Mountain Kingdoms Of Kyrgyzstan Reverse

All content by Intrepid

16 days (ex Bishkek)

Destinations visited: Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,295

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Description

Get right off the beaten track on this challenging tour into Central Asia's mountainous hinterland. Beginning in Bishkek, we travel through Chong Kemin and the imposing Kyrgyzstan mountains to Lake Issyk-Kul, enjoying plenty of hiking opportunities along the way. From the high country we head through Djety Oguz Valley, experiencing local life on a homestay and exploring the lush pastures of the Fergana Valley, before finally reaching the quirky capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. If an outside-of-the-box travel adventure through 'the Stans' is what you're after - then this is it.

Highlights

Wander the wide streets of Bishkek.
Camp by the serene shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Soak up the charming atmosphere of Karakol.
Go hiking in Djety Oguz Valley..
Stay in a yurt with a nomadic family.
Admire the imposing Kyrgyzstan mountains.
Shop for Soviet memorabilia in Tashkent.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bishkek

Soak up the relaxed charm of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital. Wander through its wide streets and admire its wealth of handsome houses.

Days 2-3 Chong Kemin Valley

Set off on a leisurely hike along Chong Kemin River. Or if feeling adventurous, perhaps tackle one of the tough 4000 m passes.

Day 4 Cholpon Ata/Issyk-kul Lake

Farewell the Kyrgyzstan mountains and head to Cholpon Ata, nestled on the shores of the vast and beautiful Issyk-Kul Lake.

Day 5 Karakol

Enjoy the remote, picturesque town of Kara-kol, complete with quaint tree-lined streets and colonial houses.

Days 6-7 Djety Oguz Valley

Hike through dramatic canyons and sandstone cliffs in Djety Oguz Valley.

Day 8 Kochkor

Enjoy more traditional Kyrgyz hospitality on a homestay in Kochkor village.

Days 9-10 Song Kul Lake

Stay in traditional yurt accommodation and experience nomad life in the lush pastures surrounding the beautiful Song-Kol Lake.

Day 11 Bush Camp

Hit the road back to Bishkek, stopping to camp in the wilderness overnight.

Day 12 Bishkek

Back in Bishkek, why not stretch the legs with a walk through Oak Park? Or perhaps just kick back in one of the park's open air cafes.

Days 13-14 Zhabagly-Aksu National Park

Make tracks into Kazakhstan and enjoy a night with a local family in Zhabagly, before exploring the grasslands of Asku National Park.

Days 15-16 Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent, the final stop on this tour. Shop for fresh produce at the Chorsu Bazaar and perhaps grab some Soviet paraphernalia from a market.

Group Size

Maximum of 21 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling

Accommodation

Bush camp (no facilities) (5 nts), Hotel (4 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Yurt (2 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt), Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $500 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,295

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