Bishkek – Issyk Kul – Karakol - Bishkek
Visit Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world. Hike to Ala Kul Lake, a turquoise lake located in the Tian Shan mountains. Visit the Tash Rabat caravanserai, a 15th-century fortified inn. Go horse riding in the Kyrgyz steppes. Stay in a yurt, a traditional Kyrgyz tent. Visit a local market and try some traditional Kyrgyz food. Watch a performance of traditional Kyrgyz music and dance. Meet an eagle hunter and learn about this ancient Kyrgyz tradition.
Your guide will pick you up at Manas International Airport and accompany you to the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, just a 30-minute drive from the airport. This entire day is dedicated to a guided tour of Bishkek. It includes visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. But no tour of Bishkek is complete without visiting our Asian Bazaar! We will show it to you today and you will be able to take a lot of dynamic photos of bustling local life. This bazaar is a noisy and colorful tapestry of fabrics, produce, and people selling and buying goods. You will spend the night in a hotel.
Your guide will pick you up at 8 am and you will be transferred to Issyk Kul Lake, surrounded by the celestial mountains. It’s the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608 m. above sea level). The lake is called "the pearl of Central Asia". Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative qualities. On route to the lake you will visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). Your night is in a hotel.
In the morning, you will also visit ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.). These petroglyphs were made more than 2000 years ago by shamans. Also you will visit local ethnography museum. After lunch time in Cholpon Ata you will start you drive to beautiful Grigorievskoe gorge! This area is part of the national park. Here you will be able to enjoy the magnificent mountains covered with snow tops and slopes grown by blue and green pine trees. Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town of Karakol. The night is spent in a guesthouse.
Today we will drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. It’s famous for its red rock formations that are called the Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz. Also you will see Broken Heart Mountain. We will take as many photos there as you’d like and if you want it is possible to walk to the top of a mountain (20 minutes) to see a panoramic view of the gorge! There are yurts in the gorge and people can offer you Kumis to drink. It is a national drink that is made from fermented mare’s milk, and it is mildly alcoholic. After you excursion in the gorge you will drive back to Karakol, where you will visit the Dungan mosque . It was built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail. This will be followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Church. Night is in the guesthouse.
Today we will drive to Bishkek city, breaking in Bokonbaeva village. Here you will visit one of the most interesting families in Kyrgyzstan – a family of Eagle Hunters! There are still some people in villages that continue this ancient way of hunting. They train eagles and hawks when they are young and every winter go with them to the mountains to hunt. You will be able to take photos while holding a live eagle! After this visit we will continue our way to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.
Today we will visit Ala Archa gorge. It is a Natural Park. At the Soviet Time only V.I.P. people had permission to go for a walk here. The Ala Archa gorge is on a spur of the Tien Shan mountain range. It is just 45 km from Bishkek. You can have a short hiking tour to see a panoramic view of the gorge. Afterwards we return to Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.
In the morning is transfer to airport.
Turkmenistan3 daysDestinations: Derweze
Embark on an exciting 3-day group journey to Derweze! Admire the fantastic landscapes where unique natural formations create a fairy-tale atmosphere, and spend a night in the desert under the starry sky. Discover nearby attractions and local culture, feel the spirit of this ancient land, and enjoy memorable moments with your fellow travelers. This tour combines extraordinary natural beauty with vivid experiences to share with the group.
Turkmenistan5 daysDestinations: Ashgabat, Darvaza, Carpet Museum
Turkmenistan is waiting for you with its desert landscapes, rich culture, and ancient history! On this journey, you will not only collect unforgettable impressions but also dive deeper into the traditions of the Turkmen people and discover their magnificent architectural achievements. Your adventure begins with one of the world’s most extraordinary sites – the “Gates of Hell”, a massive gas crater. Spending the night in the desert camp, you will witness a breathtaking spectacle when the flames of the crater merge with the starry sky. The capital city Ashgabat is listed in the Guinness World Records as the city with the largest number of white marble buildings. Here, modern architecture blends beautifully with ancient traditions: grand palaces, unique towers, green parks, and spectacular fountains await you. The cultural wealth of Turkmenistan is best reflected in its carpet art. You will discover the secrets of traditional weaving and learn the meanings of the intricate patterns passed down through generations. You will also be amazed by the beauty of the legendary Akhal-Teke horses, considered among the most graceful and fastest horses in the world – a true symbol of Turkmen pride. To experience the taste of local life, a visit to Gulistan Bazaar is a must. Here, the aromas of spices, teas, fruits, and freshly prepared dishes will surround you, while the hospitality of the Turkmen people will make your journey even warmer. In addition, you can explore the archaeological sites of the ancient cities of Merv and Kunya-Urgench, once key stops on the Great Silk Road. This tour is not just a trip – it is a living encounter with the history, culture, art, and nature of Turkmenistan. You will leave with memories and emotions that will stay with you forever.
Kazakhstan7 daysDestinations: Astana-Almaty-Almaty
Visit Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan! See its futuristic architecture, such as the Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. Explore Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, and visit its historical landmarks, such as the Zenkov Cathedral and the Green Bazaar. Visit the Tash Rabat caravanserai, a 15th-century fortified inn. Go horse riding in the Kazakh steppes and experience the traditional way of life of the Kazakh people. Visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Turkestan. Hike in the Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder that is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Sample the delicious Kazakh cuisine, which features hearty meat dishes, flavorful soups, and traditional flatbreads.
