Exploring Kyrgyzstan

Son Kul Lake Yurt Camp Extension

3 DAYS – FROM £470 PER PERSON

Your Itinerary

DAY 1 - DRIVE THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS

Departing Bishkek continue your journey through the mountains down to Son Kul Lake, a mountain lake in the Central Tian Shan Range which is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, lying at an altitude of 3016m above sea level with a total area of an incredible 275 sq km. This fresh water lake is full of fish such as lake herring, which were brought here by Kyrgyz ichthyologists in 1968. The summer pastures are dotted with yurts, the traditional home of Kyrgyz nomads, and you will overnight in a basic yurt camp near the lake shore in a yurt. Son Kul Yurt is open from mid-May to the end of September.

Accommodation

DAY 2 - EXPLORE ALPINE LAKES & KYRGYZ CULTURE

Spend the morning exploring the shores of the lake either on foot or horseback. There is plenty to see aside from the spectacular scenery and you will have an opportunity to witness traditional Kyrgyz life. Visit a local family in their yurt and you may even help with the milking or making a batch of Kykyz which is a dairy product similar to Kefir. This fermented mare’s milk is the Kyrgyz national drink. In the afternoon relax or continue exploring before finishing the day by an open fire beneath the stars.

Accommodation

DAY 3 - OVERLAND TO BISHKEK

After breakfast continue your journey to Bishkek where the tour ends on arrival.

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DETAILS:

This itinerary costs from £470 per person B&B based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights.

You can get flights from as little as £570 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

INCLUDED:

Prices start from £470 per person
2 nights accommodation on B&B basis
Accompanied by an English speaking guide throughout.
Private vehicle and transfers
All entrance fees for excursions
Lunch on Days 1 & 2
Dinner on Days 1 & 2
Local taxes
Meals for guides and drivers
All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are financially protected

Make a booking

Soak in the huge vistas and open spaces on the shores of this magnificent mountain lake. See how the Kyrgz nomads live and experience their way of life in this fascinating, remote region. Stay in a yurt camp and sit round open fires beneath a canopy of stars.

Bishkek

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan lies at the foot of snow-capped mountains and is the starting point for our Kyrgyzstan tours. Staying in good quality accommodation, you can head off on a rewarding guided sightseeing tour to visit the main sights of the city, open-air art galleries and Osh Bazaar.

Cholpon Ata

Cholpon Ata is the main town on the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake. In the summer months visitors can stay at one of the large resorts, relax on the beach, swim in the crystalline water or go white water rafting on the Chu River.

Bokonbaev

Bokonbaev village is an administrative centre of Ton region that covers most of the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake. You can stay in a traditional yurt by the lake, see an eagle hunting show and swim in the world’s second largest alpine lake.

Son Kul Lake

Soak in the huge vistas and open spaces on the shores of this magnificent mountain lake, lying at an altitude of 3016m above sea level. Stay overnight in a yurt, see how the Kyrgz nomads live and ride horses around Son Kul Lake.

Jety-Oguz Canyon

Jety-Oguz Canyon is a unique geographical formation of red sandstone cliffs, surrounded by the Teskei Ala-Too mountains. Here you can sleep in a yurt, go horseback riding or enjoy walks through the canyon with the famous view of the Seven Bulls, soaking up the scenery of the picturesque hills and valleys.

Karakol

Karakol town was founded by Russian pioneers in 1869. It’s a small town with the oldest Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan, a Chinese-style Muslim mosque and a colourful bazaar and livestock market. The Hillside Karakol Boutique Hotel is a great place to stay in Karakol.

Tash Rabat

Located in a remote valley in the far south of Kyrgyzstan in the Naryn Region, Tash Rabat is famous for its Silk Road caravanserais which were an extensive network of traveler’s inns along old caravan roads. Based in a yurt, you can enjoy leisurely walks or ride horses through the mountain valleys.

Chon Kemin Valley

Chon Kemin valley National Park is a beautiful part of Kyrgyzstan, with lush green valleys where forested mountains tower over meandering rivers and rare wildlife roams. The area is great for horse riding, trekking and fishing, and you can stay in Ahu Guesthouse, one of the best guesthouses in Kyrgyzstan.

Sary Chelek Biosphere

Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve is a beautiful, protected nature reserve. Situated up among the steep rocky slopes of the surrounding mountains, approximately 1870 metres above sea level, Sary Chelek is the largest of the seven lakes within the nature reserve and is home to hundreds of species of animals and plants.

Your adventure starts here!

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