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Price

Kyrgyzstan from North to South:
Lakes, Valleys, Canyons and Nomadic life

$1445
+ flight to Bishkek and back home
Difficulty level
Comfort level
Duration
2 / 5
3 / 5
11 days
left 5 out of 12
2 / 5
Adrenaline level
Group size
1 — Easy
2 — Light
3 — Average
4 — Challenging
5 — Extreme
AVAILABLE
Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep 2020
Transportation
All transfers by comfortable minibus
Guiding
English speaking tour leader
Meals
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinners)
Accommodation
Accommodation throughout the trip (hotels, guesthouses and yurts)
HIGHLIGHTS
  • We will drive around the second largest saline lake in the world - Issyk Kul
  • Swim in the hot springs in Issyk Ata
  • See 3,000 years old ancient petroglyphs
  • Explore the stunning Sary Chelek nature reserve
  • We will also visit colorful Central Asian bazaars, holy Sulaiman-Too mountain with its mosques and caves
  • Permanently enjoy indescribable beautiful scenery and unite with pristine nature
  • Live a true nomadic life - horseback and donkey riding, wild honey, lamb, fresh trout, nights in yurtas with shepherds and an endless sky with millions of stars above
  • Wildlife: Mountain goats, Marmots, Birds, Predator birds, Rodents, Yaks, Hare

Included Activities
  • Bishkek – City Tour Horse Riding at Chon Kemin & Song Kul (optional)
  • Felt workshop
  • Hike at Skazka Canyon
  • Karakol – City Tour
  • Sleeping in a Yurt
  • Meeting eagle hunter
  • Folklore show at Kochkor
Available: Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep 2020
Itinerary

Explore our travel itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Most flights arrive very early in the morning. Transfer to the hotel and early check in at the hotel. You can have a rest after your long flight, take a shower and have breakfast.

Transfer to Ala Archa National Park, in the mountains, just 30km outside of Bishkek. We will have a walk in the Park, enjoying the nice views and fresh air. Transfer back to Bishkek for lunch in the city center.

In the afternoon we will have a city tour in Bishkek. The tour includes Osh Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Ala-Too Square with the National History Museum, and monuments to national hero Manas, writer Chingiz Aitmatov and another Kyrgyz hero Baatyr Kozhomkul. Dinner in a nice local restaurant.
Day 2: Bishkek - Issyk Ata
Early in the morning we take a bus to Issyk Ata, hot springs 2700 meter above sea level. We will swim in the springs, explore shepherd's paths to the waterfall and the ancient carving of Buddha Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. Night in a simple hotel near the springs.
Day 3: Issyk Ata - Karakol
Departure to the town of Karakol (6-7 hours), near the Issyk kul lake, via the picturesque Bom canyon. We will walk around one part of the picturesque lake, those interested can swim in the lake (water is about +15 Celsius). Then we walk to the nearby Museum of ancient petroglyphs. Night in a local hotel.
Day 4: Barskoon Valley
We continue our drive around the Issyk kul lake, turn to the snow covered mountains near the Barskoon river and arrive in a stunningly beautiful plato with lakes 4000 meters above sea level, to permafrost mountains and lifeless mountain tundra. We will walk near the lakes, then drive down to 3000 meters and spend the night in a small family run hotel. This place has no mobile coverage, asphalt or electricity. But the family has a good sauna and make delicious plov.

Day 5: Song-Kul Lake
Next morning we move to the Orto-Tokoy water reserve where camels graze, and proceed to the town of Kochkorka. If we arrive late we will spend the night in a local hotel. If we arrive earlier we will proceed to the mesmerizing Son-Kul lake (2 hours) and spend the night in the yurt with local shepherds.

Day 6: Stay at Song-Kul Lake
Next morning we take off to explore the lake and the beautiful meadows with mountain rivers and ride horses and donkeys. We spend another night in yurts, heated by a small stove, and enjoy local food and tea.
Day 6: Suusamyr valley - Toktogul
Next morning we take off to the village of Chaek. During 10-12 hours trip we will visit canyon of Koko Meren mountain river with breathtaking landscapes and go through lifeless Suusamyr valley. We spend a night in a small hotel in Toktogul where we will enjoy mare's milk - kumis, and fresh trout cooked on the open fire.
Day 8: Sary Chelek National Park
In the morning we drive further south and have lunch near the Toktogul water reserve. After about 6 hours we arrive in Sary Chelek national park, famous for its blue lakes. Here we spend the night in a simple house near the river.
Day 9: Sary Chelek National Park
Next morning we ascend to the main lake where we spend a relaxing day, and might ride boats. Those interested can swim in unbelievably clear waters of about +15 Celsius. Night in the same house near the river.
Day 10: Osh
In the morning we go to the city of Osh (4 hours) where we will visit the holy Sulaiman-to mountain with the medieval mosque and bathing houses on top. According to local legends, in one of these caves, lived Zarathoustra - the famous zoroastrian prophet. Night in Osh.
Day 11: Osh - Bishkek - Departure
Morning flight to Bishkek and back home. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and will return soon to discover more places in this beautiful part of the world!
Full route on the map
Prices
Price per PAX
2 pax 1445 $/per
4 pax 1385 $/per
6 pax 1225 $/per
8 pax 1165 $/per
Price for more people upon request

