Immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey through Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic treasures on our «Lakes & Legends Tour,» running from the end of May to mid-September. This exclusive tour offers a blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and authentic cultural experiences that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Begin your adventure in the vibrant capital, Bishkek, where you’ll explore the city’s fascinating landmarks and the stunning alpine scenery of the Ala-Archa National Park. Wander through the ancient ruins of Balasagun and marvel at the intricate petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata, relics that tell stories from centuries past. Feel the magic of the majestic Issyk-Kul Lake, the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan,” surrounded by dramatic mountain gorges like Jety-Oguz and Skazka, each offering awe-inspiring views and perfect photo opportunities.
As you travel along the stunning southern shore of Issyk-Kul, enjoy the thrill of watching a traditional eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo and ride horses through serene alpine meadows. At Son-Kul Lake, experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle by spending a night in a cozy yurt, where you’ll taste freshly made kymyz (mare’s milk) and witness the endless beauty of this high-altitude paradise.
This tour is more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an immersion into Kyrgyzstan’s rich culture, history, and natural wonders. Perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, the «Lakes & Legends Tour» promises an extraordinary experience that will connect you to the heart and soul of Kyrgyzstan. Don’t miss your chance to explore this hidden gem of Central Asia! Book now and embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! After your arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to the heart of Bishkek for hotel check-in (available from 2:00 PM). After some relaxation, we’ll embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the city. Discover the charm of Bishkek as we visit Oak Park, the central Ala-Too Square, the impressive Philharmonic Hall, the striking Manas Statue, and Victory Square. Experience the vibrant local life at the bustling Osh Bazaar, where you’ll get a taste of everyday Kyrgyz culture. Following a delicious lunch, we head to the breathtaking Ala-Archa National Park, located just 40 km from the city. This alpine gorge is a paradise for nature lovers, offering panoramic views of the fast-flowing Ala-Archa River, snow-capped peaks, fir-covered slopes, and lush alpine meadows blanketed with flowers. We’ll hike from the Alpine camp (2200 m) to the picturesque Ak-Sai Waterfall, located 2,700 meters above sea level, before returning to Bishkek for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Our journey continues with a morning transfer to the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake, nestled 260 km from Bishkek. En route, we’ll stop at the historical Burana Tower, an ancient minaret that marks the site of the former Karakhanid town of Balasagun. Explore this significant monument and its surroundings before we proceed to the famous open-air petroglyph museum in Cholpon-Ata. Here, you’ll find rock carvings dating back to 500 BC – 100 AD, depicting scenes of hunting, rituals, and wildlife, such as wolves, ibex, horses, and snow leopards. We’ll also visit the Museum of Local Lore to delve deeper into the region’s history and culture. Afterward, we head to a hotel on the picturesque northern shore of Issyk-Kul, where dinner awaits and you’ll spend a comfortable night.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today, we set out for the mesmerizing Jety-Oguz Gorge, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. This valley is famous for its striking red sandstone formations, particularly the «Seven Bulls» and «Broken Heart» rock formations, as well as its lush forests and vibrant wildflower meadows. After soaking in the beauty of Jety-Oguz, we continue our journey to the town of Karakol (220 km). Upon arrival, we’ll explore the cultural landmarks of Karakol, visiting the Przhevalsky Museum dedicated to the great Russian explorer, the unique Russian Orthodox Church, and the Dungan Mosque, an architectural wonder built in a Chinese style. End your day with a delightful dinner hosted by a local Uighur or Dungan family, providing a glimpse into their customs and hospitality. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning, we depart for Kochkor, traveling along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (a 280 km journey). Our first stop is at the Skazka Gorge, aptly named «Fairy Tale» Gorge, where you’ll be mesmerized by the fantastical red rock formations sculpted by wind and rain over centuries. These otherworldly landscapes provide one of the most stunning views of Issyk-Kul Lake, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Next, we visit Bokonbaevo, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness a thrilling eagle hunting demonstration, a traditional Kyrgyz practice that dates back centuries. Continuing our journey, we arrive in the charming village of Kochkor. Here, you’ll be welcomed into a local felt carpet workshop, where you can witness the intricate process of creating Kyrgyz felt carpets and even try your hand at this age-old craft. Dinner will be enjoyed with a friendly Kyrgyz family, and you’ll spend the night in a cozy, family-run guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, we embark on a journey to one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful and secluded high-altitude lakes – Son-Kul, located 140 km from Kochkor. Sitting at an elevation of 3,016 meters above sea level, Son-Kul is surrounded by rolling green pastures and snow-capped mountains. This pristine alpine lake serves as a summer grazing ground for nomadic shepherds who bring their livestock here. Experience the true nomadic lifestyle as you interact with local herders, ride horses, and explore the breathtaking surroundings filled with edelweiss flowers, yaks, and camels. Watch skilled women prepare the traditional Kyrgyz beverage, kymyz (fermented mare’s milk), and gain a deeper appreciation for their customs. Spend the night in a yurt camp, where you can enjoy the clear night sky and the serene beauty of this mountain paradise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
In the morning, we bid farewell to the peaceful shores of Son-Kul Lake and begin our return journey to Bishkek (360 km). Enjoy lunch along the way as we drive through picturesque mountain landscapes. Upon arriving in Bishkek, you’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore the city on your own or simply relax. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your incredible adventure through Kyrgyzstan. Overnight stay at a hotel or guest house.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
On the final day of the tour, you’ll be transferred to the airport (30 km from the city center) for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable «Lakes & Legends Tour» through Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: Breakfast
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $2300 | $1250 | $1050 | $870 | $800 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $2450 | $1350 | $1150 | $950 | $900 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Meals as per program Eagle hunting show Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board (meals not included in the program) – 200 USD Horse riding (Horse for 2 hours – 15 USD)
This tour was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation! The natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan left me speechless. We explored ancient sites, hiked stunning gorges, and experienced true Kyrgyz hospitality. The felt carpet workshop in Kochkor was fascinating, and the horse riding at Son-Kul Lake was an incredible experience. The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious throughout the journey. Our guide was enthusiastic, sharing so much insight into Kyrgyz history and culture. I’ll cherish this experience forever and recommend it to any traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure!
This Lakes & Legends Tour was beyond my expectations! From the bustling markets of Bishkek to the serene beauty of Son-Kul Lake, every moment was magical. The petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata were fascinating, and the eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and made sure we were always comfortable. Staying overnight in a yurt at Son-Kul was a highlight, giving us a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to experience the authentic culture and breathtaking scenery of Kyrgyzstan. An unforgettable adventure!