Welcome to Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan (Кыргызстан) is a nation defined by its natural beauty. Joyously unspoilt mountainscapes, stark craggy ridges and rolling jailoos (summer pastures) are brought to life by semi-nomadic, yurt-dwelling shepherds. Add to this a well-developed network of homestays and visa-free travel, and it's easy to see why Kyrgyzstan (officially the Kyrgyz Republic), is the gateway of choice for many travellers in Central Asia.
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Overland expedition around Kyrgyzstan
ItineraryDay 1: Day at Bishkek cityStop At: Bishkek-City, BishkekUpon arrival at Manas International Airport in Bishkek you will be met by us in the terminal and transferred to our comfortable, 3-star hotel in the city. As everybody will be arriving at different times, today is a day of leisure. You can choose to relax in the hotel, check out one of the many lovely cafes Bishkek has to offer or go on a self-guided walking tour. There will be our first group meeting at 6pm, followed by a delicious dinner in one of our favourite restaurants in the city.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at 3-4 star hotelDay 2: Bishkek- Kalmak AshuuStop At: Chon-Kemin National Park, Kemin, Chuy ProvinceWe’ll have breakfast at our hotel before leaving early in the morning for Chong Kemin, a beautiful village located in a valley. Along the way we’ll stop off at the 9th century minaret, the Burana Tower, and then continue to our guesthouse for a nice lunch. In the afternoon we will go for a mountain hike to get some beautiful views of the region. Dinner will be in the guesthouse.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Authentic type Guest HouseDay 3: Chong Kemin to Song KulStop At: Song Kol Lake, Naryn, Naryn ProvinceAfter breakfast in our guesthouse we will start driving towards the large town of Kochkor. Here we will have lunch with a local family known for their amazing handicrafts. After the meal we will be treated to a workshop on how to make the felt handicrafts that Kyrgyzstan is famous for. You will have the opportunity to purchase some handmade souvenirs before we continue the drive towards Song Kul, one of the jewels of the country.This alpine lake sits above 3000m and is surrounded by nomadic shepherds, looking after yaks, donkeys, goats and horses. We will be staying in a luxury yurt camp, the best one on the lake, and isolated from the other main yurt accommodations. Once we check in to our yurts we will head out for a short walk and enjoy a sunset photoshoot. Dinner will be prepared by the family in the yurt camp.Duration: 2 daysMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Yurt campDay 4: Day at Song KulStop At: Song Kol Lake, Naryn, Naryn ProvinceWe’ll wake early to catch what will hopefully be a gorgeous sunrise, and then have breakfast in the dining yurt. In the morning the whole group will take part in a half-day horse trek to visit some ancient petroglyphs and take in a spectacular panoramic view of the landscape. Lunch will be back at the yurt camp. In the afternoon the family will put on a boorsok show, teaching us how to make this famous, doughy snack that is a staple all around the country, and then there will be free time to relax before dinner. If the skies are clear we’ll do an astrophotography workshop to learn how to capture images of the Milky Way.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Yurt CampDay 5: Song Kul-BokonbaevStop At: Issyk-Kul Lake, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceIn the morning we’ll have breakfast with our family at Song Kul before saying goodbye and driving down to Kyrgyzstan’s other legendary lake – Issyk Kul. Here we’ll stay in another high-end yurt camp near the shores of the lake. We’ll have lunch at the accommodation and then head off to what promises to be one of the highlights of the trip – an eagle hunting demonstration, hosted by a world champion! We’ll be given a close-up experience of how man and eagle have worked together for centuries in Central Asia, and you will have the opportunity to pose for photos holding the eagle yourself. There will also be a number of other traditional sporting demonstrations. In the evening will have dinner and a traditional folklore show.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Yurt campDay 6: Day at Issyk-Kul lakeStop At: Ethno-Cultural Tourist Destination South Shore of Issyk-Kul, Bokonbayevo, Issyk Kul ProvinceWe’ll have breakfast in the yurt camp and then set off for a half-day horse trek into the mountains. The views will be amazing, and after you’ve worked up an appetite we’ll return to camp for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we’ll visit a nearby village that is famous for building yurts, the awesome domes we’ve been staying in for the last few nights. Here we’ll take part in a yurt-building demonstration from the world record holders for the fastest time to erect a yurt. We won’t be in a rush though – instead this will be a hands-on experience so you can learn how to build your own yurt! Afterwards we’ll head back to the yurt camp for dinner and another special show.