Unseen Kyrgyzstan

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$2,950

Kyrgyzstan, an offbeat destination renowned for its trekking and horse riding, is an ideal place to discover nomadic culture at a grassroots level. There are plenty of rarely-visited locales to explore throughout this centuries-old Central Asian nation, and our two-part trek between Naryn and Osh is one such place. Over thirteen days you’ll traverse your way across the southern corner of the country, through remote valleys, and verdant pasturelands frequented only by the herdsman who dwell there in yurt camps during the summer.

 

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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
      Culture, Trekking
    • Activity Level Challenging
      5/8
    • Group Size Medium Group
      10
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    All about the Unseen Kyrgyzstan.

    Kyrgyzstan, an offbeat destination renowned for its trekking and horse riding, is an ideal place to discover nomadic culture at a grassroots level. There are plenty of rarely visited locales to explore throughout this centuries old Central Asian nation, and our two part trek between Naryn and Osh is one such place. Over thirteen days you’ll traverse your way across the southern corner of the country, through remote valleys, and verdant pasturelands frequented only by the herdsman who dwell there in yurt camps during the summer. Along with passing by small and remote traditional Kyrgyz villages, and visiting Uzgen (an ancient capital city), another remarkable section of your journey will be paddling across Kel Suu lake located at over 3300m and hemmed in by towering rock walls overlooking the placid alpine blue waters.

    Highlights:

    • Visit the ancient Silk Road caravanserai of Tash Rabat, which was originally built as a Christian monastery in the 10th
    • Explore Kel Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest and highest natural dam lakes, and a little-seen corner of the country.
    • Experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality and ways of life staying in yurts and venturing out on horseback.

    Start point – Bishkek
    End point – Osh
    Maximum number of people: 10
    Number of days: 13

    Deposit: When you book through the website you will be charged US$400 deposit to reserve a place on this trip. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • All accommodation as described above
    • All meals during trip (3 per day)
    • All transportation in 4WD vehicle
    • Drinking water and tea
    • Experienced international trekking guide
    • Local English-speaking guide assistant
    • Horses and herdsmen
    • All activities as described
    • All entrance fees for monuments, parks and permits
    • Camping equipment (tents, kitchen utensils, gas)
    • Boats & lifejackets
    • Border zone permits
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • International flights
    • Visas (if applicable)
    • Insurance
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Tips
    • Additional rental of personal camping equipment (if required)
    • Any charged activity not mentioned in the program
    • Optional extras (see FAQs)
    1. Day 1 Bishkek – Chong Kemin

      Transfer from airport to hotel.
      Briefing at hotel before departing on your journey.

      If you arrive in the morning there will be time to go on a tour of Bishkek with your guide and to acquaint yourself with the capital city of Kyrgyzstan taking in locations such as the Osh or Dordoi Bazaar, the Central Mosque, Panfilov Park and Ala-Too Square. Afterward you’ll make your way out of Bishkek to Chong Kemin and along the way stop at Burana Tower, a 9th century minaret in the Chuy Valley.

      Please note, the trip officially starts at 9am on the 15th July 2023 with a briefing at our Bishkek hotel. If you arrive before this date or very early in the morning on Day 1, an arrival airport transfer and hotel in Bishkek can be arranged as an optional extra.

      Overnight in guesthouse in Chong Kemin

      Driving: 170km
      Driving time: 2.5 hours
      Altitude: 1600m

    2. Day 2 Chong Kemin – Naryn

      The first stop of the day will be Konorchek Canyon where you will be able to stretch your legs and enjoy a short hike for three hours within striking red sandstone canyons which start out very narrow and then open out to a wide valley. After lunch in Boom Gorge, you’ll head to the town of Balykchy which is on the edge of Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world. It’s a great place to go for a quick swim as sometimes temperatures in July can peak at 40°C. We’ll then continue to Naryn City which is the regional capital of the Naryn region. Depending on time you can go for a short walk and see the Naryn River that cuts across the whole of the country.

      Overnight in guesthouse.

      Driving: 290 km
      Driving time: 4 hours
      Trekking time: 3 hours
      Altitude: 2040m

    3. Day 3 Naryn – Kok Kyia Valley

      Depart Naryn in the morning you’ll drive through the unspoilt pasturelands of the Bosogo Valley and then cross over the Kaingdy Pass which takes you into the wild Ak-Say Valley. Shortly after entering the valley you’ll cross into the border zone region between Kyrgyzstan and China via a military checkpoint. After lunch you’ll arrive in Kok Kyia Valley where you will meet a local family will accommodate you in their yurts for the evening.
      Overnight in yurts.

