Kyrgyzstan - where Beauty meets Adventure

Kyrgyzstan - where Beauty meets Adventure 1380 , 9 Days

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan, a land of stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Your journey will take you through the breathtaking Aksai Canyons, where vivid rock formations and dramatic cliffs create a captivating backdrop for exploration. Discover the serene beauty of the Karasay Valley, a hidden gem surrounded by majestic mountains, perfect for hiking and horse riding. Conquer the views of the challenging Dankov Peak, offering panoramic views that will take your breath away. Finally, relax by the crystal-clear waters of Kolsuu Lake, where tranquil surroundings invite you to unwind or enjoy a quiet hike. This immersive experience allows you to connect with nature and culture, with options for thrilling outdoor activities such as horse riding, hiking, and river rafting, all while discovering the rugged beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s diverse landscapes - where Beauty meets Adventure.

Highlights:
The apline lakes - the unigues high mountain lakes nestled in the mountains wilderness
The nomadic people - a unique opportunity to sleep in real yurts and get close to shepherd families
The Seventhousanders - one of the most beautiful and untouched mountains in the world
A real off-road adventure


Itinerary:

Day 1. Bishkek - Aksai canyons
Arrival to airport, pick up and drive to Aksai canyons which is on the south side of the Issyk-Kul lake, on the way stop in Burana tower, see the place and have some coffee, after continue our road to our final destination of today. We make a picnic and go for a trekking to the panoramic viewpoint of the canyons from where we see the canyons and the lake. After the trekking you can go to the yurt camp walking which is nearby . Dinner and Overnight in a guesthouse. (-/-/D)

Day 2. Aksai canyons - Karasay valley (150 km)
We continue our road along the south shore of the Issyk-Kul lake, we arrive to Bars Koon valleybut on the way we stop in another beautiful canyons of Skazka for another nice trekking there, after a short trekking we head to Barskoon valley at arrival we have another nice walk to the waterfall, trekking is only 1-2 hours and very light and refreshing cos you go through the alpine forest, we can also see the monument dedicated to yuri Gagarin. They say that Gagarin loved this place and used to come to rest here frequently. We have some picnic and drive to Karasai valley, on the way there are 2 mountain passes: one with 3800 meters and another one is 4000 meters high after crossing which we descend down to Karasay valley where we will be going through the border checkpoint, after we find a nice spot for a camping and make our dinner. Night in tents. (B/P/D)

Day 3. Karasay - Dankov peak (100 km)
In the morning after our tasty breakfast we take our road to Dankov peak, all the way road is stunning as always. We will be ascending to another 4000-meter high peak called Asha suu, after we will be driving along the river and see most beautiful sceneries that change from vast pastures to rocky and narrow roads, we will be crossing dozens of bridges and most probably will see also wild animals like mountain goat ibex, fox etc. we have picnic lunch somewhere on the road in a nice spot, we arrive to a hunting camp with 4-5 rooms very cozy and which is on 3600 meters above the sea level. Dinner and night in a hunting camp. (B/P/D)

Day 4. Dankov peak Kolsuu lake (200 km)
Another amazing ride today, the road goes along the Kakshaal mountain range which has on our left side snowy peaks and on our right side also snowy and rocky peaks, stunning views all the way long. We have a nice picnic on a nice place. At arrival to Kolsuu lake overnight and in a yurt camp.(B/P/D)

Day 5. Kolsuu lake
A day in Kolsuu lake, you have a whole day here to investigate this beautiful place and take a nice ride on boat in the lake Kolsuu. Optional things to do: horse ride to the lake or just go hiking to the lake (both ways 4 hours ) and a boat ride in the lake. (B/P/D)

Day 6. Kolsuu lake - Tashrabat caravanserai (200 km)
After breakfast we drive along the Aksai valley, today the landscape differs from yesterday as always we have every day unique landscapes. If yeaterday was like somewhere in Alaska, then today is like Iceland - vast pastures and green short grass, some small river crossings etc. as always we have a picnic somewhere and at arrival to our place we make a short visit to caravanserai, after you can go for a short trekking along the valley dinner and night in a yurt camp. (B/P/D)

Day 7. Tashrabat - Sonkul lake (150 km)
We have a nice ride to Sonkul lake, the road we take has 3 mountain passes each with elevation over 3k meters, the landscape changes drastically every 30 minutes, dry desert areas surrounded by snow caped mountains. As always we go with no rush seeing beautiful sceneries and having coffee which we make in pretty much all stops. At arrival to Sonkul lake, trekking to the petroglyphs and to see the panorama of the lake, dinner and overnight in a yurt camp. (B/P/D)