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Yurt CampDay 7: Drive to Karakol cityStop At: Karakol Tourist Information Center, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceWe’ll hit the road on an early start and start off the day’s adventures with a visit to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon. This spectacular sandstone formation is like one giant playground for adults, and we’ll spend around an hour to climb all over the gorgeous canyon and take pictures of the rainbow-like formations. Afterwards we’ll continue on our way towards Jeti Oguz to get a gorgeous view of the Seven Bulls rock formation. In the late afternoon we’ll arrive in the cool town of Karakol, and check in to our awesome 3 star hotel. Dinner will be in an excellent local restaurant.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: 3-4 star hotelDay 8: Day at Karakol cityStop At: Karakol Historical Museum, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceAfter breakfast we will go on a walking tour of Karakol city with a local guide and visit the famous Dungan mosque, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and other highlights of the city.. For lunch we will be experiencing a traditional cooking class with a Dungan family. The Dungans are a Chinese-Muslim ethnic minority group that fled persecution in their homeland and settled in the valleys around Karakol. After learning about their history and visiting one of their mosques you will be taught how to make ashlanfu, one of their most famous dishes. Then enjoy one of the most amazing feasts you can imagine.The afternoon is free, then we will head off on a sunset kayaking mission on Issyk Kul. This is a brand new activity, and having the opportunity to go for a paddle around the stunning lake is definitely not to be missed. We’ll finish with dinner in a great local restaurant.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: 3-4 star hotelDay 9: Karakol - JyrgalanStop At: Jyrgalan Valley Trekking/Freeride Skiing, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceToday we’re going to wake up before sunrise and head to the famous livestock bazaar in Karakol. Here hundreds of local farmers and herders get together every Sunday during the summer to buy and sell horses, goats, sheep and cows. It’s a manic, dusty, loud place, but is very interesting. We plan to go early as most of the trading actually starts around 3am, so this way we’ll beat the tourists and see it while it is still busy.Afterwards we’ll head back to the hotel for breakfast and to shower before driving out to Jyrgalan, our favourite place in all of Kyrgyzstan! This mountain village proved to be everyone’s favourite as well on our last two tours, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it. We have a couple of days jam packed with adventure for you, and we’ll start with a hike in the afternoon before enjoying a traditional Finnish sauna and dinner with the local family.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Guest HouseDay 10: Day at JyrgalanStop At: Jyrgalan Valley Trekking/Freeride Skiing, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceAs tempting as it is to simply relax around the village of Jyrgalan, the real beauty is out in the mountains, and that’s exactly where we’re headed today. We’re going to go on a full-day horse trek to a beautiful alpine lake. Lunchboxes will be provided, and we’ll return again to the guesthouse for dinner. For those that don’t want to horse trek for an entire day, there are plenty of other options to do around the village or the mountains. Options will be discussed.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Guest HouseDay 11: Day at JyrgalanStop At: Jyrgalan Valley Trekking/Freeride Skiing, Karakol, Issyk Kul ProvinceToday we have another full-day guided hike planned, this time to a nearby mountain ridge that offers gorgeous views over the border into Kazakhstan. It’s of moderate difficulty, so decent fitness is required. Lunchboxes will be provided along the way. We’ll have dinner back at the guesthouse.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Guest HouseDay 12: Jyrgalan - Cholpon AtaStop At: Oluya Cholpon Ata Mausoleum, Cholpon Ata, Issyk Kul ProvinceToday we say our reluctant goodbyes to Jyrgalan and drive towards Cholpon Ata, one of the biggest towns on Issyk Kul’s north shore. For lunch we will visit a golden trout mountain farm and try our hand at a bit of fishing. For lunch we’ll have a delicious fresh fish spread, and then continue to the ancient petroglyphs spread out over hundreds of boulders in an open sky museum, and check out the new Rukh Ordo Cultural Centre. We’ll be staying in a lovely guesthouse in town, and have dinner at a nice restaurant in Cholpon AtaDuration: 24 minutesMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: 4 star hotelDay 13: Cholpon Ata - BishkekStop At: Bishkek-City, BishkekIt’s a short 3-hour drive to Bishkek, so we will have a leisurely breakfast and then get on the road. When we arrive back in the city we’ll check in to our hotel, and the afternoon is free to relax, pack your bags or get in a last bit of souvenir shopping. Lunch is included today, and we’ll have a final group dinner in the evening.Duration: 1 dayMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerNo accommodation included on this day.Day 14: Depart from BishkekStop At: Bishkek-City, BishkekThe final goodbyes will be sad, but it’s onto the next adventure! We’ll transfer you to the Manas International Airport in time to catch your departing flights.Duration: 3 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.
