Kirgisistan Manas Heritage Tour

The tour starts in Bishkek at 10 am with an introduction to the legendary Epic of Manas. In the morning you drive to the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower on the Silk Road, where a small museum shows finds from the excavations and a fascinating collection of ancient stone balbals. Next, you watch a demonstration of Kok Boru, the national horseback game. For groups of 5 or more travelers the horseback games are organized; groups of 1 to 4 travelers can ride a horse and watch a video of the games instead (a live demonstration for up to 4 people can be arranged for an extra charge). In the afternoon you continue to the Chon-Kemin Valley for dinner and the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp. Drive: about 170 km, 3 hours.

Bischkek, Burana Turm, Chon Kemin

• Bischkek → Burana Turm (75 km)
• Burana Turm → Chon Kemin (95 km)

Über Nacht: Chon Kemin (Yurt camp)

Mahlzeiten: Dinner

After breakfast you travel along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul with stunning mountain views. You visit the Semenov Gorge and continue to the Karkyra Valley, where you can join the preparation of boorsok, the traditional Kyrgyz fried bread. Dinner and overnight in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp. Drive: about 370 km, 6–7 hours – the longest road day of the tour.

Karkara base camp, Semenov Gorge

• Chon Kemin → Semenov Gorge (235 km)
• Semenov Gorge → Karkara base camp (135 km)

Über Nacht: Karkara base camp (Yurt camp)

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Dinner

After breakfast you spend the morning experiencing nomadic culture: you try traditional Kyrgyz games such as Ordo and learn about life on the jailoo, the summer pastures. After lunch you can enjoy the camp at your leisure – hiking, the sauna and steam bath, swings and movie screenings at the bar. Horseback riding is available for an extra fee. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.

Karkara base camp

Über Nacht: Karkara base camp (Yurt camp)

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you transfer to Karakol, where you visit the unique Dungan Mosque, built entirely without a single nail, the Russian Orthodox church and the Przhevalsky Memorial Complex. Afterwards you head to the bay of Lake Issyk-Kul for a boat trip (weather permitting). In the evening, back in Karakol, you meet a Manaschi – a storyteller and guardian of the Epic of Manas – who shares this legendary tale in a captivating way. Overnight at a hotel. Drive: about 120 km, 2 hours, plus about 14 km each way to the bay.

Karakol, Karakol Dungan Mosque, Karakol Orthodox cathedral, Przhevalsky Museum

• Karkara base camp → Karakol (120 km)
• Karakol → Przhevalsky Museum (14 km)
• Przhevalsky Museum → Karakol (14 km)

Über Nacht: Karakol (Hotel)

• Shower: Yes
• Toilet: Private (in the room)
• Internet: Wi-Fi

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück

After breakfast you drive to the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, with excursions to the picturesque Jeti-Oguz Gorge and the colorful Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. You also test your archery skills and watch a demonstration of hunting with an eagle. Dinner and overnight in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp. Drive: about 160 km, 3 hours.

Jeti Oguz, Skazka-Schlucht

• Karakol → Jeti Oguz (30 km)
• Jeti Oguz → Skazka-Schlucht (130 km)

Über Nacht: Skazka-Schlucht (Yurt camp)

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Dinner

After breakfast you transfer to Bokonbaevo village to discover the art of making shyrdaks – traditional felt carpets for yurts. In Kyzyl-Tuu you continue with yurt frame crafting. After this intense experience you return to Bishkek, where the tour ends. Drive: about 270 km, 5 hours.

Bischkek, Bokonbaevo, Kyzyl-Tuu village

• Skazka-Schlucht → Bokonbaevo (30 km)
• Bokonbaevo → Kyzyl-Tuu village (25 km)
• Kyzyl-Tuu village → Bischkek (215 km)

Mahlzeiten: Frühstück