Highlights:
Upon arrival to Chinggis Khan International airport, meet with our staff. Transfer to the Ulaanbaatar, where you will have a welcome lunch at the most famous vegetarian restaurant of the city. Start sightseeing tour in Ulaanbaatar: 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 their natural habitat. Mongolians are extremely fond of their horses, so this visit will make you step into their culture. Most Mongols are expert and skilled horse riders.
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”(unnecessary).
Overnight stay in ger camp (traditional dwelling).
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.
We drive backwards to Bayangobi (Rich Gobi).
The Bayangobi (rich desert or mini Gobi) is officially called the Khogno Khan Park. The landscape consists of large rock formations and cliffs shaped by erosion. 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.
Optionally: horse or camel riding along the sand dune.
Back to the tourist camp for dinner and overnight.
Today, we return to Ulaanbaatar (3 or 4 hour drive).
Optional shopping for cashmere and souvenirs in the afternoon. Evening time we will see the traditional folklore concert by famous folk ensemble. Have a farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to the airport for the departure flight to Bishkek. Upon arrival to “Manas” International Airport our guide will welcome you. Transfer to Bishkek. Upon arrival to Bishkek, city tour: Monument of our National hero Manas, Changing of Guards of Honor, Kurmanjan Datka and Lenin statues, main Ala Too Square, governmental buildings, Oak park, fine Art Gallery in the open air, and Victory Square dedicated to the World War II.
Bishkek is a young capital city, but it makes up for what it lacks in historical sites with plenty of parks, museums and monuments. The city center is quite lovely thanks to its wide tree-lined boulevards, marble-faced buildings and seemingly countless open green spaces. The capital city of Kyrgyzstan is still growing and evolving, but there is already a lot to explore and enjoy.
Lunch and dinner in local restaurants. Overnight in a hotel.
In the morning drive towards Bokonbaev. On the way we stop on the Archaeological complex of Burana.
Burana tower is an ancient minaret designated world heritage by UNESCO. It was built in the 11th century in a territory called Balasagun, which was an important trading point for the Great Silk Road. In this archaeological complex located 80 km away from Bishkek you can explore the Burana tower, a collection of Balbals (handmade statues) and a small museum where pieces found in excavation are shown.
(Excursion takes approx. 1-hour, simple walk, but good shoes required as it’s dusty and little climbing to the tower up along the steep stairs).
After excursion at the archaeological complex you have lunch at a Kazakh family in Tokmok. Get the chance to step into the culture of locals.
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 snow-capped mountains that surround the lake.
Later, you watch demonstration of the Eagle Hunting. Step into nomadic culture by meeting a hunter and his bird of prey. You can choose between 2 types of demonstration:
After the demonstration you will have a chance to ask the hunter about the tradition of eagle hunting and his bird features. You can take a closer look at the Bird and hold it in your hands! Eagle hunting is common among nomads, especially in high altitude areas.
Dinner and overnight in the Yurt Camp.
After breakfast, drive to Kochkor village. In Kochkor village you will visit a local women cooperative, who produce felt and carpets (shyrdak).
Shyrdak is a traditional carpet used by nomads to cover the ground. It also has a decorative purpose. The process of carpet making is considered world heritage by UNESCO. It is a hard labor that has a lot of subtleties (color choice, decorative patterns, and production techniques)
Lunch in a local Kyrgyz family in Kochkor.
After lunch, drive to Son Kul Lake via Kalmak Ashuu pass (3665 m), other windy mountain passes, and a serpentine road with awesome views of the Tien Shan mountains. Son Kul (3016m asl) is an alpine lake situated on Tien Shan range. The territory around Son Kul is considered the best pasture in Kyrgyzstan.
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 nomadic people.
* A yurt is a circular dwelling made of lattice of flexible poles and covered in felt or other fabric. Being easily portable, it is used by Kyrgyz nomads.
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.
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.
Tasty dinner in a yurt camp finishing this day. Sitting around the bonfire area, singing sons and having fun.
After breakfast, free time. We can devote to the hiking and horseback riding (optional). Nice views, open space, hunting for the real pethroglyphs, 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. Overnight.
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 becomes a wide pasture for many nomads with their cattle. In winter, this is a paradise for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
Upon arrival, late lunch in a local restaurant in Bishkek. After lunch, transfer to the hotel and get accommodation at a hotel. Free time.
In the evening farewell dinner with folklore show. Exclusively for you, musicians will play national melodies and show you musical instruments. You will listen to a singing and enjoy the charming melodies of our ancestors.
Overnight.
After breakfast, drive to Airport “Manas” to take flight to home.
For more information about dates and prices for the tour please fill in the form on the right side of the page. Our manager will contact you as soon as possible with more information about the itinerary and prices.
Issyk Kul Lake Boat cruise - $ 150 per group (1 hour)
Yurt installation demonstration at Son Kul Lake - $ 70 per group
Felt Carpet Making Demonstration in Kochkor - $ 60 per group
Horseback riding games near the Burana Tower - USD 190 per group
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