Issyk Kul holidays

Issyk Kul holidays
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Places to visit: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore - Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Kochkor - Bishkek

Day 1: Bishkek
Your guide will meet you at the airport and you will take 30 minutes' drive to Bishkek to start your tour in Kyrgyzstan. Today you have plenty of time to explore the capital and feel the city life. Traditionally starting from Victory Square( Pobeda Square) to oldest Oak Park, later route will bring you to the Central Square Ala Too with its massive marble-faced buildings. The State Museum of Art is high spot of the city tour, where you can find out more about culture and art in Kyrgyzstan. Afternoon, on the way to fast-moving Asian Bazaar, you will stop at Philharmonic hall to take a short walk around. In this busy bazaar, you will be able to observe splendid free trade and feel authentic atmosphere in every corner. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek - Burana - Issyk Kul northern shore
In the morning, you will continue your travel adventure to Issyk Kul Lake, the second biggest mountain lake in the world lacated at the 1608 m a.s.l. The first stop before the lake is going to be at Burana Complex, remains of the medieval city Balasagyn( 11^th-12^th century). This site includes historical monuments like stone warriors called Balbals. Issyk Kul is also popular as "the pearl of Kyrgyzstan". The water of the lake is believed to be curative owing to its salinity. You will spend night at the hotel along the lake.

Day 3: Issyk Kul lake - Karakol
After breakfast, you will start your tours from visiting the second largest collection of petroglyphs in Kyrgyzstan. The stone paintings in the Open Air Museum going back to 800 BC and still available to see amazing Saka- Scythian style of drawings. It is believed that the shamans depicted some of them more than 2,000 years ago. After the excursion, you will drive along the northern shore to Karakol city. Karakol is located on the ancient Silk Road and later starting from the 19^th century flourished as a biggest town in the area. Here you will visit the historical monuments of late 19^th and early 20^th century: famous Dungan Mosque and Wooden Russian Orthodox Church. Overnight in a cozy guesthouse.

Day 4: Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Issyk Kul southern shore - Kochkor
This day will start from outstanding red rock formations named Jety Oguz due to its shape. It is one of the most famous included in all tours in Kyrgyzstan. In translation from Kyrgyz language Jety Oguz means Seven Bulls. At the entrance of the gorge, you can have a photo stop with the view of spectacular Broken Heart Mountain. After short hiking to the panoramic view, go on to Bokonbaeva village, the land of eagle hunters. Here we have an opportunity to meet local eagle hunter and learn more about this traditional way of hunting. Then arrive to Kochkor village. You will spend night at family homestay.

Day 5: Kochkor - Bishkek
Kochkor is famous for its colorful felt carpets from the old times. Almost every family process traditional carpets called Shyrdak and Ala kiyiz. Today on of the local families will demonstrate you how to make a carpet, you will even have a chance to make your own carpet. The way of making carpets is quite interesting accompanied with songs and dance. Furthermore, you can visit some local craft shops and small museum of handicraftswomen organizations. Afternoon you will to the capital city Bishkek. In the city, you can enjoy your free time writing down your memories from the trip or go for a shopping. This will be the last day of your travelling in Kyrgyzstan.

Day 6: Flight
In the morning, drive to the International Airport Manas.