DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Kyrgyzstan
Depart for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan**For flights departing on day 1 and arriving in the early hours of day 2, a room will be available for you upon arrival

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Bishkek
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Arrive early morning in Bishkek, the delightful capital city and transfer to the hotel. After breakfast, spend time at leisure. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5:30 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Ala Archa National Park, Explore Bishkek
This morning, head to the famed Ala Archa National Park, an alpine park in the majestic Tien Shan Mountains. Admire the scenic mountains, lush valleys, and flowing rivers, during the hike towards the rock formation known as the Broken Heart. Following the hike, return to Bishkek. Make a stop near the US Embassy and learn about the US aid in Kyrgyzstan to improve public administration, promote economic growth and improve quality of healthcare and education. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Osh Bazaar. Walk around the bustling market with rows of stalls brimming with local produce, spices, meat products and ready-made delicacies, a perfect place to get a glimpse into local life. Arrive in the hotel late afternoon and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Thursday - Kochkor Village, Travel to Son Kul Lake
Depart Bishkek, and travel through the beautiful countryside of Kyrgyzstan towards Kochkor village. Along the way pass by Boom Gorge and Orto Tokoy reservoir, located on the Chu River. On arrival in Kochkor, have lunch of local specialties. In the afternoon, meet with Kyrgyz artisans who will demonstrate how they make the national felt carpets from sheep's wool. Later, continue the drive to Song-Kol Lake, located at 9895 ft. above sea level. This alpine lake is considered a sacred place to many Kyrgyz people. After passing through the Kalmak Ashu mountain pass, arrive at the yurt camp on the southern shore of Son Kul Lake. Spend free time before dinner tonight
Overnight: Son Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Son Kul Lake Hike, Eagle Hunt Demonstration
Explore the surrounding area during a hike this morning. In the meadows, view nomadic herdsmen and their families watching over goats, sheep, and horses. Following lunch, depart the camp and travel to Kochkor village. Check into your hotel and later meet an eagle hunter and his golden eagle. Witness this ancient nomadic tradition firsthand. Discover the principles of training these majestic creatures to follow commands, one of the oldest traditions of Kyrgyz nomads. Observe the alertness and speed of the eagle as it catches the artificial prey and returns back to his master. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Kochkor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Barskoon Gorge, Jety Oguz Gorge, Karakol
Begin the day with a visit to the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, ideally located on the shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Here, meet a local family who will teach you the secrets of yurt production. This local art has been passed on in the family for generations. Watch how they prepare the different parts of the yurt (poles, walls, and rounded roof). Afterward, continue to Bokonbaevo village for lunch with a local family in their yurt. In the afternoon, travel to picturesque Barskoon Gorge. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the gorge and take in the fresh mountain air as you hike along the scenic trails. Then, set off for Jety Oguz Gorge, known for its distinctive red sandstone rock formations. During the hike, pass by the famous "Seven Bulls" rock formation which is the symbol of the gorge. Later, arrive in the city of Karakol in time for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Discover Karakol, National Horse Games, Home Hosted Dinner
Discover Karakol city this morning, with its rich history and vibrant culture. Begin with a visit the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral and learn about its significance to the local community, then head to Dungan Mosque that combines Chinese and Muslim influences. Continue to Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the renowned 19th century Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky. Get insight into his adventures and view his personal belongings. Afterward, travel to a farm near the village of Tepke for lunch. Later, tour the stables where they breed horses and gain knowledge of Kyrgyz horses and their role in Kyrgyz culture. Witness national horse games which are nomadic games carried out on horseback and watch Kurosh "horse wrestling" and a game of Kok-Boru, or horse polo. Tonight, you are welcomed to the home of a local Dungan family for dinner and cultural exchange
Overnight: Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Semenov Gorge, Travel to Cholpon Ata
Today's scenic drive takes you to the stunning Semenov Gorge, known for its tall red cliffs, lush greenery and rushing river. Hike along the trail and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After the hike, have a picnic lunch in the serene setting. In the afternoon, drive to the town of Cholpon Ata, on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, surrounded by the snow-covered Tian Shan Mountains. Arrive and check into your resort hotel with free time before dinner tonight
Overnight: Cholpon Ata
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Explore Cholpon Ata, Evening Boat Ride on Lake Issyk Kul
The exploration of Cholpon Ata begins with a visit to the Historical Museum of Petroglyphs, which displays a fascinating collection of ancient carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. Learn about the history and culture of the Kyrgyz people through these ancient artworks. Continue to Rukh Ordo cultural center which showcases the diversity of Kyrgyz culture, history and traditions. The center was established in early 2000s by prominent poet, writer and public figure Chingiz Aitmatov. Visit several of the chapels in Rukh Ordo, representing different religions, including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism. These chapels are designed to promote religious tolerance and understanding. Return to the hotel and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch, along with a performance of local folk musicians. Tonight, after dinner, embark on an evening boat ride in Issyk Kul lake and take in the tranquil lakeside setting
Overnight: Cholpon Ata
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Travel to Chon Kenin, Yurt Building
Travel to the picturesque Chon Kemin valley, known for its rugged landscape and splendid natural beauty. It is characterized by its lush meadows, dense forests and the meandering Chon Kemin River that flows through it. Arrive at the guesthouse in Tar-Suu village and check into your room. After lunch, take a horse-cart ride around the village and immerse yourself in the local culture and everyday life. Then, participate in the building of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt, which is a portable house used by nomadic communities. Later, attend a demonstration and lesson on how to prepare traditional Kyrgyz bread, followed by dinner
Overnight: Chon Kemin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Burana Tower en route to Bishkek, National History Museum
Depart Chon Kemin this morning, and travel back to Bishkek. Along the way, stop in the town of Tokmok, located in the Chuy Valley to visit Burana Tower. This impressive ancient minaret, along with mausoleum ruins, and petroglyphs are all that remain of the ancient city of Balasagun, established by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th century. Following lunch, continue the drive to Bishkek. On arrival, head to serene Ala-Too Square, once known as Lenin Square, located in the heart of the city. Here, visit the National History Museum with its impressive exhibits covering Kyrgyz history and culture. During the tour, learn about the civilization and heritage of Kyrgyzstan. Afterward, take a stroll through the extensive grounds of Oak Park. Check into the hotel with free time. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager during dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Depart Kyrgyzstan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast