Highlights of the 10-Day Nomadic Culture & Tien Shan Trek

• Chon Kemin & Kochkor Culture: Immerse yourself in Kyrgyzstan's vibrant culture, beginning your journey in the serene Chon Kemin Valley and experiencing the warm hospitality and unique cultural offerings of Kochkor.

• Horseback Alpine Adventures: Enjoy a gentle horseback ride through lush pastures to a breathtaking alpine lake, guided by experienced locals on sure-footed Kyrgyz horses.

• Nomadic Traditions & Yurt Life: Spend nights in traditional yurts. Learn the intricate art of yurt making in Kyzyl Tuu, and participate in an authentic boorsok (national bread) cooking masterclass.

• Eagle Hunting & Women Guardians: Meet a local falconer in Bokonbaevo to explore ancient hunting traditions, and interact with local women sharing stories of national attire and nomadic family dynamics.

• Deep Tien Shan Trekking: Embark on an awe-inspiring three-day trek through the “Mountain of the Gods” (Tien Shan), crossing high passes (3,500m+) and discovering pristine, mirror-like alpine lakes.

• Bishkek & Karakol Exploration: Discover the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, reflect on your journey in the historical town of Karakol, and end your trip exploring vibrant local markets rich in traditional arts and crafts in Bishkek.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek to Kelimche (Start of Horseback Ride) Get ready to be collected from your hotel in Bishkek and embark on a direct journey to Kyzart village. Here, you'll meet your horseback riding guide along with the friendly horses that will accompany you for the next two days. Following a brief introduction, you will begin your horseback ride towards the Kelimche yurt camp. Take in the lush pastures and the natural beauty surrounding you. Overnight: Yurt Camp Meals: Picnic lunch and dinner at the yurt camp Drive Approx: 4 hours Horseback Riding: 4 hours

Day 2: Alpine Lake Song-Kul via Horseback In the morning, you'll be taken to a nearby village where your horseback riding adventure to the alpine lake will begin. Your guide and horseman will be waiting for you there with horses, which are gentle and accustomed to tourists. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival, participate in a boorsok making masterclass and witness a thrilling Kok Boru game (traditional polo played with a goat carcass). Overnight: Yurt Camp Meals: Lunch and dinner at the yurt camp Drive Approx: 1 hour Horseback Riding: 5 hours

Day 3: Yurt Making in Kyzyl Tuu & Aksai Canyon After breakfast, you will start your drive from Song-Kul Lake to Kyzyl Tuu village, where you will learn how traditional yurts are crafted. Depending on the weather, spend a few hours relaxing and swimming on the wild beach in Aksai Canyon. Afterward, drive to Bokonbaevo to spend the night. Overnight: Guesthouse Meals: Lunch with a local family, dinner at the guesthouse Drive Approx: 4 hours (with stops)

Day 4: Nomadic Heritage & Jeti-Oguz After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to meet a falconer and delve into this ancient hunting tradition. Following that, you will embark on a journey to meet local women who serve as the guardians of Kyrgyz heritage and nomadic lifestyles. They will share the fascinating history behind national attire, family dynamics, and child-rearing practices. Finally, travel to the famous Jeti-Oguz Valley for exploration, with an overnight stay in Karakol. Overnight: Guesthouse Meals: Lunch at a local home, dinner at a cafe Drive Approx: 4 hours (with stops)

Day 5: Trek from Ak-Suu to Yurt Camp 1 Today marks the beginning of our adventurous three-day trek in the majestic Tien Shan range. After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a scenic 1-hour drive through the enchanting Turgon Ak-Suu valley to the starting point of our trek. We find ourselves walking through a breathtaking meadow adorned with wildflowers. The path initially winds through marshy terrain (sturdy waterproof shoes are essential!). We then ascend the Boz-Uchuk Ashu Pass (3,430m), offering panoramic views, before continuing towards two serene alpine lakes whose pristine waters reflect the sky. Trek Details: 12 km | 6–7 hours | Elevation Gain: 2700m to 3300m Overnight: Yurt Camp

Day 6: Trek from Yurt Camp 1 to Jergez Today, we continue your journey towards Jergez camp, embarking on a trek that crosses an unnamed pass at an impressive altitude of 3,516 meters. If the skies are clear, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the majestic Tashtambek-Tor-Bashi Peak. For the adventurous, there is an opportunity to hike further to the serene Ailanysh Lake (3,432m). Tonight, you will rest at a traditional yurt camp, enveloped by the quiet beauty of the landscape. Trek Details: 7 km | 4–5 hours | Elevation Gain: 3300m to 3400m Overnight: Yurt Camp

Day 7: Descent to Karakol It is a long day of descent as we follow a winding path down to the glacial stream from where we began our trek. Along the way, vibrant flower meadows stretch across the landscape, blanketing the ground with bursts of color and filling the air with a sweet fragrance. From the trail's end, we drive back to Karakol, where we can finally relax, unwind, and enjoy a hot shower. Trek Details: 19 km | 8 hours | Elevation Loss: 3400m to 2700m Overnight: Guesthouse in Karakol

Day 8: Karakol City Tour & Return to Bishkek After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a captivating cultural tour of Karakol city. As the day unfolds, you'll depart for Bishkek. The second half of the day is reserved for visiting local markets, providing further chances to discover the region's traditional arts, crafts, and souvenirs. Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek Meals: Lunch and dinner in a cafe Drive Approx: 6 hours

Day 9: Departure After breakfast at the hotel, a transfer will drop you off at Manas International Airport (FRU) for your flight home, concluding your unforgettable Kyrgyz adventure.

What's Included

Included:

• Driver and comfortable transportation

• English-speaking guide

• Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast (except during trekking days)

• Meals (as specified in the itinerary)

• Border permits (if required for specific zones)

• Horses and porters to carry luggage during the trek

• Horses for riding sections

• All cultural activities and masterclasses mentioned in this itinerary

Not Included:

• International Flights

• Visa fees

• Single supplement (available upon request)

• Travel and medical insurance

• Tips for guides, drivers, and horsemen

• Alcohol and additional drinks at cafes

• Personal expenses

• Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Included" section