The unique climate of Issyk-Kul and its surroundings, which combines the
peculiarities of both mountainous and maritime, is conditioned by the
presence of a giant, natural accumulator - Lake Issyk-Kul. Where else in the
northern latitudes of the world can you get such a combination: hot sun, the
scent of coniferous forests and the refreshing coolness of a sea breeze.
Journey along the Terskey where the air itself is salubrious - it is an
excellent opportunity to rejuvenate yourself and collect some unforgettable
impressions.
Duration : 12 Days (06 days horse riding).
Best Season : July - September
Day
1 : Arrival in Bishkek. Transfer to the hotel "Asia Mountains".
Rest. City tour in Bishkek. During a day you will visit culture sights,
colorful eastern bazaar and souvenir shops. Accommodation in a Guest House.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start point - 800m in
Bishkek)
Day 2 : Breakfast. Transfer to
Jeti-Oguz Gorge along the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake (420 km on a good
road). Lunch on the way. Shepherds tell a lot of legends about the
beautiful, famous, red rocks known as "Seven Bulls" and "Broken
Heart". Optionally visit small waterfall. Diner and Overnight stay in
the yurta camp, in "Flower valley".
(Altitudes above sea
level during the day: start point - 800m in Bishkek, end of day -2250m in
the yurta camp)
Day 3 : Breakfast.
Transfer to Karakol town (40 km). City tour in Karakol. Visiting
Prejevalskiy (famous Russian traveler) museum, Russian Orthodox Church,
Moslem mosque in Dungan style. Visit a felt carpet workshop where it is
possible to buy carpets or souvenirs. Dinner in Uigur family (Uigur - it
small Muslim nationality, who migrated long time ago from China).
Accommodation in a private guest house with local families.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: highest pointing beginning of day
- 2250m in Yurta camp, end of day -1800m in Karakol)
Day 4 : Breakfast. Depart from Karakol to Sary-Bulak village
(around 40 km) by car. Ride to the foot of Sary-Bulak pass (around 4 hours).
Overnight in tents.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start
point - 1616m in Issuk-Kul Lake, highest point in end of day -2800m in
Kurmenty)
Day 5 : Horse back riding
over Sary-Bulak Pass (3800 m). Travel to the third lake. The altitude of the
lake is 2600 m. Overnight in tents.
(Altitudes above sea level during
the day: start point - 2300m, highest point 3800m in Sary-Bulak Pass, end of
day -2600m near of third lake)
Day 6 : Ride
through Kol-Say Gorge to the second mountain lake (around 4-5 hours).
Overnight in tents.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start
point - 2600m near of third lake, end of day -2300m near of second lake)
Day 7 : Travel to the first lake, which
is surrounded by a forest that contains many mushrooms. The altitude of the
lake is 2000 m. After lunch back to the second lake. Overnight in tents.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: highest point of trek -
2300 m)
Day 8 : Ride over Kurmenty
Pass (around 5 hours altitude 3400 m). Overnight in tents (2800m).
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start point - 2600m in the tent
camp, highest point - 3800m the Pass Sary ,end of day -2800m in the Sary
Gorge)
Day 9 : Ride to Kurmenty
village. There is a great view of Issyk-Kul Lake - the pearl of Kyrgyzstan.
A car will be waiting after the pass. Transfer to Cholpon-Ata on a northern
coast of Issyk-Kul lake. Visit the "Petroglyphs" Open Air Museum
on the way. Accommodation in the hotel Raduga
(Altitudes above sea
level during the day: start point - 2800m in the Sary Gorge, in end of day -
1600m in Raduga)
Day 10 : Breakfast.
Free day in Issyk-Kul. Relax on the beach and swimming. Accommodation in the
hotel Raduga
(Altitudes above sea level during the day -1600m in
Issyk-Kul)
Day 11 : Breakfast. Free
time in the Morning. Transfer to Bishkek (280 km) on the way you visit the
Burana Tower (11th century) the remains of Karakhanid's empire in Central
Asia. Lunch on the way.
Free time in the afternoon. You can go for SPA
or souvenir shops. Farewell dinner in the restaurant. Accommodation in the
Guesthouse.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day -800m in
Issyk-Kul, 800m in Bishkek)
Day 12 : Transfer
to the airport. Fly home.