Kyrgyzstan: Walks and Wildflowers in the Mountain Valleys

B, L, D included
After arriving in the morning in Bishkek at Manas airport, named for the country’s Arthurian epic hero, we transfer to the city centre for breakfast. Later we continue (1.5 hrs) to the mountains south of the city where our accommodation for 3 nights is in well-appointed replica yurts, overlooking a remote valley. In the afternoon, we can stretch our legs on an optional short introductory walk to one of the many far-reaching vistas.
Driving time: 2 hrs

B, L, D included
Our walk (6 km/3 hrs round trip, 150 m ascent/descent) in the Alamedin river valley is a perfect introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s rich flora. We are accompanied by a botanical guide as we learn to identify native species such as Eremurus tianschanicus, Codonopsis clematidea, Aconitum leucostomum, Rosa platyocantha and Papaver croceum.
Driving time: 3 hrs

B, L, D included
We spend the day in the nearby Ala Archa National Park, named after the native Juniper tree. The views become increasingly more spectacular as we ascend above the river (4 km/3 hrs round trip, ascent/descent 200 m). Along the way, we spot different species of allium, astragalus, lonicera, pedicularis and ligularia. In the afternoon, we visit the moving and architecturally inspiring Ata-Beyit memorial, commemorating victims of Stalin-era repression.
Driving time: 3 hrs

Our first stop today is the Burana Tower in the Chuy valley. This edifice is the restored remains of a minaret in Balasagun, an important city between 9th and 11th century, founded by the Soghdians, an ancient Iranian people, and invaded in 1218 by Genghis Khan, who renamed the city Gobalik or ‘pretty city’ and spared it from his usual devastation. After lunch in a welcoming family home, we continue to the Chon Kemin valley and our simple guesthouse for 2 nights. Time-permitting, we walk through the village and the surrounding countryside before dinner (5 km/1.5 hrs).
Driving time: 4 hrs

B, L, D included
We set off on foot from the guesthouse for a walk in the Kungoy Ala-Too Range (12 km/5 hrs, ascent/descent 360 m). We cross the river several times and picnic in a shady area with views over the valley below. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the indoor swimming pool or ride Kyrgyz horses with a Kyrgyz guide.
Driving time: none

B, L, D included
We head for Issyk-Kul, the large high-altitude lake, passing through the historically notorious Boom Gorge. We visit the open-air Petroglyph museum in Cholpon Ata, an extensive field of glacial boulders with carvings mostly attributed to the Saka Usuns (Scythians) and dated from 8th century BC to 1st century AD. We continue along the north shore of the lake before turning south towards Karakol. On the outskirts of this city, located between the lake and the Terskey Ala Too Mountains, we visit a museum dedicated to the explorer, naturalist and spy Nikolai Przhevalsky. We stay for 3 nights in a small 3-star hotel.
Driving time: 5 hrs

B, L, D included
Weather-permitting, we access a high altitude area (3000 m) using a chair lift to spend the day walking, birdwatching and botanising as we descend gradually. In the afternoon, we visit the Dungan Mosque, still used by this historic Chinese race of immigrants, and the wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral, both restored and returned to their original purpose in post-Soviet time.
Driving time: 1.5 hrs

B, L, D included
Our walk (4 km/2 hrs, 100 m ascent/descent) today is in the picturesque less-visited Jyrgalan valley, 1.5 hrs’ drive from Karakol. We are accompanied by a local ornithological guide, as we look for birds such as rose finch, dipper or Turkestan shrike.
Driving time: 3 hrs

B, L, D included
As we drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul towards Naryn in central Kyrgyzstan, we stop at Jeti Oguz to admire the red sandstone formation known as the Seven Bulls and hear the legend of its creation. We break our journey again in Bokonbaevo for lunch and a visit to a felt workshop where we learn how traditional shyrdak rugs are made. In Naryn, established as a fortress on the caravan route during the mid-19th century, we settle into our 4-star hotel with spacious rooms (3 nights) and a traditional restaurant popular with locals.
Driving time: 6 hrs

B, L, D included
Today we walk (6 km/2 hrs, 100 m ascent/descent) in the less well known Salkyn Tor National Park, a short drive east of Naryn. Once again, we follow a scenic river valley enjoying mountain views all around. After a café lunch in Naryn, we visit a small gallery with paintings by local artists. There is some free time in the afternoon.
Driving time: 1 hr

