Essentials of Kyrgyzstan

Start of the Bishkek city tour: Сentral Square Ala-Too, Monument of the National Hero Manas, Statue of Lenin, Old Square with Parliament House, Victory Square, Oak Park, Opera House, Philharmonic Theatre. Overnight in Bishkek (B, L, D).

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Chon-Kemin. On the way visit to Burana Tower – middle age minaret, built in Balasagun town - the capital of Karakhanid State (IX-XI AD). Explore ruins of that important trading point at the Great Silk Road and visit a little local museum and a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient stone sculptures. Continuing driving to Chon-Kemin. Upon arrival lunch and short rest. In the afternoon horseback riding (extra fee) in the mountains or light hiking. Overnight in Karakol. B, L, D)

After breakfast drive to Karakol – administrative center of Issyk-Kul region. The road goes along the south shore of the Issykul lake. Issykul is the second largest alpine lake in the world. Possible to see a yurt (ancient nomadic house) installation at the house of local family (extra pay). where the nomadic yurt installation will take place, showing the entire process engaging participants. On the way visit of the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon with its colorful sandy formations. It provides one of the best views of the Issyk-Kul Lake. Next stop is Djety Oguz, a scenic mountain valley, which is famous for its red rocks called «Seven Bulls» and «Broken Heart». Upon arrival walk around the area and taking some pictures. Drive to Karakol. Overnight in Karakol (B,L, D).

Breakfast at the hotel. Start of the Karakol sightseeing tour: Visit of the Dungan Mosque (XIX century), a unique building in Chinese style with no nails used. Also, visit of the wooden Russian Orthodox Church of The Holy Trinity built at the end of the XIX century.  Walk around the central bazaar (market) to feel the real life of the city. Next destination is Cholpon-Ata. On the way visit to the museum of a famous Russian explorer of XIX century N.M. Przhevalsky, who was the first European to explore and describe Central Asia as well as to draw the map of it. Continue driving to Cholpon-Ata. Upon arrival visit of the open-air museum of prehistoric monumental structures (rock engravings, stone circles, tombs, the remains of a boundary stone wall,) and petroglyphs (V BC - VI AD) of Scythians and Hungsuns civilizations. Also visit to Historical Museum of the Issy-Kul region in Cholpon-Ata. Overnight in Cholpon-Ata  (B, L, D).

After breakfast drive to Bishkek. On the way visit of the Tamchy village, where local craftswomen can demonstrate traditional felt carpet making. Continue drive to the Bishkek’s airport to catch an evening flight to next destination (B, L).