Kyrgyzstan Guided Tour, Land of Manas

Meet in Bishkek and begin the journey at 10:00 am with an introduction to the legendary Epic of Manas. Travel to Burana Tower, a UNESCO-listed Silk Road site, where you will explore the small museum and see ancient stone balbals discovered during excavations.

Afterward, enjoy a demonstration of Kok Boru, Kyrgyzstan’s traditional horseback game. Larger groups will see a live match, while smaller groups can enjoy horse riding and a video presentation, with private demonstrations available at extra cost.

Later, continue to Chon-Kemin Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp.

After breakfast, travel along the northern shoreline of Issyk-Kul Lake with spectacular mountain scenery. Stop at Semenov Gorge before continuing to Karkyra Valley. Here, take part in making boorsok, a traditional Kyrgyz fried bread. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.

Spend the morning discovering nomadic traditions and trying local games such as Ordo while learning about life on the jailoo, the summer pasturelands.

After lunch, enjoy free time with optional camp activities including hiking, sauna, steam bath, swings, or movie screenings. Horse riding is available for an additional fee. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.

After breakfast, transfer to Karakol. Visit the remarkable Dungan Mosque, built entirely without nails, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church and the Przhevalsky Memorial Complex.

Later, head to the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake for a boat trip, weather permitting. In the evening, meet a Manaschi, a traditional storyteller who preserves and recites the Epic of Manas. Overnight at a hotel.

After breakfast, continue to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Explore the scenic Jeti-Oguz Gorge and the colorful Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon.

Later, try your hand at archery and watch a traditional eagle hunting demonstration. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.

After breakfast, visit Bokonbaevo to learn about the craft of making shyrdaks, the felt carpets used inside yurts. Continue to Kyzyl-Tuu to see how yurt frames are traditionally built.

After these cultural experiences, return to Bishkek, where the trip comes to an end.