Culture and Hiking in the Nomad’s Land
Tour Summary
On this relatively short but extremely varied tour we have combined the most diverse aspects of Kyrgyzstan. In two weeks you will get to know the country in Central Asia, among other things, on foot and hike repeatedly. On other days we focus more on the people and the culture of the country. We stay overnight with families and in yurts and learn more about the meager life.
With this tour we have combined an exciting potpouri of the most important classic highlights and absolute insider tips.
The highlights:
- Visit to the lake Son Kul at 3.000m above sea level
- Meeting with shepherds and farmers
- Visit to the caravanserai Tash Rabat from the 15th century
- 3-day trekking tour south of Issyk Kul
- Possibility to swim in Issyk Kul, the biggest lake of Kyrgyzstan
Culture and Hiking in the Nomad's Land
- 01. July to 16. July 2023
Detailed program:
01 July
Departure from home
02 July
Arrival in Bishkek. Transfer from the airport to hotel. After lunch, sightseeing with guide/ interpreter. Stay in hotel Umai (alt. 800m)
03 July
By car to Kyzyl-Oi, passing the tunnel through the Tor Ashu Pass – (tunnel at 2564 m and 2.5km long). Then down to the village of Kyzyl-Oi (1.800 m). Kyzyl-Oi is quite different from the other mountain villages in Kyrgyzstan and existed even before the Great Socialist Revolution. It has therefore kept its distinct Central Asian character with its reddish clay houses, located in a narrow gorge on the riverside of the powerful Kökömeren River. Stay in B&B.
04 July
To Son-Kul. Pass through the village of Chaek (1.700m) turn near Bayzak to the south and then up into the mountains. The drive up, to and over, is adventurous and well worth it. The views are amazing. It offers panoramic views on the Song Kul Lake and the open coal-mine of the Kara Kitchi gorge. Even in July there can be snow up there, so dress warm. Accommodation in yurt
05 July
Son-Kul Yurt Camp
Day in Son-Kul. Hike in the mountains surrounding Son-Kul Lake. Visit herdsmen who are staying here during the summer months. It is possible to rent horses to go for a ride. Stay in yurt.
06 July
Leave Son-Kul by descending the Moldu Ashuu pass (3346m.) and drive along the Naryn river. After passing Naryn town, turn to the south, stop for a visit of the ruines of Koshi Korgan, the remnants of what is thought to have been a powerful 12th-century Karakhanid citadel. Next on to Tash Rabath, a caravanserai located at 3100m, close to the Chinese border. Stay in a yurt.
07 July
Day for visit of the caravanserai and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Tash Rabat is a well-preserved 15th century stone caravanserai. To the south is Lake Chatyr-Kul and Torugart Pass. The structure consists of 31 rooms including cavities in the central hall. The rooms are dome-shaped; transition from a quadrangular frame to a dome is by a squinch. Tash Rabat is completely laid by crushed stone on clay mortar with sealing joints by gypsum mortar.
08 July
Leave Tash Rabath and drive over a good very scenic road, crossing the Dolon pass (3300m) and spending the night in a B&B in Kochkor, centre of felt making. On the way different photo stops
09 July
In the morning visit Ala Kol, a cooperative store of women of the surrounding villages where they show and sell their felt products, visit the bazaar. Lunch with a local family in Kara-Tala, a small village at the south side of lake Issyk-Kul. In the afternoon hike to the lake. Stay with local families
10 July
To the village Tuura-Suu at 2250m. First part by car, last part (10-15 km) hiking along a small river through a nice green gorge. Total distance 35 km. Stay with a family in the village.
11 July
By car through the Köngur Ölung valley, famous for its flora and fauna, to the yurt camp Temir Kanat alt 2450m. This yurt camp is located on a plateau above the village. The last 100m up is too steep for most cars, so you will have to walk up. Luggage will be transported on horseback. Stay in yurt
12 July
Start of a 3 days trekking. Hike over alpine meadows and through forests to Bel-Tan. Crossing a pass of 2900m. Put up tents at 2660 m. Luggage will be transported on horseback. (21 km) Stay in tents.
13 July
Hike today to Kyrchyn at 2480 m. Crossing again alpine meadows and a high pass of 3350m. (17km) Stay in tents.
14 July
Another half day of hiking from the entrance of the Tosor canyon down to the place where the car is waiting for you (9 km down). From here by car to the yurt camp Sonun at the shore of the lake. Stay in yurt.
15 July
Return to Bishkek, stop near Tokmok to visit the Burana Tower, an architectural complex of the 10th century which survived from the times of the Great Silk Road. In the Middle Ages it was the city of Balasagun that was the capital of the Karachanid Khaganate – a Turkish dynasty of that time. You will see the 24-meter minaret and mausoleums which were reconstructed. You can also see Balbal, grave stones from the Middle Ages. Stay in hotel Umai
16 July
Transfer to the airport and departure
Preise und Termine
Basic data for the tour Culture and Hiking in the Nomad’s Land
- Date: 01. July-16. July 2023
- Min/Max Participants: 4/10
This trip can also be booked as an individual trip.
- Price on request
Services
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Stays in hotel, B&B, yurt, tent and local family
- English speaking guide/interpreter
- Transportation by own minibus
- Camping equipment (except sleeping bag and iso mattress)
- All meals
- Trekking guide and horses for luggage during the trekking
Not included
- Flights (on request we can arrange appropriate flights for you)
- Insurance (we recommend getting travel insurance)
- Tips
- Alcoholic and other bottled beverages
- Horse rental for riding
- Entry Fees
- Additional costs incurred due to illness, accident, change of route due to force majeure, etc.
- Additional costs incurred due to flight cancellations or postponements
- Activities not mentioned in the program
