September 2, 2014

6 Picturesque Holiday Excursions in Kyrgyzstan

What makes Kyrgyzstan so enticing for travelers looking for something fresh is that the алтынарашан2_калачев_сергейcountry feels largely untrampled by tourists.  It fact, large parts of the country feel untrampled by anyone at all save the occasional wandering nomad and horses.  Some alpine lakes can only be reached on foot, some hot springs tucked away in the mountains, by horseback.  Outside the cities, signs are few and far between (as well as gas stations sometimes) in this country where 90% of the terrain is blanketed with mountains and 70% of the roads are dirt and gravel.  This makes much of Kyrgyzstan’s landscape feel raw and ready to be explored.  It’s a little bit like America’s Wild West, minus the gun fights and saloons.

Here are some destinations you can explore using one of these means:

742012447322353_павел_косенко

ALTYN ARASHAN

A breathtaking destination located outside of Karakol is the Arashan Gorge which houses secluded hot springs tucked away in the mountains.  The steaming waters are enclosed by wooden, lockable sheds for visitors to enjoy a nice soak.  Travelers can reach the hot springs via a 16km trek or horseback excursion.

KEL SUU

Kel Suu is a high altitude alpine lake (3600m, 11,800ft) formed by the rumblings of a strong earthquake.  It’s located in a remote region near the Chinese border and the “road” is only алтынарашан3_калачев_сергейaccessible by 4×4 vehicles from July to August.  Expect to trek the last kilometer up to the lake.  Sheer mountain rock rings the perfectly turquoise lake.  Its depth is unknown.

ARSLANBOB

Located in the Jalalabad Province, Arslanbob’s most popular attraction is its wild walnut forest.  These ancient walnut groves, that were famous even during the time of Alexander the Great, are the single most massive natural location of walnut growth in the world (11,000 hectares, 27,000 acres) and produce 1,500 tons of walnuts each year.  Horseback expedition tours are available, but you can also explore the forest on foot.

JETI-OGUZ141422

The village of Jeti-Oguz is famous for its rock formations.  The name “Jeti-Oguz” actually means “seven bulls” and earned the name from the 7 large, red mountain peaks that bear a resemblance to 7 angry bulls. There also a nearby waterfall you can visit by foot or horseback.

SONG KUL

Song Kul is another of Kyrgyzstan’s high altitude alpine lakes (3,000m). The mountain pastures surrounding this lake are said to be the most beautiful in the country. The road to Song Kul is accessible by 4×4, horseback, or for the physically fit, foot or bicycle.  Housing is available in yurt camps run by friendly Kyrgyz familiesалтынарашан_калачев_сергей It’s a perfect weekend or long-term excursion for those looking for some peace and quiet without having to bring their own tent.

ALA-ARCHA NATIONAL PARK

This national park is a local getaway for people that want to escape the cacophony of Bishkek 40km to the north.  Kyrgyz and Russian families grilling meat and having picnics are common sights in the summer in the lower, flatter section of the park.  Otherwise, Ala-Archa is a fantastic place to go hiking or mountain climbing.  There are 20 glaciers, 50+ mountain peaks, 2 rivers, numerous trails, and an alpinist cemetery.  It’s possible to cycle or horseback through parts of the park as well.

These арсланбобdestinations are mere samplings of all the possible excursions you can take in Kyrgyzstan.  What is your outdoor sport of choice? Whether it is bicycling, trekking, horseback riding, or jeep trips Kyrgyzstan has more than enough excitement to satisfy even the most demanding of travelers. With remote landscapes that range from the austere to lush always with the dramatic backdrop of snowcapped mountains you will find yourself breathless from more than just the altitude!

Photo by Sergey Kalachev, Pavel Kosenko, www.mountpix.livejournal.com

14 days

Bike Tours in Kyrgyzstan: Crossing Kyrgyzstan (14 Days)

An amazing bicycling trips for cycling around Kyrgyzstan! Fresh air and kyrgyz nomadic culture to fill you in with excitement and discoveries of unique history. Tour will take place from Tal ...

From 
1275
The price depends on a group size. The price 1275 EUR per person is available for groups of 4 people.
More info
14 days

Cycling, Trekking and Horse Riding in Kyrgyzstan

If you are active and adventurous, we can offer you this unforgettable trip. Imagine yourself cycling in the Tien Shan mountains, 3 days hiking in Tong and horsebacking in a yurt camp at 245 ...

From 
1350
The price depends on a group size. The price 1350 EUR per person is available for groups of 4 people.
More info
7 days

Motorcycle Touring in Kyrgyzstan

Join us for an adrenaline-packed Enduro adventure through Kyrgyztan’s rugged mountain terrain. Riding through Kyrgyzstan's thinly populated landscape will make you realize that the middle of ...

