Venture across the jailoo pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds tend their flocks in the summer and on the edges of stunning Kol Suu Lake shores, the jewel of the jailoos, surrounded by mountains on all sides. You will move from jailoo to jailoo, staying with shepherd families in their yurts in remote meadows. Enjoy homemade jam, fresh cream, fresh bread warm from the oven, a felt handicraft workshop, and the best kymyz (fermented mare’s milk).
PRICE
£1275 per person
DATES
June – September
YOUR EXPERIENCE
Day 1: Bishkek Arrival
Meeting at the airport and transfer to Bishkek hotel. Afternoon city tour in Bishkek visiting Osh Bazar, Tsum, Oak Park, and Ala-Too Main Square.
Day 2: Karakol
After breakfast leave for Karakol, a 7 hour drive. On the way, we visit the 10th century Burana Tower architectural complex of the Great Silk Road. We visit one of the biggest collections of petroglyphs near Cholpon-Ata, and visit the Rukh-Ordo complex. Upon arrival in Karakol we have a short city tour visiting the Dungan Mosque styled as a Chinese pagoda, and the Russian Orthodox Church made of wood. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 3: Zhergez Gorge
After breakfast we take a one hour transfer to Zhergez Gorge for the beginning of the trek (horse riding possible). The path will pass through dense spruce forests and a variety of vegetation. Shepherds live in the gorge in yurts or in tents, where we have lunch. After lunch, another 2.5-3 hours to the overnight campsite. The trek time in general is 6-7 hours. Overnight in the tent
Day 4: Almaluu
On the second day we pass through the Aylanysh Pass (3560 m) to the valley of Almaluu. On the way you can admire the lakes of Ailanysh and the glacier of Tashtanbek Torbashi peak (4360 m). The trek time is about 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.
Day 5: Altyn-Arashan
From Ortok Pass (3780m) you can see a magnificent view of the nearby peaks, from where we travel 4-5 hours to Altyn-Arashan hot springs, where you can bathe. You will never forget the sight of the snow-peak Palatka (5260m) beneath the open sky. Overnight in local hut or yurt.
Day 6: Valley of Flowers - Red Canyon Skazka - Bokonbaevo
After breakfast, we travel two hours to Arashan Gorge, leaving Karakol for Bokonbaevo village. On the way, we stop in Seven Bulls gorge to visit the the Valley of Flowers (2-3 hours) and Red Canyon “Skazka”. Arrival in Bokonbaevo village, for dinner and overnight at Bel-Tam seaside yurt camp.
Day 7: Kyzyl-Tuu - Tash Rabat Caravanserai
After late breakfast, a transfer to Tash-Rabat Caravanserai en route stopping in Kyzyl-Tuu Village, the village of the Yurt Masters (or boz-ui in Kyrgyz), stopping for lunch in Kochkor. Dinner and overnight in a yurt.
Day 8: Kol-Suu
Transfer to Kol-Suu, taking around 5-6 hours. Picnic lunch en route. Dinner and B&B in a yurt or tent camp.
Day 9: Echkilii Pass
Start trek from the base yurt camp towards Echkilii Pass. Tent camping before the pass. Trek time: 5-6 hours (horse riding possible)
Day 10: Kol-Suu Lake
Cross the Echkilii Pass (3990m). Descend to the southern shore of Kol-Suu Lake. Tent camping. Trek time: 5-6 hours.
Day 11: Naryn
Today we will take a two hour boat trip to other side of the lake to arrive to northern lake shore, for our transfer to the yurt camp for lunch. After lunch transfer to Naryn Town for our overnight accommodation and dinner in a hotel.
Day 12: Bishkek
Direct transfer to Bishkek (5 hours). Lunch en route in Boom Gorge at café. Overnight stay for your departure the next day.
INCLUDES
Twin accommodation in hotels Bishkek, Karakol and Naryn, yurt in Kol-Suu, tents during treks
Meals during tour according to the program, except meals at café in Bishkek and alcoholic drinks
Transport services
Visiting cultural/historical places and entrance fees
4 days trek in Bokonbaevo (local guide, horseman, pack horse rental, meals)
3 days trek in Kol-Suu (local guide, horseman, pack horse rental, meals)
Local tour guide
EXCLUDES
Personal expenses: laundry, telephone calls, medical bills
Tips for local guides & drivers
Personal travel insurance
Visa fees (if required)
International airfares and airport departure tax
Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions
