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ESSENCE OF KYRGYZSTAN
Day 1 London to Bishkek
Depart London Heathrow on the BMI flight overnight to Bishkek via Almaty (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday only).
Day 2 Bishkek
Arrive Bishkek in the early morning where you will be met and transferred to the Silk Road Lodge (room reserved from the previous night).
The capital and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is a city of wide avenues, handsome buildings and Soviet heritage. The gesturing statue of Lenin can still be seen in the city’s vast central square, yet it is the permanently snow capped Kyrgyz Alatau mountain range which towers over Bishkek providing a quite stunning backdrop. Today enjoy a full day sightseeing in and around the city. Places of particular interest include the blue-steepled Orthodox Church on Jibek Jolu, a well preserved Russian wooden house and the Frunze House-Museum – the place of birth of the Russian revolutionary who was a major player in the October revolution. (B/L/D)
Day 3 Bishkek
In the morning drive to Ala–Archa National Natural Park located in a picturesque gorge of Ala Archa 40 km from Bishkek. On the way stop at a traditional Kyrgyz cemetery and visit the Gumbez (mausoleum) of Baitik Baatyr, the local respected tribal leader. At the National Park you can easily hike along the main gorge of Ala Archa and back to enjoy views of the magnificent peaks of Kyrgyz Alatau Ridge (Tien Shan Mountains). Drive back to Bishkek for lunch or enjoy a picnic lunch in mountains. In the afternoon visit Osh Bazaar, the largest and busiest market in the city. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Bishkek to Issyk–Kul Lake – 183 kms
In the morning drive for one hour to Burana Tower (an old minaret) near Tokmok city. The minaret was constructed in Balasagun town; one of the capitals of the Karakhanid State in the 11th Century. Explore the ruins of this important trading point on the Great Silk Road and visit a local museum explaining more about the civilization. Also view a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombs. Lunch will be served in a family house in Tokmok, where you can learn about the lives of the local people.
In the afternoon drive to Issyk–Kul Lake. Extremely deep and warmed by thermal activity, over the centuries the lake has been something of an oasis in this inhospitable mountain environment. With diverse flora and fauna Issyk–Kul Lake and the surrounding environments are rightly considered to be one of Central Asia most remarkable locations. Stay for three nights at the Karven Four Seasons Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Issyk–Kul Lake to Karakol
In the morning visit Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs, the open air temple of the Scythian and Hungsun civilizations. Continue to Karakol town situated in the east of the lake area, visiting the museum of N. M. Przhevalski on the way. Lunch in a local restaurant serving Dungan cuisine. After lunch visit the Dungan mosque, a unique Chinese style construction serving as a mosque. Also see the old Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Stay two nights at the Сaprice Hotel in the Karakol gorge. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Karakol
In the morning hike along the gorge. Stop for a picnic lunch before returning to your hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Issyk–Kul Lake to Bishkek – 183 kms
This morning return by car to Bishkek along the southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake. Along the way visit the Djety Oguz gorge, meaning ‘Seven Bulls’ in Kyrgyz. This picturesque gorge is so named because of its red sandstone formations. Stay one night at the Silk Road Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Bishkek to London
Early morning transfer to Bishkek airport for BMI flight (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday only) to London via Almaty, arriving London Heathrow in the afternoon local time. (B)
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – ESSENCE OF KYRGYZSTAN
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £1,965.00. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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