Bishkek city walking tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Bishkek-City, BishkekOn our walking tours you will learn the history of both Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan, as part of the Great Silk Road, Karakhanid dynasty, Kokand Khanate, more recent Soviet Union and get a glimpse of how it is shaping today.Duration: 2 hours
See life of kyrgyz
Today enjoy with itinerary 9:00: Departure to Ala-Archa. One of the most visited places in Kyrgyzstan is Ala-Archa nature reserve. It is located 30 km from Bishkek in an area of 20,000 hectares, where there is everything: mountains, rivers, pine forests growing on the slopes of the mountains. It is these forests gave the name to the reserve. Have a short walking. 12:00: Arrival to Bishkek. 13:00 Go to Osh Basar and buy products for cooking. 14:30: Departure to local house that is about 12 km from Bishkek. 15:00: Visit local family and watch master show of kyrgyz traditional food in which you will participate and know how to cook Kyrgyz traditional food. Have a dinner with local family. After dinner see cattle and how people make soured cream. 18:00 or 19:00 Return to Hotel.
Kyrgyzstan Discover real life of kyrgyz people in 8 days
Arrival day: Welcome to BishkekDay 1: Today is a day to develop Bishkek city and learn how to cook.Early arrival to “Manas Airport”. Meet the group at “Manas” Airport. Transfer to hotel for rest. City tour of Bishkek. We will start our excursion from Frunze Statue and visit train station. As well as in our program one of main sightseeings as Ala-Too square, Panfilov Park and Victory square. Our last destination in Bishkek will be Osh bazar, where we buy products and drive to village to cook Kyrgyz meal in local house with local familyDay 2: Bishkek- Chon-KeminToday you will visit one of famous sightseeing in Kyrgyzstan “Burana Tower”. Your morning will start from transfer to Burana Tower. After visiting Burana Tower we are going to Chon-Kemin. It is recommended to ride a horse and have a picnic there. (by your wish you can ride a horse and walk through mountain). (Should be paid supplementary) At the end of day debate club (depends on number of people in group). Day 3: Chon-Kemin-KarakolOur day will start from transfer to Karakol. En route we will stop to visit house of woman that make kyrgyz traditional carpet from felt for long period of time. She will share knowledge of making felt carpet and show master class to us.Today we also we are going to visit Rukh -Ordo. One of best open-air cultural centre in Kyrgyzstan. Continue to drive to Karakol and visit Hippodrom en route. By arrival to Karakol take a rest and have a dinner in one of the most popular restaurant "Dastorkon", where you have a chance try ice-cream from mare's fermented milk. Day 4 Karakol-Bokonbaevo (Full day of fascinating nature)Today we are going to Bokonbaevo. En route we will visit Barskoon gorge and have a lovely picnic. After some time we are going to go to Bokonbaevo and have a chance to speak with eagle owner and take a photo with eagle. Day 5 Bokonbaevo- Son-Kul lake (3016 m oversee level) After breakfast we are going to Son-Kul. En route we will have short stop in Kochkor. Our destination is Son-Kul lake. After reaching Son-Kul walking time and having a rest in yurt. Talking club inside of yurt.(Please take warm clothes, temperature of weather can change at night and can be -2 or -3 С.) Day 6 Son-Kul lakeOpen air breakfast. After breakfast show of making process of kaimak (soured cream). Be ready to see waterfall today and road that name is “44 Popugaya” that in translation means 44 Papagei. Having a picnic in nature and coming back to see kok bory game (should be paid supplementary) (kyrgyz traditional game). Day 7 Son-Kul lake- BishkekAt that day we will visit rot Front village in which there are living german people. After return to Bishkek last dinner with a kyrgyz dancing show(there will be also explanation of movement in a dance). Day 8 Bishkek-Manas AirportSaying good bye to local people that accompanied you. Transfer from hotel to Aiport
Trekking Kyrgyzstan: Alay Mountains Adventure
ItineraryDay 1: Osh city - Sarymogul VillageStop At: Alay Mountains, OshArrival in Osh*, the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan and once an important trading center along the Silk Road. Meet with your guide for a briefing about the tour and trek. After lunch, drive to Sary Mogul village at 3,000 meters above sea level (approx. 4 hours). Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and overnight at a local family homestay. Enjoy the view of the 7,000+ meter high snow-capped Pamir Mountains in the distance.Duration: 5 hoursMeals included: • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at homestayDay 2: Sarymogul village – Sarymogul Pass 4,306m – CampsiteStop At: Alay Mountains, OshDistance: 12 km trekkingAscent: 1054 m, Descent: 477 mAfter a hearty breakfast, drive for 20 minutes from Sarymogul village to the starting point of the trek. Walk along the stream on a one-person trail all the way up to the first viewpoint (1 hour). Some parts are a bit challenging as the trail is narrow and the terrain is composed mainly of scree and small pebbles. Enjoy a break and views of the Pamir Mountains at the viewpoint before descending into a valley to follow the small stream all the way to a flat meadow. We break for lunch at the riverbank with glacier views all around. After lunch, we head to Sarymogul Pass at 4,306 meters (1 hour). As you ascend, the glaciated peaks and alpine lakes will begin to appear. Enjoy your accomplishment at the top of the pass with its otherworldly and stunning views. The descent from the pass is steep and covered in loose scree, so consider long sliding strides or “skiing” down in a zigzag motion as you navigate the snaking path. After descending, we walk down to the campsite and set up the tents at 3,934 meters. Enjoy your dinner under the stars.Duration: 7 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at yurt campDay 3: Campsite – Kyzyl Shoro villageStop At: Alay Mountains, OshDistance: 15 km trekkingAscent: 31 m, Descent: 1579 mCompared to the first day, the beginning of the second day is relatively easy-going and mainly downhill. As the trek progresses through the valley, the trail cuts back and forth across the river several times. With the decline in elevation, the terrain begins to change from high alpine rocky and dry to mid-mountain green punctuated by the alpine lush of juniper bushes. Don’t forget to turn around from time to time to enjoy views of the surrounding glaciers and snow-covered peaks above and behind you. Pass through fields filled with grazing cows and shepherd’s yurts inviting you for a tea. Break for lunch near these yurts. After a few kilometers, you’ll reach the farmlands of the nearby village, Little Sarymogul village. Pass through the village and walk for 3,5km along the dusty road to Kyzyl Shoro village. Dinner and overnight in a homestay at 2,389 meters.Duration: 6 minutesMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at homestay Day 4: Kyzyl Shoro village – Koshmoinok Pass – Koshmoinok Valley – Kojokelen villageStop At: Alay Mountains, OshDistance: 22 km trekkingAscent: 1303 m, Descent: 1124 mAfter breakfast, leave your homestay and walk to the gorge to the east of the village. The trail becomes steep and ascends approximately 860 meters through grass meadows and pastures to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 m. After the pass, descend into Koshmoinok Valley (1 hour). There are several shepherd’s yurts and huts in this valley. Break for lunch near one of the shepherd’s yurts. After lunch, cross over the stream and walk up to Sarybell Pass at 3,132 m (1 hour). The magnificent views of the rugged Kichik Alay Mountains open up on top of the pass. From there, follow the path as it winds along the edge of the hills on your left and enjoy the expanse of unusual red rock formations forming the “Three Dragon Gorge.” The diversity of colors and landscapes is something travelers have called “The Best of Kyrgyzstan” where you can see the dramatic and snow-covered Pamir landscapes in the distance with various grades of high-, mid- and low alpine landscapes along the way. Eventually, the trail winds its way down into a small stream through evergreen trees and continues on the edge of the valley until it reaches Kojokelen village (3 hours). Enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal and overnight in a guesthouse.Duration: 8 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at homestay Day 5: Kojokelen village – Shepherd’s campStop At: Alay Mountains, OshDistance: 10 km trekkingAscent: 833 m, Descent: 69 mToday is an easy walk on an unpaved road along the river leading up to the foot of Jiptick Pass. Enjoy walking in this beautiful gorge with evergreen trees, and engage along the way with Kyrgyz nomads who are busy with their daily activities, including shepherding their animals. Arrive at the yurt camp. Enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family and overnight in a yurt.Duration: 4 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at yurt campDay 6: Yurt camp – Jiptick Pass at 4,185 meters – down to Darbazatash ValleyStop At: Alay Mountains, OshDistance: 16 km trekking,Ascent: 1150 m, Descent: 931 mFrom the yurt camp the trail goes easily up along the river all the way to the foot of Jiptick Pass (1 hour). Head up to the pass on a barely seen trail in a zigzag formation on loose scree (2 hours). Reach the breathtaking Jiptick Pass at 4,185 meters and enjoy the stunning view of the snowcapped Pamir Mountains with towering Lenin Peak at 7,134 meters in the far distance. Break for lunch on top. The path then goes steeply down to Darbazatash Valley (3 hours). Arrive in the valley at 