Kyrgyz Express - 10 days

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Bishkek, arrival and city tour.

  You will be taken care of as soon as you arrive at the airport, where you will be greeted by a member of the team. Transfer to our guesthouse in Bishkek. Check-in and rest. Your guide will meet you at noon at the guesthouse for a briefing and a welcome meal. Walk in the center of Bishkek, discovering its parks, monuments, and points of interest. Climb to the city panorama, then dinner at Faiza, the best popular restaurant in the city.

• day 2

  The Burana Tower, on the way to Lake Issyk Kul.

  Meet at 8:30 am for departure. Visit to the Burana Tower, on the ruins of the ancient city of the Karakhanid Turks, Balasagun. Meal in the Boom Gorge and a short walk (1h) in the Konorchek canyon to admire its impressive red rock formations. Arrival at Aida's, in our yurt camp on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, the 2nd largest mountain lake in the world, at 1600 m altitude. Discover the area, swimming, relaxing, games, it's up to you...

• day 3

  The red canyon of Skazka and the forested valley of Barskoon

  Early departure for the Skazka canyon and its ochre, red or yellow sedimentary rock formations, in a landscape straight out of another planet. A paradise for photographers! Exploration of the area (2h). We then meet Kadyrjan, one of the last berkutchis in the region. He is a master falconer who hunts in winter with his golden eagles! He will talk to us about his passion for his golden eagles and show us how he trains them for hunting during the summer. After a picnic on the beach of Lake Issyk Koul, we will head to the forested valley of Barskoon, one of the many mountain valleys feeding Lake Issyk Koul. We set off for a beautiful walk (1h30) through the fir trees, discovering the waterfalls that spring here from the rocky wall. Return to our yurt camp after our first "physical" day of the trip.

• day 4

  On the way to Lake Song Koul

  Last moments on the shores of Issyk Koul where we meet Kurmanbek, who, with his family, has been making yurts in the small village of Kyzyl Tuu for several generations. He will teach us the secrets of yurt making, symbols of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. We continue our discovery of Kyrgyz craftsmanship at the Kochkor felt cooperative, where we have lunch. After this visit, we head to Lake Song Koul, in the heart of a mountain pasture perched at 3000 m altitude. Arrival at Bakyt and Atyrkul's on the southern shore of the lake, at the foot of the mountains. Exploration of the surroundings, gathering and milking of cows, once again, it's up to you...

• day 5

  Wild ride at Lake Song Koul

  Saddle up! We're off for a day of horseback riding initiation (4h), in the vast open spaces offered by Lake Son Koul. It's an opportunity to get comfortable on horseback, to ride among the herds and yurts that dot our route. Once back at the camp, we can take part in the daily life of our host family, and in particular learn how to prepare traditional dishes from the nomadic cuisine. Second and last night at Bakyt and Atyrkul's. INFO: if you prefer, you can walk instead of riding a horse.

• day 6

  Across the Tian Shan on the Silk Roads

  Departure from our camp after breakfast for the Moldo-Ashuu pass. We set off for a hike (3h), taking one last look at Lake Song Koul and discovering the Naryn valley, the source of the mighty Syr-Daria, the lifeblood river of Central Asia along with its twin, the Amu-Daria, and the northern border of Alexander the Great's empire. We continue our journey through the Tien Shan. Visit of mausoleums from the 18th and 19th centuries. Passing through the oasis of Baetov. Crossing the MELS-Ashuu pass. Arrival in the At Bashy valley at Jackshylyk's, a local farmer who welcomes us into his home, in the last Kyrgyz village before China, on the ancient Silk Road.

• day 7

  Hiking to infinity and beyond, all the way to Tash Rabat.

  After a short morning transfer from the village to the entrance of the Shyrykti valley, we set off for a beautiful hike (6h) in this valley dotted with yurts and sheepfolds. We cross the Kum Bel pass (3500 m altitude), which allows us to reach the Tash Rabat valley. Thus, like the caravans of old, we arrive on foot at the Tash Rabat caravanserai, the highest in the world at 3200 m altitude. Visit this place steeped in history on the Silk Roads before settling in with Nazira, who welcomes us to her yurt camp near the caravanserai.

• day 8

  Free day in Tash Rabat.

  Today, we have all the time to discover the Tash Rabat valley and its surroundings. Culture lovers will be able to deepen their knowledge of the history of the Kyrgyz Silk Roads with our guide, but also participate in the daily life of local families and learn more about the breeding techniques of Kyrgyz shepherds. Horse riding enthusiasts can go for a beautiful horseback ride through the different valleys of the At Bashy range. The more athletic, finally, can set off on foot to conquer the Tach Rabat pass, which peaks at 4000 m altitude and offers an unforgettable panorama of Lake Chatyr Kul and nearby China (8h). Second and last night under Nazira's yurts.

• day 9

  Return to Bishkek

  We are leaving the mountains today and have a long drive to Bishkek (7h). Arrival in Bishkek in the middle of the afternoon for any possible shopping. End-of-stay dinner in the city. Night in our guesthouse in Bishkek.

• day 10

  Kosh Bulunguz... Goodbye, Kyrgyzstan.

  Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Return home with your head full of memories, or at least we hope so!