Colours of Kyrgzystan

Colours of Kyrgzystan Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly to Bishkek

  Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Bishkek, via Istanbul, with Turkish Airlines. (N)

• Day 2: Bishkek

  Early morning arrival. Transfer to the Orion Hotel Bishkek for 2 nights (including immediate occupancy). Afternoon sightseeing tour of Bishkek with a visit to Osh Bazaar. (B, L)

• Day 3: Chon Kemin valley

  Drive to Chon Kemin valley. On arrival, have lunch at a local guest house. This afternoon, walk through a village and enjoy panoramic views of the valley, where alpine meadows are surrounded by mountain peaks. There will be an opportunity to take a gentle hike within the Chon Kemin gorge. (B, L, D)

• Day 4: Lake Issyk-Kul

  Drive to the northern shore of Lake IssykKul, via Boom gorge. Visit the prehistoric petroglyphs that lie around the nearby town of Cholpon-Ata and stay overnight at the Karven Issyk-kul hotel (or similar). (B)

• Day 5: Karakol

  Take a boat ride on the lake then travel to a nearby gorge for a walk among the stunning scenery. In the afternoon, drive around the northern lake shore to Karakol, stopping en route at a museum dedicated to the great Russian explorer Nikolay Przhevalsky. Stay for 2 nights at the Green Yard Guest House (or similar). (B)

• Day 6: Karakol

  Travel to the Djety-Oguz gorge, known for the ‘Broken Heart’ and ‘Seven Bulls’ red rock formations. Return to Karakol to visit the wooden church and mosque. (B)

• Day 7: Bokonbaevo village

  Drive along the southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, stopping at several scenic viewpoints along the way. Stop at Fairy Tale canyon, where it is possible to take a hike (weather permitting). On arrival at Bokonbaevo village, visit a workshop and see a carpet making demonstration. Continue to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul for an overnight stay in a yurt camp*. (B, D)

• Day 8: Chonkurchak

  This morning, meet a local eagle hunter to learn about this tradition followed by a show. Later, travel to Chonkurchak via Burana Tower, an ancient 24-metre minaret. Stay overnight at Supara Chunkurchak. (B, D)

• Day 9: Bishkek

  Day at leisure to relax in this green mountain setting or enjoy a walk through the pristine scenery. Drive back to Bishkek this afternoon and stay overnight at Orion Hotel Bishkek. (B)

• Day 10: Fly to London

  Morning transfer to the airport and fly to London, via Istanbul, with Turkish Airlines. (B)

• Meal basis

  As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

• Important information

• *Yurt camp

  Please note that the yurt camp accommodation on day 7 is very basic and has shared bathroom facilities.

• Discovery tour

  Kyrgyzstan is a rewarding wilderness destination and accommodation should be considered basic outside of Bishkek. A reasonable level of fitness is required for this tour, due to several gentle hikes. This tour is therefore best suited to the hardier traveller.

• Single supplement

  From £445pp.

• Private & tailor-made travel

  This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements.