Highlights of Kyrgyzstan From Bishkek to Son-Kul

After meeting at the airport upon arrival or gathering in the city, we will travel to Chon-Kemin. We will drive through a beautiful mountain road in the Chon-Kemin Gorge, making several stops to enjoy panoramic views. We will then visit the popular and picturesque Kegety Gorge. Afterward, we will continue our journey through the Burana Museum.

The Burana Tower is a minaret from the 10th-11th centuries of the Karakhanid Empire, located in the Chui Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan. It is situated 80 km from the capital city of Bishkek, and 12 km southwest of the town of Tokmok. The tower is part of the protected archaeological and architectural complex called “Burana Tower” and is guarded by the state as a cultural heritage monument. It is one of the oldest structures in Central Asia.

Upon arrival in the valley, we will have some leisure time to relax. There will be an optional light walk. Upon returning, we will have dinner.

Included: lunch, dinner, entrance tickets to Burana Tower.

Breakfast. Transfer to the city of Karakol.

We will start the day with a delicious breakfast to energize ourselves before embarking on our exciting journey to Karakol.

During the transfer, we will make an engaging stop at the Kok-Moinok Canyons – colorful and unique places known for their distinctive terrain. These canyons are named after the nearby village of Kok-Moinok.

Next, we will pass through two gorges, where we will encounter the classical beauty of Kyrgyz nature: alpine meadows, forested mountain slopes, rivers, and mountain lakes.

In the evening, we will arrive in the city of Karakol and check into a hotel where you can enjoy comfort and coziness.

Dinner will be served at the best ethnic cafe in the city, where you can taste authentic Kyrgyz dishes and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the local culture.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast, we will head to the Jyrgalan Valley, known to most as a paradise for freeride skiing in Kyrgyzstan, but also popular among the locals in the summer as a place for Kumis therapy. Upon arrival, we will settle in a cozy yurt camp, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of untouched nature and take a stroll to the Kock Bel Waterfall or Turaly-Kol Lake. After returning, dinner and rest will be provided.

Included: breakfast, dinner, packed lunch, horseback riding to the lake.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the village of Bokonbaevo. Our plans include a visit to the famous Jeti-Oguz Gorge, where we will hike up to a panoramic platform with stunning views of the entire valley. Afterward, we will head towards the village of Bokonbaevo, with our next stop planned at the picturesque Barskoon Gorge, where we will visit two beautiful waterfalls. We will then make another stop at the famous Fairy Tale Canyon, one of the most visited canyons on the southern coast of Issyk-Kul.

 The easily accessible canyon offers breathtaking views and contrasts due to thousands of years of soil erosion. The canyon is filled with various whimsical figures made of stone and clay. The colorful clays, minerals, and rocks add to the picturesque scenery of this place. We will then continue our journey to Bokonbaevo. After check-in, we will have a meeting with local ethno-musicians followed by dinner. The night will be spent in a yurt camp.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, musical ethno-show

After a leisurely breakfast, we head to Lake Song Kul. Today, we plan to move to Lake Song Kul, but we’ll make a few stops first, the first being a meeting with a berkutchi – a hunter who hunts with an eagle, followed by an eagle show.  

Next, we’ll have an atmospheric stop at the Ak Sai Canyons, where we’ll take a short walk to enjoy the stunning panorama, and upon returning, we’ll swim in Lake Issyk Kul. Afterward, we head to Kochkor for lunch, followed by a trip to Lake Song Kul.  

Song Kul is a large high-altitude lake nestled in a basin between the inner spurs of the Tian Shan Mountains. It is situated between the Song Köl Too and Moldotoo ranges, at an altitude of 3016 m above sea level in the northwestern part of the Naryn region. It is a potential eco-tourism destination. Length: 29 km Maximum depth: 14 m Average depth: 8.6 m Outflowing river: Song Köl. Absolute altitude: 3013.6—3016 m.  

Accommodation in a yurt camp on the shore.  

Optional sauna  

Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This day will be eventful and full of contrasts, as you will have to overcome several passes, enjoy the views of the high-mountain lake Son-Kul, see the power of the Son-Kul waterfall, and admire the beauty of the Orto-Tokoi reservoir.

An early rise and breakfast on the shore of Lake Son-Kul will allow you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lake at dawn before setting off. After breakfast, you will pack your things and hit the road along the scenic road along Lake Son-Kul. You will be greeted by stunning views of the lake, surrounded by mountains and pastures. As you approach the 33 Parrots Pass, the road will begin to climb into the mountains, opening up more and more breathtaking panoramas.

At the 33 Parrots Pass (Teskai-Torpok), you will stop for a photo session and a rest. You will be able to enjoy the views from a bird’s-eye view, take pictures against the backdrop of picturesque mountain landscapes and stretch your legs, enjoying the clean mountain air.

After descending from the 33 Parrots Pass, you will head to the powerful and beautiful Son-Kul Waterfall. Here you can enjoy its coolness and take great photos against its background.

Next, a scenic road through mountain valleys and gorges to the Dolon Pass awaits you. You will see a variety of landscapes, from mountain meadows to rocky gorges, and stops at the most interesting places for a photo session.

At the Dolon Pass, you will also stop to rest and admire the views. The pass also offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Then you will arrive at the Orto-Tokoi Reservoir, where you will see a large and beautiful reservoir surrounded by mountains. 

After resting by the reservoir, you will head to Bishkek, where you will be taken to your place of residence.

This day will be full of vivid impressions and beautiful views. You will be able to see the diversity of Kyrgyz nature, from the high-mountain lake Son-Kul to the picturesque passes and the reservoir, and also enjoy the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner