Journey to Kyrgyzstan, colours and nature - Exclusive departure 16 August 2024

Journey to Kyrgyzstan, a land of boundless landscapes, snow-capped peaks, lakes and grasslands as far as the eye can see. Nestled between the Tien Shan mountain range, the Sky Mountains and the high peaks of the Pamir, Kyrgyzstan, once part of the independent states of the former Soviet republics, boasts one of the most diverse ethnic compositions in Central Asia.

Explore an oasis of peace, where nomadic inhabitants and herdsmen live peacefully in the simplicity of everyday life. Authenticity and primordial landscapes are the highlights of this destination.

In Kyrgyzstan, you will discover a remote corner of the world, where the beauty of nature and the local people will welcome you to begin your journey.

 

Day 1 - 16 AUGUST ITALY - BISHKEK (-/-/-)
Departure from Italy with scheduled Turkish Airliens flights via Istanbul

Day 2 - 17 AUGUST BISHKEK - ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK - BISHKEK (B/L/D)
Upon arrival at the airport, meet with our representative. Transfer to the hotel in Bishkek (approx. 40 minutes). Time at leisure for rest. Breakfast. Departure for the Ala Archa National Park (45 min/ 40 km) Protected area covering some 200 sq. km with 20 glaciers of the Tian Shan chain. At the end of the excursion, return to town and sightseeing with a photo stop at the Manas National Hero Monument and the Kurmanjan-Datka Monument. Visit to the Victory Square and Oak Park. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 3 - 18 AUGUST BISHKEK - CHOLPON ATA (B/L/D)
Breakfast. In the morning transfer to Lake Issyk Kul.280 km.
On the way, near the town of Tokmok, we visit the archaeological complex of Burana (an ancient minaret 24 metres high), the only remains of the ancient settlement of the citadel of Balasagun, founded by the Sogdians during the 10th-12th centuries AD. Lunch at a local family near Burana.
Continue the drive through the Boom Gorge to Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world.
Upon arrival in the town of Cholpon Ata, we will visit the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs, a vast expanse of boulders many of which reveal carvings and graffiti on the surface. Some of these date back to the Bronze Age, then around 1500 B.C., others around the 8th century B.C. when the saci usun people, the predecessors of the Kyrgyz, lived in the area. It is said that the saci priests used to perform sacrifices and rituals to the Sun God in this place
We also visit the Rukh-Ordo complex, which presents various cultural aspects that characterise Kyrgyzstan and are recognised and revered throughout the world. In the evening, accommodation in a guesthouse by the lake.

Day 4 - 19 AUGUST CHOLPON ATA - KARKARA VALLEY (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we continue along the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to the Tyup region, where we turn into the Karkara valley. We later reach Char Kuduk, to settle in the tented camp.
Accommodation in yurts with showers and toilets. Lunch and dinner at the camp. Free time.
In the vicinity of the camp, it is possible to walk along the gorge and river, along the slopes and the nearest hills. It is also possible to go horse riding (for a fee) or simply sit by the evening fire watching the starry sky.
In the evening, before dinner, you will witness the process of baking the traditional nomadic bread - boorsok.Overnight stay in a yurt

Day 5 - 20 AUGUST KARKARA VALLEY - KARAKOL (B/L/D) (120 KM / 3 HOURS)
Breakfast in the camp. Transfer to the town of Karakol. On the way, stop at the village of Tepke, where we visit a farm and a herd of horses trained for racing.
Continue to Karakol and stop to visit the museum of the famous Russian explorer of the Asian continent Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky.
Once in Karakol, visit the Dungana Mosque, a unique Chinese-style building that looks more like a Buddhist temple than a mosque. Visit to the Russian Orthodox Church - the Holy Trinity Cathedral made of wood without any nails, surrounded by trees and silence
Dinner with a Uyghur family. We will have the opportunity to learn how to cook the traditional Uyghur dish Laghman. Accommodation in the hotel. Time at leisure for rest.

