Honeymoon in Kyrgyzstan

Transfer From Bishkek Airport To Your Hotel In Bishkek - Transfer From Bishkek Airport To Your Hotel In Bishkek - Welcome to Bishkek

Day 1: Bishkek

Transfer from Manas International Airport to your hotel in Bishkek
Car Transfer: Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Touch down at Manas International Airport, Kyrgyzstan's main transport hub, and make your way to the arrivals hall. You will be met by our representative and transferred to the center of Bishkek. Estimated travel time: 40 minutes Driving distance: 28km


Welcome to Bishkek
Excursion: Today explore the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. The city is relatively new and pleasant to get around, in a grid layout with wide boulevards, irrigation canals and large trees, grand marble buildings and Soviet monuments. The locals are quite liberal by Central Asian standards and hospitable to tourists, with many young people hanging out in cafes and parks. With an intriguing recent history and light-hearted atmosphere, it's a fun place to get to know.


Enjoy a romantic dinner
Excursion: Tonight, you and your beloved will dine on excellent food, sip sparkling champagne and soak up the candlelit ambiance of this fantastic restaurant. Enjoy your meal to the accompaniment of live music; after an evening of indulgence, head back to your room where a deluge of roses, fruits and champagne await.

Full day city tour of Bishkek

Day 2: Bishkek

Full day city tour of Bishkek
Excursion: The capital of Bishkek sits beside the Tien Shan mountain range, in the Chui Valley. The city itself is comparatively new, unlike other Kyrgyz settlements in the nomadic grasslands. Founded in the 19th century by the Uzbek khan of Kokand, it was mostly destroyed and rebuilt by Russians. As you amble its streets, you will encounter the city's czarist infrastructures: marbled facades, Soviet architecture, ornate boulevards flanked by irrigation canals and rows of large trees. Enjoy a full day tour with a local guide, who will whisk you around Bishkek's fantastic highlights. Begin in the striking Ala-Too Main Square, built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz SSR, the middle of the square sported a towering statue of Lenin. These days, the centre of the square is a popular spot for locals to hold street events, festivals and markets. Head to the widely revered open-air art gallery in Oak Park. Artists from the Artist's Union of Kyrgyzstan showcase and sell their work here; weave your way amongst paintings, jewellery, puppets and Kyrgyz handicrafts on display. You'll stumble across the so-called Painters' Street, where local painters display and sell their creations. Take a wander down the Erkindik boulevard, explore the street vendors and get a feel for the capital's daily urban life. Other highlights on this tour include the Wedding Palace, Panfilov Park, Youth Alley, the Statue of Manas and the State Grand Philharmonic Hall. All the while, you'll be greeted with smiles and heartwarming hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.

Transfer from Bishkek to Kara Bulak eco resort - Transfer from Bishkek to Kara Bulak eco resort - Ride to Pigeon Waterfall on horseback

Day 3: Kara Bulak

Transfer from Bishkek to Kara Bulak eco resort
Car Transfer: Enjoy a private transfer from Bishkek to Kara Bulak resort, a tranquil escape from the city. Estimated travel time: 40-60 minutes


Ride to Pigeon Waterfall on horseback
Excursion: Today, you will explore the wonderful canyons of Chunkurchak and Pigeon's Waterfall on horseback. After a brief safety talk, mount your noble steeds and ride into picture-perfect Alpine meadows. On the way to these cascading falls, you can marvel at radiant tulip fields and majestic mountains in the distance. After hacking past the Dungurotmo canyon, you'll reach the jagged rocks and thundering water of Pigeon's Waterfall; occasionally, visitors see flocks of wild doves here, giving the waterfall its name. The National Nature Reserve teems with natural splendour.


Evening visit to the Ishtik Moncho bath house
Excursion: Tonight, indulge in a visit to the steamy traditional bath-house, Ishtyk Moncho. This unique bathing complex is influenced by typical Russian 'banyas'. Plunge into the bubbling water tanks infused with sea buckthorn, mint and fragrant herbs, whilst marvelling at soul-stirring mountain silhouettes against the moonlit sky. Take a rejuvenating dip in the pure mountain water swimming pool, followed by a leisurely lounge in the sauna. There is also a quaint courtyard and central fireplace to relax by, either before, after, or during the visit.

