3-days tour around Issyk-Kul Lake

Pick-up in the morning in Bishkek (address to be confirmed). Leave the bustle of Bishkek behind and travel across to Kyrgyzstan to the incredible Chon-Kemin Valley, a protected region which is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the country. Its landscapes vary from semi-deserts to towering glaciers and the region is home to snow leopards, red deer and golden eagles.
Chon Kemin is a unique natural reserve with beautifully preserved alpine landscape. Steep glaciers are fringed with green coniferous forests and the valley is surrounded on all sides by towering mountain peaks. After the rainy season, the valley blooms with wildflowers which spread as far as the eye can see. 

On the way, stop to visit Burana Historical Tower, one of the few historical buildings in Kyrgyzstan and a remnant of an old Silk Road Town. The tower is part of the minaret of the town of Balasagun that was the capital of the Karahanid Dynasty in the 11th century. In 1974 the tower was restored and now you can climb up through the inside the tower and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Around the tower you find Balbals (stone warriors) from between the 6th and 10th centuries. The small museum contains more artifacts collected in this area. 

Continue on to the Chon-Kemin Valley and check-in to a family run guesthouse in the village of Tarsuu. The beautiful steep-sided Chon (Big) Kemin Valley runs parallel to the border of Kazakhstan between two mountain ranges. The valley’s population is mostly Kyrgyz, of the Sary Bagysh tribe, and many traditions are still practiced here.

After a short rest and check-in, enjoy a home-cooked lunch at the guesthouse terrace with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and village.
Before dinner take a gentle stroll around the village and glean a fascinating insight into rural Kyrgyz life. Possible to do a hiking tour to Chon-Kemin area.

Dinner at the guesthouse.

Available activities upon request (for additional cost): 
- Boorsok show (small pieces of dough fried in oil, Kyrgyz national bread)
- Horseback riding

Meals: L, D

After a nice village style breakfast at the guesthouse, depart to Karakol through the northern shore of the Issyk-Kul Lake. 
Issyk-Kul Lake (1,700m), the second-largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. The lake has a microclimate that is relatively balmy and, even more aptly, its waters never freeze. This is how the lake got its name. Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyz means “hot lake”.The shores of the lake are very different. The northern shore of the lake is more visited and developed for tourism due to the flat coastline and sandy beaches. The southern shore of Issyk-Kul is more deserted and calm. There are fewer beaches, but very many different sights untouched by man.

On the way, stop in Cholpon-Ata town. Visit open-air Museum of Petroglyphs (stone inscriptions) that contains more than 2000 petroglyphs dating from 800 BC to 1200 AD. On the rocks you can see drawings that depict hunting scenes, sacrifice, victory, war, and everyday activities.

The small city of Cholpon-Ata is famous for its petroglyphs, resorts, sandy beaches, and underground mineral springs. Now it is very popular place in the summer with numerous resorts, hotels and attractions.

Continue driving to Karakol. Located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, the city of Karakol was founded late in the 19th century as a Russian military outpost and grew as a refuge for Chinese Muslims fleeing persecution in the early 20th century. Some buildings here are constructed in a Chinese style from wood and without metal nails and others remain from the Russian colonial period.

In Karakol visit Holy Trinity Cathedral made entirely of wood (no nails), Dungan Mosque that was built by a Chinese architect and 20 artisans between 1907 and 1910. It was built entirely of wood, without a single nail. The Dungans first arrived in Karakol as refugees in 1877 and created a small community. The Mosque is set into its own territory and the distinctive decoration (it is painted in bright colors – red, green and yellow – and bears reliefs depicting various types of flora and mythical animals such as dragons and the phoenix) that give it an original character. Before heading to lunch visit the Central Bazaar to see locals buying and selling household products, food and fabrics. Evening free time in Karakol.

Available activities upon request (for additional cost):
- One hour boat tour on the Issyk-Kul Lake in Cholpon-Ata (weather dependent)
- Dinner at a local Uigur or Dungan family’s house (available form 4 people)

Meals: B

Possible to visit the famous Animal market, available only on Sundays.

After an early breakfast the guesthouse drive to Jety Oguz valley where shepherds share many legends about the beautiful, famous, red rocks known as «Seven Bulls» and «Broken Heart». At the base of the cliffs are flat mountain slopes, thickly overgrown with grass and pine trees. The “Broken Heart” rock, located at the entrance to the gorge, offers an especially romantic scene. 

In Bokonbaevo village, enjoy home-cooked lunch at a local Kyrgyz family’s house. Visit Fairy Tale Canyon with a short hiking tour for 1-2 hrs (weather dependant). 

Before evening arrive to Bishkek. Drop-off at final destination. End of services.

Meals: B, L