Tour around the lake of Issyk Kul

Tour 7: Tour around the lake of Issyk Kul
Duration: 6 days
In short: Bishkek – Burana – Chon Kemin – Konorchek – Issyk Kul lake northern shore – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek

Day 1: Bishkek – Burana – Chon Kemin
After arrival, you will be met at the airport and accompanied to the capital of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek city. Today you will be introduced to the main sights of Bishkek to begin your tour and learn everything about the main buildings, streets, squares, parks and monuments. You will visit Victory Square, oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Old Square, National Philharmonic and some other landmarks. After a traditional lunch in a local restaurant, you will continue your journey to Chon Kemin gorge. Along the way, you will visit the remains of ancient Balasagun city. There is a 25 m tall tower founded in 11^th century by Karakhanids. Nearby the tower, you will see the collection of stone figures during your travel. Tonight you will spend in a guesthouse.

Day 2: Chon Kemin – Rafting – Horse riding – Chon Kemin
Chon Kemin is a unique natural reserve with amazing mountains and landscapes preserved almost in virgin state. There is a mountain river with the same name running in the bottom of the valley. Today you will enjoy a rafting trip in the waters of stormy Chon Kemin river. A group of professionals will give you the instructions. The rafting is a great chance to observe the Kyrgyz nature from a different angle and create unforgettable memories along the way. In the afternoon, you will have another great experience. You will be provided with horses and start riding among the beautiful area of the gorge during the tour. The route goes through high mountain paths and through the forest. During the trip, you will be able to observe the panoramic views of the whole gorge. Night is in a homestay. 

Day 3: Chon Kemin – Konorchek – Issyk Kul lake northern shore
In the morning you will head over Issyk Kul lake, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is the worlds’ second largest high mountain lake, located at an altitude of 1608 m above sea level. It is believed that the ancient cities were buried under the waters of Issyk Kul. Archaeologists discovered objects from an ancient civilization that had existed for nearly 2500 years at the bottom of the lake. The region has always been an important stop on the Silk Road. Before reaching the lake you will go for 3 hours hiking in Konorchek canyon during your travel. It looks like a miniature Grand Canyon in the middle of the Tian-Shan Mountains! Overnight in a hotel.

Day 4: Issyk Kul – Grigorievskoye – Semenovskoye – Karakol
You will start the day with an excursion in the stone garden covering an area of 42 hectares. Here you will find ancient stone inscriptions made by shamans 2000 years ago. There are a number of beautiful valleys in the Kungey Ala-Too Mountains on the Northern side of Lake Issyk Kul. The largest and best known of these are Grigorievskoe and Semyenovkoe gorges. We will start driving from one gorge and make a loop to the second. Narrow areas of the gorges suddenly change with wide valleys and fir forests. There are number of yurts on the way. Then you will continue your way along the northern shores of Issyk Kul till Karakol. Karakol is a small town on the eastern end of the lake. Here you will discover the Dungan mosque built in a Chinese style and an old wooden Orthodox Church. The night is in a hotel. 

Day 5: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Issyk Kul southern shore – Bishkek
Today is dedicated to Jeti Oguz gorge, famous gorge in Kyrgyzstan. The gorges’ name, meaning seven bulls, comes from the seven red rock formations resembling the bulls. At the entrance to the gorge there is another rock formation called Broken Heart. If you climb a little hill near the rocks, you will get the best view of the area. Further, you will meet a local falconer in Bokonbaevo village during your travel. Falconry is often associated with hawks and falcons but Kyrgyz hunters prefer hunting with eagles. The experienced hunter who is preserving the tradition from several generations will share about his knowledge and show you his birds. Then you will continue driving to Bishkek to complete your tour. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 6: Bishkek – Airport
Transfer to the airport. 

Transport:
02 pax – Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter

Price per person:
02 pax – 790 $
04 pax – 490 $
06 pax – 385 $
08 pax – 340 $
10 pax – 305 $
Single – 75 $

Early check-in – 35 $
Single early check-in – 60 $

All dinners – 75 $
All lunches and dinners – 150 $ 

English speaking guide – 400 $ per group

Service includes:
- Driver with a car
- Hotels and Guest houses:
      Chon Kemin – Homestay
      Issyk Kul – “Karven” Resort
      Karakol – “Green Yard” Boutique Hotel
      Bishkek – “Discovery” 3* or “Garden” 4*
- Rafting tour in Chon Kemin gorge
- Entrance fees to all museums
- Ride on horses in Chon Kemin gorge
- Bottled water during the tour 

Service does not include:
- Meals
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- A guide with competence in English language