Transfer from Kara Bulak eco resort to Chon Kemin Valley - Transfer from Kara Bulak eco resort to Chon Kemin Valley - Hike To Kalmak Ashuu Gorge

Day 4: Chon Kemin Valley

Transfer from Kara Bulak eco resort to Chon Kemin Valley
Car Transfer: Enjoy a scenic transfer from the wilderness of Kara Bulak eco resort to the verdant valleys of Chon Kemin. On the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking rural vistas. Chon-Kemin boasts gloriously unspoiled landscapes: striking glaciers neighbour green coniferous forests and steppe regions, and blooming meadows rest between the snow-capped peaks of Kungei-Ala-Too and Zailiyskiy-Ala-Too. Estimated transfer time: 3-4 hours.


Hike to the Kalmak Ashu Gorge
Excursion: Embark on a scenic hiking trail to the Kalmak Ashu Gorge, and marvel at panoramic views of sprawling Kyrgyz vistas on the way. Depending on what time of year you go, you may be in time for the blossoming wild flowers which are a true vision. You may spot a variety of native birds, which swoop overhead the grazing yaks below. As you wander amidst such natural splendour, you'll notice how the landscape changes before your eyes; from rocky outcrops to roiling crests of green grass, you'll be spoilt with picture perfect views. If you don't fancy walking, it is also possible to enjoy the adventure on horseback.


Experience local life in Chon Kemin Valley
Excursion: Chon Kemin valley is home to a spirited community who will welcome you in and show you the highlights of local life. Take a gentle stroll around the village and glean a fascinating insight into rural Kyrgyz village. Chat with the local people, who will show you how to they tend to cattle, prepare food and raise their families.

Watch A Traditional Kyrgyz Wedding Ceremony - Afternoon at leisure in Chon Kemin valley

Day 5: Chon Kemin Valley

Watch a Kyrgyz wedding ceremony
Excursion: Today, you will have the unique chance to witness a typical wedding ceremony, with its traditional customs and colourful rituals. Whilst the significance of this ceremony spans across cultures, the way it is carried out will be unlike what you're used to back home. Years ago, husband and wife would come together from distant tribes, and there would be great ritual in taking the bride from her familial tribe tothe home of her spouse. When the newlyweds come together in the new abode, a prodigious ceremony unfolds and will be demonstrated before your eyes. Witness the intricate braiding of the bride’s hair, and watch the lovers swing side by side upon the 'selkinchek' (traditional swings), before following the crowds to 'kelin kirgizüü', the second part of the ceremony. The official welcoming of the bride takes place in her new home. Marvel at sep jayuu, the ornate display of her dowry: hand-made felts, bright rugs, blankets, cushions, pillows and beautiful clothes are draped around the bride for people to see. Nike kïyuu is the Muslim ceremony carried out by a mullah to legalize the marriage between the couple, which is usually followed by toi, a celebration involving music, dancing, singing and blessings. This demonstration truly embodies fusion of cherished cultures in Kyrgyzstan.


Afternoon at leisure in Chon Kemin valley
Excursion: This afternoon, enjoy basking in the grandeur of Chon Kemin valley. Trample around the green meadows, explore the fir coated gorge slopes, and keep an eye lifted for seasonal flora and fauna, such as the tolai hare, pheasant and fir needle-ephedra. If you fancy relaxing, your local guesthouse has a picturesque garden and terrace with arresting views of distant glaciers and mountain ridges.

Transfer from Chon Kemin to Issyk Kul Lake - Transfer from Chon Kemin to Issyk Kul Lake - Visit the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs

Day 6: Cholpon Ata - Issyk Kul Lake

Transfer from Chon Kemin to Issyk Kul Lake
Car Transfer: Enjoy a scenic transfer from the verdant valleys of Chon Kemin to the azure waters of Issyk Kul Lake. Estimated transfer time: 2 hours.


