Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan

Description

The only 2 countries in the world where one can find the real nomads – Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan.

2 countries which still have the heritage of the nomads and their ancient traditions. Check the main highlights of the destinations.

Highlights:

• Visit Gandan Monastery and Hustain Nuruu National Reserve.
• Overnight in the Mongolian national dwelling – “ger”.
• Visit Erdene Zuu Hiid, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
• Visit Mongolian horse breeding family.
• Excursion to Ala-Archa Natural Park.
• Burana UNESCO site.
• Overnight in the Kyrgyz traditional dwelling - "yurt".

Itinerary

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar city – Hustain Nuruu National preserve. (120 km)

(L, D)

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar by Turkish Airlines flight at 1105 a.m. Meet at the airport after custom formalities and have a welcome Mongolian lunch at the most famous vegetarian restaurant.

Later, start sightseeing tour in Ulaanbaatar:

Ulanbaatar is the capital and largest city of Mongolia. The city originated as a seasonal migratory abode of the Mongolian princes and in 1639 finally attained permanence on the present site with the construction of Da Khure Monastery. This building became the residence of the bodgo-gegen, high priest of the Tibetan Buddhist religion (to which the Mongols adhere), and remained as such for about 200 years. Da Khure became known to the Russians as Urga and developed as a trade centre between China and Russia. In 1911, when Outer Mongolia declared itself independent, the city was renamed Niislel Khureheh (“Capital of Mongolia”). When Mongolia was declared a people’s republic in 1924, the city was renamed Ulaanbaatar, which means “Red Her”

We’ll visit to Gandan monastery and Migjid Janraisag temple. Then Drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park, one of the most famous national parks in Mongolia, where the Takhi – Przewalski horse inhabits. We will get some knowledge about the Takhi at the Hustai information center and take some walking to view the wild horses in wilderness.

Overnight stay in ger camp (traditional dwelling).

Day 2. Hustain Nuruu National preserve – Kharakorum city. (220 km)

(B, L, D)

After breakfast, free time. You have time to explore the area.

After lunch at the camp, start our drive to Kharakorum.

Kharakorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire between 1235 and 1260, and of the Northern Yuan in the 14–15th centuries. Its ruins lie in the northwestern corner of the Övörkhangai Province of Mongolia, near today’s town of Kharkhorin, and adjacent to the Erdene Zuu monastery. They are part of the upper part of the World Heritage Site Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

Arrive in and check in to the Ger camp and have a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon we will visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia founded in 1586, and take part in the morning chants. Then visit the Museum of Kharakorum, which displays some interesting findings from Kharakorum ruins by the Mongolian-German join expedition O/n stay in ger camp.

Day 3. Kharakorum city – Bayangobi. (280 km)

(B, L, D)

We drive backwards to Bayangobi (Rich Gobi).

The Bayangobi (rich desert or mini Gobi) is officially called the Khogno Khan Park and is located 280km from the capital of Mongolia. The landscape consists of large rock formations and cliffs shaped by erosion, which overlook vast semi-desert plains which are reminiscent of the sandstone citadels of the Wadi Rum in Jordan. The park is also home to huge sand dunes which contrast against the green grasslands on the border.

Upon arrival, local exploration by walking and visit Ovgon temple in Khogno Khan Mountain.

Visit horse breeding family to have a close look to daily life of nomads, test traditional dairy products.

Back to the tourist camp for dinner and overnight.

Optionally: horse or camel riding along the sand dune could be arranged at extra cost.

Day 04. Bayangobi – Ulaanbaatar city. (280 km)

(B, L, D)

Today, we return to Ulaanbaatar after some three to four hour drive.

Optional shopping for cashmere and souvenirs in the afternoon. At 1800 we will see the traditional folklore concert by famous folk ensemble. Have a farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 5. Ulanbaator – Bishkek city. (30 km)

(B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to the airport for the departure flight to Bishkek by TK 343 (TUE, THUR, SATU) ULN – FRU departure time 11:40 – arrival time 13:50 (subject to change).

Upon arrival in “Manas” airport you will be met by your guide and transferred to the center of Bishkek city.

Bishkek is a young capital, but it makes up for what it lacks in historical sites with plenty of parks, museums and monuments. The workable city is quite lovely thanks to its wide tree-lined boulevards, marble-faced buildings and seemingly countless open green spaces. The upstart capital is still growing and evolving, but there is already much for visitors to explore and enjoy in Bishkek.

Upon arrival, we start the city tour.

Today we step into the city life. There are many interesting objects to see and here they are:

1) The Monument of Kyrgyz National hero-Manas;

2) Kurmanjan Datka and Lenin monuments;

3) Ala Too main and old squares;

4) Fine art gallery under clear sky;

5) Colorful Osh market with lines of fruits, vegetables, sweets and salads.

6) Victory Square devoted to the WWII.

Lunch and dinner in a local restaurants. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 6. Bishkek city – Bokonbaev village.  (270 km)

(B, L, D)

In the morning drive to Burana Tower (UNESCO site) near Tokmok town (1,5 hours).

That minaret was constructed in Balasagun town, one of the capitals of Karakhanid State existed in 8-12 centuries AD.

Here we explore ruins of one of the most important trading point at the Great Silk Road and also visit a little local museum that tells about that civilization by items of ancient.

Our attention will be drawn by the collection of Balbals – Turkic ancient tomb stones and stone carvings called petroglyphs.

