Kyrgyzstan trekking 06

Kyrgyzstan is a unique country lying in the heart of the Tian-Shan Mountains. It is a realm of bright contrasts that offers multitude of spectacular landscapes: wide steppes, evergreen meadows, hot and sandy deserts, blue sparkling lakes, snowy tops of the mountains, fast torrents, an great quantity of wild life that includes lots of rare and endangered species, places of historical and archeological importance that related to the Great Silk Road, the Kyrgyz people preserving their nice, but sometimes strange traditions of their nomadic ancestors. All this makes Kyrgyzstan "A second Switzerland of Central Asia". Our company will help you to explore Kyrgyzstan!

Our destination today is Karakol town that took place on the very eastern tip of the celestial Issyk-Kul Lake. You are going to really enjoy the amazing view of the Tien Shan Mountains that surround the whole lake. On the way, we will stop to visit the Burana Tower (11th century minaret) and an open air museum of stone warriors - Balbans. Then you will be brought to the incredible Issyk-Kul Lake - the second largest alpine lake in the world. The Lake is also called "the pearl of Central Asia" (1608m.above sea level). During the drive to Karakol town you will drive along the whole northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.  Due to its salty water, this lake possesses curative properties. En route, we will make a short interval to give you the opportunity to visit ancient stone inscriptions that date back to 800 B.C. They were made by local nomadic tribes of Saks (Scythians) and Usuns. Those people considered Issyk Kul Lake as the heart of the world. Overnight in a guesthouse "Elita" in Karakol town.  

 

This morning, after breakfast we visit the Dungan - Chinese mosque. One of its highlights is the fact that it is built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail. This will be followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Church. It was made of wood more than 100 years ago and even nowadays attracts a lot of tourists. Afterwards transfer to an amazing gorge of Karakol. It is that is situated at the very heart of the Terskey Ala - Too. Turkestan spruce trees can be seen there; they are widely spread only in Kyrgyz Republic. The height of these trees reaches 18 meters and the diameter of its trunk - 1.5 meters. We will have hiking for 7 hours to the foot of the open space named « Mokraya Polyana ». Overnight is in tents on the altitude of 2790 m. a. s. l.

 

We will hike over the pass Bokovoi (3300 m). In the morning we start our hiking to the eastern Irdik Lake (3200 m, 7 hours hiking). During the hike we see constantly varying landscapes, vertical cliffs and precipices, enormous rocks, green mountains; we move through the juniper forest where a sick person starts to feel better. There we can see a wonderful and unforgettable sunset over the most beautiful peaks of Fuchika (4010m), Morozov (3960m), 800 years of Moscow (3872m) that refer to Kungey Ala-Too mountainous range. Overnight is in tents. 

 

Today's hike will last for about 7 hours. We will see many marmots at the altitude of 3650 m. On the way we will see a lot of edelweiss fields (the flowers of love) and pastures that are used by Kyrgyz nomads. While hiking at these places you are going to forget about busy civilization and you can really relax enjoying the amazing views of our Mother Nature.  En route we will hike over Severnyi pass, which is 3380 m. above sea level. Camping at the altitude of 3300 m. above sea level. Overnight in tents.  

 

After breakfast we start our 5 hours hiking with descent to Diychin valley where many Dungan people live. Every year they go to the mountains with their livestock and live in yurts. Yurts are collapsible nomadic dwellings that are made without a single nail!  Dungans are Chinese Muslims who fled to Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century because they had been prosecuted by the Chinese.  We are going to visit a Dungan family and try traditional soup - lagman. While hiking to the village it is possible sometimes to meet real nomadic families on the way. Afterwards transfer to Karakol town (10 km - 25 min). "Elita" guesthouse overnight (1650 m).

 

In the morning in Karakol we will visit a local bazaar and try national dishes, such as ashlyamfu and shashlyk made of beef or mutton. After we move to Kochkor. On the way we will visit Djeti Oguz Mountains that are very popular because of their beauty and of course you will see the Broken Heart Mountain, about which you will be told a beautiful legend by your guide. Then while driving along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake we will visit a private factory for producing yurts. Your lunch will be in Bokonbaevo village in Talgat's  House who is a famous hunter with the birds of prey, such as golden eagles, falcons and hawks. Hunting activity with eagles is very popular in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asian countries. Talgat will tell us story about this kind of hunting and in the afternoon we can do nice photos of these marvellous birds.  Talgat will also tell us the way he trains his birds of prey. Then we will start or way to Kochkor village. After arrival in Kochkor village we will learn about national traditions and customs. You will on look the procedure of manufacturing traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets and even take a part in it!  This night you will spend in a home stay with a local family. After it traditional dinner in a yurt, we will listen to a folk music stunning concert. 

In the morning you as usual will have a traditional breakfast  with hosts. After breakfast we drive to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek city. After arriving you will have some time to take a break in your guesthouse and then will be the final dinner in national restaurant with national music. The very last night you will spend in «Asia Mountains» guesthouse.