Tours
›
Art, Culture, & Historical

Issyk-Kul Odyssey: Unraveling Silk Road Merchants & Culture

Art, Culture, & Historical

Bishkek

English, Ukrainian, Russian (Native)

3 days

Private tour (only you and your group)

Up to 4 people

Issyk-Kul's Marvel - Karakol Journey: Silk Road Merchants & Nature's Gems. Discover the finest historical & natural wonders. Savor local delicacies, explore 19th-century mansions & Silk Road monuments. Speedboat on the unique alpine lake, surrounded by Tian Shan peaks. Optimal for nature lovers, history enthusiasts & discerning travelers.

Petr K.

Meeting Point

Bishkek (any hotel or place) or Manas international airport

08:00 AM

Day 01 : Manas international airport

Our experienced driver will meet you with a personalized sign at Manas International Airport, your hotel, or any other convenient location in Bishkek. They will then take you to the meeting point with the guide at the world's unique high-altitude beach resort - Cholpon-Ata, a city boasting excellent museums, yacht marinas, and natural hot springs.

12:00 PM

Day 01 : Cholpon-Ata

Meeting with the guide and lunch at a local restaurant. The event will introduce you to Kyrgyz cuisine dishes highly esteemed throughout Central Asia.

01:00 PM

Day 01 : Ruh Ordo Exhibition Collection in Cholpon-Ata

Here, you will witness through cultural and artistic objects, how spiritual revelations and the phenomenon of power are perceived in Kyrgyz society."

02:30 PM

Day 01 : Yacht Club 'Cruise' or Natural Hot Springs

The next stop on our journey is a thrilling speedboat ride across the vivid azure waters of Lake Issyk-Kul, encircled by the towering peaks of the 5000-meter-high Tian Shan mountains. A truly unique and exhilarating experience!

As an alternative to the speedboat ride, we can consider a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs. In this case, you'll need to bring swimwear along. This bathing experience is believed to be invigorating due to the abundant mineral content in the spring waters.

04:00 PM

Day 01 : Petroglyph Museum

An outdoor exhibition of ancient rock carvings. Here, we'll delve into the experience of leadership shaped by unique conditions amid the natural landscape, nestled between snow-capped peaks and surrounding deserts from all sides, from the time of Scythian warrior-queen Tomyris, who defeated the Persian king, to modern-day influential figures.

07:00 PM

Day 01 : Arrival in Karakol

Accommodation at a guesthouse in Karakol.

Dinner at the guesthouse.

10:00 AM

Day 02 : The next morning

Start with any of the tourist programs in the order you prefer:

Historical 3-hour tour "Karakol through the Ages" featuring merchant mansions, religious buildings, and museum collections.

Jeti-Oguz, a vast red-rock formation amidst pastoral landscapes.

Panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Karakol ski resort.

Winter skiing with a guide for ski enthusiasts.

Summer hike to the picturesque Altyn-Arashan Valley, including a visit to the scenic Ala-Kul Lake.

Horseback riding excursions.

Explore the ethnic village of Jyrgalan.

All routes from Karakol and accommodation beyond one day are paid separately, as they offer different activities and conditions depending on the season.

08:00 AM

Day 03 : Departure from Karakol

Depending on the number of days you decide to spend in Karakol, we will determine the departure date together.

11:00 AM

Day 03 : Barskoon Gorge

A unique natural and historical site located on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Lunch at a restaurant in the town of Barskoon.

02:30 PM

Day 03 : The "Fairy Tale" Canyon

Visiting the "Fairy Tale" Canyon offers a unique experience of exploring otherworldly rock formations, resembling a fantastical landscape straight from a fairy tale. The canyon's vibrant colors and whimsical shapes create a mesmerizing sight, perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of this geological wonder and be captivated by its magical ambiance.

06:30 PM

Day 03 : The Burana Tower

Here, we will acquaint ourselves with the unique architecture of the tower, a remnant of a trading fortress, and explore a collection of artifacts related to merchants who once traversed the route along Issyk-Kul, following the great Silk Road.

07:30 PM

Day 03 : Returning to Bishkek

We will transport the group to the hotel, Manas International Airport, or any other designated location in Bishkek.

Ending Point

Bishkek (any hotel or place) or Manas international airport

Want to personalize this tour?

Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
Click below to tell us what you are looking for:

Request a Tour

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Services of a tour guide - university historian with a scientific degree.

Transfer from Bishkek or Manas International Airport, trips within Cholpon-Ata as per the program, and transportation to Karakol. Entrance tickets to all museums and either speedboat ride or bathing in hot springs as per the program.

One-night accommodation at a guesthouse in Karakol, including dinner at the guesthouse.

Transportation from Karakol to Bishkek or Manas International Airport and entrance fees to all attractions as per the program.

What‘s not included

Payment for meals for the group and the guide at cafes and restaurants along the route.

Accommodation in a guesthouse or hotel in Karakol beyond one night.

All hiking, skiing, and horseback riding routes (chosen separately, based on weather conditions), starting from Karakol and ending in Karakol. These routes can be accompanied either by the main guide, the historian, or a sports guide-instructor, depending on the chosen route's level of difficulty and the agreed price.

Flight to Bishkek or any other airport.

Accommodation in Bishkek.

Important Information

A larger number (more than 4) of group participants will require a bus for transfers and routes, and will disrupt the personalized nature of the tour excursions, thus implying an increase in price (upon request).

Please bring comfortable sun hats that provide good sun protection for all group participants. Also, don't forget to bring sunscreen.

For the speedboat ride, make sure to wear comfortable sports shoes without heels.

If you choose extended hiking routes from Karakol, you can purchase hiking equipment at local stores or bring your own.

For winter skiing, you can rent skiing equipment in Karakol.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time