Itinerary
Highlights
~ enjoy kayaking on a tranquil lake;
~ sample mountain biking suitable for beginners by the lake;
~ experience comfort camping under the stars;
~ horseback riding on the meadows of the Keldyke Valley;
~ trek to see Ala-Kul Lake (3,532 M) and trek over Ala-Kul Pass (3,860 M) with view of peaks over 5,000 M.
Day 1 Arrive Bishkek – Karakol
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Upon arrival, transfer to the Karakol, located along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The journey is about 423 KM away and 7 hours’ drive. Enroute, take a small hike to see Fairytale Canyons. Then, visit Russian Orthodox Church and Dungan Mosque.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Guesthouse, Karakol
Day 2 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 3 Karakol – Sirota Shelter
Meet our local trekking team this morning. Transfer to Karakol Gorge (2,534 M) where we will start the hike here. After the morning safety briefing, follow our Guide on the trekking path up to the Sirota Shelter (2,800 M). This will be our campsite for the evening.
Meal: Breakfast, (packed) lunch, Dinner
Stay: Yurt Camp, Sirota Shelter (Triple or Quadruple occupancy)
Hiking Distance: 3.5 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 4 hours est.
Accumulated Elevation: +420 M / -5 M
Day 4 Sirota Shelter – Lake Ala-Kul
From the Sirota Shelter the path continues to the beautiful waterfall flowing from Lake Ala-Kul. Enjoy awesome views from one of the most exciting lakes of Kyrgyzstan, overlooking down to the lake (3,532 M). Ala-Kul Lake, also known as Motley Lake, is turquoise in colour and sometimes with glacier surrounding part of it. The lake is 2.8 KM long, 500 M wide and 70 M deep. Arrive at the campsite (3,561 M)
Meal: Breakfast, (packed) lunch, Dinner
Stay: Camping (in tent), Ala-Kul (Single occupancy)
Hiking Distance: 5 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours est.
Accumulated Elevation: +690 M / -63 M
Day 5 Lake Ala-Kul – Altyn-Arashan
Hike along the lake, ascend to the Ala – Kul Pass at 3,860 M. See some famous peaks like Aksu, Djigit, Karakol and Oguz-Bashi from the pass. A short steep descent (- 300 M) and the hike concludes for the day.
After a short break, embark on horseback riding descending along Keldyke Valley with picturesque meadows for the remaining descent until we reach tonight’s campsite (2,600 M) at Altyn-Arashan. The yurt camp will be not far from mineral springs that flows from the mountain. Enjoy a hot spring soak and relax.
This afternoon, we will be enjoying a 2-hour horseback riding in the meadows.
Meal: Breakfast, (packed) lunch, Dinner
Stay: Yurt Camp, Altyn-Arashan (Twin or Triple occupancy)
Hiking Distance: 4 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 4 hours est.
Accumulated Elevation: +370 M / -320 M
Horseback Riding Distance: 8 KM Horseback Riding Duration: 2 – 3 hours est.
Accumulated Elevation: +0 M / -1,090 M
Day 6 Altyn-Arashan – Ak-Suu – Karakol
A long hike to Ak-Suu settlement (Teplokluchenka). Meet our Driver again and transfer back to Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Guesthouse, Karakol
Hiking Distance: 14.5 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 4 – 5 hours est.
Accumulated Elevation: +24 M / -640 M
Day 7 Karakol – Bishkek
A late start today. Simply sit back and relax as we transfer back to Bishkek. The journey is about 413 KM and 6 hours’ drive away.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: hotel, Bishkek
Day 8 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 9 Depart Bishkek
An early morning departure to Bishkek Airport.
Meal: nil
Inclusions
~ return airport transfers;
~ 2 nights stay in hotel with ensuite bathroom;
~ 3 nights stay in Guesthouse with ensuite bathroom;
~ 2 nights stay in Yurt (multi share basis) with communal toilet;
~ 1 night camping tent (single occupancy) with communal toilet;
~ provision of sleeping bag required during yurt stays & camping nights;
~ 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners;
~ beverages (non-alcoholic) during mealtimes except Day 3 to Day 6;
~ chauffeured-driven in air-conditioned/heated minivan or coach;
~ service of an English-speaking Hiking Lead;
~ service of porters carrying the group’s personal belonging, 7 KG maximum per hiker;
~ 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.
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: (ideally) minimum 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.
~ Porters will assist in carrying items, food supplies, water and other equipment required during yurt stays and camping. Therefore, each hiker may pass up to 7 KG of personal belongings to the porters to carry on your behalf during the hike.
~ Should you foresee, you will exceed the weight limit, you may hire an additional porter to carry your belongings. Additional porter(s) must be booked in advance, at least 1 month before departure.
~ Hiring climbing buddy is available. This person helps you to carry your day pack while you are hiking; assist you during the hike whenever you require.
~ As you prepare for the hiking vacation, we recommend one hour of exercise 2 times per week (this can be hiking, running or walking). At least once a week, you should hike for at least 5 – 10 KM with elevation. Hike at least on 2 or 3 consecutive days if possible as the trip draws near.
~ 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, and Terms & Conditions.
