Classical Kyrgyzstan

Meet in Bishkek in the morning. Transfer to Chon-Kemin National Park. On the way, stop at Burana Tower for excursion.
Guesthouse check-in upon arrival. Homemade lunch & dinner at the guesthouse.
Excursion in the village on a horse-cart; walking excursion to get acquainted with local lifestyle, meeting with locals. Possible to do an easy hiking up to the panoramic viewpoint over Chon-Kemin Valley
Evening storytelling time over the campfire 

Accommodation: Guesthouse Kemin   
Meals: L, D

Available activities for extra charge:
- Kyrgyz traditional horse games show
- Boorsok show – cooking national Kyrgyz fried bread
- Horseback riding (1-2 hours)
- Felt craft making show 

Burana Complex (UNESCO heritage site) - one of the few historical buildings in Kyrgyzstan and a remnant of an old Silk Road town. The tower is a part of the minaret of the town of Balasagun that was the capital of the Karahanid Dynasty during the 11th century. In 1974 the tower was restored and now it is possible to climb up through the inside stairs and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from its top. Around the tower there are Balbals (stone warriors) from between the 6th and 10th centuries. The small museum contains more artifacts collected in this area.

Chon-Kemin Valley and Gorge - known as one of Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful locales, the Chon-Kemin valley is popular with those who enjoy extreme sports. Its eponymous river flows across the Kungei-Ala-Too and Iliysky Ala-Too mountain ranges, stretching over 70 miles, with seven lakes in its basin. Here also lies a specially protected region, Chon-Kemin National Park, a lush natural area brimming with diverse flora and fauna. Forming the sides of the valley are conifer forests, which are home to many varieties of herbs, berries, and mushrooms. The Chon-Kemin valley is a popular spot amongst those who truly appreciate natural beauty, as it remains - many say - in its virgin state.

Village style tasty breakfast at the guesthouse. Free time at the hotel located on the lake shore.
Hotel check-in upon arrival in Cholpon-Ata town. Sightseeing in the city (open-air Museum of Petroglyphs, Ruh-Ordo ethno-cultural center).
One hour boat cruise on the lake (optional for extra charge; weather dependant)
Transfer to Cholpon-Ata, main city on the northern coast of Issyk-Kul Lake. Short free time in the morning in the nature.

Accommodation: Caprice Resort or similar
Meals: B

Issyk-Kul Lake, a drainless lake in northeastern Kyrgyzstan. Situated in the northern Tien Shan (“Celestial Mountains”), it is one of the largest high-mountain lakes in the world and is famous for its magnificent scenery and unique scientific interest. It is situated within the bottom edges of the Lake Issyk-Kul basin, which is bordered to the north by the Kungoy Ala Range and to the south by the Teskey Ala Range. The lake has a length of 113 miles (182 km), a width up to 38 miles (61 km), and a surface area of 2,425 square miles (6,280 square km). It reaches a depth of 2,192 feet (668 meters) and averages some 920 feet (280 meters) deep. The lake’s Kyrgyz name, Issyk-Kol, means “Hot Lake,” alluding to the fact that it does not freeze over during the winter. 

After breakfast at hotel transfer to Karakol town.
Guesthouse check-in upon arrival.
Afternoon sightseeing tour of Karakol town’s main highlights. Dinner at a local Uigur or Dungan family’s house.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Matsunoki or similar 
Meals: B, D

Located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, the town 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.

Sightseeing tour includes the 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.

Excursion to Jyrgalan valley. Lunch at guesthouse.
Hiking tour to Tulpar-Tash stone.
Visiting hot springs Ak-Suu Kench (open air radon swimming pools).

Accommodation: Guesthouse Matsunoki or similar 
Meals: B, L

After breakfast at guesthouse transfer departure to Bishkek. Visit Jeti Ogyz (Broken Heart) Gorge.
Excursion to Fairy Tale Canyon.
Home cooked lunch at a local family’s house in Bokonbaevo village.
Before evening arrive to Bishkek. Drop-off at final destination

Available activities for extra charge:
Visit a home of a local hunter who trains eagles; eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo village

Meals: B, L