Kyrgyzstan’s Silk Road Journey

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OVERVIEW

This overland adventure travels along parts of the ancient Silk Road through the wild mountain landscape of Kyrgyzstan and across the border and onto the dusty plains of Uzbekistan.

Suusamyr Valley – Drive through remote mountain scenery and past lush alpine valleys passing nomadic families
Song Kul – Stand on the shores of sublime alpine lakes and sleep in a traditional yurt
Arslanbob – walk amongst ancient towering walnut forests and discover hidden waterfalls

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - In Bishkek; afternoon city sightseeing

Arrival in Bishkek, the city where the Silk Road used to pass.Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, which was formed in 1825 and the buildings were built of clay by Khan Kokand. 43 years later, the city was destroyed by the Russians.

Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the hotel and give you a city tour by bus, part of the tour will be on foot. We will tell you about the main monuments and sights of the city. Let’s walk through the oak park

MEALS PROVIDED: None

DAY 2 - Drive to Karakol via Burana Tower and Issyk Kul Lake

Leaving the city, we will plunge into the very heart of this nation. On the way, we will visit the Buran Tower and what remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. This tower is considered the oldest in all of Central Asia, where you can see the walls built of brick

We will see petroglyphs in Cholpon Ata, the size of the stones is very different, from 30 cm and above. Most of the drawings on the rocks are the figures of capricorns, goats, hunters. From the same tower you can see the huge mountain lake Issyk bullets, along which we will drive, and late in the evening we will visit the small town of Karakol. In the evening, we will eat local food prepared by residents of the Dungan ethnic groups. You will have a unique opportunity to learn all about traditions and their lifestyles.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 3 - Explore Karakol; walk in Djety Oguz Gorge

The great geographer Prejevalsky was one of the pioneers of Central Asia, his expeditions lasted more than 20 years, he traveled more than 33 thousand kilometers. He mapped more than 20 thousand square kilometers of the new territory. We will visit the museum of this researcher. Also, we will see with you the mosque of 1910 built in the style of Buddha.

After that, we will go to see the valley of the seven bulls in Gety Oguz. Jety Oguz is a ridge of red rocks covered with forest grounds. The length of the cliffs is 37 kilometers, and the landscape of the gorge was formed thanks to the river of the same name. Huge dark green forests stretching on the mountain slopes of red sandstone create an amazing color contrast.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 4 - Drive to Kochkor; visit waterfalls en route

Today we will continue our train on the coast of Issyk-Kul Lake, we will make a couple of stops to enjoy the cold breeze of the mountain lake. Then we go to the mountain gorge. The majestic Terskei Alatoo mountain range frames the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. In its slopes there are many magnificent paradise corners with picturesque scenery. One of them is the Barskoon Gorge, which is about 30 kilometers long. But our last stop is Kochkor, an ordinary village where we will spend the night in a guest house, get to know the locals even more.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 5 - Spend the night in a traditional yurt at Song Kul Lake

Women in the settlements are famous for their skills in making things out of felt. And we will have a unique opportunity to see with our own eyes how people make felt carpets with their hands, believe me, this is quite a difficult work, but the process is very interesting.

Then we head along the mountain road to Lake Sankol, which is at an altitude of 3010 meters. The lake itself is very impressive and the second largest in Kyrgyzstan. The lake is covered with mountain edelweisses, surrounded by snow peaks, and located among green meadows. In the summer, shepherds drive their cattle to the grasslands, and there they build their dwellings for a time.

After arriving at the yurts, we will have time to walk to the lake, or time to relax in the yurts. The yurt is a round structure that is made of felt, inside in the form of decorations are used hides of sheep, the yurt is very easily adapted to the transfer from place to place where 7-8 people can live. Thanks to this atmosphere, you will plunge into the real life of the nomads.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 6 - Morning at Song Kul; return to Kochkor

In the morning, you can relax on the lake, or walk to the mountains that surround the lake. You and I are going for a walk on the green slopes. With any luck, we can meet the locals and talk to them. The walk will take about 4 hours, the height of the maximum point is 3300 m. After lunch, we go back to Kochkor via Teksay-Topok Pass. In the evening, we will have a folklore performance of the ensemble, ballads, songs about love, accompanied by Kyrgyz national instruments.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 7 - Scenic drive through the mountains to Suusamyr Valley

Today we head west on the road through the Tian Shan Wild Mountains. Our path will pass through the stunning Suisse Valley, which is located at an altitude of 2000-3200 m with a length of 155 km. In winter, there are snow storms, while in summer the whole valley is covered with green grass. The route will be 320 km long, so charge your cameras for stunning shots.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 8 - Walking in Chichkan Gorge; afternoon drive to Toktogul Reservoir

After breakfast, we follow the path along the Ala Bel Pass (3175 m), the route passes through one of the most picturesque gorges of the republic — Chychkan. It is best known for its lake. Then there is the waterfall, and in the headwaters there are cave paintings. You and I will walk to Lake Saz Kol. Saz-Kel is a small but very picturesque lake, reflecting the blue sky, adjacent mountain peaks and trees like in a mirror! This will take about two hours up and an hour down. After enjoying the visible view of the lake, we head on the road to the Naryn River (Toktogul reservoir, which is one of the largest in Central Asia.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 9 - Mountain drive to Djalal-Abad.

Today we leave Toktogul along the wilderness, thanks to which Kyrgyzstan is a memorable country to visit. Our destination is Jalal Abad, a town in the Fergana Valley and surrounded by the Baba Ata Mountains. The city produces mineral water for sale throughout Central Asia, and the city is famous for its many resorts. And do not forget that this is a center where most of the vegetables and fruits are grown. When you arrive, you will have free time

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 10 - Discover Arslanbob, walk through walnut woodland, visit waterfall

Today we go to the charming village of Arslanbob, 90 km away. We will be met by a guide, then we will walk through the grove with walnuts, sometimes this grove is called ‚The Royal Woods of Kyrgyzstan‘. The height of the trees is about 30 meters, and they grow in a completely wild nature. Also, we will go to the waterfall, which is located in the depths of the forest. The walk will take about three hours, and the difficulty level does not present any problems.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 11 - Drive to Osh; cross border into Uzbekistan and drive to Fergana City

We travel along the wide Fergana Valley, leaving the beautiful city of Jalal Abad. Today we are on our way to the beautiful city of Osh, which according to legend was discovered by King Solomon. It is the second largest city in the country, and by the ancient remains you can see for yourself how old it is.

At the border of Dostilik, we will go through all customs formalities with you, say goodbye to the beautiful mountainous country of Kyrgyzstan. The first overnight stop will be in the city of Fergana

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 12 - Drive via ceramic workshop in Rishtan to Tashkent

Today we will move with you by small transport crossing the Kamchik pass, which is at an altitude of 2300 m. We will stay with you in the town of Rishtan, which is famous for ceramics and handicrafts. During the Silk Road, local artisans imitated Chinese ceramic designers. But over time, they brought something of their own, traditional, Uzbek. And another stop will be in the town of Kokand, in the evening we will arrive in Tashkent

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 13 - In Tashkent, city tour; free afternoon

On this day, we will have a city tour of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which has existed for more than 2,000 years. In 1966, there was a massive earthquake that almost completely destroyed the city, after which the city was rebuilt with very wide streets and parks. Today we will visit the Independence Square, the Old Town, the Navoi Theatre, monuments. Particular attention should be paid to the metro, which strikes with its decor at the stations. You’ll have some free time after lunch.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 14 - Tour ends in Tashkent

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tashkent.

MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

PHOTO GALLERY