Bishkek to Kashgar

Tour Start
Bishkek
Tour End
Kashgar
Transportation
private transfer by car, minivan and bus depends on the group size
Meals
13 Breakfast 13 Dinner
Accomodation
hotels and yurts
Guide
English speaking local Guides
Group Size
2-12
Minimum Age
17
Destinations
China, Kyrgyzstan
Activities
Cultural, Food, Hiking, History
Difficulty
Moderate

Overview

Itinerary

Includes

Available Dates

Overview

Itinerary

Includes

Available Dates

Journey Overview:

Start in Bishkek with the tranquil shores of Issyk Kul Lake, move through Karakol and the hot springs of Altyn Arashan, then pass the scenic Tamga Village and high-altitude Song Kul. Visit the ancient caravanserai of Tash Rabat before crossing Torugart Pass into China’s Kashgar. Continue to Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan, then cross Khunjerab Pass into Pakistan, ending at the impressive natural wonder of Shipton Arch.

Route
Bishkek ⇨ Issyk Kul Lake ⇨ Karakol ⇨ Altyn Arashan Valley ⇨ Tamga Village ⇨ Song Kul ⇨ Tash Rabat ⇨ Torugart Pass ⇨ Kashgar ⇨ Karakul Lake ⇨ Tashkurgan ⇨ Khunjerab Pass ⇨ Shipton Arch

Day 01 :

Bishkek

Upon arrival in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, you will be greeted by our guide and escorted to your hotel.

A city tour of Bishkek city, including Victory square, Russian Orthodox Church, Osh market, Ala-Too Square and the History Museum.

Day 02 :

Bishkek to Kashgar

Drive to IssyikKul Lake. En-route we visit Alarcha Nature Park and hike to Ak-Say waterfall and Ak-Sai glacier. After a picnic lunch, drive to IssykKul Lake

Overnight in Hotel (BLD)

Day 03 :

Karakul

Drive to Karakol, one of the first towns of the Russian Cossak settlements in late 19th century. En-route we visit Przevalski (a Russian great explorer) Memorial Museum. After lunch, sightseeing in Karakol. We visit the museum, Mosque and Orthodox wooden Church.

Overnight in hotel (BLD)

Day 04 :

Day trip to AltynArshan valley

Full day exploration of Altyn-Arashan valley, for an optional dip in one of the hot springs or hike in the area. Later return to the Karakul.

Overnight in hotel (BLD)

Day 05 :

Karakol-Tamga village

In the morning, drive to Tamga village. We stop at JetyOguz Canyon where you have chance to do some hiking and an optional horse ride.

Overnight in Guest house (BLD)

Day 06 :

Song Kul Lake

After breakfast, we drive through the picturesque mountain gorges to Song Kul Lake.
In the afternoon, explore the beautiful surrounding area.

Overnight in Yurt (BLD)

Day 07 :

Song Kul Lake free day

Full free day to explore the area or take an optional horse ride.

Overnight in Yurt (BLD)

Day 08 :

Tash Rabat

Morning transfer to Tash-Rabat towards the Chinese border. We visit the Caravan Sarai built in the 11th century, which served as a fortress for travellers along the Great Silk Road.
Overnight in Yurt (BLD)

Day 09 :

Kashgar (China)

Early morning transfer to Kyrgyz Chinese border at Torugart. After border formalities you will be met by our Chinese guide and driver and transferred to Kashgar .

Overnight in hotel (BLD)

Day 10 :

Tashkurgan

Today we drive to Karakul Lake along the famous Karakorum highway. The scenery along the way is breathtaking. We will be stopping at the Lake where you can enjoy the view of Muztagh-ata Mountains. Optional camel ride or walk around the Lake, later continue to Tashkurgan the last Chinese town between China and Pakistan.

Overnight in hotel (BLD)

Day 11 :

Khunjerab pass-Kashgar

Today we drive to the worlds highest paved border crossing, the Khunjerab pass (4750 m height) between Pakistan and China. On the way, you will view the awesome mountain ranges of the Karakorum and Kunlun mountains. Later retune to Kashgar

Overnight in hotel (BLD)

Day 12 :

trip to Shipton Arch

Day trip to Shipton Arch, the world’s tallest natural arches. Hike up to one of the closer vantage points. Later return to Kashgar.

Overnight in Hotel (BLD)

Day 13 :

Kashgar Sunday Market

This day is planned to coincide with the famous Sunday market in Kashgar where everything from carpets, blankets, foods, horses, donkeys, sheep’s and even camels are for sale. A wonderful assortments of people come from all over the region; the population of the town swells by 100,000! This is truly one of the most incredible bazaars in Asia, and a photographer’s paradise.After the market visit, Eidgah Mosque, AbakhHoja Tomb and the old town

Overnight in Hotel (BLD)

Day 14 :

Onward flight

In the morning transfer to the airport for onward flight (B)