After excursion at the archeological complex you have lunch at Kazakh family in Tokmok town, where tourist can learn about the life of local people.

Issyk Kul Lake has a tectonic origin. It is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca located in South America. Its length reaches 182 km, and width is 58 km, maximum depth is up to 668 m. During the summer period the water reaches up to 20-25 C.

Upon arrival to Bokonbaev village get accommodation in the Almaluu Yurt Camp. You can take a walk along sandy beaches, swim, enjoy clean water of the lake and amazing views of snowcapped mountains that surround the lake.

Later, you watch demonstration of the Eagle Hunting Show.

Hunting with golden eagles is the most traditional and enjoyable form of recreation for the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan who live in the mountains.

After the demonstration you will have a chance to ask the hunter about tradition of eagle hunting and his bird features. You can take a closer look at the Bird and hold it in your hands!

Dinner and overnight in the Yurt Camp.

Day 7. Bokonbaev village – Kochkor village – Son Kul Lake. (265 km)

(B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to Kochkor village. In Kochkor village you will visit a local women cooperative, who produce the felt and felt carpets (shyrdak)

Shyrdak is a traditional carpet used by nomads to cover the floor. The technology of carpet making is included into UNESCO list of World Heritage. It is a hard labor that has a lot of subtleties (color choice, decorative patterns, and production techniques)

Lunch in the local Kyrgyz family in Kochkor.

After lunch, drive to Son Kul Lake via Kalmak Ashuu pass (3665 m) that brings you to the great scenery of Tien Shan Mountains and serpentine road.

Alpine Son Kul Lake is located on Tien Shan range at the elevation of 3016 m. The territory around Son Kul is a pasture for the cattle driven from Kochkor village, Naryn and Jumgal regions. During the summer Son Kul pasture is considered to be the best Kyrgyz jailoo. The road to the lake goes through the windy mountain passes and vanishes in the sky. As a result Son Kul Lake from Kyrgyz language translates as “The Last Lake”.

Arrival at Son Kul Yurt Camp.

Accommodation in yurts 3-4 pax. Here you can feel like real nomads and get acquainted with the culture of Kyrgyz people.

Day 8. Son Kul Lake.

(B, L, D)

Full day at Son Kul Lake.

After breakfast go to the closest area where local people like to play traditional horseback riding games.

We are ready to present you the legacy of the nomadic life – Kok Boru – Polo on horses, Tyin Enmey – picking up money from the ground on the full speed ride, Kurosh – wrestling on a horse and traditional racing.

Lunch in the Yurt Camp.

After lunch, we watch the demonstration how nomads set up the yurt.

Yurt – is a traditional dwelling of nomadic people of Central Asia. The foundation of yurt consists of wooden carcass and several felt layers.

The construction of such dwelling doesn’t require a lot of time that makes it practical and useful for locals.

The interior of a yurt is decorated with felt carpets and traditional embroidery.

We will learn main elements of Kyrgyz dwelling. You can take part and help locals to erect the yurt.

Dinner and overnight at a yurt camp.

Tasty dinner in a yurt camp finishing this day. Sitting around the bon fire area, singing sons and having fun.

Day 9. Son Kul Lake – Kyzyl Oi village. (200 km)

(B, L, D)

After breakfast, free time. We can devote to the hiking and horseback riding (optional). Nice views, open space, hunting for the real petroglyphs, visiting authentic nomad yurts and other highlights of Son Kul Lake.

Lunch in the Yurt Camp.

After lunch, drive to Kyzyl Oi village.

Kyzyl Oi is remarkably different from the other mountain villages of the Kyrgyz Republic. It was founded even before the Great October Soviet Socialist Revolution, and has therefore kept its distinctive Central Asian character with its reddish clay dwellings. The elevation is 1,800 metres a. s. Here, the valley opens up somewhat to form a depression ringed by the high red-coloured mountains and cliffs, which gave the village its name.

Upon arrival in Kyzyl Oi get accommodated in the houses of local families.

Dinner in a local family’s house.

Day 10. Kyzyl Oi village – Bishkek city. (200 km)

(B, L, D)

After breakfast, start your way to Bishkek via beautiful and picturesque canyons and valleys of Central Tien Shan Mountains over Suusamyr valley. In summer, Suusamyr become a wide pasture for numerous Kyrgyz nomad coming during the hot season with their cattle. In winter, this is one of the Kyrgyz paradise for ski or snowboard lovers.

Upon arrival, late lunch in a local restaurant in Bishkek with folklore show.

Especially for you musicians will play national melodies of Kyrgyz people and show you musical instruments. You will listen to a singing and enjoy the charming melodies of our ancestors.

After lunch, transfer to the hotel and get accommodation at a hotel. Free time.

In the evening farewell dinner at a hotel.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 11. Bishkek – Airport “Manas”. (30 km)

(B)

After breakfast, drive to Airport “Manas” to take flight to home.

Map

Additional Info

Les options en supplement:

• Promenade en bateau au lac Issyk Kul - $ 155 par groupe (1 heure)
• Demonstration de l’installation de la yourte au lac Son Kul - $ 70 par groupe
• Demonstration de fabrication de tapis en feutre à Kochkor - $ 60 par groupe
• Les jeux équestres pres de la Tour Burana - 150 USD par groupe

Photos

Prices

The tour price - 1630 USD per person (*for the group of 5 people)

For more information about dates and prices for the tour please fill in the form in the upper right corner of the page. The manager will contact you as soon as possible with more information about the itinerary and prices.