Kyrgyzstan Explorer
15 Days Starting and ending in BISHKEK
Visiting: Bishkek, Chychkan, Sary-Chelek, Arslanbob, Kazarman, Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat, Naryn, Yurt camp Sonun
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KYR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Kyrgyzstan is quite simply one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The aptly named Tien Shan or “Mountains of Heaven” that stretch across its length and breadth are lush and green, high and wild, and are dissected by sweeping steppe lands, primal forests, crystal streams and turquoise lakes.
Far away, scratching the belly of the endless sky is a never-changing vista of lofty snow-capped peaks. With 90% of the country lying above 1500m this is very much a destination for lovers of epic mountain scenery and this comprehensive “Kyrgyzstan only” trip seeks to do justice to one of our favourite countries.
From the beautiful alpine scenery of Sary Chelek and the ancient walnut forests of Arslanbob, to the dramatic Silk Road valley of Tash Rabat and the endless grasslands that surround Son Kul, we’ll not only be endlessly awed by the stunning landscapes of the “Switzerland of Central Asia”, but in addition we’ll meet the nomads who call this land home and who are amongst the most welcoming people on the planet.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour In Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Asia Mountains Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: B Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour starts around lunchtime in Bishkek. This afternoon we will have a look around this city, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals, visiting the excellent National History Museum and taking a wander around one of the bustling bazaars.
Day 2: Bishkek - Chychkan Gorge
Location: Chychkan, Bishkek
Accommodation: Oson Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Oson Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the capital today, it is not long before we get into the mountain scenery for which Kyrgyzstan is so rightly famed. Our route will take us over two mountain passes - the dramatic Tuu Ashuu (3586m) and the Ala Bel (3184m) which in Kyrgyz means “colourful pass”. As we travel through the Suusamyr Valley we will make several stops for some short acclimatisation walks and opportunities hopefully to meet some of the nomads who are often found here in the summer. We should be able to see their traditional yurts; observe mare milking and see how they control their huge flocks of sheep. This is a great introduction to the life of the nomadic shepherd. Upon arrival at Chychkan Gorge there should be time to explore some of the surrounding area. Driving distance 250km, 5 hours approx.
Day 3: Chychkan Gorge - Sary Chelek
Location: Chychkan, Sary-Chelek
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With an early departure from Chychkan, we aim to arrive by mid-afternoon at Sary Chelek, which was included in the list of UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves in 1978. This is one of Kyrgyzstan’s least visited but most striking locations. Centred around a spectacular lake, which sits at an altitude of 1873m, Sary Chelek is almost alpine in appearance and provides some of the finest scenery in Central Asia. We base ourselves here for two nights. Driving distance 280km, 5-6 hours approx.
Day 4: Sary Chelek
Location: Sary-Chelek
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we plan to head out with a picnic lunch and take an easy but exhilarating walk between and around two of the lakes of Sary Chelek. Being home to over 1000 species of plant, 160 species of bird and 34 different types of mammal we can never be sure of exactly what we might see, but the views all around are spectacular.
Day 5: Sary Chelek - Arslanbob
Location: Arslanbob, Sary-Chelek
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Sary Chelek this morning we head south towards Arslanbob village. Considered to be one of the country’s most attractive villages, it not only sits in the middle of a vast walnut forest, but it is also interestingly predominantly inhabited by ethnic Uzbeks. On arrival we will visit the local bazaar and settle in to our community-based homestay, where we stay for the next two nights. Driving distance 220km, 4 hours approx.
Day 6: Arslanbob
Location: Arslanbob
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will have the whole day to explore on foot the surrounds of Arslanbob and to see its famous walnut forests, as well as some of the waterfalls and streams which dot the region. The walnut forests are believed to pre-date the 11th century and may even date back to the times of Alexander the Great. In fact legend has it that Alexander brought back large quantities of the nuts from Central Asia, but had to give them up once he reached Greece as payment to the boatmen who transported his troops. While this may just be the stuff of legend, what is certainly true is that Central Asian walnuts regularly formed part of the goods that were transported along the Silk Road, branches of which ran close to Arslanbob. Those preferring a less active day can take shorter walks and relax amidst the beautiful scenery of this small village.
Day 7: Arslanbob - Kazarman
Location: Arslanbob, Kazarman
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have a long drive today through the country’s interior as we head through the central ranges of the Tien Shan over the Kaldama Ashuu pass (3062m) to Kazarman. This remote town sits on the Naryn River, one of the major tributaries of the Syr Darya River which was known to Alexander and the ancient Greeks as the Jaxartes. Driving distance 230km, 8-9 hours approx.