Visit the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs
Excursion: Many are drawn to the town of Cholpon Ata for the almighty Issyk Kul lake; however, the town itself is home to iconic bastions of Kyrgyzstan history- The open-air museum of Petroglyphs being one of them. Occasionally referred to as the Stone Garden, it covers some 42 hectares and contains a number of prehistoric monumental structures. As you amble around, you will trace stone circles, tombs, the remains of a boundary stone wall, balbals and ancient Petroglyphs. Step back into a bygone era, and marvel at inscriptions dating back over 2000 years. The drawings are examples of the Saka-Skythian animal style of art; the figures appear to tame snow leopards during a hunt. A series of interlinking paths connect the stones, and you'll notice their unique positioning; facing southwest and southeast, it is believed they were connected to sun worship and served as astronomical instruments. The Sun (solar) sign, often accompanied by chariots, are drawn on rocks along with images of animals and people, (such as hunters).


Explore the Rukh-Ordo cultural centre
Excursion: The Rukh-Ordo cultural centre is an ethno-religious complex, where you will find five temples of five religions: Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, Buddhism, and Judaism. The underpinning idea of the complex is the unity of God and all people of the world. Accompanied by fantastic views of the lake, you can appreciate the fusion of religions.


Afternoon at leisure on Issyk-Kul Lake
Excursion: This afternoon, take some time to stroll around the breathtaking shores of Issyk Kul Lake, the seventh deepest lake in the world. Although it is encircled by snow-capped mountains, the lake never freezes, with its name translating as 'hot lake'. Many visitors are stunned by the glowing hues of the water: bright blues peter out into azure, against the alpine backdrop Ala-Too mountains. If the weather permits, you could go for a swim, hire a row boat from a local vendor or simply sit on the banks and watch the nature unfurl before you. Whatever you choose to do this afternoon, rest assured you can do so in complete tranquility.

Boat Tour On Issyk Kul Lake - At leisure on Issyk Kul Lake

Day 7: Issyk Kul Lake - Cholpon Ata

Boat trip around Issyk Kul Lake
Excursion: Embark on a pristine boat cruise around the pearl of Central Asia. Drift across impossibly blue waters, breathe fresh alpine air and soak up the exquisite natural surroundings. Keep an eye on the waters below, as Issyk-Kul hosts a highly endemic fish biodiversity. This fairy-tail like scene is steeped in myth and legend; it is believed the pre-Islamic king of the Ossounes once possessed donkey's ears, which he hid in secret. To best preserve his secret, he had his royal barbers killed. However, one barber yelled the secret into a well but forgot to cover it, leading to the well erupting and flooding the kingdom. This is thought to be the origin of the lake itself. Whilst admiring the epic views, you can enjoy a light picnic lunch, fruits and champagne.


At leisure on Issyk Kul Lake
Excursion: Take some time to relax on the picturesque shores of Issyk Kul Lake. You can take a dip in the refreshing waters, hire a rowing boat from a local vendor or simply sit and watch the world go by.

Transfer from Issyk Kul Lake to Karakol town - Transfer from Issyk Kul Lake to Karakol town - Visit Reina Kench eco farm

Day 8: Tepke - Karakol

Transfer from Issyk Kul Lake to Karakol town
Car Transfer: From Issyk Kul, you'll take a breathtakingly scenic road through the far eastern part of the lake and continue all the way to Karakol town. Estimated transfer time: 3 hours.


Visit Reina Kench eco farm
Excursion: Pay a visit to a traditional eco farm just outside of Karakol; its main feature is a horse farm, where they breed stunning new Kyrgyz and Russian trotters. Additionally, herds of 270 cattle and 1800 sheep occupy these far-reaching grasslands. Enjoy a guided tour around the farm and gain an insight into typical Kyrgyz ranching and agriculture. Wonder around the apricot and apple garden, pick vegetables and weave your way between juniper trees as you gradually get a feel for rural life. Depending on the season and order of the day, you could be doing anything from milking cows or meeting race horses to collecting strawberries and making cheese. An organic farm lunch will be lovingly prepared with the freshest ingredients, which you can savor al fresco on the banks of the Jyrgalan River.