      Driving: 140 km
      Driving time: 4-5 hours
      Trekking time: 2 hours
      Altitude: 3300m

    4. Day 4 Kok Kyia Valley – Kel Suu Lake

      After breakfast, you will be able to jump on the back of your horse and head to the stunning Kel Suu Lake. The lake is a natural dam lying between vertiginous sharp cliffs and is a picturesque location to have lunch. Make sure to keep your eyes open because there are many birds of prey in this area, as well as ibex, foxes and marmots. In the early afternoon we’ll inflate the rafts and begin our journey by paddling along the lake. At 15km long and only 40m wide at its narrowest point, we’ll drift along its shores which are overshadowed by 800m high cliffs. These valleys are still unexplored and it’s possible to spend a bit of time discovering this area. The aim is to reach the far side of the lake and build a camp near Chong Tash.

      Please note that Kel Suu lake exists due to a landslide dam (similar to Sarez Lake in Tajikistan) and is primarily fed by meltwater from a glacier above the lake, in addition to rainwater. In July 2018 the lake’s water mysteriously drained away in less than a month. Our local team has been visiting the lake since 2000, and during that time this phenomenon has only happened once before and the lake refilled in a matter of weeks. No one is certain for the exact reasons behind this unusual hydrological event, however, it is believed to be due to an underground collapse. Since the 2018 event the waters have not returned, but depending on the weather conditions over late 2018 and into 2019, we hope the lake to refill. Of course there is the possibility that the water may not return in time for your trip. If it does not, the only impact this will have on the trip is that instead of paddling you will traverse the dry lake bed on horseback and on foot.
      Overnight in tents.

      Altitude: 3610 m
      Altitude Gain: +350m
      Attitude Loss: -0m
      Horseback riding: 2.5 hours (6km)
      Paddling time: 4 hours (15km)
      Trekking time: 2 hours (3-5km)

    5. Day 5 Kel Suu Lake – Valley of the Five Boys

      After an early start, you will head towards the little-visited Valley of the Five Boys, which is in close proximity to the Chinese border. If you’re lucky, it’s a great place to spot ibex, Marco Polo sheep and wolves.
      Overnight in tents.

      Altitude: 3933m
      Altitude Gain: +800m
      Attitude Loss: -800m
      Trekking time: 5-6 hours (16km)

    6. Day 6 Valley of the Five Boys – Kok Kyia Valley

      After breakfast, you’ll venture over the Eshegart Pass (3933m) and descend into the Tuyuk Boto Valley. You will be able to see active wildlife in this very remote and wild region. From the Eshegart Pass you will be able to see amazing panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, some wild animals like ibex gallivanting their way across ridges and hillsides. In the late afternoon, you will arrive back at Meder’s yurt camp, where you will be greeted with cups of warm tea and great local dishes.
      Overnight in yurts.

      Altitude: 3933 m
      Altitude Gain: +500m
      Attitude Loss: -650m
      Trekking time: 7 hours (20km)

    7. Day 7 Kok Kyia Valley – Tash Rabat

      Today we’ll leave behind Meder’s family and depart for Tash Rabat by road via At-Bashi. This will be the last time you see houses and shops for the next few days. After lunch, you will head to a 15th Century caravanserai where you will be greeted at Nazira’s yurt camp.
      Overnight in yurts.

      Altitude: 3250m
      Driving: 265km
      Driving time: 6 hours

    8. Day 8 Tash Rabat – Kok Bel Pass – Karakol Valley

      Today will be a challenge. Leaving very early in the morning from Tash Rabat you’ll make your way by car to the Karakol River. The road is fairly rough in a few places so we need a head start in the morning. Once you reach the Karakol River you’ll link up with the local packhorses and herders and commence your trek over to the Karakol Valley via the Kok Bel Pass (3915m). After descending from the pass you’ll build a camp where the valley meets the Arpa Plains.
      Overnight in tents.

      Driving: 80km
      Driving time: 3 hours
      Altitude: 3100m
      Altitude Gain: +465m
      Altitude Loss: -815m
      Trekking time: 6 hours (15km)

    9. Day 9 Karakol Valley – Arpa Valley

      Today you will hike alongside the Fergana Range. It’s important to get an early start today because you have a lot of ground to cover. Today the views will change with snow-capped peaks in the distance and you may see a few yurts dotted in the horizon. It’s quite a contrast from the last days of trekking. It’s possible you might be invited in to one of the yurts for some tea. The shepherds are often surprised to meet trekkers in this area. Later in the day camp will be built near a valley to protect everyone from the strong winds in the Arpa Valley.
      Overnight in tents.

      Altitude: 3150m
      Altitude Gain: +250m
      Attitude Loss: -200m
      Trekking time: 7 hours (20km)

    10. Day 10 Arpa Valley – Jylangash Valley

      In the morning you will descend into a lush wooded area rich with pastureland fed by small rivers and lakes. The Kyrgyz here believe that Japaiy Adam, a wild man related to the Yeti, uses this area to migrate between the Pamir and Tien Shan Mountains. At the end of the day you will set up camp in the Jylangash Valley.
      Overnight in tents.

