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Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, where the towering peaks of the Tian Shan mountains pierce the azure sky, lies Kyrgyzstan, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and ancient nomadic traditions. Often referred to as the "Switzerland of Central Asia," this captivating country offers a tapestry of pristine alpine lakes, vast jailoos (high-altitude pastures), and rugged landscapes perfect for intrepid adventurers and cultural explorers alike. From the warm hospitality of its people and their rich heritage to the exhilarating opportunities for trekking, horseback riding, and discovering untouched wilderness, Kyrgyzstan promises an unforgettable journey far from the well-trodden tourist paths.
Kazakhstan border to Lake Issyk Kul
We cross into Kygyzstan before descending into the area of Lake Issyk-Kul, a mountain lake in the northern Tien Shan Mountains, once used by the Soviets to test their submarine torpedoes!
The area in the hills around the lake at Altyn Arashan and its surrounds offer the outdoor lover many hiking and horse riding opportunities and we spend a few days here to take in the amazing scenery. We will stay in traditional yurts here.
We then visit the vast red stone cliffs in Jeti-Oguz and visit the town of Karakol with its attractive houses and tree-lined streets. Behind it are the Terskay Ala-Too Mountains, an unspoilt wilderness populated only by nomadic shepherds.
Continuing around the lake we stop to see the amazing rock formations and cliffs at Fairy Canyon before arriving at the town of Kochkor.
As we travel around Kyrgyzstan we camp, but we also may have the opportunity to use some family homestays, where we are welcomed into a local home for the night. These are subject to availability, but if we can arrange them they offer a fantastic experience, allowing us to feel part of the family for a night and make some new friends! We will also include at least one overnight stay in traditional yurts.
Lake Song Kul to Bishkek
Travelling south west and leaving behind Lake Issyk-Kul, we make our way to the isolated and breathtaking Lake Song Kol, where we stay in traditional felt Yurts. There will be opportunity to either hike or horse back ride and explore the surrounding area. If we are lucky we may even see a game of Ulak Tartysh - a Kyrgyz version of polo. We will also view a traditional eagle hunting display (now done without live prey).
Here, those travellers continuing on to China will leave us, while we head to Bishkek with a stop at the impressive Burana Tower on the way.
Your trip ends after breakfast. Bishkek is a well-connected city, with the airport serving destinations throughout Asia with connections for onward travel further afield. For those with some time to spare it’s a pleasant city to spend a few days at the end of your trip, with some excellent bars, cafés and restaurants dotted around to relax and reflect on your trip through Central Asia.
Explore Kyrgyzstan with us on a 15 day trip including Kazakhstan:
BISHKEK TO BISHKEK (15 DAYS) KYRGYZSTAN OVERLAND
Discover the stunning scenery of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan with a tour that takes you off the beaten track and into the heart of the wilderness. This journey will give you the unique opportunities to swim in the Lake Issy-Kul, trek the dramatic and vast mountain terrain and spend the night in a yurt by the banks of the Lake Song Kol before returning back to Bishkek. A truly once in a lifetime experience, this tour will give you memories to treasure forever.
Or at the start of an epic 83 day trip from Bishkek to Istanbul:
BISHKEK TO ISTANBUL (83 DAYS) WILD NATURE, THE STANS, CAUCASUS & TURKEY
Explore ancient cities rich in history, from Samarkand to Esfahan or Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi and Istanbul. Discover diverse landscapes, from the breath-taking mountain passes of Tajikistan's Pamir Highway, to Turkmenistan's barren deserts and the surreal rock formations in Cappadocia.