B, L, D included
We start early and drive to a remote area near the Chinese border in the At Bashy Mountains to walk (5 km/2.5 hrs, 200 m ascent/descent) and to visit the enigmatic and atmospheric Tash Rabat 10th century monastery. In the wide valley below, we explore the ruins of a small citadel dating from the 10th – 12th century with associations to the legendary Kyrgyz hero, Manas.
Driving time: 4 hrs

B, L, D included
Today we are heading for Bishkek. Our walk (5 km/1.5 hrs) follows a disused section of the road near the Dolon Pass. Kochkor, a large village with tree lined streets, situated at a busy crossroads, halfway between Naryn and Bishkek, makes a convenient lunch stop. We arrive in the capital in the afternoon and settle into our elegant 4 star hotel, centrally located in a quiet side street. 
Driving time: 5 hrs

B, L, D included
Early morning is the best time to wander through Bishkek’s largest market, the Osh Bazaar. We start our walking city tour at the Presidential Palace, known as the White House. We continue through a series of public parks and gardens with many memorials, including the equestrian statue of Manas at Ala Too Square, previously the Lenin Square until 1991, though Lenin’s statue still has pride of place. We finish at the monumental Victory Square with the Martyrs of the Revolution Monument as its centrepiece. The rest of the afternoon is free to pursue individual interests.

B included
A morning transfer to the airport concludes our holiday.

Off the Beaten Track
Please be aware that electricity and water supplies may occasionally be erratic and travel arrangements can be disrupted. Kudu Travel will endeavour to do everything possible to ensure a smooth-running tour, but please be ready with your sense of humour and tolerance when travelling in a developing country.

£390 single room supplement

Please note that the single room supplement is imposed by the hotels and not by Kudu Travel. If you are willing to share but no other suitable guest books on the trip, we regret that the supplement will be payable. We endeavour to obtain double rooms for single occupancy whenever possible.

• Accommodation for Days 1 through 14, on a twin shared basis
• Meals, with beer and soft drinks at lunches and wine at dinners, when available, as listed in the daily notation
• Land transportation in private air-conditioned minibuses, except during free periods
• Entrance and sightseeing fees, except during free periods
• Services of Kudu tour leader, local guide and driver throughout
• 1 day with a botanical guide and 1 day with an ornithological guide
• Tips for driver, local guides, porters, restaurant and hotel staff (appreciation for your Kudu tour leader is at your discretion)

• Flights to and from Bishkek airport
• Trip cancellation, medical or other insurance
• Immunisations, prescriptions or other medical requirements
• Passport, visa and health documentation
• Personal expenses (laundry, alcohol besides beer or wine at group lunches/dinners, free time activities, etc.)
• Transport and transfer of excess baggage
• Kyrgyz departure tax, if any 

VALUE FOR MONEY - SO MUCH IS INCLUDED
On Kudu trips, you will only need money for postcards, presents to take home, the odd G & T or an irresistible ice cream. Festival and opera tickets, museum and gallery entrances, National Park fees, all meals (with a very few exceptions specified in individual itineraries), wine with lunch and dinner, access to specialist books carried by the guides, gratuities for porters and hotel and restaurant staff, boat rides, train trips, internal flights, wine tastings, 4WDs with drivers, the services of skilled local guides and trackers etc are ALL INCLUDED in the cost of your holiday.

We are confident that, like previous very satisfied guests, you will discover that our tours give you excellent value for money.

• 3 nights in a country holiday resort, 37 km from Bishkek. We stay in well appointed replica yurts overlooking a remote valley. Alt. 2150 m
• 2 nights in a simple guesthouse in a village in the Chon Kemin valley. Facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool. Alt. 1530 m
• 3 nights in a small 3-star hotel in Karakol. Alt. 1800 m
• 3 nights in an elegant 4-star hotel in Naryn. Alt. 2000 m
• 2 nights in a well-appointed 4-star hotel in Bishkek, centrally located in a quiet side street. Alt. 750 m

Off the Beaten Track
Please be aware that electricity and water supplies may occasionally be erratic and travel arrangements can be disrupted. Kudu Travel will endeavour to do everything possible to ensure a smooth-running tour, but please be ready with your sense of humour and tolerance when travelling in a developing country.

Visa and Health Requirements
Visitors from the UK, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa for entry to Kyrgyzstan (for visits up to 60 days).

At present, there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Kyrgyzstan but you may wish to consult your doctor (at least 6 weeks before you travel) about updating your immunisation against Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid, or anything else they consider advisable. A dental check-up is also a good idea. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.

It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. We can arrange comprehensive cover for UK residents. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.

If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.

Size of Party
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 14 guests.

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