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KYRGYZSTAN EXPEDITION

Trip Overview

A musical beginning to a picturesque journey, witness Kyrgyzstan in its supreme glory. From the brilliant Soviet era structures of the capital city Bishkek, to visiting a huge valley of colorful junipers, to experiencing the jaw-dropping, second largest mountain lake in the world nicknamed – Pearl of Kyrgyzstan. This ‘Pearl’ sits amidst two mountain ranges that form a shape of the necklace. While you are immersed in Kyrgyz cuisine and its natural beauty comprising rivers, valleys, mountains, and grasslands, you will get to try your hand at archery and see how racehorses are bred. You will also see horses grazing amidst these giant valleys. These are dream experiences for most travelers, especially nature buff. Additionally, have lunch at a village and enjoy folk shows, visit architectural sites with immense historical significance. Sometimes, you will also have to draw on your spirit of adventure to experience these stunning vistas as the drive leads through a bumpy canyon. Accompanying you in the canyon would be the peaceful sound of the river below and the greenery of fir trees all around. Then you get to witness the grandeur of Suusamyr valley and Kekemeren river, the most beautiful river in Kyrgyzstan. It is an adventure that will leave you with a thought of revisiting this scenic destination.

About the trip

Duration

8 Nights / 9 Days

Trip Cost

INR 250000 + 5% GST Per Person (EMI Option Available)

Trip style

Self Drive

Landscapes

Mountains, Off Roading, Lakes, Waterfalls, Gorges

Activities

Horse Riding, Cruise, Eagle Hunting, Headless Goat Polo

Upcoming Dates

27th May – 4th June 2023

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Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Bishkek

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan and its capital city Bishkek. You will meet our local team at Manas airport, who will facilitate your transfer to the hotel. You may choose to relax in the hotel or take a stroll nearby. Day at leisure.

DAY 2

Ala-Archa and Chunkurchak Gorge (120 km)

After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, travel to the Ala-Archa national park and let yourself be subsumed in the magnificence of Kyrgyz nature. From Bishkek, Ala-Archa is a scenic 40 km drive on the slopes of Kyrgyz Ala-Too. In Kyrgyz language, Ala-too means ‘snowy mountains’ and Ala-Archa translates to ‘motley juniper’. True to its name, Ala-Archa is covered by a substantial number of junipers in a variety of colors that makes the gorge a delight to view. A little after noon, you will see the spectacular region of Chunkurchak. It is a sharp valley, nestled amidst breathtaking and peaceful countryside wherein you will get to enjoy your lunch at the ethno-restaurant Supara. The restaurant and valley are reminders of the delectable flavors and great natural beauty of the Central Asian region. Travel back to Bishkek in the evening and stroll around the city or rest in your hotel.

DAY 3

Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata (270 km)

After an energizing breakfast in the morning, you begin your day with a drive to Tokmok town in northern Kyrgyzstan. In this drive through the mountainous road, you will see the iconic Burana Tower – one of the most impressive architectural sites in Kyrgyzstan, steeped in history.Thereon,drive to Cholpon-Ata, to experience the most stunning lake in Kyrgyzstan – Issyk-Kul Lake. This lake is nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Kyrgyzstan’ as it looks like a small bead etched to a chain of mountain ridges. It is also the second biggest mountain lake in the world. The ‘Pearl’ is at a height of 1609 meters above sea level and the necklace of the Pearl comprises two mountain ranges whose names are as poetic as that of the lake. One is named Terskey-Ala-Too (turned from the Sun) and the other is Kungey-Ala-Too (turned to the Sun). Spend the evening amidst the glory of the lake and mountains and rest at night in the hotel by the shore of the lake.

DAY 4

Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata (270 km)

DAY 5

Cholpon-Ata – Karakol (200 km)

You will drive through a loop to and Grigoriev gorge for another memorable experience. Rivers running from the glacier and horses running in mountainous terrain, will leave you feeling whether you were in a dreamland. That is not all though! The next stop will be at Reina-kench farm for lunch. It is an activity filled farm where you can try archery and take a walk around the farm, but the highlight of this place is the close look you will get of the racehorse that are bred there. You will also see here the regality of these stunning animals in the national horse game – Ulak Tartysh. Just towards the end of evening, we will visit the city of Karakol. It is a holy town where we will see the ancient Dungan Mosque, and Holy Trinity Wooden Church. The church was first built without a single nail! We may also visit Prjevalsky museum that is 15 km from town. Rest well at your luxury hotel at night. Tomorrow is an adventure.