Day 6 - 21 AUGUST KARAKOL - JETY OGUZ Gorge - BARSKOON - SKAZKA CANYON - VILLAGE KAJI SAY (B/L/D) (200 KM / 3 HOURS)
Breakfast. In the morning, we continue our journey around Issyk Kul Lake and towards the southern coast. Our route winds through the Jety Oguz Gorge to photograph the rock known as 'the broken heart'. This area is undoubtedly one of the most scenically impressive. The slope called Seven Bulls, is one of the most photographed rock formations in Kyrgyzstan. It is a craggy, jagged ridge with clearly visible red sandstone outcrops. Needless to reiterate the beauty and uniqueness of this scenery, especially during spring, when the red hues contrast with the green of the surrounding nature and meadows. Seen from the north side, this ridge is covered by a dense forest that only allows a glimpse of a red crevasse; for this reason the view is called the broken heart. We ascend to the Kok Zhaiyk pasture and lightly trek to the Maiden Braids waterfall (1.5 hours, 1.5 km one way, 200 m ascent)
Afterwards, transfer to the Barskoon Gorge, walk to a small waterfall where the bust and memorial of Yuri Gagarin is located nearby.
After Barskoon we continue on to Kaji Sai and once again admire an almost lunar landscape as we walk along the small 'Fairy Tale' canyon. This is an expanse of red earth that erosion has shaped into picturesque corridors, walls and pinnacles of pinkish rocks. You will have the opportunity to take a short walk and admire the colours of nature. In the evening, arrival in Kaji Say and accommodation in a modest hotel. Dinner and rest.

Day 7 - 22 AUGUST VILLAGE KAJI SAY - LAKE SON KUL (B/L/D) (270 KM / 5-6 HOURS)
Breakfast. In the morning, we continue our journey in a westerly direction. Near the village of Bokonbaevo we will meet a hunter with a golden eagle. We attend a training and hunting demonstration, learn more about birds of prey, and may take photographs. Afterwards, we continue through the village of Kochkor, the Kilemchi Valley and the Kalmak Ashuu Pass, arriving at the Son Kul mountain lake.
The Songkol mountain lake is located on the Tien-Shan range at an altitude of 3016 m. The area around the lake is populated during the summer months and the meadows are coloured with the yurts of nomadic herdsmen who come here to graze their cattle. The road leading to the lake is usually very windy and walking along it is difficult to feel its end. That is why the lake is called Songkol, literally translated 'the last lake'. On arrival, accommodation in yurts. Each yurt can accommodate two to four people. This is a traditional dwelling of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia and consists of a wooden structure covered with one or two layers of felt. Inside, felt carpets with elegant embroidery complete the furnishings.
Sleeping in the yurt on the shores of the lake under the starry sky and waking up at dawn admiring the beautiful alpine scenery is undoubtedly a unique experience. Even if you forego the comforts of room amenities and the comforts we usually seek, you will be able to live like the inhabitants of this land who are distinguished by their nomadic spirit.
Dinner at the camp. Overnight stay (breakfast - hotel, dinner - yurt camp)

Day 8 - 23 AUGUST LAKE SON KUL - BISHKEK (B/L/D)
Breakfast. Before leaving the camp, we will witness the installation of a yurt. Afterwards, return to the capital via the KalmakAshuu Pass (arrival after approximately 6 hours).Accommodation in the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9 - 24 AUGUST BISHKEK - ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast. In the morning transfer to the airport. Return flight to Italy.

 

The fee includes

Intercontinental flight from Italy in economy class
Visits and entrance fees as per programme including the Tepke horse farm
Meals as planned
Italian-speaking guide
Water during transfers (1 litre per day)
Accommodation on double basis in hotels, yurts and pensions - 7 nights
GoWorld travel kit (backpack, photo volumes, clothes/trolley bag - depending on practical amount)
Insurance for medical assistance, medical repatriation and damage to luggage and cancellation insurance

The fee does not include

Any local airport taxes to be paid locally € 325
Gratuities, drinks, optional excursions and everything not mentioned under 'the fee includes'.
Currency block € 50 per file
Maximum Cancellation Fee adjustment, compulsory for trips exceeding € 2,000
Supplementary Insurance (Recommended) Go World Safe Plus
Entry fee € 95