On the heels of nomads

Route:
After breakfast, transfer to Kochkor village. On the way to the Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. about an hour and a half. The city Balasagyn, where Burana Tower now stands, existed till XIV-XV centuries. В In the historical-archaeological complex you can walk around the settlement, where there are also tombstones, ancient millstones and other objects of everyday culture, to climb the tower and take amazing pictures. You will also visit a small museum on the territory of the settlement. Leaving the historical complex we will head in the direction of Kochkor village, where on the way we will stop at the viewing platform of Ortho- Tokoy reservoir on the way. The Orto-Tokoy reservoir is located on the Chu River on the border of Issyk-Kul and Naryn Regions. Its construction began in 1941 and was not completed until 1960. This is the first water reservoir in Kyrgyzstan, designed to for irrigation of the Chui Valley. The water temperature in summer almost never rises above 15 degrees. In winter, the water is covered In winter the water is covered with ice, forming unique patterns, for which Orto-Tokoi is called the Kyrgyz Baikal. Then you leave for Kochkor. Kochkor is one of the former transit points on the Great Silk Road, where caravans were going to the Chinese city of Kashgar through the Torugart Pass. Upon arrival to the village we will have a master class with local artisans, where we will opportunity to see and take part in "Shyrdak show. Shyrdak - a felt carpet is one of the most complicated in its technique of making products from felted Kyrgyz. Felting art is an integral part of craftsmanship. It is as if painted a whole poem about the life of the Kyrgyz people. Each pattern that conceals the world around, the color scheme, the technique of execution tells about the life and philosophy of the area where was made. After all, each region of Kyrgyzstan has its own unique character. After the rich master class we will be settled in the guest house, delicious dinner and sleep.

Route:
After a rich breakfast we will drive to Son-Kol Lake, through Kalmak Ashuu Pass. Son-Kol Lake (also known as Son-Köl) is a fabulous mountain lake of Tien-Shan, which has been translated into Russian as "The Last Lake." It is the largest natural freshwater body of water in Kyrgyzstan. Son-Kol Lake is located in the heart of in the heart of the Inner Tien Shan, 90 km to the north-west of Naryn. It is squeezed into the hollow between the inner spurs of the Tien Shan. The second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan is Son-Kol. It is 29 km long and 17 km wide. Its surface is at an altitude of 3,016 m above sea level. above sea level. The height of Kalmak-Ashuu Pass is 3447 m above sea level. After passing through it, we get to the northern shore of Lake Son-Kol. It is noteworthy that the road through the pass is open only in summer and fall (June to October), otherwise it is impassable due to heavy snowfall. because of heavy snowfall. On the way to the pass nature is amazing: we will see stone deserts, which are replaced by endless mountain meadows, decorated with beautiful edelweiss. Passing the North shore we arrive at the South shore of the lake, where the eco-ethno yurt village "Ulush Yurts" is situated. After After accommodation we are waited by "Boorsok Show" (little pieces of dough fried in oil, Kyrgyz national bread); we will try Kyrgyz national dish Shorpo in a real nomadic yurt. After dinner we will have free time, enjoy an evening on the shore of an amazing alpine lake and watch a biographical film telling the story of the great Kyrgyz queen Kurmanjan Datka.

Route:
On the fifth day we will be transferred to the village of Bokonbaevo. The road to the village of Bokonbaevo will pass through one of the most beautiful and famous passes, where the beauty and number of serpentines will take your breath away. This is the pass "33 parrots" or the official name "Teskei - Torpok" which is located at an altitude of 3133m. After the descent through the pass there is a shady path leading to a massive waterfall of the same name "33 Parrots". The height of the waterfall is about 25-30m. The height above sea level is 2600 meters. After taking pictures and refreshing at the waterfall we go further, our way will pass through the gorge Dolon, on the way we will stop in the village Kyzyl Tuu, which is located on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kol. The name Kyzyl Tuu ("Red Banner") indicates that the village was founded in the Soviet times. However, the former name of the village was Ak Terek, which translates as "White Poplar" in pre-Soviet times there were a lot of poplars growing in the area and it was considered a sacred place. After we come to Kyzyl Tuu we will have a unique chance to see a demonstration of how nomads built a yurt a thousand years ago, we will learn what a yurt is made of, how it is assembled, what are its elements and words such as bosogo, uuk, jabyk bash, rope chiy and others. We will learn how long a yurt can last in nomadic conditions, how many days it takes to make a yurt, and how much sheep shearing it takes to make felt for covering it. Also, we can take part in the erection of the yurt ourselves. After an intensive demonstration master class we will go to our next stop, the village of Bokonbaevo. Upon arrival to the village we will be welcomed by "Hunting with golden eagles and falcons" - it is tradition, lifestyle, skill and sport for golden eagles. In the falconry demonstration, we will be able to see the scene of a hunter, with a falconer on a hare, a fox, on young deer and even a wolf and other small animals. This ancient tradition originates from the time of the Mongol invasion of Central Asia in the 12-13th century. All the secrets and skills of hunting have been passed on from generation to generation for many centuries. The climactic moment of the golden eagle attack on the prey, fierce struggle of the winged raptor and his prey are able to cause the hunter genuine excitement and pride. After the show we will stay in the guest house, taste the home cooked food, walk along the southern shore of the Issyk-Kul Lake and watch the sunset under the sound of waves.

