Kyrgyzstan

Winter adventure

Price

1,395 USD

Duration

8 Days

Level

moderate

Date

January 19, 2024

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Overview Itinerary Details What’s Included Get Inspired

8 days

1,395 USD / 435 KWD / 5,150 AED / 5,300 SAR

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Overview

Kyrgyzstan may be a small country, but it has been blessed with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Massive mountain ranges intertwine with vast valleys dotted with nomadic settlements, herds of yaks, donkeys, and horses, or picturesque urban centers.

Snow-white untouched gorges, mountain rivers and ridges turn Kyrgyzstan in a truly winter fairy tale. The landscapes become incredibly stunning, the country’s valleys fill up with snow and become perfect for adventures in a completely unique setting.

Trip Highlights:
Get ready to:

Live like a local in a traditional yurt.
Stay by the Kyrgyzstan’s legendary lake – Issyk Kul.
Interact with the nomadic tribes and the craftsmen in the villages, learning more about their way of living and the Kyrgyz civilization.
Witness an eagle hunting demonstration: a traditional occupation and one of the most important highlights of the trip.
Hike through snowy paths enjoying breathtaking views.
Experience horseback riding in in a completely unique setting.
Explore the picturesque Karakol town.
Swim at thermal springs.
Visit through the Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon, full of colorful formations and exciting, narrow paths.
Admire ancient petroglyphs that have turned a large area into an open-air museum.
Trek in the Ala-Archa National Park.

Share this trip:

Activities: cultural interactions, cultural sightseeing, hiking/trekking, horse riding, nature watching, skiing/snowboarding, Eagle Hunting Demonstration

Itinerary Details

Day 1 (19th January 2024): Arrival at Bishkek (D)

Upon your arrival at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative, and transferred to the hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the capital at your own pace, before meeting with the rest of the group at 7pm for a welcome dinner in one of the most delightful restaurants of the city.

Accommodation: 4*hotel in Bishkek.

Day 2 (20th January 2024): Bishkek – Burana tower-Chon Kemin gorge (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our journey.
Today we will visit a UNESCO site- Burana tower an 11th century tower located at the ancient Silk Road.
After exploring the old town of Balasagun, we will continue our trip to Ak Tyz gorge, where we will walk around snowy forests and see frozen fountain.

Today you can also enjoy horseback riding ( if weather permits).

After, we will go to Chon Kemin village, where we will stay for overnight in guest house.

*Accommodation guest house
*Driving distance 190

Day 3 (21st January 2024): Bishkek – Issyk Kul south shore (B, L, D)

In the morning we’ll have breakfast at hotel before saying goodbye and driving to Kyrgyzstan’s legendary lake – Issyk Kul. Here we’ll stay in heated high-end yurt camp near the shores of the lake. We’ll have lunch at the accommodation and then head to explore beautiful mountains of the south shore of the Issyk kul lake. We will visit Boz Salkyn valley and have nice hike to Shatyly panorama 360. The view is outstanding here.

Before dinner we will also enjoy off to what promises to be one of the highlights of the trip – an eagle hunting demonstration, hosted by a world champion! We’ll be given a close-up experience of how man and eagle have worked together for centuries in Central Asia, and you will have the opportunity to pose for photos holding the eagle yourself.

Driving distance: 170 km.
Hiking time: 1-2 hrs.
Eagle show: 1 hr.
Accommodation: Yurt camp.

Note: Please expect cold weather ( subzero temperatures) and bring warm clothes.

Day 4 (22nd January 2024): South shore – Karakol (B, L)

You will leave the lake early in the morning, heading first to Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. This spectacular sandstone formation is like a giant playground for adults, and you will spend around one hour, climbing, hiking, and admiring the rainbow-colored designs.

On your way to Karakol, you will pass by the Barskoon Valley and the village of Jeti Oguz to get a view of the famous Seven Bulls Rocks:a stunning and unique geological formation that stands out with its curves and unexpected red color.

Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at the beautiful city of Karakol.

Driving distance: 200 km.
3 different hikes, 1 hr. each.

Accommodation: 3*hotel.

Day 5 (245th January 2024): Karakol (B)

Karakol city is well known for its ski base. The whole city developed because of it. The resort attracts a lot of visitors during the winter time. Amazing panorama of the forestry gorge, city and Issyk kul lake appears once you head to the top of the hills.
You can have a day of skiing here. Optional at extra cost.
If you are not a fan of ski, the lift to the top is also possible.
After visiting Karakol ski Resort, we will head to the Ak Suu gorge to swim at the thermal springs.

Accommodation: 3*hotel.

Day 6 (26th January 2024): Karakol – Bishkek (B)

The trip is, unfortunately, coming to an end, so, after breakfast, you will start heading back to Bishkek.

On the way, you will stop to observe the ancient petroglyphs spread on hundreds of boulders in an impromptu, open-air museum, and you will visit the new Ruh Ordo Cultural Center whichhelpsits guests to achieve spiritual while discovering different cultural and religious elements in the region.

After lunch in the city of Cholpon Ata by the Issyk Kul lake, you will continue towards Bishkek where you are expected to arrive in the evening.

Driving distance: 400 km.
Visit to the Ruh Ordo Cultural Center: 1.5 hrs.
Petroglyphs excursion:40 min.

Accommodation: 4*hotel, Bishkek.

Day 7 (27th January 2024): Trekking in the Ala-Archa National Park (B)

In the morning, you will proceed to do PCR test if needed ( cost not included -around 30 USD per person/paid directly).
After breakfast we are heading to explore fabulous winter nature of Ala – Archa national park. We will have short (2-3 h) walk in the forests of the gorge, where you can feed birds and squirrels.

Driving distance: 40km.
Trekking distance: 2-3 hours.

Accommodation:4*hotel in Bishkek.

Day 8 (28th January 2024): Departure from Bishkek (B)

After breakfast, and depending on your departure details, you will be transferred to the airport for flight back home.

Notes

This cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single Supplement is possible in the hotel/guest houses but is not possible at the yurts. Single supplement for hotels is 200 USD per person extra.
All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
All accommodation is subject to change to a similar one depending on availability.

The Price Includes:

6 nights’ accommodation in 3-4-star hotels or local guesthouses (double occupancy).
1 night accommodation in traditional yurt camps (maximum 4 people in a yurt, 2 people only if there is availability).
Meals as described in the itinerary (B, L,D).
Transportation as per the itinerary.
Airport transfers upon arrival at and departure from Kyrgyzstan.
All activities as described in the itinerary.
English-speaking certified and experienced local guide.
Two liters of bottled or filtered water per person, per day.
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites as per the itinerary.

The Price Excludes:

International airfare.
Airport taxes.
Travel insurance.
Visa fees.
Beverages.
Early check-in/late check-out.
Single Supplement cost.
Meals not included above.
Optional/additional activities.
Tips and gratuities.
Personal expenses.
PCR test if required.

Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road conditions and operating challenges. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.