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Kyrgyzstan trekking 003
Kyrgyzstan trekking: Tour 03
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Activity: Trekking tour
Time of the tour: 7 days
Our travel company would like to present an absolutely wonderful tour for those travelers who are fond of nature and trekking. We developed unique tour that will take place on Issyk - Kul Lake southern shore. You will see famous lake and genuine nomads during this tour. You will sleep not only in guesthouses but also in yurts - nomadic collapsible dwellings. Welcome to the country of heavenly mountains and bright contrasts.
Day 1: Bishkek - Karakol (450 km - 8 h) (1 650 m. a. s. l.)
In the morning we start our way to Karakol town that took place among the forbidden fangs of Tien - Shan Mountains, on the very eastern tip of the celestial Issyk-Kul Lake! On our way, we will visit the Burana Tower (minaret from the 11th century) and an open air museum of Balbans (stone warriors). Then you will be brought to the incredible Issyk-Kul Lake - the second largest alpine lake in the world (1608m.above sea level). That is heated from the below by the volcanic activity. You are going to really enjoy the astonishing view of the Tien Shan Mountains that surround the whole lake. During the drive to Karakol town you will drive along the whole northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Due to the salty water, Lake Issyk Kul possesses curative properties. On the way, we will make a short break to give you the opportunity to visit ancient carvings on the boulders that are dated back back to 800 B.C. They were depicted by local tribes of Saks and Usuns that believed that Issyk Kul Lake was the center of the world. Overnight in a guesthouse "Elita" in Karakol town.
Day 2: Karakol - Mokraya Polyana glade (2790 m a. s. l.)
We visit in the morning the Dungan - Chinese mosque. One of its highlights is the fact that it is built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail. This will be followed by the visit of an old wooden Orthodox Cathedral. It was made of wood at the of 19 century and even these days attracts a lot of tourists. Afterwards transfer to Karakol gorge. It is an amazing gorge that is situated at the heart of the Terskey Ala - Too (Shady Mountains). Here we can see Turkestan spruce trees that are common only here in Kyrgyzstan. The height of the tree reaches 18 meters and the width of its trunk - 1.5 meters. We will have hiking to the foot of the glade named « Mokraya Polyana » for 7 hours. Night stay is in tents on the altitude of 2790 m. a. s. l.
Day 3: Mokraya Polyana glade - Eastern Irdik Lake (3 200 m. a. s. l.)
We start our seven hours hiking to the eastern Irdik Lake (3200 m.) in the morning. During the hike we see constant changing of the landscapes. We will see steep cliffs and precipices, high rocks, green mountains. We move through the juniper forest where a sick person feels better. We will hike over the pass Bokovoi (3300 m.). There over the most beautiful peaks of Kungey Ala-Too mountainous range: Fuchika (4010m.), Morozov (3960m), 800 years of Moscow (3872m.) we could see a magnificent and extraordinary sunset. This night we will spend in the tent camp.
Day 4: Eastern Irdik Lake - Western Irdik Lake (3 300 m. a. s. l.)
Today we will hike for about 7 hours. On the way we will see a lot of edelweiss fields (the flowers of love) and pastures that are used by Kyrgyz nomads. We will see many marmots at the altitude of 3650 m. On the way we will hike over Severnyi pass that is 3380 m. above sea level. While hiking at these places you are going to forget about busy civilization and you can really relax enjoying the amazing views of our Mother Nature. Camping at the altitude of 3300 m. above sea level. Overnight in tents.
Day 5: Western Irdik Lake - Karakol (1 650 m. a. s. l.)
We start after breakfast our five hours hiking with descent to the valley Diychin where many Dungan people live. At the end of 19th century the Dungans (Chinese Muslims) had been prosecuted by the Chinese and they fled to Kyrgyzstan. It is possible sometimes to meet real nomadic families on the way while hiking to the village. Every year they go with their cattle to the mountains and live in yurts. Yurts are collapsible nomadic abodes that are manufactured without a single nail. Today we will visit the family of Dungan - Chinese, and try traditional Dungan soup - lagman. After that we will be transferred (10 km - 25 min) to Karakol town (1650 m). This night will be spent in "Elita" guesthouse.
Day 6: Karakol - Kochkor (280 km - 5 h, 1800 m. a. s. l.)
In the morning after a good slumber we move to Kochkor. In Karakol we will visit a local bazaar and try national dishes: ashlyamfu and shashlyk prepared with beef or mutton. Then we will start or way to Kochkor village. On the way we will visit Djeti Oguz Gorge, the Broken Heart and Seven Bulls Mountains that are very popular because of their beauty and about which you will be told a beautiful fairy tale by your tour guide. Your lunch will be in Bokonbaevo village in Talgat's house who is a famous hunter with golden eagles. Hunting with golden eagle is very popular in Kyrgyzstan and some countries of Central Asia and Talgat will tell us about this kind of hunting and in the afternoon we can do some photos of the birds. Talgat will also tell us the way he trains his birds of prey. Then while driving along the southern shore of Issyk - Kul Lake we will visit a private factory for producing yurts. After arrival in Kochkor village we will learn about national traditions and customs. You will witness the process of making traditional Kyrgyz carpets and even take a part in it! This night you will spend in a local family home stay. After it conventional dinner in a yurt, we will listen to a folk music.
Day 7: Kochkor - Bishkek (210 km - 5 h)
In the morning you will be transferred from Kochkor Village to Bishkek City. Upon arrival in Bishkek you will have spare time to go for shopping or to walk in the capital. Accommodation is in «Asia Mountains» Guesthouse. At 8 o'clock in the evening you will be collected from the guesthouse to have a farewell diner.
