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Price
Multi-Active Tour:
Mountain Biking, Trekking & Horse Riding

€2490
+ flight to Bishkek and back home
Difficulty level
Comfort level
Duration
4 / 5
2 / 5
15 days
left 5 out of 12
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4 / 5
Adrenaline level
Group size
1 — Easy
2 — Light
3 — Average
4 — Challenging
5 — Extreme
AVAILABLE 2020
Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep
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)
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS
  • Try out the games played by nomads
  • Check out the most beautiful trekking routes through Kyrgyz's celestial mountains
  • Ride on a mountain bike through wild valleys in eastern Kyrgyzstan, close to the Chinese border
  • Swim in Lake Issyk-Kul - the 'Pearl of Kyrgyzstan'
  • Witness the skill of a traditional eagle hunter
  • Ride a horse up to Son Kul Lake, the gem among all Kyrgyzstan's mountain lakes
  • Experience the hustle and bustle of oriental bazaars
  • Enjoy the quaint charm and hospitality of Kyrgyzstan
  • Experience nomadic life at the alpine lake Song Kul, and sleep in a yurt
  • Stay at a guesthouse of farmers breeding Kyrgyz horses
If you love to be active, then Kyrgyzstan Tour will prove irresistible! Mixing the great outdoors with a liberal helping of adrenaline, the breathtaking scenery of Kyrgyzstan will form the photogenic backdrop to a fortnight of action-packed adventure. Mountain bikes form our mode of transport as we explore the valleys bordering China in the northeast of Kyrgyzstan. We'll hike high into the mountain valleys of rural Kyrgyzstan to viewpoints that afford uninterrupted panoramas of mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks topping out at over 5000m. We'll swim in pristine mountain lakes, and ride horses across serene Alpine meadows.

Amidst such incredible scenery, there'll be plenty of opportunities to engage with the local communities along the way, learning about nomadic lifestlye, and sleep in yurts. You'd be hard pushed to find a more hospitable welcome anywhere on the planet.

Available during: Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep 2020
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Transport
Horse, Bike, Foot, Minivan

Meals
15 breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners

Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Yurt (4 night), Tent (4 nights)
Included Activities
  • Bishkek – City Tour
  • Hike in Ala Archa National Park
  • Three days cycling tour near Karakol
  • Three days trekking tour near Karakl
  • Horse trek to Song Kul
  • Sleeping in yurts
  • Swimming in mountain lakes
  • Felt carpet workshop
  • Yurt construction workshop
  • Experience Banya, Russian sauna
  • Karakol – City Tour
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.

In the morning after breakfast, transfer to Ala Archa National Park, in the mountains, just 30km outside of Bishkek. We will hike ca. 3 hours up to the waterfall, have a picnic and then return to Bishkek.

In the afternoon we will have a city tour in Bishkek. The tour includes Panfilov Park, Ala-Too Square with the National History Museum, and monuments to national hero Manas, writer Chingiz Aitmatov and another Kyrgyz hero Kozhomkul. We will also visit Osh Bazaar, where you can buy some souvenirs or take photos of the hustle and bustle.

In the evening we have farewell dinner in a nice restaurant. Overnight in hotel.

Park Hotel or similar
Day 1: Bishkek – Chon Kemin (160km, 3h)
After breakfast we depart from Bishkek. First stop is Canyon Konorchek. Hiking for 1 hour one way. The amazing landscapes of Konorchek canyons resemble the Great Canyon, but at the same time, they carry a significant particle of the unique nature of Kyrgyzstan. This fabulous place is located 125 km from the capital, in the Boom gorge. You can go to the Canyons only through the maze of rocks along the bed of a dried up river.
Rocky columns of red sandstone stretch for miles.

In the afternoon, we continue driving further into the mountains to a guesthouse in the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Upon arrival we have lunch at the guesthouse. you can have a walk in the village, observe the life of the local people, or optionally go for a short horse riding tour into the surrounding hills. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Ashu Guesthouse (single/ twin room with private bathroom)

Day 3: Chon Kemin – Karkara Valley (340km, 5-6h, 20km cycling)
After breakfast transfer to Karkara Valley along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake.
Lake Issyk Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1600m, it is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded completely by the Tien Shan Mountains. Some evidence suggests that ruins of an old trade center from 2nd century BC can be found under the water. We drive along the entire northern shore of the lake and make a stop half way, near Cholpon Ata, to visit an open-air site with many ancient petroglyphs, i.e. stone drawings.

By late afternoon we arrive in the Karkara Valley. From this point we start our 3 days cycling tour. We enjoy a delightful ride up along the Karkara river (distance around 20km, +200m elevation gain). At a nice location we stop for today, have dinner and set up our tents next to the river.