Route:
Day 5 will be waiting for us with new locations and interesting legends of the Southern coast of Issyk Kul. The southern shore is famous for its pristine nature, canyons, gorges and of course waterfalls. Leaving the village of Bokonbaevo, we arrive at the mysterious Fairy Tale Canyon, famous for its red clay rocks, an unusual Martian landscape. We will have a walk along the canyon, take pictures and go on studying the Barskoon gorge. Barskoon gorge (also called Barskaun) is one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern bank of Issyk-Kul lake, famous for its high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. The largest gold-bearing mine of Kyrgyzstan - "Kumtor" is situated here. Barskoon . is amazing with its sizes, expanses, high mountains, waterfalls. In the gorge, among relict firs and pines, there are three waterfalls, which originate from the glaciers of the highlands. The lowest of them is Manas Bowl, a bit higher - Aksakal's Beard, and at the very top there are is the Tears of the Bars, the Splash of Champagne. Here the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin admired the beauty of Issyk Kul. The air is so pure that it rings in your ears. The water is cold and crystal clear. The Tears of the Bars waterfall is considered the most beautiful waterfall in and it is here that the Issyk-Kul Nature Reserve is located, which is called to protect all this beauty and virginity of nature for our descendants. After a short trekking tour around the gorge and waterfalls, we go to the next place. Jeti-Oguz Gorge, where at the entrance we are met by a rock with the poetic name of Broken Heart. On the opposite side of this rock is called "Rock of seven bulls" or Zheti Oguz. The seven blood-red bulls of Jeti-Oguz are the weathered rocks, which under the influence of the strong Isyk Kul winds change their appearance little by little. And, of course, the people have many beautiful legends connected with this interesting place. We will walk around the gorge, come to the rock "Broken Heart" and make a wish, ride horses and We will stay in the ethno complex Ulush Complex. Where we will have a hot dinner, warm rooms and interesting evening.

Route:
In the morning of the seventh day we will have a short walk to the waterfall "Maiden's Spits" through the Kok Zhaiyk waterfall. The road will take about 40-45 minutes one way, we will climb along narrow goat paths, gradually gaining altitude. After trekking to the waterfall we will have breakfast and drive to Karakol town. This city is rich in history. In ancient times Karakol was located in the middle of a vast region called Turkestan, stretching from the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to the Caspian Sea. In the mid-1800s, the famous traveler Nikolai Przewalski crossed the Russian Empire in search of a magic cure for the ailing Tsar, and as he passed through the town and apparently appreciated it, he bestowed his name upon it. Until 1991 the town was called Przhevalsk. Upon arrival in the city we will make a small city tour of Karakol city with a visit to the Russian Orthodox church made of wood, Muslim mosque in Chinese style and historical museum, then we will visit local craftsmen and artists, where you can see their works. We will taste the famous Karakol Ashlam Fu. After a dense lunch we will leave to Reina Kench agrocomplex, one of the main features of which is a horse breeding farm, engaged in breeding of "New Kyrgyz" and "Russian trotting" breeds of horses. Guest House "Reina-Kench" is built in a picturesque area at the foot of the Tien-Shan mountain range, at the crossroads of ancient trade roads known as the Great Silk Road. Here for guests can be organized horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage rides with national archery, fishing on the river Zhyrgylan, boorsok show, national sports games with the participation of guests. Here guests can feel unity with nature, enjoy kwaka therapy and philosophize by the fire!

Route:
We will start this day with a morning breakfast, where each of us can energize ourselves before new experiences. After breakfast you will have some free time to go horseback riding or enjoy the nature. After free time we will leave for the resort town of Cholpon Ata. Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata we will have a fascinating boat ride on the Issyk kul lake. For an hour we will sail on the bright blue waters of the lake, enjoying the unique views of nature around us. This time will give us the opportunity to enjoy peace and tranquility surrounded by majestic mountains and clear waters. After the active part we will have lunch in a national restaurant and check-in at a hotel or guest complex in Cholpon Ata. Before dinner you will have free time to relax on the beach, swim in the lake and just sunbathe under the sound of waves. This is a great opportunity to relax, immerse yourself in the wind and simply enjoy the environment, ending the day with a sense of pleasant fatigue. In the evening in Cholpon-Ata you can walk along the shore, where evening campfire programs and fairs are held.

Route:
The day will start with a trip to Chon Kemin village, along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. On the way we will drive to Semenovskoe gorge, see Kyrchyn, where II and III World Nomad Games were held, we will descend through Grigorievskoe gorge, get acquainted with a beekeeper who will tell you about the varieties of honey. You will be able to taste the most expensive in the world white or, as it is called, sainfoin honey. Such honey is easily digested and is considered less allergenic. Our beekeepers continue to experiment with honey mixes: they make honey with kalina, barberry and currant. But the most popular flavors are sea buckthorn and milk. Leaving the gorges we will stop at the famous petroglyphs of Cholpon aty. Further our way lies in Chon-Kemin gorge. Arrival in Chon-Kemin gorge. Kemin Nature Park is located on the territory of 500 hectares, in the highlands below the village of Shabdan. It is used for the protection of pheasants and hares. In the gorge you will have a chance to ride horses, take a wagon ride through the area with stories about the sights and famous people of the settlement. Dinner and overnight in the guest house.

Route:
We will spend the day riding horses and exploring our surroundings. An experienced guide will show us how to properly sit on a horse and how to handle it. Chon-Kemin Park is an amazing place with many inhabitants and plants, some of which are listed in the Red Book. The park, even though it is relatively close to major population centers, has preserved the pristine beauty of nature and pristine green slopes covered with a motley carpet of flowers and woodlands. You will be amazed by the variety of landscapes: fields, rivers, hills and high mountains, rivers, lakes and glaciers - all this makes ChonKemin unforgettable. After 4-5 hour walk along the gorge we will have dinner and drive to Bishkek. Upon arrival in Bishkek we will check-in at the hotel. We will spend farewell evening walking in the evening Bishkek, with a cup of tea in a local restaurant.

Route:
In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the airport. Departure