TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Burana Tower - Balasagun was a city in the Chuy region during the Karakhanid Khanate.  Excavations have revealed that the double walls of the settlement enclosed 30 sq km, including a fortress, many workshops, bazaars, a bathhouse, and a plot of arable land.  Water brought by a large pipe from a neighboring canyon.  As the Karakhanid rule was shaken by Mongol invasions, Balasagun began a slow decline, eventually becoming a ghost town in the 15th century.

Burana Tower is the most visible remnant of the old city.  Built in the 11th century, the tower is thought to have been a minaret.  It was originally double it's current height of 24.6 meters.  Historian's believe the top half to have been destroyed in a 15th century earthquake.

Chong-Kemin Valley - In the Chuy region this small 500 hectare park covers an incredible range of terrain, from semi desert to glacier.  Trek the gorge and check out the extreme landscapes, and unique animal and plant life including the Tolai Hare, pheasant, and fir-needle ephedra.

Issyk-Kul Lake - the crown jewel of the Tian Shan, Lake Issyk-Kul is 6232 sq m of sparkling blue paradise.  The second largest saline lake in the world, its name in Kyrgyz means "hot lake"-- though surrounded by spectacular snow capped peaks, the water never freezes.  Silk Road traders stopped here to recover from the grueling trek over the passes of the Tian Shan, and it is still the most popular destination in Kyrgyzstan to relax for both tourists and locals.

Lake Son-Kul-- in Kyrgyz "the final lake".  Son Kul gleams like a brilliant sapphire on it's lush green mountain plateau.  At 3016 m it is inaccessible during winter months, and even in summer weather conditions can change rapidly. "The Last Lake" is considered one of the most beautiful areas for summer pasturing with an area of 270 km sq.  In winter the lake freezes over with ice more than a meter thick. 

Nomads have been making the upland trek to this 3016 m asl lake since ancient times with their livestock.  Some left mysterious "standing stone" arrangements.

Lake Son-Kul is a beautiful place to experience life on a jailoo – summer pasture.  Ride horses in the surrounding mountains, or stay in a yurt and experience an old-fashioned Kyrgyz summer. 

Today, we head to the beautiful Chong-Kemin Valley, with a fascinating stop at the Burana Tower, an ancient structure from the 10th-11th century. Once an important point on the Great Silk Road, we’ll explore the tower and its surroundings for about an hour.

Afterward, we continue to Chong-Kemin, where you'll enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch at a local homestay. In the afternoon, you can relax, take a walk around the village, or opt for a horseback ride through the scenic valley.

Your accommodation for the night will be in a local guesthouse, offering an authentic Kyrgyz experience. It’s going to be a day of history, culture, and natural beauty! 

After breakfast, we’ll head to Karakol, a 5–6 hour drive through beautiful scenery. Along the way, we’ll stop in Cholpon-Ata to visit the open-air petroglyph gallery, where ancient rock carvings tell stories of the past.

After a lunch break at a local café, we’ll continue to Karakol. Once there, we’ll visit the unique Dungan Mosque, built without nails, and the charming Russian Orthodox Church.

The day ends with dinner at a local café and a relaxing stay at a guesthouse. Overnight at guest house.  

After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to the Kyzyl Suu Valley, located 40 km from Karakol. From here, our trek begins—a beautiful 16 km journey to the Jeti-Oguz Valley. Along the way, we’ll cross the Jeti-Oguz Pass, which reaches a height of 2,800 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

We’ll pause for lunch in the heart of nature, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. One of the highlights of the trek is a visit to the stunning waterfall in Kok Jayik Gorge, a perfect spot to take a break and capture some amazing photos.

By evening, we’ll arrive at a traditional yurt camp nestled in the valley. Here, a hot dinner will be waiting for us, and you’ll spend the night in a cozy yurt, experiencing the charm of Kyrgyz nomadic culture under a starry sky. 

After breakfast, we’ll take a short hike to the   viewpoint of Ogyz Bashy Peak (5,180 meters), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking   views of the snowy mountains. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we’ll   return to the yurt for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll walk down the Jeti-Oguz   mountain range towards the famous 7 Bulls rock, finishing our trek at a   panoramic viewpoint.

Next, we’ll visit the Skazka Canyons, known for   their colorful, otherworldly landscapes. After a full day of adventure, we’ll   head to the next yurt camp in Bokonbaevo, where a delicious dinner and a   comfortable night await.

 Morning free time near the lake swim 

Later we’ll transfer to Jaychi yurt camp, where you’ll have the chance to witness an incredible eagle hunting show, a traditional Kyrgyz skill passed down through generations. After the show, enjoy a delicious lunch with a local Kyrgyz family, experiencing their warm hospitality.

Next, we’ll continue our journey to Kochkor village, where a hearty dinner will await you. Afterward, settle into your guesthouse for a restful night, preparing for the next trek ahead 

We’ll begin the day with a transfer from Kochkor to Kyzart Pass. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide team and start the adventure.

As we begin our trek, we’ll cross Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, a vast, flat sea of grass stretching before us. Continuing over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3,061 m), we’ll enter the beautiful Chaar-Archa Valley, where we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch by the rushing river, with stunning views of the sacred 4,400-meter Baba-Ata Mountain.

After lunch, we’ll ford the river and follow a trail over lush, green hills to Kilemche Jailoo. This area, known for its carpet-like appearance, covers entire mountain ranges, with grassy patterns as intricate and beautiful as a Kyrgyz shyrdak (felt carpet).

We’ll end the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy yurt, enjoying the peaceful Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle 

 After breakfast at Kilemche, we’ll spend the morning climbing to the Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m), crossing the Song-Kol Mountains and heading into the lake’s basin. The ascent offers breathtaking views of Kilemche jailoo, and the rocky pass itself is an exciting challenge.

As we descend from the pass, Song-Kol Lake gradually comes into view, growing larger with every step. The towering southern mountains rise above the lake, creating a dramatic and beautiful landscape.

After lunch at Jaman Echki, we’ll transfer to the lakeshore, heading east to the yurt camp at Batai-Aral. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a Kyrgyz shepherd family. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm meal and stay overnight in a traditional yurt. 

 After breakfast, we’ll begin our transfer back to Bishkek, traveling through the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. Enjoy the stunning views as we make our way through the mountains.

Upon arrival in Bishkek, the tour concludes. We hope you’ve enjoyed the adventure and experienced the beauty and culture of Kyrgyzstan!