Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 4
433 mi
Grigoriev Gorge, Dolon Pass and Son-Köl Lake
We explore the last two points near Lake Issyk-Kul - Museum of Petroglyphs and Grigoriev Gorge, then go to Son-Kul Lake and along the way admire the majestic and mighty Dolon.
This day is the most intense, but at the same time the longest. Be sure to stock up on drinking water and snacks to make the trip comfortable!
This day is the most intense, but at the same time the longest. Be sure to stock up on drinking water and snacks to make the trip comfortable!
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6.9 mi
20 min
07:0045 min
It's not really a "museum," but a treasure trove in the open air!
There are many stones here that were once formed by glaciers. Many of them bear ancient drawings of animals and various hunting scenes, dating back to the second millennium BC. Historians say that such images are associated with the performance of religious rituals.
In addition to boulders, there are also balbals - Turkic stone sculptures and relics of ancient stone walls.
It is better to go to the museum early in the morning, when in the rays of the rising sun you can fully see the outlines of the drawings.
There are many stones here that were once formed by glaciers. Many of them bear ancient drawings of animals and various hunting scenes, dating back to the second millennium BC. Historians say that such images are associated with the performance of religious rituals.
In addition to boulders, there are also balbals - Turkic stone sculptures and relics of ancient stone walls.
It is better to go to the museum early in the morning, when in the rays of the rising sun you can fully see the outlines of the drawings.
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6.2 mi
20 min
08:001 hr
After the Petroglyph Museum, we have breakfast at Caprice Restaurant, which is located on the territory of the Kaprice pension.
Tourists who come here to rest recommend desserts such as apple strudel or pastries.
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20.4 mi
40 min
09:451 hr
The place is a staple for jalo-tourism.
Grigoriev Gorge is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places of Issyk-Kul. The valley of the gorge stretches along the Kungei Ala-Too ridge and runs parallel to the shoreline of the small Lake Issyk-Kul. Dense bands of Tien Shan firs grow here.
Along the winding roads of the gorge among the forests you can reach the largest glacier in the Teskey Ala-Too, the Kolpakovsky glacier.
Next to the Grigoriev Gorge, there is also the Semenov Gorge.
Grigoriev Gorge is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places of Issyk-Kul. The valley of the gorge stretches along the Kungei Ala-Too ridge and runs parallel to the shoreline of the small Lake Issyk-Kul. Dense bands of Tien Shan firs grow here.
Along the winding roads of the gorge among the forests you can reach the largest glacier in the Teskey Ala-Too, the Kolpakovsky glacier.
Next to the Grigoriev Gorge, there is also the Semenov Gorge.
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72.5 mi
1 hr 50 min
12:4545 min
On the way to the next natural site, you can stop at this cafe and have a delicious lunch.
There is wi-fi.
There is wi-fi.
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70.2 mi
1 hr 40 min
15:1015 min
Dolon is a pass that is a popular destination for many tourists and locals. The height of the pass is about 3030 meters.
From the top of the Dolon Pass you have incredible views of the entire Tien Shan mountain range, as well as their eternal snows and glaciers. The sun's rays sparkle on the snow and glaciers, as if playing with them. This view leaves a pleasant feeling deep in your soul, which you will remember for a long time.
From the top of the Dolon Pass you have incredible views of the entire Tien Shan mountain range, as well as their eternal snows and glaciers. The sun's rays sparkle on the snow and glaciers, as if playing with them. This view leaves a pleasant feeling deep in your soul, which you will remember for a long time.
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58.8 mi
1 hr 30 min
17:0045 min
Song-Kul
Another place where the locals live is Son-Kul Lake.
Unlike Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul is frozen and covered in ice for all three months of winter (or even longer).
The lake is located on a mountain plain, which is surrounded by endless meadows. Locals have used them as pastures for animals since ancient times. Shepherds bring animals to the lake for the summer and live in yurts. In winter, they can also be found, but in smaller numbers.
Unlike Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul is frozen and covered in ice for all three months of winter (or even longer).
The lake is located on a mountain plain, which is surrounded by endless meadows. Locals have used them as pastures for animals since ancient times. Shepherds bring animals to the lake for the summer and live in yurts. In winter, they can also be found, but in smaller numbers.
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77.1 mi
2 hrs
19:4515 min
Kochkar Local Market
On the way to Bishkek, stop at a fruit stand and buy fresh fruit for the remaining hours of the trip.
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44.5 mi
1 hr
21:0015 min
We will be passing over this bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the many mountain slopes. Take a break here for a while and then we're off again!
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76.3 mi
1 hr 40 min
23:0045 min
Restaurant Bukhara Assorti with different types of cuisine and large delicious portions of dishes. Just look at the pictures!
Visitors are recommended to try the signature samosa and festive pilaf.
Visitors are recommended to try the signature samosa and festive pilaf.
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0.8 mi
5 min
23:557 hrs 30 min