Day 8: Kazarman - Son Kul (3,016M)
Location: Song-Kul, Kazarman
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Son Kul Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Kazarman this morning we drive over the Moldo Ashuu pass (3660m), cross the Naryn River and head for Son Kul, a spectacular high mountain lake, to stay in our yurt camp. Arriving late afternoon, we will have a chance to venture out and meet the local nomads who spend their summers here. Driving distance 200km, 6 hours approx.
Day 9: Son Kul
Location: Song-Kul
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Son Kul Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today there will opportunities for full or half day walks (or horse rides) up into the hills to enjoy the mind-blowing views over this amazing lake. Alternatively, those wishing to can just hang out at the yurt camp and enjoy some down time. We also hope to be able to observe a game of kok buru (perhaps better known by its Afghan name buzkashi) in which riders compete to place a headless goat in a goal!
Day 10: Son Kul - Tash Rabat (2,900-3,100M)
Location: Tash-Rabat, Song-Kul
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll take another beautiful drive on to Tash Rabat, the famous ancient Silk Road caravanserai, where we will spend the next two nights. Dinner will be provided by the family of Jergal, the caretaker of the caravanserai with whom we have been staying for over a decade. Driving distance 230km, 5 hours approx.
Day 11: Tash Rabat
Location: Tash-Rabat
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is free to explore the stunning mountain surroundings. The walking in this area is wonderful and those wishing to ride also have the chance do so. We might head up to the 3,500m Tash Rabat Pass or follow another beautiful circular route, or you could just do your own thing. This valley, just 35km as the crow flies from the Chinese border, is lush and green, groaning with horses, yaks and sheep and the nomads who live by them. We will take a packed lunch with us, as the ride or walk will take most of the day. We’ll have a traditional dinner again with our friends.
Day 12: Tash Rabat - Naryn - Kochkor - Bokonbaev
Location: Tash-Rabat, Naryn
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll drive on to Naryn, stopping en route at At Bashy to view the 11th century ruins here. Continuing over the 3030m Dolon Pass, we will stop for lunch in Kochkor. There, we will meet a local women’s cooperative to learn more about the felt-making process and how they embroider the famed Shyrdaks – traditional Kyrgyz carpets. Reaching the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, we will stop off at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu to find out more about yurt production from the experts! Our final destination will be Bokonbaev Village, where we will spend the next two nights. Driving distance 350km, 5-6 hours approx.
Day 13: Bokonbaev – Fairy Tale Canyon – Jeti-Oguz Canyon - Bokonbaev
Location: Yurt camp Sonun
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another day in Kyrgyzstan, another glorious hike! First up is Fairy Tale Canyon, which is in the name really. Set in the region of Kadji Sai, this unique magma formation is bursting with colour and makes for a fascinating wander. Continuing east, our next stop will be Jeti-Oguz Canyon. Here we have views on to the famed rock formations that are the Broken Heart and Seven Bulls, enjoying a picnic lunch. Our hike of approximately 2.5 hours will take us deep into the canyon to the Girl’s Braids Waterfall. Your Tour Leader will no doubt have many a tale to tell in this magical setting. Driving distance 280km, 5-6 hours approx.
Day 14: Bokonbaev - Bishkek
Location: Bishkek, Yurt camp Sonun
Accommodation: Asia Mountains Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: B Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we journey back to Bishkek, but not before meeting an Eagle Hunter and their Golden Eagle – witnessing this ancient nomadic tradition first-hand. We will also have a chance to visit the restored 11th century Burana Tower, once part of the Silk Road city of Balasagun. Returning to city life, we will check in to our hotel in time to freshen up for our final dinner together. Driving distance 300km, 5 hours approx.
Day 15: Tour Ends Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast today at the hotel
What's Included
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MEALS
14 x Breakfasts14 x Lunches14 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses and our feet(!). There is also the option to go horse riding.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Kyrgyzstan.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
Please note that in the yurts and homestays it may be necessary to share a room/yurt with up to 4 or 5 people.
In the yurts, you should be prepared for long-drop toilet facilities and no showers for part of the trip. But don’t panic too much… this is genuine adventure travel and your overall experience will easily make up for the lack of mod cons!
There are also some long drives involved in this tour due to the distances we need to cover, but the changing scenery
throughout make these an interesting aspect of the trip.
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for Bishkek and Chychkan Gorge only.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.