Single supplement available for $300
Note: can be guarantied only in hotels

Departure for this tour is guaranteed

Terms of Payment
  • Deposit: 50% of total price
  • Deposit deadline: 5 days after booking
  • Payment method: Cash or Bank transfer
  • Final payment: Before trip start
If you had to cancel you trip, then we will gladly transfer your deposit to another journey that you choose at the time convenient for you.
Price Includes
  • Transfers from/to airport
  • All transfers according to the itinerary
    (comfortable mini bus)
  • Accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels, guesthouses and yurts (based on double/twin room sharing, four people in a yurt)
  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinners)
  • Mineral bottled waters (1L per day)
  • English speaking tour leader accompanying the group for the whole program
  • All activity fees according to the itinerary
  • All entrances fees and permits according to the itinerary
  • Flight from Osh to Bishkek
Price DOES NOT include
  • Flight to Bishkek and from Bishkek back home (Let us know if you need help finding the best deals)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Visa (if needed)
  • Tips for guides, drivers and porters
  • All additional deviations from the program
  • Hotel charges for additional services
  • Personal expenses, e.g. souvenirs
  • Alcoholic beverages

For additional payment
  • 3G mobile internet (prepaid local sim card with unlimited internet) - $20 for 14 days
  • Rent of extra personal equipment, if needed (full kit: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, etc.) - $50 for the entire expedition
  • Upgrade individual transport to Premium Class SUV 4WD cars (Toyota LC Prado, Lexus GX/LX or similar) - price on request
  • Upgraded hotels in cities (4-5 star hotels) - price on request
Get your PDF Adventure Guide
- Recommendations for Kyrgyzstan
- What to take equipment and clothes
- Tickets and weather
- Check list
Archive

Expedition gallery

practical infornation

What is important to know
about our adventure

We will send you a full list of necessary items, special travel conditions, information about the necessary documents and visa application after payment of travel
Is this trip for you?
This trip is dynamic, of medium difficulty level. It consists of short jeep rides and visiting natural spots, most of them far from main roads and civilisation. We will walk a lot and endure sub-zero Celsius temperatures at night to +25 Celsius during days. We will also visit a mountain pass of 4000 meters above sea level. Accommodation in simple hotels, guesthouses and yurts, some will have hot water and wi fi internet.
How old do I need to be?
The minimum age for this tour is 18, or 16 with a parent/guardian.
What kit do I need?
Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.
How big is the group?
Most groups have 6-10 people, with a maximum of 12.
What kind of accommodations will I have?
Overnights during the activity tours you will have overnight in tents but most of the overnights will be in the yurt camps and local homestays,

We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. Even if we wanted to, the reality is that standards in Bishkek cannot be compared to a home stay in an isolated valley in Kyrgyzstan. We consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make our choices of where to stay. The accommodation will be based on 2 people sharing a room when that is available. When we are in the mountains we will be staying in tents and in local home stays that sometimes only offer central communal areas to sleep in.
Will it be able to have hot shower every day?
You can have a hot shower when you stay in the homestays and guest houses. The yurt camps around Song-Kul valley also can offer some shower facilities. But when camping stays and Kel-Suu area are not available to have a hot shower. If the group is big and has requested premium services in order to have a hot shower every day we can provide with mobile hot steam sauna and additional accompany staff for this.
Important notes
  • Travel insurance is required for this tour. You are free to choose any insurance company of your choice. We recommend for example using World Nomads.
  • Departure for this tour is guaranteed
The basic hints for travelers
  • During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
  • Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
  • Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
  • Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
  • Smoking is prohibited at home.
  • Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
  • Ask people for photographing them.
  • Be friendly and try to get in contact.
  • Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
  • Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
  • Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
  • If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
  • Never give your belongings to strangers.
  • Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
  • Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
  • Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
  • Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
  • Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
  • If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
  • Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
  • Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
  • Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
  • If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
  • Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
  • Please don't drop cigarette butts or litter.
  • High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
  • Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
  • Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.
How to book?
Contact us and we issue the invoice for 30% payment from the net tour cost. You can send it by bank transfer. The rest of the payment you can pay in cash upon your arrival day in Bishkek (welcoming the first day with briefing ). Be informed that the bank transfer fee will be additionally 3% over the cost of the transaction and it will be on the client (For cash payment no additional costs).
For openminded travelers
F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Which tickets to choose when I better fly in and out?
It is better to arrive no later than 09:00 on the day the program starts. Departure back at any time on the last day of the trip or you can stay further to explore Kyrgyzstan. Tickets from Istanbul to Bishkek for around 300 USD round trip.
I have no equipment
We rent all the necessary equipment. The cost of 50 USD for the entire expedition. We give: a tent, trekking poles, a backpack, a sleeping bag, foam, a flashlight and dishes. Everything except shoes and clothes, in any case they need to have their own.
Are wild animals dangerous?
We can meet wild wolves, foxes, birds and reptiles. They are not dangerous for our team. First of all, they themselves are afraid of people and are completely not interested in meeting with us. The main thing is to listen carefully to the guides and follow their instructions.
Will it be hard?
Our travels are designed for both beginners and experienced travelers. All tours are suitable for family travel unless otherwise specified. But we recommend training before traveling to enjoy walks in the highlands.
Will there be mobile communications and electricity?
Mobile communications and electricity are absent in high mountain areas away from large settlements. The rest of the time, we will almost always be in touch. We recommend using Powerbanks.
Can the travel program change?
  • The program may change due to weather conditions. We all look forward to good weather. But anything can happen, for reasons beyond our control.
  • All final decisions on the program are made by the team's main guide.
We will drive through the most beautiful places of untouched wildlife, see the life of real nomads and breathe in the incredible air of freedom.
We create trips to places in Kyrgyzstan where it will be difficult to travel on your own
Exclusive routes

You'll get
unforgettable experience

REVIEWS

The emotions of those
who already traveled with us

One visit is never enough