Highlights of Kyrgyzstan

(8 days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bishkek, Karkara, Karakol, Kochkor

On this private tour of Kyrgyzstan, experience the culture of the country while visiting beautiful natural regions, experiencing age-old local traditions and touring interesting historical sites.

Begin in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. During private touring, explore the city center and see highlights such as the White House, the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts and the Osh Bazaar, a lively produce and housewares market, to browse for traditional Kyrgyz crafts such as felt hats, embroidered slippers and handmade carpets.

From Bishkek, take a private excursion to Ala Archa National Park, a deep river valley in the rocky Tian Shan Mountains, for short hikes among the forests and slopes of the breathtaking region.

Next, transfer along the coast of Issyk-Kul Lake to Karkara with touring en route. See the petroglyph-covered boulders of the Issyk-Kul Historical State Museum, and visit a local apiary to learn about beekeeping in Kyrgyzstan. In Karkara, stay in a yurt camp in a verdant river valley, and enjoy hiking and horseback riding in the beautiful grasslands and forested hills.

Continue through the Kyrgyzstan countryside to the town of Karakol. During private touring, visit the colorful Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Also enjoy a dinner of local dishes such as ashlan fu noodle soup at the home of a Dungan (Chinese Muslim) family.

Next, transfer to the rural village of Kochkor. En route, see the remarkable Jeti-Oguz (Seven Bulls) sandstone cliff formation, visit a traditional felt-making workshop and watch a demonstration of hunting with a golden eagle, a traditional method once common among the nomadic people in the region.

En route back to Bishkek for a night, visit the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see a field of mysterious, centuries-old balbals (carved stone heads and figures). Also enjoy lunch at the home of a German-speaking Mennonite family, a minority population that has lived and farmed in the region for generations.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 2 Bishkek & environs Private city touring and excursion to Ala Archa National Park Day 3 Bishkek – Karkara Private cultural and scenic touring en route to yurt camp for 2 nights Day 4 Karkara Private touring and activities such as horseback riding and hiking Day 5 Karkara – Karakol Private transfer to guest house for 1 night. Afternoon private tour Day 6 Karakol – Kochkor Private touring and eagle hunting performance en route to guest house for 1 night Day 7 Kochkor – Bishkek Private touring and lunch with a local family en route to hotel for 1 night Day 8 Depart Bishkek Private airport transfer. Departure assistance

Hotels

Bishkek: Hyatt Regency Bishkek Karkara: Ak-Sai Yurt Camp Karakol: Green Yard Guest House Kochkor: Nomad Lodge

Cost

$5,940 Per Person (double occupancy)