DAY 1
B, L, D included
After arriving in the morning at Manas airport in Bishkek, we transfer to the city centre for breakfast. Later we continue (1.5 hrs) to the mountains south of the city where our accommodation for 3 nights is in well-appointed replica yurts, overlooking a remote valley.
Driving time: 2 hrs
DAY 2
B, L, D included
Our walk (8 km/4 hrs round trip, 200 m ascent/descent) in the Alamedin river valley is a perfect introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s rich flora. We are accompanied by a botanical guide for 2 days as we learn to identify native species such as Eremurus tianschanicus, Codonopsis clematidea, Aconitum leucostomum, Rosa kokanica and Papaver croceum.
Driving time: 3 hrs
DAY 3
B, L, D included
We spend the day in the nearby Ala Archa National Park, named after the native Juniper tree. The views become increasingly more spectacular as we ascend above the river (4 km/3 hrs round trip, ascent/descent 250 m). Our botanical guide helps us to distinguish different species of allium, astragalus, lonicera, pedicularis and ligularia. In the afternoon, we visit the moving and architecturally inspiring Ata-Beyit memorial, commemorating victims of Stalin-era repression.
Driving time: 2 hrs
DAY 4
B, L, D included
Our first stop today is the Burana Tower in the Chuy valley. This edifice is the restored remains of a minaret in Balasagun, an important city between 9th and 11th century, founded by the Soghdians, an ancient Iranian people, and invaded in 1218 by Genghis Khan, who renamed the city Gobalik or ‘pretty city’. After lunch in Tokmok, we continue to the Chon Kemin valley and our charming guesthouse for 2 nights. We have time to stretch our legs on a walk through the village and the surrounding countryside before dinner (4 km/1 hr).
Driving time: 4.5 hrs
DAY 5
B, L, D included
We set off on foot from the guesthouse for a circular walk in the Kungoy Ala-Too Range (12 km/5 hrs, ascent/descent 450 m). We picnic en route and cross the river several times. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the indoor swimming pool or ride Kyrgyz horses with a Kyrgyz guide.
Driving time: none
DAY 6
B, L, D included
We head for Issyk-Kul, the large high-altitude lake, passing through the historically notorious Boom Gorge. We visit the open-air Petroglyph museum in Cholpon Ata, an extensive field of glacial boulders with carvings mostly attributed to the Saka Usuns (Scythians) and dated from 8th century BC to 1st century AD. We continue along the north shore of the lake before turning south towards Karakol. On the outskirts of this city, located between the lake and the Terskey Ala Too Mountains, we visit a museum dedicated to the explorer, naturalist and spy Nikolai Przhevalsky. We stay for 3 nights in a small 3-star hotel.
Driving time: 5 hrs
DAY 7
B, L, D included
Weather-permitting, we access a high altitude area (3000 m) using a chair lift to spend the day walking, birdwatching and botanising as we descend gradually. In the afternoon, we visit the Dungan Mosque, still used by this historic Chinese race of immigrants, and the wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral, both restored and returned to their original purpose in post-Soviet time.
Driving time: 1.5 hrs
DAY 8
B, L, D included
Our circular walk (13 km/6 hrs, 600 m ascent/descent) today is in the picturesque less-visited Jyrgalan valley, 1.5 hrs’ drive from Karakol. We are accompanied by a local ornithological guide as we look for birds such as red-fronted serin, blue-capped redstart or Turkestan shrike.
Driving time: 3 hrs
DAY 9
B, L, D included
As we drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul towards Naryn in central Kyrgyzstan, we stop at Jeti Oguz to admire the red sandstone formation known as the Seven Bulls and hear the legend of its creation. We break our journey again in Bokonbaevo for lunch and a visit to a felt workshop where we learn how traditional shyrdak rugs are made. In Naryn, established as a fortress on the caravan route during the mid-19th century, we settle into our 3-star hotel with spacious rooms (3 nights) and a traditional restaurant popular with locals.
Driving time: 6 hrs
DAY 10
B, L, D included
Today we walk (4 hrs) in the less well known Salkyn Tor National Park, a short drive east of Naryn. Once again, we follow a scenic river valley enjoying mountain views all around. There is some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration of Naryn and souvenir shopping for the area’s renowned textiles.
Driving time: 1 hr
DAY 11
B, L, D included
We start early and drive to a remote area near the Chinese border in the At Bashy Mountains to walk (9 km/5 hrs, 500 m ascent/descent) and to visit the enigmatic and atmospheric Tash Rabat caravanserai. In the wide valley below, we explore the ruins of a small citadel dating from the 10th – 12th century with associations to the legendary Kyrgyz hero, Manas.
Driving time: 4 hrs
DAY 12
B, L, D included
Today we are heading for Bishkek. Kochkor, a large village with tree lined streets, situated at a busy crossroads, halfway along our route, makes a convenient lunch stop. We arrive in the capital in the afternoon and settle into our elegant 4-star hotel, centrally located in a quiet side street.
Driving time: 6 hrs
DAY 13
B, L, D included
Early morning is the best time to wander through Bishkek’s largest market, the Osh Bazaar. We start our walking city tour at the Presidential Palace, known as the White House. We continue through a series of public parks and gardens with many memorials, including the equestrian statue of Manas at Ala Too Square, previously the Lenin Square until 1991, though Lenin’s statue still has pride of place. We finish at the monumental Victory Square with the Martyrs of the Revolution Monument as its centrepiece. The rest of the afternoon is free to pursue individual interests.
DAY 14
B included
A morning transfer to the airport concludes our holiday.
Off the Beaten Track
Please be aware that electricity and water supplies may occasionally be erratic and travel arrangements can be disrupted. Kudu Travel will endeavour to do everything possible to ensure a smooth-running tour, but please be ready with your sense of humour and tolerance when travelling in a developing country.