Winter in Karakol: Skiing & Issyk-Kul

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Bishkek

   • We meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.
   • After a rest you can walk around the centre and see the main sights.
   • The evening is free for cafés, restaurants and the city.
   • Meals: not included.
   • Overnight: hotel in Bishkek.

2. Day 2

   Bishkek – Issyk-Kul – Karakol

   • Driving time: 7–8 hours.
   • After breakfast we drive to Karakol along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world by area.
   • We stop for a break and lunch. The road runs between the lake and the mountains most of the way.
   • If there is time, we stop at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Centre in Cholpon-Ata, right on the shore.
   • In Karakol we have dinner at a local restaurant and go to a rental shop to fit your skis for the next day.
   • Meals: breakfast and dinner.
   • Overnight: guesthouse in Karakol.

3. Day 3

   A day at Karakol Ski Resort

   • In the morning we drive up to Karakol Ski Resort and ski all day.
   • You set your own pace. The resort has slopes for beginners and for experienced skiers.
   • Beginners: an optional introductory lesson with an instructor.
   • Experienced skiers: free skiing until the end of the day.
   • Lunch: a packed snack or the restaurant at the resort.
   • The lifts run until about 4:00 PM.
   • In the evening we return to Karakol for dinner at a local restaurant.
   • Meals: breakfast and dinner.
   • Overnight: guesthouse in Karakol.

4. Day 4

   Karakol – Jeti-Oguz – Skazka Canyon – Bishkek

   • After breakfast we head back to Bishkek along the southern shore, with stops on the way.
   • Jeti-Oguz Gorge: the red rocks known as the Seven Bulls.
   • Skazka Canyon: coloured rocks shaped by wind and water.
   • Eagle hunting: a local eagle hunter shows his golden eagle and explains how Kyrgyz people hunt with birds of prey.
   • We reach Bishkek at about 8:00–9:00 PM, depending on weather and roads.
   • If your flight is the next morning, we take you to a hotel. For a late-evening flight we can drive you straight to the airport.
   • Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner — confirmed when booking.
   • Overnight: hotel in Bishkek if required.

5. Day 5

   Bishkek – airport

   • Breakfast and free time before your flight.
   • Transfer to the airport.
   • Meals: as arranged.