Kyrgyzstan – Mountains, Lakes & Nomads

Days 1 & 2 – Bishkek

Flight from London via Istanbul to Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. Transfer to our hotel where, after a morning’s rest, we have a light lunch followed by a guided city tour. Evening meal at our hotel.

Day 3 – Ala-Archa Gorge

Visit the Ala-Archa Alpine National Park, south of Bishkek including picnic lunch and short optional walk. Dinner at the hotel with “Elechek Show” of traditional Kyrgyz women’s head dresses and costumes.

Day 4 – By Train to Lake Issyk-Kul

Train from Bishkek to Balykchy, a five hour journey through mountain and canyon scenery. Balykchy is at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul, the northern shore of which is a favourite summer resort area for Bishkek’s residents. Cholpon-Ata is one such resort and we overnight here.

Day 5 – Kyrchyn Gorge & Karakol

En route to Karakol we visit the remote Kyrchyn Gorge, the ancient meeting place of the Kyrgyz tribes and the traditional home of the World Nomad Games. In Karakol, Chinese influence is evident in the pagoda shaped mosque and the magnificent wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral. We are just 93 miles from the Chinese border.

Day 6 – Jeti Oguz

A day trip to the Jeti Oguz (7 Bulls) sandstone rock formations which guard the alpine valley south of Karakol. Return to Karakol for overnight stay.

Day 7 – Golden Eagles & Mountains

Journey along the south side of the lake for more amazing sandstone scenery. We visit a family which shows us how yurts are constructed and decorated as part of the domestic industry and a local man teaches us how they still hunt with eagles. Continue further into the mountains to Naryn (6500ft high) for an overnight stay.

Day 8 – Tash-Rabat

Visit one of the finest examples of 15th Century stone caravanserai (roadside inns) on the Old Silk Road and close to the Chinese border. At 10400ft the habitation consists of the familiar yurts which the nomadic people take to their summer pastures. Return to Naryn for overnight.

Day 9 – Lake Son-Kul

A winding road journey through alpine pastures where herds of yak roam freely to the beautiful lake at Son-Kul (9700ft). We have lunch in a yurt with a nomadic family before continuing to Kochkor for an overnight stay.

Day 10 – Kemin Gorge

Morning drive brings us to what is without a doubt the remotest accommodation on Ffestiniog Travel’s long list of far flung destinations. The Kok Archa guest house is 3km up a rough track from the village of Tar-Suu, but we are assured of a warm welcome and excellent food. Free afternoon to walk in the valley or simply relax and enjoy the solitude which only a remote spot like this can bring.

Day 11 – Return to Bishkek

Visit the Burana Tower, all that remains of an Old Silk Road Fortress town, en route to Bishkek. BBQ evening meal in the garden of our hotel.

Day 12 – Bishkek to London

Mid-morning flight from Bishkek arriving London late afternoon same day.