Nomad's Culture Festival Tour
Salbuurun Festival
TOUR DETAILS
-
Period
29.07 – 04.08.2025 -
Tour length and Participants
7 days; 2 - 9 pax -
Price from
1250 USD per person
DATES OF THE TOUR 2025
29.07 – 04.08.2025
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Kyrgyz people value and keep their traditions, the festivals are held to unite the nation and show their traditions and customs. During this tour you will see the exhibition of birds of prey (golden eagle, falcon), berkutchi (hunters) performance, demonstration of hunting skills of birds, archers’ performance, exhibition of Kyrgyz greyhounds Taigan, master classes in crafts, national cuisine, performance Kyrgyz traditions, national games. You will be able to take part in the process.
- Enjoy the quiet charms and warm hospitality of Kyrgyzstan;
- Visit Issyk Kul, the lake known as “The Pearl of Kyrgyzstan”;
- Experience nomadic life sleeping in a yurt beside the alpine lake of Song Kul;
- Take part in celebration of Nomad’s Culture Festival, learn about Kyrgyz traditions, customs and cuisine;
- Watch ancient hunting with Golden Eagles on horses with Taygans;
- Do light hikes along the magnificent Tian-Shan Mountain ranges;
Kyrgyzstan Biking Tour Itinerary
AM. Meeting in the hotel with the guide at 09:00. Transfer to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. The Chon-Kemin River flows from the Kungey Ala-Too and Iliysky Ala-Too ranges to the Chu River. From its headwaters in the mountains to the edge of the Boom Gorge, the Chon-Kemin River flows a total of 116 km, through a forested gorge and seven lakes. Much of the area around the Chon-Kemin River is protected by the Chon-Kemin State
Nature National Park, which protects a total of 5000 hectares. This park was created in 1997 to protect the unique species of flora and fauna in the area, including the Tolai hare, pheasant, and fir trees. The river basin is rich in habitat and biological diversity, and has been left practically untouched.
PM. The road will go along the Chui valley. On the way a visit to Burana Tower (XI c), that is a place on the Great Silk Road. After arrival lunch in the mountain’s guesthouse. Walking about 2-3 hours round trip to the panorama view point. For extra cost possible to have the horse ride. Dinner and overnight in the guest house.
- Meal -/-/D
- Altitude during the day: 800 m Bishkek, 1700 m in Chon-Kemin
AM. Breakfast. Transfer to Karakol along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. In this day you will have an excursion to the Open-Air Museum of Petroglyphs.
PM. Later you will have a picturesque trip from Grigorevskoe gorge over small pass (2360 meters) to Semenovskoe gorge. Stop on the top of this small pass, you can make hiking around 1 to 2 hours with a distance from 3 to 6 km depending of people’s wish. Traditional dinner in the Uighur family (a small nation emigrated from china).
Accommodation at the hotel.
- Meal B/-/D
- Altitude during the day: 1800 m in Karakol
AM. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Jergalan gorge 60 km. Trekking in Jergalan gorge about 4-5 hours. It will be nice view to the gorge from the top of the mount on Turnaly Kol.Optionally, on the back way visit hot spring in Jergalan. Transfer back to Karakol. Dinner in a local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel.
- Meal B/-/D
- Altitude in the beginning of day is 1700 m in Karakol, start point of trek 2300 m, highest point of trek 2850 m, end of the day 1700 m in Karakol.
AM. Breakfast. A city tour with visiting Russian Orthodox Church and Muslim Mosque in Dungan Style. Transfer to Jety-Oguz valley gorge. Jety-Oguz in Kyrgyz means “Seven Bulls”. This picturesque gorge is named so because of the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien-Shan spruces. The walking about 30 minutes both ways to the best view of “Seven Bulls”.
