Bishkek<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The capital of Kyrgyzstan has a population of less than a million and despite its short history, only founded in 1825, has plenty to interest the arriving traveller. You’ll find a fascinating city of wide wide open boulevards, green parks and grandiose Soviet architecture. vast expanse of Ala Too Square – Built in 1984 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Soviet Era \u2013 is the central focal point of the modern city but don\u2019t miss the bustling bazaars, colourful public mosaics and elegant state opera and ballet theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ala-Archa is an alpine national park in the Tian Shan Mountains just an hour\u2019s drive from the capital. The name Ala Archa translates as \u2018Bright Juniper\u2019 from Kyrgyz as the whole gorge is covered with trees including, of course, the eponymous juniper. The views of rolling forested hills, snow-capped mountains and tumbling rivers are just spectacular. This 11th century octagonal monument is all that remains of a once great city. Founded in the 9th<\/sup> Century but in ruins now for over 700 years, just the lonely tower and some toppling grave markers remain. One of the oldest remaining buildings in Central Asia, the view from the top is just stunning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spectacular Chon-Kemin Valley is almost 80km deep and is famous for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife and mountain lakes. A wonderful place to take a leisurely walk in the foothills of the magnificent mountains, surrounded by fir tree forests, or to gain a an insight into local village life. The horse riding trails here are especially good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A cosy and picturesque village on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul backed by green meadows and snow-capped mountains . Most people here make a living by either farming or craftmanship and the surrounding landscape is sprinkled with yurts. The Kyrgyz nomads have practised falconry here for over 2,000 years and to watch a display of their artistry, with magnificent golden eagles, amidst the spectacular highland scenery of Kyrgyzstan is one of Central Asia\u2019s most iconic experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Skazka Canyon is known locally as Fairy Tale Canyon due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. Some formations have been named for their similarity to well-known objects, like one set of ridges named “The Chinese Wall”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Barskoon Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, famous for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. The gorge also boasts a surreal carving of Yuri Gagarin carved in to the solid rock. Thought to commemorate a visit by the first man in space shortly after his historic flight, an almost certainly apocryphal legend has it that Yuri touched down here \u2013 so far off course that it was covered up by embarrassed officials Originally a Russian military outpost Karakol’s population boomed with an influx of Dungans, Chinese Muslims fleeing warfare in China. The Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and Chinese Mosque bear witness to the city\u2019s colourful heritage and the The Przhevalskii Museum displays fascinating exhibits on the Issy Kul petroglyphs showing a much longer historic heritage. Don\u2019t miss the Sunday Animal Market – Kyrgyzstan’s biggest animal markets, full of colourful characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lush valley located 30km outside Karakol. The name translates to \u2018seven bulls\u2019 in the Kyrgyz language, referring to the red sandstone rock formations that resemble seven angry bulls. Famous for its hot springs and the beautiful scenery<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n 22<\/strong> days from \u00a35890pp<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n Fully Inclusive of Tour & Flights<\/p>\n See Samarkand's beauty - Visit a Kyrgyz Women Cooperative - Discover holy Bukhara - Meet nomads in Kyrgyzstan - Cruise on Lake Issyk Kul - Watch traditional eagle hunting<\/p>\n <\/div>\n ![\"Days](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/resource\/upload\/1738\/day-1-cms.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAla Archa National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Day](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/resource\/upload\/1738\/day-3.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBurana Tower<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/shutterstock_419036092-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChon-Kemin Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/shutterstock_1554978701.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n Bokonbayevo Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Skazka Canyon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/shutterstock_1307959762.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n Barskoon Gorge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Day](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/resource\/upload\/1738\/day-6.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n Karakol <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Day](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/resource\/upload\/1738\/day-7.jpg.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n Jety-Oguz Gorge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/shutterstock_526208695-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![](\"\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/\/resource\/upload\/357\/shutterstock-526336663-7.jpg.webp\"\/)
\n Road to Samarkand<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/resource\/upload\/blogs-brochure\/brochure-central-asia.jpg\"\/)
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