Snowy mountains and golden sands of Issyk Kul Lake

A tour along the southern shore of Issyk Kul for those who ever likes to sit on the same place. This is a program that will show you the most beautiful lake in Kyrgyzstan. Cozy and completely deserted beaches of the Southern coast and beautiful mountain gorges are waiting for their travelers. It’s a great opportunity to connect activities in the mountains with the beach rest.

Issyk Kul from the Kyrgyz language is a "hot lake". It is located at an altitude of 1609 meters in the north-eastern part of the republic, between the Kungey Ala Too and Terskey Ala Too ridges. The lake never freezes, despite the fact that it is surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks.

Around the Issyk Kul Lake used to be many ancient cities, now all of them are hidden by water and carefully studied by archaeologists. Part of Great Silk Road passed along the Issyk Kul valley and further over the passes of Terskey Ala Too and Bedel pass to China. It was very important part of caravan path.

Day 1
Airport – Bishkek (35 km)
Meeting at the airport, transfer to Bishkek. Accommodation in a guest house/hotel. Excursion around Bishkek, visiting oriental Osh market ("bazaar"), downtown, walking along Avenue Chuy, passing by old "Russia" cinema, White House, main Ala-Too square, Art Avenue, Oak park towards Opera Theatre, Pobedy square. On the way possible to visit any museums, souvenir shops e.t.c. Dinner in a local restaurant. (LD)
Bishkek – 700m

Day 2
Bishkek – Tamga (320 km)
Transfer to Tamga. On the way stop at the Boom gorge. Walking in Konorchek canyons (red sandstone cliffs). Transfer to guest house “Tamga” on the Southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Overnight in a guest house. (BLD)
Bishkek – 700m, Tamga – 1685m

Day 3
Tamga – Tamga Tash stone – Tamga
After breakfast trekking to Tamga-Tash (stones with ancient Tibetan inscriptions). There is a written mantra "Om many Padme hum" on it. Return back to a guest house. Take a rest at the lake or optionally visiting hot springs in Kaji Say. Overnight in a guest house. (BLD)
Tamga  – 1685m, Tamga Tash – 2000m

Day 4
Tamga – Barskoon gorge – Arabel pass – Tamga (160 km)
Excursion to the waterfalls in Barskoon gorge, where once had come to the first cosmonaut Jury Gagarin. Driving up the gorge to Arabel valley over Barskoon pass. Visiting high-mountainous lakes. Overnight in guesthouse in Tamga. (BLD)
Tamga – 1685m, Barskoon pass – 3754m, Arabel valley – up to 4000m

Day 5
Tamga –  Djety Oguz valley – Karakol (140 km)
One-day hike up the Djety Oguz gorge. Excursion to legendary cliffs named "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart". Walking along the valley up to the panoramic view to Oguz Bashi mountains. On the way going through the forest. Transfer to Karakol city. Accommodation in guest house/hotel. (BLD)
Tamga – 1685m, Djety Oguz gorge – up to 2500m, Karakol – 1800m

Day 6
Karakol 
Excursion around the city. Visit the memorial complex of N. M. Prjevalsky.  After lunch excursion to the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, the Muslim Dungan mosque, which was built in 1910 by architects from Northern China. Walkthrough the old part of the town built by Russians. Visit the antique shop, history museum. Accommodation in guest house/hotel. (BLD)
Karakol – 1800m

Day 7
Karakol – Kichi Kyzyl Suu gorge – Djuukuchak gorge – Tamga (140 km)
One day tour from Kichi Kyzyl Suu gorge to Djuukuchak gorge with a nice panoramic view to Issyk Kul Lake. Transfer to Tamga. Overnight in a guest house. (BLD)
Tamga – 1685m

Day 8
Tamga – Fairy Tale canyon –  Burana Tower – Bishkek (350 km) 
Driving towards Bishkek city. On the way excursion to "Skazka"(Fairy Tale) canyon. The valley of Red cliffs. Stop in Boom gorge. Further visiting "Burana" historical complex, which is included in UNESCO heritage. Farewell dinner in a restaurant. Accommodation in guest house/hotel. (BLD)
Tamga – 1685m, Bishkek – 700m

Day 9
Bishkek – Airport (35 km)
Transfer to the airport. Flight back home. (BLD)
Bishkek – 700m

Service includes:
Double or twin accommodation in guesthouses/ hotels according program;
Transport for transfers during tour;
Full board during the tour;
English speaking guide;
Tickets to the museums, workshops mentioned in the program.

Service doesn't include: 
Single supplement;
Accommodation in hotels before and after the program;
Alcohol and soft drinks;
Transfers, excursions or horse riding over the program etc.;
Visa and invitation letter to Kyrgyzstan;
Medical insurance.

Clothing and Equipment:
Sunscreen (at least 20SPF);
Chapstik or equivalent lip balm;
Sunglasses with UV protection;
At least a 25 Liter backpack for personal items;
Telescopic trekking sticks poles (optional);
Head lamp (eg Petzl) spare bulbs & batteries; 
T-Shirts, long-sleeved T-shirt, shorts;
Trekking pants;
Underwear;
Fleece jacket or pullover; 
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional); 
Down vest and/or jacket (optional);
Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex) with hood;
Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex);
Thick, warm wool hiking socks; 
Thin gloves for trekking and overnight;    
Sun hat or scarf;
Warm fleece hat or light balaclava; 
Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces; 
Footwear for around camp or sandals.