PM. On the way visit Barskoon gorge. One of the most beautiful gorges of Kyrgyzstan – Barskoon gorge is located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, 90 km from Karakol village. The slopes of
the gorge are covered with thick vegetation and shrubs. There are three waterfalls in the gorge. “The Tears of the Snow Leopard” waterfall is the name of the most famous waterfall of the Barskoon Gorge. This unique place is a state natural monument. The height from which the water stream descends is about 100 meters. The walking takes about 30-40 minutes one way to the first point of great view. Continue driving to the yurt camp. Swimming. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
- Meal B/-/D
- Altitude during the day: 1600 m in the yurt camp on Issyk-Kul lake
- AM. Breakfast. Early in the morning visiting Skazka canyon, that was named due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. Different rocks have amazing colors, the rocky statues not only have unusual shapes, but also magical colors. Transfer to Festival. Performance of hunters with birds of prey, concert of folklore music, performance of arrow shooters, master classes of craftsmen.
PM. Traditional lunch where you can taste national cuisines.
Transfer to Kochkor. Accommodation and dinner in the hotel.
- Meal B/-/D
- Altitude during the day: 1700 m in Kochkor.
AM. Breakfast. Transfer to Son-Kul lake. It is the highest lake in Kyrgyzstan, which located at the altitude of 3016 m above sea level. It is an unsalted lake with different kinds of fishes, surrounded
by the Great Mountains. This place is popular among the local people for rich pastures and they come here with their families, cattle and stay in traditional Kyrgyz yurts.
PM. Nice walking around 8 km along the north shore of the lake. You will visit the local nomads,
taste local drink called Kymyz made of mare’s milk.
Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.
- Meal B/-/D
- Altitude during the day: 3100 m on Son-Kul lake
AM. Breakfast. Transfer to Bishkek. Arrival to Bishkek. End of the service.
- Meal B/-/
- Altitude during the day: 800 m in Bishkek
Biking Tour Information
Services included:
- Transport for transfers and excursions (good condition car with A/C) for Kyrgyzstan 2 – 3 pax – English speaking driver, Jeep 4×4 (Toyota Prada, Sequoya, Pajero or similar); 4-9 pax – Mercedes Sprinter (14 seats);
- Double/twin room accommodation in hotel, guest houses;
- Two people accommodate in one yurt;
- Meal based on Half Board: breakfast 6, dinner 6
- Mineral water during the tour (one litter a day per person);.
- English speaking tour guide for the group from 4-9 pax;
- Entry fees to museums.
Services not included:
- Accommodation and food in Bishkek;
- Airport transfer;
- International and domestic flight tickets;
- Alcohol and soft drinks;
- Camera and video fee where applicable;
- Trip cancellation, medical and accident insurance;
- Single room supplement;
8. Tips for guides & drivers & porters at hotels; - Horse riding in Chon Kemin, Son-Kul.
Price is in USD per person – 1250 USD per person
(minimum size of the group is 2 pax, maximum is 9 pax)
Service supplement:
- Accommodation in Bishkek, per room per night:
Hotel 3* | Single room | Twin/Double room |
Freedom Hotel, My hotel Hotel | 65 USD | 75 USD |
Hotel 4* | ||
Plaza Hotel 4*, B-Hotel | 75 USD | 90 USD |
Airport transfer:
- 40 USD per car for 1-3 pax
- 60 USD per car for 4-9 pax
- Supplement for horse riding in Chon-Kemin, Son-Kul is 45 USD per person
- Hot spring in Jergalan – 5 USD per person
Accommodation during the tour:
1 Chon Kemin: Kok-Archa guest house or similar
2 Karakol: Amir Hotel 3* or similar guest house
3 South shore of Issyk-Kul lake Nomad Lodge Yurt camp or similar
4 Son-Kul – Nomad Lodge Yurt Camp or similar
Book your Kyrgyzstan biking tour here
If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by us or our cooperatives.
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). In the capital, Bishkek, an abundance of ATMs can be found, some of which dispense US dollars in addition to local soms. Beyond the city limits, ATMs are increasingly prevalent in few largest towns but are mostly not available in smaller towns except at the northern shore of Issyk Kul.
Mastercard is universally accepted at all ATMs but Visa is still the more widely accepted card of choice in Kyrgyzstan. Maestro or other cards might be accepted in few select machines. Demirbank with their red colored ATMs has been the best option lately for all foreign cards with moderate fees.
