturesque Barskoon gorge with the monument of Juri Gagarin (you will be explained why Gagarin’s monument is right there on the spot) and we will have picnic lunch there. In the afternoon we will come to another popular spot for travellers – Jeti Oguz (Seven bulls) gorge formed by red sandstone, one of the oldest stones on earth. We will climb to the viewpoint from where you will have a perfect view of the “Seven bulls” rocks. There is also a Soviet Jeti Oguz sanatorium with hot springs and mud baths nearby.

Accommodation: guesthouse

The whole day is devoted to Altyn Arashan gorge and it is worth it! This is one of the most beautiful gorges of Central Asia with impressive views of the river, forest and mountains. The destination is the Altyn Arashan valley with hot springs pools. Taking bath in the hot springs is optional but recommended. Lunch on the spot. On the way to Altyn Arashan valley and back there will be easy hiking organized with a chance to walk between 4-8 km (optional). Free time upon return to the hotel in Karakol. In the evening you will witness one of the best folklore concerts you have ever seen, professional musicians and singers will perform traditional Kyrgyz melodies and songs playing on various authentic Kyrgyz musical instruments.

Accommodation: guesthouse

Today morning we leave Chong Kemin valley and drive to the UNESCO historical site Balasagyn. There are the ruins of the palace, the local museum, the open-air museum of 2500-year-old carvings and 1200-year-old Turkic gravestones (balbals). But the most interesting spot at this site is the ancient 1000-year-old Burana tower which is the only object that remained in the course of times. Then we shortly drive to the neighboring village Don-Aryk to be hosted by the local family. There we will learn to how to make boorsok (traditional Kyrgyz bread) and have authentic Kyrgyz lunch. Also we will learn how to set up the Kyrgyz yurt together with the local family. In the afternoon we arrive at Bishkek and you will still have some free time for shopping. Farewell dinner.

Accommodation: 4* hotel