THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SEPTEMBER

Walking tour in the center of the city –Ala Too Square, the State National History Museum, Old Square and the Parliament, Oak Park and the Statue of Kurmandjan Datka (Kyrgyz Queen), the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Victory Square and Eternal Fire, ending at ZUM.

If time allows visit to Osh Bazar and the National park Ala Archa. 150 B My Hotel 4* or similar 3-4* (early check in is included)

2 Drive from Bishkek city to Karakol city via northern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. On the way visit to Konorchek or Kok Moinok Canyons (subject to the weather conditions). In Cholpon Ata town – visit to the Open Air Museum of Petroglyphs. Short visit to Grigoriev Gorge. Briefing with the trekking guide in the evening. 400 B Green Yard GH or similar

3 The first day of trekking: Drive from Karakol to Dzhety Oguz Gorge and further trekking to Yrdyk Gorge (2500asl, 10-12km, 6-8 hours). Shepherds tell a lot of legends about the beautiful, famous, red rocks known as Dzhety Oguz "Seven Bulls" and it’s "Broken Heart" rock. In trekking all the meals (breakfast, lunch box for lunch and dinner) are provided by the trekking staff. Overnights are in tents. All the equipment is carried by porters (depending on the number of tourists at trekking); guests carry their daily pack with personal belongings. 30 B/L(LB)/D Tents

4 The second day of trekking: Trekking from the Yrdyk Gorge to the Green Lakes area (3300asl,10-12km, 6-8 hours), one of the most stunning surroundings. In trekking all the meals (breakfast, lunch box for lunch and dinner) are provided by the trekking staff. Overnights are in tents. All the equipment is carried by porters (depending on the number of tourists at trekking), guests carry their daily pack with personal belongings. - B/L(LB)/D Tents

5 The third day of trekking: Trekking from the Green Lakes to the Karakol Gorge (1700asl, 10-12km, 6-8 hours), meeting a driver and transfer back to the Karakol city. In trekking all the meals (breakfast, lunch box for lunch and dinner) are provided by the trekking staff. Overnights are in tents. All the equipment is carried by porters (depending on the number of tourists at trekking), guests carry their daily pack with personal belongings. A relaxing evening in a guesthouse in Karakol city. 30 B/L(LB)/D Green Yard GH or similar

6 Drive from Karakol town to Bokonbaevo village. In the morning city tour of Karakol - visit an Old Russian Orthodox Church and mosque in Dungan style. Most surprising is that both the mosque and the church were built without a single nail or any metal cords. The builders used only wooden beams of the Tien Shan fir, elm and local poplar. In the afternoon further drive by southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake to the Bokonbaev village. Visit to Skazka Canyon – the Fairy Tale Canyon on the way. 160 B/D Guest House or a Family Stay

7 One of the most stunning drives from Bokonbaev village over Tosor Pass to Naryn town. Depending on availability of road, the drive today can be done over Tosor Pass – challenging but stunning road from Issyk Kul area to Naryn region. Upon arrival to Naryn a short visit to the city’s main attractions – the Blue Mosque and the Central Square. 300 B Khan Tengry Naryn 3-4* or similar 3-4*

8 Naryn – At Bashy Animal Market –Tash Rabat Caravanserai in Kara Koyun Gorge. Early wake up to manage to the opening of the At Bashy Animal Market. This is very the animal from all over the region once grassed at pastures are brought, sold and bought. Further drive to Kara Koyun Canyon to visit the mystic Tash Rabat Caravanserai – the construction of stone once served as a caravanserai during the times of the Silk Road, but originally built in the 10th century as a Buddhist or Nestorian monastery. First experience of accommodation in a traditional Kyrgyz Nomads’ dwelling – Boz Ui, or a yurt. At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights. 300 B/D Yurts

9 After breakfast, drive to Son Kul Lake, over two Passes – Mels Pass (subject to weather conditions) and no less beautiful Moldo Ashu Pass. During the summer, shepherds with their families stay at pastures in the area around Song-Kul Lake in traditional felt dwellings Boz Ui or yurts, grassing their flocks and herds of animals. At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights. 190 B/D Yurts

10 Day at Son Kul Lake. Day at leisure. Optional activities: Swimming in the lake, short trek to Petroglyphs, horse riding (for an extra charge). At yurt camps meals are provided, yurts are heated at nights. - B/L/D Yurts

11 Drive from Son Kul Lake over Kalmak Ashu Pass to Kochkor village first. A visit to a handicraft workshop to take a participation in making a traditional Kyrgyz carpets – Ala Kiyz and Shirdak, listed as an immaterial UNESCO heritage. Local bazaar exploration. Further drive to Chon Kemin National Park. Optional activities in Chon Kemin: Hiking for about 2 hours to panorama viewpoint or a drive to Dzhashyl Kol Area. 330 B/D Ashu Guest House or a Family Stay

12 After breakfast, transfer to Bishkek. On the way visit to the historical complex Burana Tower (11th C.) the remains of Karakhanid's empire in Central Asia. Optionally Kyrgyz folklore program during the farewell dinner. 200 B My Hotel 4* or similar 3-4*

13 Departure. 30