3274 meters. Dinner and overnight are in yurts on the shore of the stream.Duration: 8 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight at yurt camp Day 7: Darbazatash valley – Sarymogul village – Peak Lenin Base CampStop At: Alay Mountains, OshDistance: 11 km trekkingAscent: 34 m, Descent: 286 mWalk to Sary Mogul village on an unpaved road (3 hours). While walking, enjoy the expansive view of the Alay Valley and snowcapped mountain ranges of Pamir-Alay in a distance. Arrive at your homestay and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Take a shower, check your emails if you wish. After lunch, drive to the yurt camp at Tulpar Kol Lake at Lenin Peak base camp (1 hour). Enjoy walking around this turquoise high alpine lake at 3,500 meters before you are invited for a home-cooked dinner. Overnight in a yurt.Duration: 5 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAccommodation included: Overnight in yurt campDay 8: Peak Lenin Base Camp – Traveler’s Pass – Osh cityStop At: Alay Mountains, OshDistance: 20 km trekkingAscent: 760 m, Descent: 760 mAfter a hearty breakfast, walk up about 10 minutes from the yurt camp to the south and cross the bridge to get to the Peak Lenin base camp where the mountaineers are staying. Pass by the tents of big mountaineering companies at the base camp and take the trail leading to Traveler’s Pass. The trail goes slowly up except for the last 20 minutes where it becomes a steep zigzag trail that ends up on the mountain pass. Reach the Traveler’s Pass at 4,100 meters and enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers tumbling off the massive peak. Go to the view point on the right of the pass and get an even better view of Lenin Peak at 7,134 meters, the highest peak in this Pamir-Alay Mountains. Break for the lunch there to continue enjoying the views. Return to the yurt camp on the same way you came. Drive back to Osh city (5 hours).Duration: 8 hoursMeals included: • Breakfast • LunchAccommodation included: Not included
Tajikistan Discovery Tour- The Kyrgyz Nomadic Lifestyle
Visit the summer pasture (locals call it “jailoo”) and experience the traditional ethnic Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle. Spend your days with locals walking or riding horses, donkeys, and yak. Then, relax near cold, clear streams. Join the shepherds as they follow their flocks of sheep, yak, and goats across the expansive landscape. Test your skills while baking local bread, and milking yak. Later, spend your nights in local homestays or authentic Kyrgyz yurts. The tour will take you from Osh City in Kyrgyzstan to KaraKul Lake to Murghab in Tadjikistan to Job Borluk and back to Osh City.Day 1 Leave Osh City early in the day and travel by car to Tulpar Kol, a beautiful mountain lake where you’ll get a chance to get used to the altitude while taking in the wonderful views.Day 2 Early in the morning travel by car to KaraKul Lake, located in the Tajik National Park in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. You’ll stop for a short break in and enjoy lunch around the areas. After, drive to Murghab, where you’ll spend the night in the home of a local family.Day 3Start your day with a visit to the local bazaar in Murghab before stopping for a traditional lunch at a yurt café. After lunch, drive from Murghab to Jol Borluk jailoo, keeping your eyes peeled for yak, sheep, and old tombs on the way. From the side of Rang-Kul village, you may even be able to see the top of Mustak Ata peak, over 7,500 meters tall! A trail in the gorge takes you up to the hill where you will be greeted by a stunning view of beautiful pastures. Descend the hill and cross the river to reach the local pasture. Observe and experience the daily routine of the nomads living there. Walk up to the hills around the jailoo and visit the yurts. Then, join women from the community and learn how to make bread in a special local oven called a “kazan.” Enjoy lunch in the yurt with fresh bread and butter. Later, spend the night in the yurt.Day 4 After an early breakfast, see how the locals milk yak and sheep before giving it a try yourself! Special boots and aprons will be available if needed. After enjoying some fresh yak milk with the families, learn how to use the separator to turn the milk into “kaymak,” the most delicious local butter! After lunch, go for a walk or ride a donkey, horse, or camel on the jailoo. Then, have a picnic with a tasty traditional meal. Later, return to a homestay for the night in Murghab.Day 5 Early in the morning, it’s time to leave for Osh! Stop in several places along the way, like Karakul village for lunch and Chiyirchik to taste horse milk. Later, spend the night at Ethno Hotel in Osh.Day 6 Return to the airport for your departure.Revenue from this experience will be invested in the construction of a new kindergarten in Murghab as well as training seminars for local service providers.