Arrival in Bishkek. Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

Breakfast at the hotel.
City tour of Bishkek: the visit includes Ala-Too Central Square and the Changing of the Guard, the Lenin Statue, Duboviy Park, Victory (Pobeda) Square, and many other points of interest.

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the administrative center of the Chuy region. It is located in the valley of the river of the same name at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains, 30 km from Kazakhstan. Its name comes from the Kyrgyz word for a traditional horse-milk drink, "kumis."

From 18:00 – Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 – Departure eastwards toward Lake Issyk Kul. The route passes through the Chuy Valley, Boom Canyon, and along the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul – one of the largest alpine lakes in the world after Lake Titicaca (150 km).

Known as the “Hot Water Lake” (its name in Kyrgyz translates as such), it is surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains with snow-capped peaks year-round. Its average altitude is 1,700 meters above sea level, maximum depth 702 m, length 180 km, and width 60 km. It occupies a closed tectonic basin. The lake’s waters are slightly saline due to mineral springs at its bottom and surroundings, as well as snowmelt from the surrounding mountains in spring.

13:00 – Arrival at the resort on the lakeshore, accommodation, and free time.
16:00 – 18:00 – Excursion to the open-air museum of Scythian and Turkic petroglyphs (7th century BC – 5th century AD) and the local ethnography museum.

These are ancient Bronze Age settlements with rock carvings in open air. The carvings follow the Saka-Scythian animalistic style, representing animals with beautiful lines and a curious presentation. The site was an ancient temple where inhabitants held rituals, made offerings, and left images of sacred animals. From the museum, there is a stunning view of the “Celestial Mountains” surrounding the lake.

Optional: 1-hour boat ride on the lake. Return to the resort and rest.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 – Departure to the city of Bishkek.
13:30 – 14:30 – En route, visit the architectural complex “Burana Tower”, located about 75 km east of Bishkek.

The tower was built in the 11th century and is the main remnant of the ancient city of Balasagyn. Its name, “Burana,” derives from the mispronounced word “Monara,” meaning Minaret. This city was established in the 10th century over an older settlement and served as the capital of the eastern part of the Karakhanid State during the 10th–11th centuries AD. It is also famous as the birthplace of the poet Jusup Balasugyn, who wrote the epic poem Katadgu Bilig (“The Knowledge that Brings Happiness”), translated into multiple languages, and the city was part of the Silk Road.

14:30 – 15:30 – Optional lunch at a Kyrgyz house near Burana Tower.
Continuation of the journey to Bishkek.
16:00 – 17:00 – Arrival in Bishkek, hotel check-in, rest, and free time.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 – 13:00 – Excursion to Ala Archa National Park, located about 40 km from the city.

The park, situated in the Ala Archa river gorge and surrounded by the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains, is a popular destination for locals, hikers, and climbers. It covers 200 km² and starts at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters. Spend the morning enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, coniferous forests, and open skies, walking, and even climbing some of the summits to admire the landscape.

Return to Bishkek.
During lunch, visit a Kyrgyz family and participate in preparing a traditional dish of the country (the choice can be discussed with the guide on the first day of arrival).

Return to the hotel and rest.
Optional: 20:00 – 21:00 – Dinner at a local restaurant with a musical performance by professional folk musicians. This includes an introduction to Kyrgyz cuisine.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination.