Discover Kyrgyzstan. Silk Road stories.

Description

Fascinating Kyrgyzstan tour for those who don’t like to be in a hurry and prefer to learn traditions with the deep integration to the culture. 10 days to explore Silk Road sights, Tian Shan Mountains and real nomadic life style.

Travel in Kyrgyzstan and explore:

• The capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek city
• Visit Ala Archa natural park
• The ruins of Silk Road town – Balasagyn
• Striking and colorful canyons and gorges of Tien Shan Mountains
• Ancient Petroglyphs site, the temple in the open air of Scythians and Huns which is the highlight of any tour in Kyrgyzstan
• Tash Rabat, a 11-14th century caravanserai
• Son Kul Lake – nomad paradise

Itinerary

Day 1. “Manas” airport – Bishkek city.

Upon arrival to “Manas” international airport meet local team and transfers to Bishkek city to get accommodation at the hotel (early check-in).
Rest till 12:00 pm.
Start city tour after late breakfast. Sightseeing tour includes the Monument of Kyrgyz National hero Manas, Changing of Guards of Honor, Kurmanjan Datka and Lenin statues, main Ala Too Square, governmental buildings, Oak park and Fine Art gallery under clear sky.
A sightseeing tour of Bishkek comes to an end at Victory Square dedicated to the WWII.
Lunch and dinner at a local restaurants.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – restaurant, dinner – restaurant)

Day 2. Bishkek city – Ala Archa Natural park – Bishkek city.

After breakfast drive to Ala Archa Natural Park located in a picturesque gorge of Ala Archa 40 km off from Bishkek. On the way to the park short stop at the traditional Kyrgyz cemetery and excursion to the Gumbez (mausoleum) of Baitik Baatyr, the local respected tribal leader.
At the territory of the Ala Archa park tourists can trek up the Ak Sai gorge (side gorge of the main Ala Archa gorge) to enjoy views of magnificent peaks of Kyrgyz Alatau Ridge (Tien Shan Mountains). You can reach Ak Sai waterfall and have the picnic lunch there.
If you are not in a great desire for long trekking, you may easily hike along the fast mountain river in the main gorge of Ala Archa.
In the evening drive back to the hotel. Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – restaurant, dinner – restaurant)

Day 3. Bishkek city – Cholpon Ata town.

In the morning 1-hour drive to Burana Tower (old minaret) near Tokmok city about 60 km off from Bishkek. That minaret was constructed in Balasagun town; one of the capitals of Karakhanid State existed in 11-12 centuries AD. Explore ruins of that important trading point at the Great Silk Road and visit a little local museum telling about that civilization.
Optionally: horseback riding games at the Don Aryk village.
Lunch at the local Kazakh family in Tokmok town.
In the afternoon drive to the Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America.
Drive along the north shore to Cholpon Ata town. Upon arrival visit famous local petroglyph’s site that dated back to BC period and talk about Scythians and Hungsuns civilizations.
Accommodation on the shore of Issyk Kul lake, at the resort area. Dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – Kazakh family, dinner – resort)

Day 4. Cholpon Ata town – Karakol town.

Morning option: after excursions you can go for an hour boat cruise in the lake to admire clear waters of Issyk Kul with snow-capped Tien Shan Mountains in the background!
Driving to Karakol town situated in the east of the lake area, at the foot of the most picturesque mountains of Tien Shan. On the way visit the museum of N. M. Przhevalski, the outstanding Russian explorer of Asian continent.
Upon arrival to Karakol check-in the guesthouse/hotel. After a short rest visit Dungan mosque, a unique construction in Chinese style, but serving as a mosque. Also you will see an old Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
Dinner at a local cafe.
Overnight in hotel/guest house.
(Breakfast – resort, lunch – cafe, dinner – cafe)

Day 5.  Karakol town – Djety Oguz gorge – Karakol town.

In the morning after the breakfast transfer to Djety Oguz Gorge.
Djety Oguz in Kyrgyz means “Seven Bulls”. It is named so because of the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan spruces. Hike up the main gorge along the winding Djety Oguz mountain river and reach famous waterfall.
Lunch time to enjoy a picnic with beautiful views around.
Optionally: meet eagle hunter for the demonstration of birds of prey and hunting demonstration.
In the evening drive back to Karakol. Interesting dinner is waiting for us. Visit local Dungan family to taste tradition food of Dungans and learn a bit more about their background and traditions.
Overnight in hotel/guest house.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – picnic, dinner – dungan family)

Day 6. Karakol town – Kochkor village. 

After breakfast transfer to Kochkor village along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake.
On the way we admire landscapes and make several stops for short hiking in the most picturesque spots. Also we make a short stop in Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyons for hiking. The canyons consist of mottled petrified clay and look very picturesque with dark blue Issyk Kul Lake in the background.
Lunch in a family at the Boonbaev village.
Optionally: meet eagle hunter for the demonstration of birds of prey and hunting demonstration.
In the afternoon you will arrive to Kochkor village where watch how local people make felt, various carpets and other handicraft stuff. Meet women from the local cooperative.
Dinner and overnight in a family guest house in Kochkor village.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – local family, dinner – guest house)

Day 7. Kochkor village – Tash Rabat caravanserai.

In the morning drive to Naryn town over beautiful Dolon Pass (3030 m above sea level).
Final destination today is Tash Rabat caravanserai. On the way cross lush At Bashi valley that is rimmed by dramatic At Bashi Range. In one of the gorges of the ridge is hidden Tash Rabat, a 11-14th century caravanserai. Photo stops on the way.
Arrival to Tash Rabat, accommodation at the yurt camp. Lunch.
After lunch transfer to the famous caravanserai for excursion. Learn about the history of the Great Silk Road and the role of Tash Rabat on its way.
Evening at the yurt camp. Dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast – guest house, lunch – yurt camp, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 8.  Tash Rabat caravanserai – Son Kul Lake.

After breakfast transfer to the area of the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan – Son Kul Lake. Pass greenery valley and a very dramatic pass Moldo Ashuu (3200 m asl) on your way to the lake.
Today you step into the nomadic life at the Son Kul Lake. Here, the Kyrgyz people still live in traditional simplicity.
Upon arrival accommodation in a yurt camp. Lunch.
In the afternoon there will be free time to go to spend time with friendly Kyrgyz families and taste their fresh airan (yogurt) and kumis (a fermented national drink from mare’s milk). Or walk up to the mountains and look for the petroglyphs.
Optionally: Horse riding.
Dinner in the yurt camp. Overnight in yurts.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – yurt camp, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 9. Son Kul Lake – Bishkek city.

After the breakfast there will be a transport from Son Kul Lake to Bishkek. Driving through the heart of Central Asia (about 360 km) you will witness the life of the Kyrgyz nomads as you make your way to Bishkek via fascinating gorges and fabulous valleys enclosed on all sides by the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains.
Lunch in en route.
Evening arrival to Bishkek city. Accommodation at the hotel. Rest and get ready for the final dinner.
Optionally: during dinner we take the unique opportunity to listen Kyrgyz folk-show. The musicians in traditional Kyrgyz costumes present you a wide range of national musical instruments – starting from Komuz (a three-stringed wooden musical instrument) to Chopo Choi (wind instrument made of mountain reed). You hear the fascinating singing of young Kyrgyz ladies as well as an opera singer.
Overnight in hotel.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – en route, dinner – restaurant)

Day 10. Bishkek city – “Manas” airport.

In the morning you will be transferred to the international airport “Manas” to catch your flight.

Prices

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Additional Info

Clothes and equipment:

You can take all necessary things. Please take into consideration that in summer time the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to 40 oC and in the mountains the temperature decreases to -5 oC. Be prepared for unexpected changes of the weather.

Recommended:

• Rain-coat
• Sweater/fleece
• Wind-stopper
• Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
• Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
• Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
• Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
• Good trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
• Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
• Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhoea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
• Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
• A small towel
• Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)
• Sunglasses
• Photo camera
• Notepad and a pen to make notes as you travel
• A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
• Flash light (torch)
• Walking poles if needed

Money exchange - if you plan to exchange USD / Euro to KGS , we recommend to take the notes of 50, 100 USD without stamps, inscriptions and other type of damage, because damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange offices.

Photos

Map