Day 8. Sonkul lake Bishkek
In the morning we see a famous and number one national game on horse of the Kyrgyz nomads, the game called Kok-Boru meaning "the blue wolf". The name is so, because back in the days when Kyrgys nomads were returning from hunting they chased wolves. and instead of just killing or shooting them they just chased wolfs on the horses and with bare hands used to grab the running wolf while they on the horse. Nowadays they play with the dead goat body without its head and it is more like a football but with hands and on horses. More details you know when you see it. After the game, we take our road to Kochkor town, as always we have another mountain pass of about 3400 meters. At arrival to Kochkor we see Kyrgyz handicraft embroidery show and you see how Kyrgyz women produce felt and products of felt. After we take our road to Bishkek, on the way if you want optional thing, we can stop to go rafting in the Chu River (3-4 grade rafting), after we continue our road to Bishkek, but we do not just go with a normal and boring highway, we take a mountainside road, which is more beautiful. At arrival to Bishkek, a short ride in the downtown to see some of the city, dinner in a restaurant and night in a hotel. (B/P/D)

Day 9.
Drop off at the airport.

Additional info:
Accommodations: tent, hotels, yurts, guesthouse, homestay - please keep in mind that single supplement is not possible in most accommodations
Available/optional activities: horse ridings, rafting, trekking
Available/optional shows: felt show, folk music show, national horse game show


Price Includes:
car rental for 9 days (2-4 persons in 1 car)
English speaking guide
mechanic/cook, accompanying car with the camping gears
all the accommodations
all the entrance fees
all the shows
coffee/tea on during the picnic lunches
military checkpoint permits
meals and picnics as mentioned (B-breakfast/L-lunch/P-picnic/D-dinner)
pick up/drop off to airport

Not Included:
international flights
meals and drinks not mentioned
personal expenses
tips
entry fees
insurance

Additional Services:
extra night in Bishkek
airport transfer in other days except Day 1 and Day 9


Price
1380 EUR
Duration
9 Days
Status
Open for booking

Currency fluctuations might cause correction of price at any time.

Group Size
6 - 20
Reservation System Code
KRG-ADV
Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey 1350 , 10 Days

Senegal and The Gambia: A Cultural and Wildlife Odyssey

Desert lands, tropical forests and magnificent coasts. On this unique holiday in West Africa...
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures 740 , 8 Days

Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures

A unique mountain hike above the clouds in the highest mountains on The Balkan...
Tassili Desert Adventure, Algeria 1310 , 8 Days

Tassili Desert Adventure, Algeria

Travel deep into the Sahara desert and explore its raw beauty. Erosion has sculpted a...

View all» What people say about us

Great
Penguin Travel on Trust Pilot
Based on 86 reviews
Trust Pilot
Binky's Review Verified review Verified
Great caucus Explorer trip
Caucus Explorer( Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan ) was a great trip . Even though our Van is fully...
Beth, 5 May
Daniel's review Verified review Verified
8 day Caucasus trip
5/5 for the Caucasus trip in apr/may 2024. Everything was well planned and executed.
Haris, 3 May
Maribeth's review Verified review Verified
Excellent and Amazing Tour
Excellent tour. My highlight of the tour is Sarajevo, Mostar, Ohrid and more places. I like the itinerary...
Arnold, 6 April
View all»

Blog

19.11.2024 13:02

Countdown to the Ski Season 2024/25 in Bansko, Bulgaria

November can feel like a long month for ski enthusiasts eagerly awaiting news about the approaching ski season. While Bansko, Bulgaria's beloved ski destination, is busy producing artificial snow under favorable weather conditions, the resort is also buzzing with events to entertain mountain lovers in the lead-up to winter. One of the key highlights is the Bansko Film Fest, an annual...


13.08.2024 16:52

5 Unique African Festivals and Traditions for the Bold Explorer

Travel, at its most meaningful, isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about connecting with the cultures that breathe life into those places. Africa, with its vast landscapes and myriad traditions, offers unparalleled opportunities for explorers who yearn for authentic experiences. Below, you will find 5 of our favorite festivals and traditions you can experience while traveling in...


30.07.2024 18:38

Gabon: Where Eco-Friendly Adventures Meet Stunning Wilderness

At Penguin Travel, we believe in the power of authentic experiences, and there are few places as untouched and awe-inspiring as Gabon. Nestled on the west coast of Central Africa, Gabon is a sanctuary for nature lovers and a testament to the beauty of unspoiled wilderness. Our tours are designed to immerse you in Gabon's incredible landscapes and wildlife, offering a truly unique adventure. Gabon...


09.07.2024 16:01

Photo Diary: Afghanistan Tour (Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, Band-e Amir, Mazar-I-Sharif and Other)

In today's article, we will take you on a virtual journey to a misunderstood land where ancient civilizations have left their mark on rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. Afghanistan, a land often overshadowed by conflict, unveils a strikingly different side to those who dare to look beyond the headlines. It's a place of profound beauty and cultural richness, a stark contrast to its war-torn...