Overnight in tents, ca. 2550m altitude

Day 4: Biking Day – Over Kyzyl-Moinok Pass to Sary Jaz
Cycling up along Karkara River (35km). You will bike along the mountain road and climb to Kyzyl-Moinok Pass (3370m) (this part can be done by car and who likes may start cycling from the top of the pass). Downhill to wild Sary-Jaz River (20km).

Overnight in tents, ca. 2900m altitude

Day 5: By Bike over Chon-Ashu Pass – by Car to Karakol
A fantastic descent on a gravel road along the Sary-Jaz river brings us to the confluence of Sary-Jaz and Ottuk rivers. Total distance of around 20 km. From here starts the ascent (ca. 30 km) to the Chon-Ashu pass (3825m). Descend to the forest zone (around 20 km) at around 2800m altitude. Here a truck will be waiting for us and take us to the town of Karakol (70 km). On this day as well, the uphill biking part can be done by car. Dinner and then overnight in the hotel.

Hotel Amir or similar, 1750m altitude

Day 6: Trekking in Karakol Valley
After a comfortable night in the hotel we start a three days trek today. We transfer by minibus about 2 hours to the Karakol valley, the starting destination of the trek. From Karakol gorge (2550m) we hike about 2-3 hours slightly uphill for 8 kilometers to reach the "Orphan" Mountaineer Shelter. We stop at the shelter, have dinner and set up our tents not far.

Overnight in tents, ca. 2900m altitude

Day 7: Trekking to Ala Kul Lake
After a hike of ca. 3 hours, the highlight of this trek awaits us today – mountain lake Ala Kul (3560m). It is more than 70 meters deep and of incomparable beauty. From the shore of the lake you can see a beautiful glacier – this is the source of the lake. We have picnic at the lake. In the afternoon we hike up higher to Ala Kul Pass (3890m) from where we enjoy uninterrupted views of the 5000+ meters mountain peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too mountains – including Karakol Peak, Djigit Peak and Tashtanbek Peak. Trek down to Kelidke Keldike Valley, where we pitch our tents.

Overnight in tents, ca. 2900m altitude

Day 8: Trekking to Altyn Arashan, transfer to Karakol
Leaving the campsite after breakfast you will trek down to the Altyn-Arashan valley, a 10 kilometers hike that we estimate will take us around three hours. This valley is famous for its natural hot springs, which you can visit to relax after the three days of trekking. The lush pastures of Altyn Arashan were the choice of Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin as he looked for somewhere to spend time recovering after landing back on Earth after his expedition into space. After a picnic and relaxing we take a Russian truck which will take us on a shaky ride back to Karakol. We will have dinner in an Uighur family and overnight in hotel.

Hotel Amir or similar, 1750m altitude

Day 9: Karakol – southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake (130 km, ca. 3-4h)
After breakfast, we will set out to explore Karakol. We visit the city, making sure we allow plenty of time for its wooden Dungan mosque, built in 1904, and the Orthodox wooden church dating from 1855, proof of the ethnic and spiritual diversity of the Issyk Kul region. Any city tour of Karakol could not be considered complete without seeing the Karakol Historical Museum with its new photo exhibition about Ella Maillard. She was a famous Swiss traveler that took many pictures of Central Asia in the 1930s. On the way along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to our next destination – Tosor, we will break the journey at Skazka Canyon. Translating from the Russian word for a fairy tale, the burnished reds, ochres and yellows of the canyon's sedimentary rocks seem almost other-worldly. We will go for a short walk and have picnic at the canyon.

Upon arrival at the yurt camp we will have plenty of time to go for a swim before dinner. Issyk Kul is the second largest mountain lake in the world and known as the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan". Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp near the village of Tosor near the shore of lake Issyk Kul.

Overnight in yurt – 2-4 people in a yurt, facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water), 1600m altitude

Day 10: Tosor – Kochkor (160 km, 3-4h)
After breakfast, we drive further westwards along the southern shore of the lake. On the way, we will first meet an eagle hunter and then stop at Kyzyl-Tuu, where you can watch how yurts are produced, their skeletal wooden framework covered in thick layers of felt and canvas to cope with all weathers. Continuing our drive, we pass by Orto-Tokoi reservoir. Arriving in Kochkor, we visit a workshop of local women to see close up how the traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets are made. You will be taught how Kyrgyz people make their amazing shyrdaks, a carpet that is commonly found in Kyrgyzstan. You can even make your own small carpet. Tonight, our accommodation is a homestay where we enjoy a tasty home-cooked supper before turning in.

