Winter in Kyrgyzstan

Description

The landscapes in Kyrgyzstan are stunning during winter! Moreover, it is one of the perfect skiing destinations. During this tour you will admire rural area of Chon-Kemin where possible to emerge in peaceful atmosphere and admire frozen Kegety waterfall. Explore winter fairy tale in Ala-Archa National Park and Bishkek itself.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KYRGYZSTAN BISHKEK – CHON-KEMIN (150 KM, 2-2.5 HRS):

• Early morning arrival in Manas airport.
• Meeting with the guide & drivers
• Breakfast at local café.
• Transfer to Chon-Kemin National Park (2-2.5 hours driving).
• Hotel check-in (cost of early check-in already included).
• After some rest explore the area, possible to have walking in the village / hiking in the gorge or horse riding (*at extra cost).
• Optional activities as cooking master classes, cultural shows, national horse games, ride on horse drawn sleigh are upon request at extra cost.
• Dinner and overnight in guest house.

Accommodation: Guest house Kemin
Meals: B / – / D

A National Park located in Chon-Kemin valley is a unique natural environment with diverse flora and fauna including that features beautiful landscapes, from semi-deserts to glaciers. From the myriad of natural objects found in the valley, 6 species of plants and 21 species of animals, including snow leopards, maral, golden eagle, are listed in the Red Data Book.

DAY 2: CHON-KEMIN – BISHKEK (150 KM, 2-2.5 HRS):

• Breakfast at hotel
• After proceed to picturesque Kegety gorge which is known with is frozen waterfall
• After excursion visit ancient Burana Tower included in the list if UNESCO heritage sites.
• Drive back to Bishkek.
• Upon arrival to Bishkek overnight in hotel.

Accommodation: hotel “Ramada by Wyndham” 4*
Meals: B / – / –

The Burana Tower is located within a large archaeological and architectural complex near Tokmok, 80 km to the east of Bishkek. The unique minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval town Balasagun, the capital of mighty Karakhanid Empire. Once near the tower stood a mosque and a minaret which was used to call people to pray. The height of the tower is about 25 m, while in the Middle Ages, it was more than 40 m. It is assumed that a part of the tower was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century. You can climb the stairs to the top of Burana, where you’ll be able to enjoy wonderful view of the surrounding valley.
Kegety Gorge is located on the northern side of the Kyrgyz ridge, 70 kilometers from Bishkek and 20 kilometers from Tokmok. It differs from other gorges on the Kyrgyz ridge because of its unusual width and spaciousness. Being one of the longest gorges on the Kyrgyz ridge (≈27 km), Kegety has a very interesting relief and a lot of beautiful places: for instance, Kel-Tor Lake in the right tributary of the Kegety River, two waterfalls, a forest of the Tien-Shan spruce and the Kegety Pass (≈ 4000m).

DAY 3: FULL DAY IN BISHKEK:

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Ala-Archa National Park
• After return back to Bishkek and explore the center of the city, visit central square Ala-Too, Oak Park, Victory Square and TSUM shopping mall for buying souvenirs.
• Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation: hotel “Ramada by Wyndham” 4*
Meals: B / – / –

Ala-Archa National Park is one the most picturesque sights of Bishkek surroundings. Here, in the narrow valley of Ala-Archa river you may see a concentration of wonderful, stunning landscapes, waterfalls and
amazing rocks. Here is unexpectedly rich flora and fauna, so that many people suppose this region to be a symbol of Kyrgyz mountain range (Ala-Too).

Bishkek – is a capital of Kyrgyz Republic. With the population of one million people, Bishkek is one of the main and largest cities in Central Asia. Located in the very north of the country on the southern slopes of Tian Shan Mountains.

DAY 4: BISHKEK – AIRPORT (40 KM / 40 MINUTES):

Early morning transfer to airport. Departure.
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Prices

Price 2024 p/pax in US$:

Price from 425 USD per person in twin/double room
Group discounts available.
Please contact the manager to get more information
Contacts: +996 772 570 376 (Whatsapp)
e-mal: tours@ak-sai.com

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 10 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)
• Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
• Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhea, 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.
• Sunglasses
• Photo camera
• Notepad and a pen to make notes as you travel
• A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase

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

Photos

Map