Classic Kyrgyzstan

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Price Per Person: From $6,100

Destinations: Kyrgyzstan

Spend your week exploring Kyrgyzstan, from traditional restaurants to mountains and gorges to the best cosmopolitan sites the country has to offer. Visit to the Philharmonic House in the capital city of Bishkek, take in a traditional game played on horseback and soak in Kyrgyz culture and exquisite scenery, all at a gentle and comfortable pace.

Highlights

Watch a game of Ulak Tartish, a fast-paced tradition sport played on horseback.
Ride on horseback to the snowcapped mountains in Chunkurchak and Chon-Kemin. Venture into the Jety Oguz Gorge to see the red sandtone rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls.”
Have lunch at a traditional yurt near Barskoon Gorge.
Visit the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral in Karakol.

Day-to-Day

Day 1 Bishkek

You will arrive in the large city of Bishkek to kick off your tour in style. After you are transferred to your hotel, spend the day exploring this cosmopolitan capital, from the Philharmonic House to the Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy dinner at Supara or Arzu restaurant before you settle in for the night.

Day 2 Bishkek - Kochkor - Chok-Tal

Enjoy your journey around Issyk-Kul lake (around 3.5 hours): as evidenced by its name, meaning “hot lake” in Kyrgyz, this large mountain lake never freezes – despite being surrounded by snowcapped peaks. On your way, you’ll make a stop at the 10th Century Burana Tower and then explore the local Women’s Handicraft Co-operative in Kochkor village. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the northern shore of the lake before enjoying dinner and the evening in a comfortable hotel.

Day 3 Chok-Tal - Karakol

Today, you’ll visit the Aytmatov "Ruh Ordo" Cultural Center, where you’ll encounter five chapels of world confessions: Catholicism, Islam, Orthodoxy, Buddhism, and Judaism. Spend time exploring the stone garden, which features rock engravings and petroglyphs dating back to 500 BC, and then head to Karakol (around 3 hours away), the fourth-largest town in Kyrgyzstan. Check out the city’s major sites, including the Przhevalsky Museum and the Dungan Mosque, before enjoying a traditional Kyrgyz folkloric dinner at the Green Yard hotel.

Day 4 Karakol - Jety-Oguz gorge - Barskoon gorge - Bokonbaevo

This morning, explore the Town History Museum before heading to the impressive Jety Oguz gorge, famous for its red sandstone rock formations, particularly in the shape of the “Seven Bulls.” From there, you’ll drive to Barskoon gorge, where you can enjoy a hike, picnic lunch and a stunning view of Issyk-Kul Lake before finishing your day in Bokonbaevo (around 2 hours' drive), where you’ll have dinner and stay overnight in a homestay.

Day 5 Bokonbaevo - Kalmak-Ashuu (Chon-Kemin Valley)

Discover more of Kyrgyz culture with a local falconry and eagle show before driving to the spectacular Chon-Kemin Valley (around 2.5 hours away) to enjoy stunning sea views and fresh mountain air. You will stay overnight in the ranch-style Ashu Hotel, experience local living with added comfort.

Day 6 Kalmak-Ashuu - Chunkurchak

Enjoy the great outdoors this morning, hiking or horseback riding the local mountain trails and watching the famous horseback game Ulak Tartish (buzkashi/kupkari), a traditional Kyrgyz sporting event. After lunch at the Ashu Hotel, you’ll head to the Chunkurchak Valley, just 28 miles from Bishkek, where you’ll have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 7 Chunkurchak-Bishkek

Make the most of your morning in the Chunkurchak Valley by horseback riding, hiking, trying your hand at archery or simply taking in the natural serenity. You’ll then head back to Bishkek, where you’ll enjoy lunch in Supara restaurant and a chance to go shopping or check out some of the city sites you may have missed. If your flight is in the morning, you will enjoy a relaxing sleep tonight at the luxurious Hyatt Regency hotel.

Day 8 Departure

After a week of excitement, adrenaline and breathtaking scenery, your adventure in Kyrgyzstan has come to an end. You will be transferred to Airport Manas, where you will catch your flight home or continue on to your next exciting destination.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAYS 1-2

Sheraton Bishkek

With excellent views of the capital and the Tien Shan mountains, the Sheraton Bishkek is comprised of deluxe rooms, plus junior, king and executive suites, some of which include club access. Rooms are furnished in a warm and homely classic style, with air-conditioning, writing desks, WiFi and terraces. Facilities include a health club and fitness center with a sauna, steam bath, spa and outdoor swimming pool. Guests can dine on international dishes at Feast, Indian cuisine at Iwa Roof Bar-Restaurant and grilled meats at Legend Steak Restaurant.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAYS 3-4

Green Yard

In the northern Kyrgyzstan town of Karakol, it’s hard to find any better place to stay than the award-winning, family-run Green Yard Guest House. Take its location for starters. Set in the foothills of the majestic Tien-Shan mountains, the area offers spectacular views and trips to the nearby ski resorts or majestic gorges are only minutes away. The rooms too, are bright, warm and comfortable, with a choice of ‘luxury’ or ‘standard’ to cater for different tastes and budgets. All rooms come with satellite TV, refrigerators, Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with bathtub - perfect for a long hot soak after a day of enjoying the slopes or mountain adventure. The hotel’s restaurant downstairs cooks up both national and European dishes whilst also providing a cozy and family-friendly atmosphere.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAY 5

Ashu Guesthouse

Experience village life in comfort at Ashu Guesthouse, a charming guesthouse in the Chon-Kemin region of Kyrgyzstan. This unique hotel oozes tradition and tranquility: from the colorful decor and the outdoor eating area and garden to the majestic display of mountains in the distance, guests find themselves completely immersed in Kyrgyz culture while enjoying first-class service. Choose between a single or double room in any of the mountainside cottages and enjoy extra amenities including the on-site conference hall, traditional cuisine and day trips to the spectacular Chon-Kemin gorge.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAY 6

Supara Chunkurchak

Supara Chunkurchak is a "yurt hotel" or "ethno-hotel," with a concept of combining uniquely Kyrgyz hospitality with the comforts of a holiday resort. This mountain retreat is elevated at 2,500 meters above the Chunkurchak Gorge and lies only 25 miles from capital city, Bishkek. Ensuite guest rooms are set up in the style of traditional round yurts, with comfortable furnishings inspired by the country's nomadic cultures. There's also a restaurant, fitness center, bar, garden and children's playground onsite.

SUGGESTED HOTEL FOR DAY 7

Sheraton Bishkek

FROM

$6,000

PER PERSON

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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