Adamkaly Guesthouse, with shared western toilet and shower, 1770m altitude

Day 11: Kochkor – Kyzart (70km) – Kilemche Horse Riding Trek
After breakfast transfer to Kyzart village (2200m altitude). There we will meet the local guide with horses and after short instructions we start a delightful light ride on horseback to Kilemche "jailoo" (summer pasture). Within sight of the road, cross Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass. Continue into the Chaar-Archa valley and eat tasty lunch by the racing river, with view of the holy 4400m Baba-Ata mountain. Sated, ford the river and follow the trail over verdant hills to Kilemche jailoo. Dinner and overnight in the family yurt camp.

Overnight in shepherd's simple yurt (4 people in a yurt, pit toilet outside, no shower, running water in river), 2800m altitude

Day 12: Horse Riding Kilemche – Song Kul Lake
After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning riding to Jaldyz Karagai pass (3400m), over the Song-Kul Mountains and into the lake's basin. The morning climb offers wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo. From the rocky pass Song Kul lake is still distant, but as you traipse down the slopes, it gets larger and larger, until finally the lake fills most of your field of view and the southern mountains tower above it. Song Kul is a mountain lake in the Central Tian Shan range, virtually in the center of Kyrgyzstan. One translation of the name is "The last lake". It is located at an altitude of 3016m above sea level, 29 kilometers long, 18 kilometers wide and a maximum depth of only 13 meters. It is Kyrgyzstan's second largest lake after Issyk Kul. The green meadows surrounding the lake, full of Edelweiss, are used by local shepherds and their families as summer pastures. You will see yurts scattered around the lake and herds of horses and sheep grazing. Not surprisingly, the lake is known as the "nomad's paradise". We will spend the night again in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. At night you can see the sky full of starts.

Overnight in yurt – 4 people in a yurt, facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water)

Day 13: Rest day at Song Kul Lake
Rest day at Song Kul Lake. Short hiking, horse riding or even swimming in alpine lake!
Day 14: Song Kul - Bishkek (380 km, ca. 7h)
After breakfast, we depart towards the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. On the way, we stop at Burana Tower. The minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval town of Balasagun, capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire. You can climb up the winding staircase to enjoy a nice view of the Chuy Valley. There is also an open-air museum featuring a collection of ancient balbals, carved stone figures used as monuments. After another 1-2 hours we finally reach Bishkek. Dinner in restaurant and overnight in hotel.

Park Hotel or similar

Day 15: Departure
Today it's time to say a fond farewell to beautiful Kyrgyzstan. Our driver will provide your transfer to Bishkek International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your trip and will return soon to explore more of Kyrgyzstan.
Prices
Price per PAX
2 pax 2490 €/per
4 pax 2240 €/per
6 pax 1990 €/per
8 pax 1740 €/per
Price for more people upon request

Single supplement available for €400
Note: can be guarantied only in hotels

Departure for this tour is guaranteed

Terms of Payment
  • Deposit: €1000
  • Deposit deadline: 5 days after booking
  • Payment method: Cash or Bank transfer
  • Final payment: 20 days 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
    (or any language on request)
  • All activity fees according to the itinerary
  • All entrances fees and permits according to the itinerary
  • Guide and horses for horse trek, including helmets
  • Mountain bike rental, including helmets
  • Trekking personal (guide, cook, porters)
  • Camping equipment (tent, kitchen, etc.)
  • Personal kit and equipment (e.g. sleeping bag, mat)
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
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.
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 very dynamic, of above avarage difficulty level, and is suitable for people in good physical condition and with basic cycling skills. It consists of long transfers in comfortable minibuses, short jeep rides, if necessary, and visiting natural spots, most of them far from main roads and civilisation. During the trip we will be accompanied by a special vehicle carrying our bikes for some tough parts of the road. We will cycle for 15-95 km per day, mostly using automobile roads of average and below average condition. First night in Bishkek we will spend in a hotel. Other nights will be spent in tents and yurts. During camping we will be cooking our food on a campfire. We will walk a lot and endure sub-zero Celsius temperatures at night to +30 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.
How we will carry our luggage?
The group will be escorted by car. All the luggage, mineral waters, and foods will be transported every day by car and generally all available mountain roads the car following you on the back. Just some single trails the cars will not able to follow you but they will be waiting for you at the head point where it is possible.
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 07:00 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 euros round trip.
I have no equipment
We rent all the necessary equipment. The cost of 50 euros 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.
Get your PDF Adventure Guide
- 23 pages of recommendations for Kyrgyzstan
- What to take equipment and clothes
- Tickets and weather
- Check list
Download PDF
We create trips to places in Kyrgyzstan where it will be difficult to travel on your own
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