Kyrgyzstan Hike Active Fun, 8 days

Kyrgyzstan is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central Asia”. Exploration on foot is the best way to appreciate the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. See the pristine nature in rarely touched places and admire stunning lakes and gorges.

Although many activities take place above 1,500 M to 2,500 M, the walks and hikes are designed to suit beginner hikers with daily hiking/walking duration not more than 4 – 5 hours. Nevertheless, expect some steep ascents and descents in some sections of the planned hikes.

Duration: 8 days

Itinerary

Highlights

~ enjoy kayaking on a tranquil lake;

~ sample mountain biking suitable for beginners by the lake;

~ horseback riding around the gorge;

~ waterfalls hiking, lake walking.

Day 1 Arrive Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Upon arrival, transfer to the city of Cholpon-Ata. Enroute, visit Burana town and Petroglyphs in Ornok Village and Rukh Ordo Cultural Centre. If time permits, swimming in the hot springs is possible.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Guesthouse, Cholpon-Ata

Day 2 Cholpon-Ata – Grigoryevskoe Gorge – Semenovskoye Gorge – Suttuu Lake – Bulak – Karakol

Transfer to the Grigoryevskoye Gorge – a beautiful mountain lake located in the Grigoriev Gorge.

Grigoriev Gorge is picturesque and the road runs along a mountain river with crystal clear water. The slopes of the gorge are covered with fir forest. As the gorge widens and turning into alpine pastures. This is where the incredibly beautiful mountain lakes are hidden. Walk around the lake.

Transfer to the Semenovskoye Gorge. Along the way, across through the pass of Kok-Bel Pass (2,375 M). A beautiful view of both gorges opens up and descends to Semenovskoye Gorge. Begin our hike to the Suttuu-Bulak Lake (2 hours approx. – one way). You may hike up to the panoramic viewpoint and see Lake Issyk-Kul and valleys.

Thereafter, descend by foot to our vehicle and transfer to the Karakol.

Meals: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Guesthouse, Karakol

Day 3 Karakol

Take a short drive to the shore of the lake. We will be split into 2 smaller groups with 3-hour kayaking and 3-hour mountain biking respectively.

After some basic technique training and safety briefing, we’ll start today’s leisure kayaking (7 KM approx.) on Lake Issyk-Kul – the 2nd largest mountain lake in the world. Similarly, after a quick bike fit and safety briefing, ride leisurely (10 KM approx.) along the lake with generally flat and some gentle undulation on paved and unpaved terrain.

Take a break, enjoy our lunch before the groups swap activity around.

Return to Karakol.

Meals: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Guesthouse, Karakol

note: for those who are not comfortable with cycling, you may continue to kayak.

Day 4 Karakol – Jety-Oguz

Begin the day with a city tour in Karakol and the Przhevalsky Museum. Transfer to Jety-Oguz Gorge (60 KM), which is located on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. See the well-known red rocks ‘Broken Heart’ and ‘Seven Bulls’. Climb to the viewpoint to see a panoramic view of the entire gorge.

This afternoon, embark on a 4-hour horseback riding to go to the upper reaches of the gorge.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Yurt Camp (Triple or Quadruple occupancy)

Day 5 Jety-Oguz – Barskoon Gorge – Skazka (Fairytale) Canyons – Bishkek

Set off to the Barskoon Gorge, known for its high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. Hike to the waterfalls ‘Bowl of Manas’ and ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’, finally ascend to the panoramic viewpoint.

Hike the “Fairy Tale” Canyons (around 1.5 hours). The whole originality of the place lies in the colourful rocks frozen in bizarre shapes, as if after a volcanic eruption. Solid clumps of limestone and sandstone bulge out of the colorful soil, and the place looks like the ruins of ancient castles.

Take a rest as we make our way to Bishkek (330 KM, 6 hours approx.).

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Hotel, Bishkek

Day 6 Bishkek – Ala-Archa National Park – Bishkek

Depart for Lower Ala-Archa (alpine camp, 40 KM away) at an altitude of 2,100 metres,

Start the hike to Ak-Sai Gorge. Enjoy fresh crystal-crisp air.

The trail passes through the forest of Tien Shan firs with various flora and medicinal herbs. Make photo-stops on the way, as the views are incredible. You may see the tops of Corona, Boks, Ratsek peaks; Ak-Sai glacier. Hike to Broken Heart Rock, which has a characteristic shape, emerge on the small plateau of Tepshi. Continue ascending then descend to the Shyrkarytma River in the side gorge of the same name and cross over its fast waters.

After the river crossing, the path becomes flat and leads to the location where tourists and climbers usually rest before further ascent. We will deviate and climb steeply up to the foot of the waterfall, which its height is 20 metres. Waterfall’s streams rush from rocky ledges, giving a life-giving coolness on particularly hot days. You may even bath in it, although the water temperature is no more than 10 degrees in the hottest summer day.

Have lunch with breathtaking views of the gorge, at an altitude of 2,700 metres. Final descent and return to Bishkek.

Meals: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Hotel, Bishkek

Day 7 Bishkek

Set off on a 3-hour city walking tour around Bishkek. Visit the History Museum. As we walk around the city, see Opera and Ballet Theatre, National Philharmonic, Government Building, Victory Monument and Manas Monument. The interesting fact is that Bishkek is the only city in Central Asia that still has the monument of V. I. Lenin situated on the Central Square.

A visit to Osh Bazaar – one of Kyrgyzstan’s largest and busiest bazaars. An endless maze of shops and stalls with vendors selling every product imaginable, the bazaar is the perfect opportunity to see an authentic shopping area that’s at the heart of the local culture. You may get good quality and affordable dried fruits and nuts at the bazaar.

Thereafter, there is free time to visit a supermarket for some shopping. Purchase some snacks and/or beverage (if you require) to consume at the airport for tomorrow’s early morning departure.

It will be an early dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Bishkek

Day 8 Depart Bishkek

An early morning departure to Bishkek Airport.

Meal: nil

Inclusions

~ return airport transfers;

~ 3 nights stay in hotel with ensuite bathroom;

~ 3 nights stay in Guesthouse with ensuite bathroom;

~ 1 night stay in Yurt (multi share basis) with communal toilet;

~ 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners;

~ chauffeured-driven in air-conditioned/heated minivan or coach;

~ service of an English-speaking Hiking Lead;

~ kayaking, cycling (with helmet) and horseback riding (with helmet);

~ admission fee to hot spring, excursion and national parks, if required;

~ Bishkek city tour with an English-speaking Guide;

~ service of Travel Wander Trip Facilitator.

Exclusions

~ return flights to Bishkek;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance – highly recommended;

~ visa fee (if applicable);

~ expenditure on personal effects;

~ tipping;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ A deposit, 30% of the total tour value is required at the time of booking. Deposit paid is non-refundable unless trip is withdrawn or cancelled by Travel Wander.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Bishkek, Kytgyzstan when you have been informed to do so.

~ Group size: minimum 2 – 4 hikers.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, inclusion of the itinerary may be altered by the Guide due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Because hiking requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ All hikers need to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes). Hikers may be denied hiking if not dressed appropriately.

~ If hiker presents difficulty in completing hikes of the planned days or any inclusive activities, we strongly encourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker and the team in mind. There is no refund on this portion of the trip. Extra logistic arrangement may be required to bring the hiker to safety, it will be at the hiker’s own expense.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information, Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy & Indemnity Policy.

Activity	Hiking
Hiking Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner
Season	07 – July
Country	Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Hike Active Fun, 8 days