Southern Kyrgyzstan
Culture Tour
South Kyrgyzstan Culture Tour
Tour Details
-
Period
mid-June to mid-September -
Tour length and Participants
10 days / 2 - 6 people -
Route
Osh – Jalal-Abad – Fieldwork 3-5 days – Kyzyl-Oi - Kochkor – Chon-Kemin – Bishkek -
Price from
1239 USD / person
South Kyrgyzstan culture tour highlights
- Feel the overwhelming hospitality of the Kyrgyz people
- Share the life practicalities with a Kyrgyz peasant family
- Produce traditional nomad carpets with your own hand
- Experience cooking local dishes
- Visit colorful markets in south Kyrgyzstan
- Visit historical complexes
- Enjoy the beauty of the nature
South Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Osh. Transfer to Ethno House or Sun Rise hotel. Rest. Lunch.
City tour around Osh. Visiting Sulaiman Too mountain, the house of Babur – a son of Great Timur, Oriental bazaar. Accommodation in hotel.
(Altitudes during the day – 800 m in Osh)
(Meals B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Jalal-Abad. On the way, visit minarets of the Great Timur in Uzgen. Meet with local farmer’s family who is growing rice and do the cleaning of rice. Lunch.
Arrival in Jalal-Abad. Introduction of Bio Cotton Service NGO at the regional office of Helvetas in Jalal-Abad. Transfer to villages where the BIO-cotton project has farmers. It is about 40-50 km from Jala-Abad. Meeting with farmers. Dinner at the CBT guesthouse with BIO Cotton farmers. Accommodation in the CBT family guesthouses.
(Accommodation: 2-3 people in each family. You will experience local style of life in the families, who do not have touristic class quality accommodation facilities, but they have been taught how to welcome and serve the tourists in their houses with what they have. Tourists stay with farmer’s families in one or two villages.)
(Altitudes during the day – 800 m in Osh and in the end of day – about 800 m in Jalal-Abad)
(Meals B/L/D)
Breakfast. Volunteer work of tour participants together with local selected farmers. Fieldwork in the first half of the day. During the free time, participants, together with the farmers, can visit local school and watch our educational system in the villages, far away from main cities. In one of the days, you can also visit Arslanbob walnut forest, for light hiking there. Alternatively, you can teach your local family how to cook traditional dishes in your country (at that period of time when you have the trip, there is enough fruits and vegetables in the villages to prepare some dishes with local ingredients: potatoes, rice, meat and other vegetables). Families will be interesting to share the experience with clients.
Meal will be organized by local farmers, every day. Overnight stay in the houses of selected farmers.
(Altitudes during the day – about 800 m in Jalal-Abad region)
(Meal B/L/D)
Breakfast. Transfer to Kyzyl – Oi. It is long day transfer. Upon arrival to Kyzyl-OI, dinner and accommodation in CBT family. CBT is a Kyrgyz-Swiss project – community-based tourism, that trained the local people to provide accommodation for tourists. The association’s objective is to improve living conditions in remote mountain regions by developing a sustainable and wholesome ecotourism model that utilizes local natural and recreational resources. Located in the capital Bishkek, KCBTA is an umbrella association uniting 15 diverse destination communities (“CBT groups”). The CBT association was registered on January 3, 2003 with support from Helvetas Kyrgyzstan Programme’s Community Based Tourism Support Project (CBT SP) with operations throughout the country.
Dinner with the family. Accommodation by 4-5 people in one family guesthouse. Level of accommodation is very simple; the rooms are cozy and clean.
(Altitudes during the day – about 800 m in Jalal-Abad region, 1800 m in Kyzyl –Oi)
(Meal B/L/D)
Breakfast. Transfer to Kochkor village. Visiting woman group who is producing traditional nomad’s carpets from the felt, which call “Shiyrdak’” and “Ala Kiiz”. This coorepative is called Altyn – Kol. In the spring of 1998, more than 200 women formed Altyn Kol, NGO with the aim of generating income by producing and selling felt carpets and defending the interests of private felt carpet producers. Soon, other producers became interested. Despite the success, each shyrdak produced by Altyn Kol remains a unique thing. It is designed and prepared individually, using the indigenous knowledge Kyrgyz of patterns, symbols, colouring and sewing techniques. When making a shyrdak, the women act together, keeping carpet production as a social and economic role in their lives. Dinner. Overnight stay in the family guesthouse. During the dinner, the family will tell you about their long term experience in tourism.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: beginning of day – 1800 m in Kyzyl – Oi, end of the day – 1750m in Kochkor village)
(Meal B/L/D)
Breakfast. Optionally, in Kochkor participate in 2 hours cultural show Kyrgyz-Kochu. Local shepherds will show, so called spectacle of moving nomads from one place on summer pasture to another. It will be shown with process of yurt setuping, local songs and music. Transfer to Chon – Kemin Nature Park. Upon arrival in Chon – Kemin accommodation in the local farmer guesthouse. Have light hike to the panorama view of the village, optionally it is possible to rent horses and do horse riding. Before dinner you will watch the process of bread baking cooking class. You will experience how to cook national bread, called – Boorsok. During the dinner the farmer will tell you the story of this business and how he started his career of being oriented to touristic services. Overnight in Kemin guesthouse.