Currency exchange services are readily accessible in major cities, ensuring seamless exchange of rubles, US dollars, and euros into soms. It is imperative that foreign currency banknotes remain pristine, fresh, and devoid of any signs of wear. Larger banknotes from 50 USD and 50 EUR are favored by the cash exchange services and are sometimes the prerequisite for a better exchange rate.
While credit cards face limited acceptance nationwide the convenience of utilizing debit or credit cards extends to major hotels, restaurants, expansive supermarkets, and selected museums in Bishkek and Osh and rarely even in taxis. However, outside these two prominent cities and Northern Shore of Issyk Kul, the practicality of card payments remains unfeasible.
Safety
Safety
Kyrgyzstan is generally considered safe for travelers, but adherence to standard precautions is crucial. The country is experiencing an active surge in tourism. Key recommendations encompass:
- Always have your passport or a notarized copy with you, as lacking proper identification may lead to arrest by the police.
- Incidents of robberies, some of which can be violent, and thefts are commonplace especially in crowded places like the bazars. Caution is advised, particularly when venturing out after dark. Instances of sexual violence and harassment have been reported in public transportation.
- Steer clear of crowds and demonstrations to ensure personal safety.
- Show respect for local traditions, customs, laws, and religious practices at all times.
- The possession or use of narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Photography of anything related to the armed forces or security services is not allowed.
- While same-sex relationships are legal, they are not widely discussed and lack public recognition.
- Avoid solitary walks or travels, especially during nighttime.
- Utilize established taxi services in advance to ensure reliability.
- The southern regions are susceptible to smuggling activities, rendering the security situation unstable and hazardous along the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
- Mind where you step in the cities as there are sometimes large holes on the streets and the pavements are not in pristine condition on the pedestrian areas.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Kyrgyzstan extends a visa-free arrangement to travelers from 69 countries. Alternatively, others can opt for the electronic visa system or submit applications through the embassy. Comprehensive information about visas is available here. For a tourist visa in Kyrgyzstan, a majority of passport holders require an invitation letter from a tourism company. Since September 1, 2017, Kyrgyzstan has introduced an electronic visa system. Special authorization is mandated for visits to border regions in Kyrgyzstan.
Best time to go
Best time to go
The optimal time to experience Kyrgyzstan is during the summer months of July and August. Despite the temperatures reaching approximately 30°C, this period witnesses the liveliest bazaars in the country. It is also the perfect season to delve into the mountainous landscapes and trekking routes that may be inaccessible during other times of the year. In July and August, you have the opportunity to explore Kyrgyzstan’s mountains either on foot or horseback, immersing yourself in traditional yurt accommodations with local families. Additionally, this time of the year hosts annual festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
While the winters in the highlands are prolonged, limiting passage through the elevated mountain passes, it presents a captivating season for exploring Kyrgyzstan. Engaging in various activities, akin to those enjoyed in summer (with the exception of rafting), such as hiking, horseback riding, or skiing in the mountains, allows for a unique experience. Accommodations in traditional yurts are also available during this season.
Health
Health
The overall state of healthcare in this country is recognized as relatively subpar, prompting a strong recommendation for travelers reliant on regular medications to carry ample supplies. Locating necessary drugs locally might pose challenges or incur significant costs. Medical facilities are anticipated to be scarce, underscoring the importance of securing comprehensive medical and travel insurance prior to arrival. In the event of a serious accident or illness, emergency air evacuation to a neighboring country may be necessary.
It is imperative to treat tap water and other local water sources as contaminated, necessitating thorough boiling before consumption. Opting for bottled water throughout the entire duration of stay in the country is a prudent choice. Exercise particular caution when consuming unpasteurized dairy products or animal products that may be susceptible to contamination.
Before entering the country, obtaining additional vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis is recommended, and other vaccinations may also be deemed necessary. Malaria poses a risk in the country, predominantly in the southern regions.
Other tours in Kyrgyzstan
Tour updated 21.9.2024