Embark on a captivating 10-day journey from Bishkek, the vibrant capital of Kyrgyzstan, to Osh, a historic city in the Fergana Valley. This comprehensive itinerary will guide you through breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and ancient traditions, offering an unforgettable experience of this remarkable Central Asian nation.

This meticulously crafted itinerary will take you through the heart of Kyrgyzstan, displaying its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and rich history. Prepare to be captivated by snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, ancient Silk Road cities, and the warm hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.

Day 1. ARRIVAL IN BISHKEK- Chongkemin 
Driving time/distance: 3 hrs, 150 km
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before traveling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way stop at one of Kyrgyzstan’s oldest sights, the Burana Tower, and learn about its ancient architecture – rare in nomadic culture. The territory where the tower is located was once called Balasagyn town. This town had strategic meaning for the Great Silk Road. Here you will see a small museum with exhibits found during past excavations, providing more details about this ancient settlement, including a collection of “Balbals” – Turkic grave marks. After, drive to Chon-Kemin village. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savor a home-cooked traditional dinner. Tonight, stay in a cozy guesthouse run by local families.

Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 2. CHON KEMIN - Karakul
Driving time/distance: 5 hrs, 301 km
After breakfast, depart to Karakol city via Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca in South America. Its length reaches 182 km and width is 58 km, the maximum depth is up to 668 meters. On the way, we will visit the Open Air Petroglyphs Museum in Cholpon Ata town. Petroglyphs are dated back to the Sak-Wusun period from the 8th century BC up to the 2nd century AD. The territory where the Petroglyphs are found lies below the Kungey Alatoo Mountains with a beautiful view of the lake. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to Karakol city. We will take a short sightseeing tour in Karakol city by visiting the wooden Dungan mosques and Russian Orthodox church. Dinner and overnight stay in Karakol city.

Day 3. KARAKOL- ALTYN ARASHAN.
Driving time / distance: 45 hrs. 30km
Today we have a bit tame to relax . After breakfast we start our journey up to Altyn Arashan Valley. It is 30km about 1 hour drive with photo stops. One we arrive there it is 12 o'clock am. We quickly set our luggage in a home stay, and then have lunch after start trekking. It not a full day trek just adaptation, we prepare ourselves for the next day trek. There is a good hot spring we visit there for swimming. The view around is amazing. We take some food with us for picnic. Evening we come back to our home stay.
Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 4. ALTYN ARASHAN – ALA KUL LAKE AFTERNOON WALK.

Today we have full day trek. We hire a local guide with horse and some food for picnic and start our trek up to the Ala Kul. Once we arrive to the Ala Kul the view is fantastic we stay for a while and have picnic observing the beauty of the lake. After picnic we come back to same yurt stay.

Accommodation included: Yurt camp (1 night)
Meals Included: B, Picnic Lunch, D

Day 5. KARAKOL – JETY OGUZ VALLEY – RADIAL HIKE TO SEE THE OGUZ BASHY PEAK
Driving time/distance: 1 hrs, 40 km Trekking distance/time: 15km / 5-6 hours, Ascent: 340 meters today we will take an easy hike to see the astonishingly beautiful panoramic view of Oguz Bashy peak which is located in the heart of Tian-Shian Mountain Range. After breakfast, we depart Karakol to Kok Jaiyk valley, a 1-hour drive. Arrival, start the hike. From the trailhead, we follow the roadbed along the tumbling Jety Oguz river. Stunning White Mountain peaks slowly begin to appear as we gain elevation. Reach the viewpoint and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and pose for stunning photos. After lunch, we hike back to the camp. Dinner and overnight in a yurt. 

Accommodation included: Yurt camp (1 night)
Meals Included: B, Picnic Lunch, D

Day 6. KOK JAIYK – KOCHKOR
Driving time/distance: 5 hours, 260 km
After breakfast, we will drive to Kochkor town. A one-hour side hike at Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon) awaits us. Skazka is a truly incredible destination that boasts an assortment of impressive rock formations. Skazka is one of the highlights of all of Kyrgyzstan. The canyon, stunning in its array of earthen colors, also provides a magnificent view of Lake Issyk-Kul and the surrounding peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Here, we will see an eagle hunting demonstration with a local eagle hunter. Eagle hunting is an ancient tradition to hunt for animals with the help of specially trained eagles. After that, our trip heads on to Kochkor town, a Kyrgyz village whose residents are known for their creation of shyrdak felt rugs, embroideries, and other handicrafts. Local ladies will share their knowledge and expertise in the making of traditional shyrdaks, through a special demonstration and workshop. Try your hand at this classic Kyrgyz art and support local entrepreneurs by purchasing handmade souvenirs from local artisans. Free time afterward to roam about the village, take photos, and enjoy the laid-back local lifestyle.

Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B, Picnic Lunch, D

Day 7. KOCHKOR-SONKUL LAKE
Driving time/distance: 3 hours, 90 km
Today, we drive to Son-Köl Lake, one of the largest alpine-mountain lakes in the country and considered a sacred place for many Kyrgyz nomads for its best summer pastures. You can spot nomadic herders and their families tending their goats, sheep, and horses. Lunch in a yurt. After lunch, we will ride a horse along the beautiful lakeshore. Alternatively, for those who are not interested in horse riding, a simple stroll around the lake can be had. We will have the opportunity to sample fresh airan (yogurt) and kumis (the national drink of fermented mare’s milk). After, we will stay in yurts set up along the lakeshore. Sleeping arrangements are on a multi-share, mixed-gender basis with mattresses on the floor. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there is a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. There are no bathroom facilities inside the yurts – please expect outdoor toilets. Those daring enough for a morning dip can make use of Son-Köl.

Accommodation included: Yurt Camp (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 8. SONGKUL LAKE – KAZARMAN
Driving time/distance: 7-8 hours, 210 km
Today you travel along gravel roads to Kazarman village, one of the biggest summer pastures in Kyrgyzstan. On our way, we will pass large coal deposits and travel along with the crystal clear Kökömeren River. From there starts one of the major rivers of Central Asia – the Syr Darya. Enjoy the beauty of colorful mountains while driving to Kazarman city. Lunch break en-route. Arrival in Kazarman and a short walk in the village. Overnight and dinner in a Guesthouse.

Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 9. KAZARMAN TO ARSLANBOB
Driving time/distance: 6 Hours, 240 km
After a delicious breakfast, say goodbye to your host and head to Arslanbob. Driving through big and beautiful landscapes today. The road crosses the Kaldama Pass standing at 3000m. Bushes along the road on mountain slopes delight your senses. Amazing mountain ranges open up on top of the pass. Descend the pass. Arrival in Arslanbob village and accommodation in CBT guesthouse. After lunch, we walk around the village to see the local culture. People claim that their ancestors go back to Alexander Great who once visited this village and brought some wall-nuts to his land later became Greece Nuts. Hike up the waterfall and further the panorama hill to see the scenic view of the village. Home-cooked dinner.

Accommodation included: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,D

Day 10. ARSTANBOB – HIKING THROUGH THE WALNUT FOREST – OSH CITY
Driving time/distance: 5 Hours, 200 km
Breakfast. Today we take 3-4 hours walking through the largest walnut forest in the world. Arslanbob’s famous walnut forest is also surrounded by waterfalls and hiking options. Arstanbob is a great place to get a sense of rural village life. The village is quite different from other places in Kyrgyzstan because the people are mostly ethnic Uzbeks – different languages, cultures, and ways of life. Lunch in the guesthouse. After lunch, get ready for another 4-hour journey to Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city Osh, located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country and often referred to as the Capital of the South. We take a short side trip to see Uzgen village with its 12th-century architectural complex. The minaret and three mosques of Uzgen remain an important relic of medieval Central Asian architecture.

Accommodation included: Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included: B,L,

Includes

·    Transportation in a 4WD vehicle (with a maximum of 3 passengers per vehicle)

·    driver’s lodging and meal

·    lodging and meals

·    2 liters of water per person per day

·    National Park permit

·     All entrance fees

Excludes

·    meals out of program

·    alcoholic drinks

·    personal expenses

·    Food   and sleeping accommodations in Bishkek.

·    Travel insurance,

Visa and tips.

A typical 4-person tour can be organized for $550 per person. We can customize destinations and duration of tour, and accommodate different group sizes. We will provide price quotes on request.

 Tour dates can be arranged to accommodate your group, subject to guide availability. Tour dates will be reserved for you once a deposit is received and we can hold a date for a short period in advance of receiving a deposit to allow you to confirm availability of your group.

10 days 9 nights     

Bishkek – Chong Kemin – Karakol – Altyn Arashan – Kochkor – Song kol lake – Kazarman - Osh

Bring with you trekking equipment including

·        Good hiking shoes

·        Camera for taking wildlife pictures.

·        Sunscreen with high SPF for skin and lips

·        Sun glasses

·        Sun hat

·        Warm jacket

·        Sticks (if you use them regularly)

·        Sleeping bag

·        Gloves

·        Reusable water bottle

·        Personal medical kit

·        Headlamp

·        Some extra batteries for your camera

·        Rain gear, jacket and pants 

From 1 to 10 people