(Altitudes during the day – 1750 m in Kochkor, end of day is 1800m in Chon – Kemin)
(Meal B/L/D)
Breakfast. Morning free time to explore the village and local life style. Later continue trip to Bishkek. On the way, we will stop not far from Tokmok town (60 km) and have excursion to Burana Tower, a place on the Great Silk Road, dated to 11th century. Upon arrival to Bishkek, check-in to the hotel. City tour with visiting of central Ala – Too square, Parliamentary Building, Oak Park, Victory Square and Oriental Bazaar. Dinner. Optionally, Folklore show, during the dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
(Altitudes during the day – 1800 m in Chon – Kemin and in the end of day is 800m in Bishkek)
(Meal B/L/D)
AM. Breakfast. Transfer to airport to catch the flight back.
Culture tour information
INCLUDED
- Good condition transport with A/C;
- 2-3 pax Delica
- 4-9 pax – 1 Mercedes Sprinter of 13 seats;
- Double/twin room accommodation in hotels and guesthouses.
- Early check-in to the hotel in day 1;
- 2-3 people accommodation in the families in Jalal – Abad;
- Three-time meal from the breakfast in Day 1 till dinner in Day 9
- Mineral water during the tour (1 liter/day/person)
- One English speaking tour guide by the whole program for the group 1-5 pax
- Entry ticket for museums and nature parks according to the program;
- Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor;
- Boorsok Show in Chon –Kemin;
- Service fee of BIO-Cotton community (to find and train farmers’ families)
NOT INCLUDED
- Single room accommodation
- Folklore program in Bishkek;
- Horse riding in Chon – Kemin;
- Kyrgyz-Kochu show in Kochkor
- Additional 3rd and 4th English translators during staying in villages of farmers
- Alcohol or soft drinks
- Visa costs
- International flight tickets
- Porter service in the airport and hotels
- Flight ticket Bishkek – Osh (if the arrival is to Bishkek) (45-70 USD subject on change)
Supplements:
- Single supplement is 87 USD per person (available in Bishkek, Osh and Chon – Kemin)
- Supplement for the additional English-speaking translator, during staying with farmers- is 260 USD per translator, for the group, from Day 3 till Day 5 in the program.
- Supplement for horse riding in Chon-Kemin during one day (for 2-3 hour) is 28 USD per person, including one escorting local horse guide. Group should be 2 pax minimum.
- Supplement payment for horse riding in Chon-Kemin, only for one person – is 40 USD, including one escorting local horse guide.
- Supplement for Folklore show – is 90 USD per group
- Supplement for Kyrgyz – Kochu Show, in Kochkor – is 150 USD per group.
PRICE PER PERSON
| 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax |
| 2244 USD | 1772 USD | 1508 USD | 1346 USD | 1239 USD |
Accommodation list:
- Osh – Sun Rise or Ethno Hotel
- Jalal-Abad – CBT family
- Days 3-5 – accommodation in houses of farmers, with very simple facilities
- Kyzyl-Oi – Family stays (simple accommodation, shared toilet in the house)
- Kochkor – Hotel “Nomad Lodge”
- Cong-Kemin – guesthouse “Kemin”
- Issyk – Kul Lake – yurt camp (4 people accommodation in a yurt, shared European standard shower and toilet)
- Karakol – “Amir” or “Green Yard” Hotel
- Chon-Kemin – Kemin guesthouse (twin room with private shower and toilet)
- Bishkek – Hotel Futuro or Olive hotel
Additional Information
Equipment:
Down jacket, warm sweater, sleeping bag (comfort -10C), silk sleeping bag liner, rain gear (waterproof trousers should have an opening on the outside at the bottom of the leg in order to put on and take off without removing your trekking boots), 2-3 pairs of warm socks, waterproof trekking boots, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream with high UV-protection, lip balm with UV-protection.
Health
If you have some specific conditions requiring medicines, you must bring own first aid kit with the necessary medication.
Responsibilities of clients
Your clients should recognize and accept the risk that circumstances may arise which would cause some activities to be shortened or eliminated. Such circumstance includes weather conditions, earthquakes and other acts of nature, injuries, or other medical problems, which they may experience. However, you recognize and accept that none of the eventualities described above will give you a right to a refund or other forms of reimbursement.
- The price is given based on 3 star’s hotel accommodation in Bishkek. We can change it for hotels with higher level upon request for additional payment.
- Please keep in mind that people in the countryside do not stick to time and can be late for 20-30 minutes. So, it may not always be on time according to the itinerary, especially when local people cook and serve food or organize horses for riding.
- People in Kyrgyzstan are very friendly and like to take pictures. But please do ask for permission if you take a picture of old people, mosques, churches, funerals etc. or in countryside as people may be offended.
- The same tour program can be organized for another date upon request or for individual groups with the same conditions and same price
- Program could be organizing as for the adults same for the children for age of 10+
Check your 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 utilized 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, starting from 2023, the convenience of utilizing debit or credit cards extends to major hotels, restaurants, expansive supermarkets, and select museums in Bishkek and Osh and rarely even in taxis. However, outside these two prominent cities, 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 17.1.2023
