Discover the Lakes Issyk-Kol, Song-Kol and Kel-Suu.

Description:

Discover the Lakes Issyk-Kol, Son-Kol, and Kol-Suu.
Kyrgyzstan is a mountain country (96%) and the weather changes very quickly in the mountains. Roads in some valleys and mountains of dust and shakes. Kyrgyz economy based on a cash system and any money cards “Visa”, “Mastercard” etc does not access except on the cities (Bishkek, Karakol, Osh, Cholpon-Ata…).

High mountain lakes of Kyrgyzstan like hidden pearls among the Celestial Mountains. The jailoos are the pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds tend their flocks in the summer, and Song-Kol is the jewel of the jailoos, a stunning 270 km2 of sparkling water at 3016 m, surrounded by 3700 m mountains on all sides. For the fullest jailoo experience, approach the lake via the mountains, moving from jailoo to jailoo and staying with shepherd families in remote meadows far off the beaten path. Enjoy homemade jam, fresh cream, bread still warm from the oven, and the best kymyz (fermented mare’s milk). Issyk-Kol Lake is the seventh deepest lakes in the world. Water is salty and never freezes. Kol-Suu Lake is a hidden treasure of the Ak-Sai mountains. Amazing basin and high mountains surrounding give an unforgettable feeling of adventure.

  • Itinerary: Bishkek – Burana Tower –Chong-Kemin National Park – Karakol-Altyn-Arashan-Bokonbaevo-Naryn-Kol-Suu-Son-Kol– Bishkek
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Best Season: June – mid-September
  • Category: combined –auto/horseback/trek
  • Level of Difficulty: easy to medium
  • Group Size: 12 pax
  • Highlights:   Son-Kol Lake, Jeti-Oguz,  Canyon Skazka, Altyn-Arashan, Chong-Kemin National Park, Burana
  • Requirements: weatherproof warm clothes, trekking boots, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

ITINERARY

Arrival at Manas airport. Pick up and transfer to Bishkek. Hotel accommodation. (Optional to do city tour).

Leave for Chong-Kemin Valley (approx .3 hours drive). On the way, visit the Burana Tower architectural complex (10-11th century, an important point on the Great Silk Road), 15km from the main road. At lunchtime arrival in Chon Kemin, accommodation in the guest house “Ashu”. after lunch take rafting on the river Chong-Kemin (class 2 & class 3). Dinner and overnight in the guest house Ashuu.

Driving time: 2 hours

Continue the drive to Karakol (about 4 hours). On the way make a stop in Cholpon-Ata to visit an open-air petroglyph (rock painting) gallery (5km from Cholpon-Ata, heading to the mountains). Lunch at café. Afternoon arrival in the farm hotel Reina Kench. Welcome to local rancho, sightseeing around and wandering the nature life. Dinner and accommodation in the guest house.

Driving time: 3-4 hours

Today travel for Altyn-Arashan mountain gorge. You will reach the place with a special off-road truck adopted for passengers (Ural). The road goes up to the river Arashan and over the up hills, you will get Arashan hot spring thermal bath valley. Enjoy the natural beauties, take lunch in the wild. The afternoon takes a hike down to Ak-Suu. The terrain is easy hiking and takes about 4 hours basic level. The vehicle will follow the behind for any case to pick up the tired people or because of the weather change conditions. For evening accommodation in the hotel Karagat or Green Yard.

Driving time 2-3 hours, trekking time 3-4 hours

After breakfast travel for Bokonbay region to follow the road on the southern lakeshore of Issyk-Kol lake. On the way visit the Jeti-Ögüz Gorge (Seven Bulls), 1 hour. Visit the Kök-Jaik area (Valley of Flowers), 2-3 hours. Picnic lunch en-route. Continue to the southern shore of Issyk-Kol Lake (3-hour drive). Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp.

Driving time 2-3 hours,

After breakfast travel for Naryn town. On the way visit the village Kyzyl-Tuu. The village is famous for yurt to make the master. The whole village are involved in making the traditional yurts. Almost every family in the village can offer you to buy their yurts. You can visit the best yurt making master’s family to see the workshop process of producing the yurtas by traditional method from ancient time. We can also participate in the installation of the yurt and be welcomed for tea and fresh breads in the just erupted yurt. Continue driving to Naryn, lunch stop in Kochkor. The lunch will be arranged in the local Dungan family (Dungan minority). Test the traditional Dungan cuisine. Late afternoon arrival in Naryn, accommodation in the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Driving time 4-5 hours.

After early breakfast at 07:00 am travel for the mountain Lake Kel-Suu. You will drive due to mountain ranges of Naryn and At-Bashy. It will take approximately 4-5 hours driving. Arrival in the valley Kol Tetiry where you can have an overnight in the yurt camp. Lunch upon your arrival time and after lunch take horses and ride about one hour to explore the lake Kel-Tor. Sightseeing around and return to the yurt camp for sleep. Dine and overnight in the yurt camp.

Driving time 4-5 hours, horse time 1-2 hours

Spend the morning time in the place. Enjoy the natural beauty, optional to take a hike to uphill for a better panoramic view. Final lunch from the yurt camp and return to Naryn. Accommodation in the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Driving time 4-5 hours

After breakfast travel for Song-Kol via 32 serpentine passes. The pass goes to Song-Kol from south part and it is the one of most scenery pass to Song-Kol valley. Arrival in Song-Kol yurt camp for late lunchtime. Afternoon free time at the place. Optional to do horse riding practice around. Dine and sleep in the yurt camp.

Driving time 3-4 hours

Early morning at 8:00 am after breakfast you will be dropped by transport on the slope of the mountain range Song-Kol where you will start trekking over the pass Tuz-Ashuu (3300m) to Jumgal region. You will be accompanied by local guides and pack horses to carry your luggage and all need things. The trail is mostly downhill and after descending the river bazar-turuk you will be picked up by your transport to bring you to Bishkek. Arrival in Bishkek, accommodation in the hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Driving time 3-4 hours, trekking time 3-4 hours

Transfer for Airport. Departure Kyrgyzstan.

FAQ

The tours start upon request. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.

After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.

The price of the tour depends on the number of people and the season. According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.

Kyrgyzstan is a mountain country and some point you prefer to do walking and hiking. We recommend you train with sport or jogging 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip

Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.

Kyrgyzstan has a free visa entry for many countries. Please check your availability on the e-visa online service – http://www.evisa.e-gov.kg/

The best hotels and guest houses will be at your disposal. Twin rooms (clean, comfortable). The yurt overnight experience will be also comfortable for stay.

The basic hints for travelers.

  • During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
  • Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
  • Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
  • Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
  • Smoking is prohibited at home.
  • Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
  • Ask people for photographing them.
  • Be friendly and try to get in contact.
  • Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
  • Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
  • Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
  • If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
  • Never give your belongings to strangers.
  • Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
  • Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
  • Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
  • Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
  • Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
  • If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
  • Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
  • Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
  • Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
  • If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
  • Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
  • Please don’t drop cigarette butts or litter.
  • High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
  • Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
  • Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.

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