      Altitude: 2750m
      Altitude Gain: +600m
      Attitude Loss: -1050m
      Trekking time: 7 hours (20km)

    11. Day 11 Jylangash Valley – Chitti River

      After breakfast, you will commence your difficult ascent over the Chitti Pass (3720m). The small path climbs gradually where you will have a chance to view both sides of the Fergana Range. The climate and the people will change after this pass because you are entering a different region of Kyrgyzstan. You will feel more of a Mediterranean climate and many of the people you meet are of Uzbek ancestry. You will stop beside the Chitti River for the evening.
      Overnight in tents.

      Altitude: 2450m
      Altitude Gain: +1270m
      Altitude Loss: -1300m
      Trekking time: 6.5 hours (18km)

    12. Day 12 Chitti Valley – Osh

      Today you will say goodbye to your horses and herders and leave the Chitti Valley. On the way, it’s possible to meet beekeepers and have a sample of the local honey. Once your driver meets you at the end of the trail you will leave the Fergana Range to discover some of the most ancient regions of Central Asia. You will be able to visit the historical complex in Uzgen with its three mausoleums and large minarets from the 11th Century. The final destination for the day is Osh where you will be able to have a famous plov dinner in a chaykhana (café).
      Overnight in guesthouse.

      Altitude: 1950m
      Altitude Gain: 0m
      Altitude Loss: -500m
      Trekking time: 5 hours (14km)
      Driving: 125km (4 hours)

    13. Day 13 Osh – End

      You will have the chance to visit Osh and summit Mount Solomon and see the 3000-year-old bazaar, amongst other highlights in the city. From Osh, it’s possible to fly directly back to Moscow or to other parts of Central Asia, as well as continue onward via the Pamir Highway to Tajikistan.

      Then transfer to airport to catch your flight.
      If you need to extend your stay in Osh or return to Bishkek, see our optional extras.

    Accommodation

    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.

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.
    Included in the price:
    • All accommodation as described above
    • All meals during trip (3 per day)
    • All transportation in 4WD vehicle
    • Drinking water and tea
    • Experienced international trekking guide
    • Local English speaking guide assistant
    • Horses and herdsmen
    • All activities as described above
    • All entrance fees for monuments, parks and permits
    • Camping equipment (tents, kitchen utensils, gas)
    • Boats & lifejackets
    Not included in the price:
    • International flights
    • Visas (if applicable)
    • Insurance
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Tips
    • Additional rental of personal camping equipment (if required)
    • Any charged activity not mentioned in the program
    • Optional extras

     

    We do not directly arrange international flights to Kyrgyzstan. We can suggest routes and operators.

    Turkish Airlines operates daily flights in and out of both Bishkek and Osh, with the connecting flight in Istanbul. If you prefer to return to Bishkek at the end of the trip, please see our optional Osh-Bishkek Flight Package for further information.

    Domestic flights have a checked luggage allowance of 15KG.

    Visas for Kyrgyzstan can be obtained on arrival for most foreign visitors.

    In Kyrgyzstan three meals are provided each day and this is included in the cost of the trip. If you have particular preference for trekking snacks, such as energy bars/gels, then you will need to bring your own supply.

    When we choose our vehicles and drivers we take into consideration the road conditions, the length of journey and the competence of the man behind the wheel. We will only be travelling by four-wheel drive vehicles. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety of the journey is the top priority.

    On this trip you will be accompanied by an experienced international trekking guide and local guides/horsemen. This allows for greater flexibility and means that there will always be someone on hand to help or assist you even if the other team leader is busy making arrangements.

    Kyrgyzstan is a safe and stable Central Asian country. Nevertheless, we listen very carefully to advice from the foreign office and from our friends in the areas we visit. Our client’s safety is our primary concern. We must state that the tour leader has the final word with regards to changes in the itinerary for safety reasons. Whilst the route we have chosen passes through areas which are stable things can change and we may have to alter the route or cancel sections of this trip at short notice.

    -Bishkek Hotel Package – from US$65 per person
    Arrive early and explore Bishkek yourself before departing with your group. Includes a private airport arrival transfer and extra night(s) in hotel.

    -Osh Hotel Package – from US$25 per person
    Take some days to relax and stay in Osh after your trip.
    Includes a private airport departure transfer and extra night(s) in your guesthouse or a hotel (price varies between guesthouse and hotel).

    -Osh to Bishkek Flight Package – from US$70 per person
    Do you need to return to Bishkek for a connecting flight or wish to extend your holiday?
    Includes airport departure transfer and Osh to Bishkek flight (15 KG checked luggage, subject to availability).
    Stay in Bishkek an additional night(s) with our Bishkek Hotel Package.

     

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    Package Confirmed Dates Trip Status Trip Status Price (PP) Excluding Flights Price (PP) Including Flights  
    July 15, 2023 - July 27, 2023
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    $2,950
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