Northern Kyrgyzstan Nature Tour
Northern Kyrgyzstan Nature Tour
TOUR DETAILS
-
Period
May - September (Ask for the dates) -
Tour length and Participants
10 days, 5 or more participants
(Ask for the price for 1-4 persons) -
Price from
1430 € / person
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Northern Kyrgyzstan Nature Tour will introduce you with the natural beauty and the still strongly rooted, proud nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan was also an essential part of the Great Silk Route wit three branches of the route as Pamir-Alay, Southern and Northern routes pass through Kyrgyzstan. This trip will allow you to plunge deeply into the life of nomadic Kyrgyz and to feel the harmonious beauty of Kyrgyz nature.
You will experience high mountains, long and narrow valleys, cold rivers, noble lakes and herds of horses and sheep in wild pastures between the high peaks and yurts dotting the scenery and not forgetting the Issyk Kul – The Pearl of Kyrgyzstan and whole central Asia.
TOUR ITINERARY
Arrival to Bishkek, meeting a local guide at the airport. You will be picked up to the Manas international airport and brought to the hotel in Bishkek, where you can have rest after the flight. In the afternoon, visit to the Ala-Archa National Park (40 km, 1 hour drive) from Bishkek. Walking at the mountain area takes 2-3 hour on an easy terrain. Dinner at a restaurant in Bishkek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek.
After breakfast at the hotel we will leave to Issyk Ata valley. We drive for 2 hours, 77 kilometres away from Bishkek, to the height of 1775 meters from the sea level. The slopes of the mountains surrounding Issyk Ata have numerous alpine meadows to be explored. After lunch at a roadside cafe we continue to Cholpon Ata town at the Issyk-Kul lake. The trip through the Boom gorge where the Chui rivers accelerates, takes about 3 hours. On arrival at the Lake Issyk-Kul (CholponAta) – accommodation in the hotel on the northern shore. Dinner at the hotel / national cuisine restaurant.
Accommodation: Guest house in Cholpon Ata.
After breakfast at 8:00 and one hour drive (60 km) to Gregorievska valley we will arrive to a place for hiking, bird watching and taking photos on an moderate terrain. We spend there 2-3 hours.
The canyon is one of the most famous sights in Issyk Kul with sweet smell of pine trees, green mountain slopes, the noise of a mountain river and high-altitude lakes. Beautiful Tien-Shan firs also grow in Gregorevka canyon. In the spring time, the mountain slopes of the Grigorevka canyon are covered with red mountain poppies, which are spread like a carpet across the valley. A stormy glacial water of crystal purity rushes along the bottom of the canyon.
Lunch is at the Gregorevka canyon in Yurt camp/picnic. After lunch we go further to Semenovskiy canyon and spend there another 2 hours. It is another beautiful place for exploring the nature and photography. Among other things, you will see here a canyon under the name of “Chinese wall”. Return back to accommodation, dinner and a possibility for swimming.
Accommodation: Guest house in Cholpon Ata
Breakfast at the accommodation. Trip to Karkara canyon which is situated at 2200 metres above sea level in the very eastern part of the Issyk Kul region. It takes about 2 and half hours to drive there.
It is very beautiful place with history and a legend of Temerlan related to a big pile of stones that we will see. We will have a picnic lunch on the way. You will have an opportunity to go for hiking, horseback riding, bird watching or taking photos. The Karkara area is also famous for its flowers such as Aconitum leucostomum, Anemonastrum protractum, Atragene sibirica, Erigeron aurantiacus, Goniolimon orthocladum, Inula rhizocephala, Iris brevituba, Codonopsis clematidea, Rhodiola coccinea.
After snacks we go further to Karakol city and will accomodate hotel/guesthouse in there. Dinner at the accommodation/national restaurant.
Accommodation: Guest house in Karakol
After breakfast at the accommodation we drive 15 km to the valley of Aksu. We will spend 2 hours hiking in the valley of Aksu on an easy/moderate terrain, having a picnic lunch and then another 2 hours walking and enjoying the nature, mountains and panoramic views. Dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Accommodation: Guest house in Karakol
After breakfast at the accommodation we drive few hours for hiking at the Chon Ashuu pass at the height of 3822 m. We will follow the river until the pass and then down to the Sary-Jaz valley. This is another famous zone of Kyrgyzstan with spectacular flora. The terrain is moderate and after 2 hours hiking we have a picnic lunch on the pass. After lunch we hike 2 more hours and get acquainted with splendid mountain vegetation and fauna. Dinner at the guest house in the evening.
Accommodation: Guest house in Karakol
Breakfast at the hotel and adive to Jeti Oguz valley taking about 1,5 hours. Hiking, exploring the nature on Jeti Oguz for 2 hours on a moderate terrain. The valley is famous about the red rocks called Djety-Oguz (“Seven bulls”). Picnic lunch at the valley. Driving to Altyn-Arashan canyon for hiking, bird watching and taking photos. Altyn-Arashan gorge (Golden Spring) is located in the upper reaches of the same valley of the Arashan River, located 10 km east of the city of Karakol. After 2 hours walking on a moderate terrain we travel back to the hotel. Arrival at hotel in Karakol city and a dinner.
Accommodation: Guest house in Karakol
Breakfast at the accommodation and check-out. Trip to Barskoon canyon, visiting 4 waterfalls. Barskoon gorge is only 80 km (one hour drive) west from Karakol, at the south coast of Issyk-Kul. The gorge is famous for its waterfalls and the most famous one of them is the Tears of the snow leopards (Bars) Waterfall. In the valley you will see some juniper tree groves and how the spruce forests begin to noticeably thin at an altitude of about 2800 meters. We walk about 4 hours in total at this canyon with moderate (in some locations hard) terrain and at the noon we have a picnic lunch at the canyon. We stop for the night in a yurt camp. Dinner by a bonfire, under the stars.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Driving to the Skazka (Fairytale) canyon after breakfast and hiking 2 hours at the valley (moderate terrain). The grasslands around Skazka canyon are full of Alpine flowers (spring time) and Edelweiss. After picnic lunch travelling to the Dead Lake (salt lake), swimming. Overnight at the Yurt camp in Tort-kul. Dinner by the fire, under the stars.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
After a good breakfast we drive to a summer pasture, which is located between the mountains. There are no trees, but lots of edelweiss flowers. It is also a wonderful area for trying horseback riding. After lunch driving from Tort-Kul to Bishkek. Possibilities for a sightseeing tour and/or a guided shopping tour in Bishkek. Dinner at the Supara restaurant in Bishkek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Early in the morning, we bring you to the Manas airport for departure.
TOUR INFORMATION
INCLUDED
- Accommodation according to the itinerary
- All transportation inside Kyrgyzstan
- Local English speaking guide, program activities
- 3 meals per day, local alcohol drinks (vodka & beer), drinking water, tea and juice
NOT INCLUDED
- International traveling (air tickets etc.)
- Travel insurance
PRICE PER PERSON
1 – 4 pax: Ask for the price!
5 – 10 pax: 170€ / day (1700 € / person for full 11 days)
11 – 20 pax 150 € / day (1500 € / person for full 11 days)
21 – pax 143 € / day (1430 € / person for full 11 days)
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Rain clothes
- Sunscreen
- Cap for the sun and sun glasses
- Personal medications
- This tour requires normal physical condition. There will be some walking in easy and moderate terrains.
CHECK VISA POLICY
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan
BOOK YOUR 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 the tour operators.
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 11.7.2021