Welcome to Karakol - Przhevalsky Museum and Memorial - Russian Holy Trinity Church

Day 9: Karakol

Welcome to Karakol
Excursion: Get to know Karakol today, a wonderfully traditional city, which travellers mainly use for the great active excursions on offer in the surrounding areas. Originally a Russian settlement, it has an array of interesting Russian architecture and monuments as well as a few other gems to seek out with some exploration.


Przhevalsky Museum and Memorial
Excursion: Nikolay Mikhailovich Przhevalsky is one of the first Russian Scientist-Geographer who started studying in great detail the geography, flora and fauna of the Central Asian countries. Beginning from 1870, he arranged 4 large expeditions to Mongolia, China and Tibet. Przhevalsky was eventually elected Active Member of the Russian Geographic Society and also a Member of the Russian Academy of Science due to his outstanding achievements and contributions to the exploration of Central Asia. In 1888, he tragically died from typhoid fever on the eve of his fifth expedition to Central Asia; he was buried on the Issyk-Kul lakeside not far from the city of Karakol. The monument to Nikolay Przewalsky, The Memorial Museum of N. M. Przhevalsky, was opened in 1957 in Karakol. The museum has over 8 works of N. M. Przhevalsky published in the period from 1883 to 1947, as well as 30 photocopies and photos. The Memorial Museum also received material from the Geographic Society of the USSR. Today, you can find personal items, documents photos and articles of Przhevalsky there. Not far from the Museum there is the traveller’s tomb and monument.


Russian Holy Trinity Church
Excursion: The Holy Trinity Church is a fine example of a Russian Orthodox Church, which served as a dance hall under the Soviets, and a school during the Second World War. Built on the site of an earlier church, erected in 1876, the current building was constructed between 1890-1895. During the construction a yurt served as a church for local population. The building consists of wooden walls on a stone foundation, and it is highly decorative. The five onion domes, which used to adorn it, were destroyed in the Soviet period. Inside are a number of icons – including some saved from Svetly Myz, and a copy of one of Saint Troitzy by Andrei Rublev (who lived in the 13th Century). It has now been returned to active service as a church and some reconstruction was begun in 1961. It is now being renovated anew.


Visit Dungan Mosque
Excursion: This Dungan (Chinese) Mosque in Karakol was built by a Chinese architect and 20 artisans between 1907 and 1910. It was built entirely of wood, without a single nail. The Dungans first arrived in Karakol as refugees in 1877 and created a small community. The Mosque is set into its own territory and the distinctive decoration (it is painted in bright colors – red, green and yellow – and bears reliefs depicting various types of flora and mythical animals such as dragons and the phoenix) that give it an original character.


Visit the main bazaar
Excursion: Karakol's central market is the bustling heart of the town. Selling heaps of colourful spices, dried fruit, local handicrafts and warm clothes to guard you against the elements, the market draws visitors from all across the region. Take some time to wander through the alleyways and make sure you chat to the vendors (you may even be rewarded with a free sample or two!)

Transfer from Karakol to Jeti Oguz valley - Transfer from Karakol to Jeti Oguz valley - Visit Jeti Oguz gorge

Day 10: Jeti Oguz Valley - Song Kol

Transfer from Karakol to Jeti Oguz valley
Car Transfer: Short transfer to picturesque Jeti Oguz valley by exciting mountain road winding through fir tree forest and between stunning rocks alongside the rushing waters of the Jeti Oguz river. This road requires an advanced vehicle so we will use a Russian army truck or similar car. Estimated travel time: 1 hour


Visit Jeti Oguz gorge
Excursion: Jeti Oguz is located 28 kilometres to the south-west of Karakol. Its name translated from Kyrgyz language means “Seven bulls”. The name is symbolic, because there is a 35 km long wall of seven huge red-brown cliffs resembling furious bulls standing together. In front of the cliffs there are flat mountain slopes, thickly overgrown with grass and pine trees. Romantics may admire the "Broken Heart" rock which is located at the entrance to the gorge.


Transfer from Jeti Oguz Valley to Song Kol Lake via Bokonbaev village
Other Transfer: From the epic 'Seven Bulls' of Jeti-Oguz, head to Son-Kol Lake through the south shore of the Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, you will stop off in the rural town of Bokonbaevo and visit a local Kyrgyz Burkutchu’s home. The host is a hunter, and has a small falcon farm on the premises. He will share the story of falconry and its historical meaning to Kyrgyz people. Tamed and trained birds are a unique property of the hunter; from generation to generation hereditary hunters inherited secrets, skills, and the age-old tradition of growing and training hawks. This practice is a common form of recreation for the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan, and forms part the national culture. No trip to Kyrgyzstan is complete without a visit to a home like this! Have lunch in a family home and continue along the southern shores of Issyk-Kul, which is dotted with a handful of small pensions and rest homes. Continue driving to the beautiful alpine lake of Song-Kol (3016m). The road to the lake has stunning views of Tien-Shan Mountains, green pastures where you can see herding horses and sheep, small mountains rivers and definitely local nomads with their yurts. You can stop and visit nomads where you will be offered bread and national drink Kymyz (fermented mare’s milk). Estimated travel time: 6 - 7 hours.

Transfer From Jeti Oguz To Song Kol Lake

Day 11: Song Kol

Song Kol lake
Excursion: Song Kol is a mountain lake in the Central Tian Shan Range, virtually in the centre of Kyrgyzstan. One translation of the name is “The last lake”. The beauty of the lake has enraptured both locals and tourists alike. The altitude of Song Kol Lake is 3016 m above sea level and its total area is an incredible 275 sq km. This fresh water lake is full of fish such as lake herring, which was brought here by Kyrgyz ichthyologists in 1968. This lake is a wonderful place for summer pastures. Because of this, one can find plenty of yurts around the lake, accompanied by herds of yaks, sheep and horses, and if you are lucky, you will glimpse camels trotting through the hills just like in the ancient times of the Silk Road. Stay on the lake shore in a yurt, just like the nomads do, and watch Kyrgyz herding their cattle and making national dishes and handcrafts such as felt carpets. Although the shepherds and their families do not speak your language, they are hospitable, understanding and willing to show you how they run their household duties. You may help them milk mares or make a batch of Kymyz! You can also spend time on the lake, exploring the area. Top off the day relaxing by the open fire, amidst a thousand stars.

Transfer from Song Kol Lake to Bishkek via Kochkor village - Transfer from Song Kol Lake to Bishkek via Kochkor village - Free afternoon in Bishkek

Day 12: Bishkek

Transfer from Song Kol Lake to Bishkek via Kochkor village
Car Transfer: Enjoy a beautifully scenic drive from Song Kol Lake to Bishkek, over the Kalmak Ashu pass and through Boom gorge. On the way, stop by Kochkor village and pay a visit to Altyn-Kol; this local haunt showcases Kyrgyzstan's finest felt carpets and other typical materials. You will also have a spot of lunch on the way. Estimated travel time: 5-6 hours.


Free afternoon in Bishkek
Excursion: Enjoy a free afternoon in Bishkek to explore at your leisure. The city is full of green spaces; there are plenty of parks to wander in and cafes to duck into. It is also home to many interesting museums including the Museum of Fine Arts. Downtown is famous for ballet performances and it is often possible to get tickets on the day.

Transfer From Your Hotel To Bishkek Airport - International Departure Flight

Day 13:

Evening flight from Bishkek to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Car Transfer: Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the airport for your departure flight. Estimated transfer time: 40 minutes (traffic dependant). Evening flight from Bishkek to Tashkent on Thursday by Uzbekistan Airways HY-780 departing at 18.40pm arriving at 19.00pm. Upon arrival to Tashkent Airport meet your driver, transfer to hotel.