Switzerland of Central Asia

Itinerary title: Switzerland of Central Asia
Days of tour: 7

Day 1: Osh 
Upon arrival at the airport you will meet with your driver. He will take you to Osh city. It is the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan being the economic, cultural and intellectual center of the country.  The combination of modern architecture of the city with its ancient historical and cultural heritage represented by the ancient streets of the city and the preserved cultural monuments, gives a unique image to the city. You will have an opportunity to walk on its streets and visit Suleiman Mountain. The mountain is the symbol of Osh and has been glorifying the city for ages.  For more than 3000 years it was a Zoroastrian sacred place. Now it is a kind of a second Mecca for Moslem pilgrims in Central Asia. The essential part of the tour will be the visit of Asian Bazaar, where you can buy for yourself whatever you want and observe the way of life of local people. The tour guarantees you number of pictures which will give you warm memories. At the end of the day the transfer will take you to the hotel where you will spend the night.

Day 2: Osh – Bishkek
Today in the morning you will transfer to the airport to have a flight to Bishkek city. You will have a guided tour in Bishkek this entire day where you will get acquainted with the sights of the capital. The city tour includes visits of Victory square, Oak Park, Central Ala-Too Square, Old Square, the National Philharmonic and many other attractions of interest including Asian Bazaar. You will spend some time in this Bazaar, observe the life of local people, take a lot of dynamic photos. This bazaar is a noisy and colorful tapestry of fabrics, produce, and people selling and buying goods. At the end of the day a transfer will take you to your hotel.

Day 3: Bishkek – Burana – Issyk Kul northern shore
The meeting with the guide will be at 8 am. Today you will go to Issyk-Kul lake which is considered as a pearl of Kyrgyzstan and famous among not only tourists, but also local people. Everyone is amazed by its beauty. However, it is impossible to convey with words, how the lake beautiful is. You will have a great chance to see it once than hear thousand times.  It is located among the mountains at an altitude of 1608 meters above sea level and is the world's second Alpine lake. It is believed that the salt water of this lake has healing properties. On the route to Issyk-Kul lake you will visit the Burana Tower established in the 11^th century and an open-air Museum of stone warriors. You will spend the night at the hotel.

Day 4: Issyk Kul lake – Tash Rabat
Today in the morning we will drive to Tash Rabat Caravanserai. On the way, we will stop to visit ancient stone inscriptions dating back to 800 B.C. Shamans made these petroglyphs more than 2000 years ago. Then we will continue our way to Tash Rabat on the Great Silk Road. It is a stone castle from the 14^th century on the Great Silk Road.  What makes Tash Rabat slightly mysterious is that its layout is unusual for this kind of caravanserai. What is left is a single structure that looks like a blend between a castle and a temple. Built of hefty stone, it stands out against the mountainous backdrop and vast nothingness. It’s bright outside with the sun at full force but step inside and suddenly everything is dark… and cool…and quiet. The treasure is at an elevation of 3200 meters above the sea level. This unique building will amaze you with its interesting facts such as 31 rooms, 1meter thick walls, underground prison and many other mysteries. Then traditional dinner by Kyrgyz family will wait for us. The night will be also special in traditional dwelling of nomads - in yurts near Tash Rabat Caravanserai.

Day 5: Tash Rabat – Son Kul
In the morning we will transfer to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. The name of the lake is translated from Kyrgyz language as “The Last Lake”. This lake is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013 meters above sea level on a treeless plateau which provides lush meadowland for summer pastures. In fact, there is evidence that it has been used for pasture from very ancient times. The shepherds drive the livestock, usually sheep, cows and horses, up into the mountains, establish a camp where they will live for the summer months – setting up their yurts. After our arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings. The tour guarantees you number of pictures of gorgeous sunset. After having dinner, we will spend the night in the yurts.

Day 6: Son Kul Lake – 33 parrots – Bishkek 
After having breakfast, we will drive to Kochkor village. The road will go along amazing 33 parrots pass that 3, 133 meters high. In Kochkor you will spend some time with a family that will show you the way our national felt carpets are produced. You even will have an opportunity to create your own carpet together with them. Also, you will visit a small handicraft museum there. They have many examples of silver decorations, coats made of wolfs, horse saddle decorations, carpets and many other things. Then we will continue our way to Bishkek city.

Day 7: Airport
Today in the morning you will have a transfer to the airport.  This is the end of your “Switzerland of Central Asia” tour.