From 
1750
The price depends on a group size. The price 1750 EUR per person is available for groups of 6 people.
More info
10 days

Classic Kyrgyzstan 2020

The Pearls of Kyrgyzstan are hidden high in the Pamir and Tien-Shan Mountains and guarded from curious eyes by powerful snow-covered walls. We invite you to have a look at high-altitude Lak ...

From 
$1135
The tour price is 1135 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
5 days

Festivals of Kyrgyz Culture 2020

Kyrgyzstan is a small mountainous country in Central Asia where mountains cover 93% of the landscape. People have been inhabiting the mountains of Kyrgyzstan silk road for thousands of years ...

From 
$880
The price depends on a group size. The price 880 USD per person is available for groups of 2 people.
More info
6 days

Horseback Riding to Lake Song Kul 2020

Over many years the horses help shepherds to move their houses (Yurts) over the passes to the alpine pastures. A horse is considered to be an integral part of the life of the nomadic people. ...

From 
$1028
Price from 1028 USD per person (the price depends on a group size). The price 1028 USD per person is available for groups of 4 people.
More info
14 days

Bike Tours in Kyrgyzstan: Lake Issyk Kul for E-Bikers

This bicycling trips is around Lake Issyk-Kul, a mountain lake at 1,600m. Daily distances are between 30 and 65 km with one day being only 15 km. The cycling is almost always over asphalt ro ...

From 
980
Price from 980 EUR to 1290 EUR per person (the price depends on a group size). The price 980 EUR per person is available for groups of 4 people.
More info
10 days

Unique Tours in Kyrgyzstan silk road: A Yoga Mountain Vacation

Escape the daily stresses and pressures of life for a relaxing yoga vacation in the mountains of nomadic Kyrgyzstan. Not only will you practice yoga every day, but you will also be able to v ...

From 
$1480
The price depends on a group size. The price 1480 USD per person is available for groups of 3-10 people.
More info
14 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
07/15/2022 - 07/28/2022

Pamir Expedition in Kyrgyzstan 2022

The trekking program is created for those, who want to see the amazing nature of Kyrgyzstan. It goes in the Pamir mountain system through various landscapes. We trek along the gorges of Turk ...

From 
$2270
The tour price is 2270 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
2 days

Mountain Climbing – “Advance Climb” Program

Great two-days tour programs for those, who want to try alpinism in Kyrgyzstan and increase rock climbing qualifications. We offer you three different programs near Ala-Archa gorge with the ...

From 
$330
The tour price is 330 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
8 days

Cultural Tourism in Kyrgyzstan - Culinary Tour

The Kyrgyz Republic is a multinational and multicultural country. Over 80 nations and ethnic groups live here, they differ in number, language, religion, and culture: Uzbeks, Tajiks, Russian ...

From 
$1550
The tour price is 1550 USD.
More info
8 days
Fixed dates
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
06/05/2022 - 06/12/2022
06/12/2022 - 06/19/2022
06/19/2022 - 06/26/2022
06/26/2022 - 07/03/2022
08/21/2022 - 08/28/2022
08/28/2022 - 09/04/2022
09/04/2022 - 09/11/2022
09/11/2022 - 09/18/2022

Nomadic Culture & History Tour 2022

This week-long trip ensures travelers a wide variety of experiences during their stay in Kyrgyzstan. Start out by visiting the country’s most popular national park and continue on to see anc ...

From 
$995
The tour price is 995 USD.
More info
14 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
07/23/2022 - 08/05/2022

Hike to the Patagonia of Kyrgyz Mountains 2022

The nature of Kyrgyzstan is amazing. Its mountain landscapes are various in different corners of the Republic. SR1401 presents a new trekking program which goes along the gorges of Turkestan ...

From 
$2330
The tour price is 2330 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person book it.
More info
11 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
08/04/2022 - 08/14/2022

Trekking the Terskey Ala Too 2022

This tour is a good choice for trekkers with initial hiking experience at the altitudes above 3000 m, and with good physical condition and health. Trekking time is approximate, 5 – 7 hours ( ...

From 
$1980
The tour price is 1980 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
14 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
07/10/2022 - 07/23/2022
07/28/2022 - 08/10/2022
08/07/2022 - 08/20/2022

Trekking to the heart of Tien-Shan 2022

This trek starts in the Karkara Gorge, an amazingly beautiful place, and ends at South Inylchek Base Camp. From the base camp you'll get stunning views of Khan-Tengri Peak (7010 m.) and Pobe ...

From 
$2540
The tour price is 2720 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info