DAY 6

Karakol – Kochkor (350 km)

This is the day you will have the most difficult driving experience on this trip. A bumpy ride through the mountains that is over 100 km will test your driving skills. However, this drive will in equal measure be stunning because of the picturesque greenery all around you and the sound of the swirling river at the bottom of canyon. The road sometimes almost grinds to the rocks. This drive is considerably higher up from the river and yet the mountains, obviously, are even higher. The fir trees surround the canyon and almost look like taiga regions. Downstream of Small Naryn valley, human habitat re-enters the landscape and you can see the houses of livestock breeders. However, most of them are in ruins harking back to the Soviet era. After this long but spell binding journey, you get to Kochkor village. A delectable dinner, and a visit to the museum of ethnographic handmade souvenirs are highlights. Check-in to your luxury hotel and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

DAY 7

Kochkor – Suusamyr Valley – Bishkek (350 km)

The penultimate day of your journey will be an invigorating drive to Suusamyr valley through Djumgal valley. The landscapes feel like a work of art to say the least. Suusamyr is a huge area of land and a river flowing by will rejuvenate you from the tough drive yesterday. Djumgal valley is equally big, only drier. For lunch, stop at Kyzyl-Oi village and enjoy a folk show for your entertainment. The drive to Suusamyr valley is a fascinating experience as you drive along one of the most beautiful rivers in Kyrgyzstan – Kekemeren. Through the wondrous mountains and valleys, you will reach Suusamyr. And from there, the drive will take you over the Tua-Ashu pass towards Bishkek.

DAY 8

Departure

We believe that the journey never ends for people who go on a trip with Adventures Overland. It is an experience that we will never forget, and we are certain that you won’t too! We will see you off at the airport. Goodbye until next time!

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Testimonials

A collection of stories and experiences of the Adventures Overland travellers from around the world which portray the exact moments we strive to live for.

Every expedition is loaded with the most memorable sensory experiences.

Rina Bhansali

Product Director - OTO CBD, London

Someone in convoy rightly said that the road to heaven is bound to be tough. Phenomenal.

Dr Abhijit Deo

Orthopaedic, practises in Nagpur

My journey continues with AO to fulfil my quest to explore the world.

Dilpreet Singh Bindra

Director Operations at JW Marriott

Fantastic experience and Adventures Overland team made sure everyone had a great time.

Nishita Shalin Sarvaiya

Director, Adam Exports

Russia 2018 | Spiti 2018 | Jordon 2018 | Iceland 2019 | Uttarakhand Drive 2020

I have travelled thrice now - Russia 2018, Jordan 2018 and Lahaul & Spiti 2019 with them. It’s not the destinations but the journeys that matter.

Nainesh Nandu

Director, Krome Realtors LLP

Russia 2018 | Jordan 2018 | Spiti 2019 Iceland 2019

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Useful information

Trip Inclusions

Accommodation (7 Nights on twin sharing basis) at luxury hotels and camps
Meal – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Airport Transfers
Self-drive 4X4 vehicle (4 participants sharing 1 vehicle)
Fuel, toll fee and maintenance charges of the vehicle
Support car with all the necessary equipment
All activities as per the itinerary
Adventures Overland crew and support team
Certified English speaking guide during transfers and site visit
Adventures Overland Merchandise
Vehicle Branding
Visa Assistance

Trip Exclusions

Meals and drinks other than listed in the itinerary
International air ticket
Kyrgyzstan Visa Fee
Medical and travel insurance etc.
Refundable Security Deposit for vehicle
Porterage, Tip and Gratuity
Lunch on day 1
Alcohol
Any cost arising out of unforeseen conditions like ill health, land blocks, bad weather etc.
Any charges for carrying Video Camera or Still Camera
Any activity not mentioned in inclusions
Any expense of personal nature
5% GST
5% TCS

Cancellation Policy

10% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is cancelled before 60 days of the departure date
25% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is cancelled within 60 – 45 days of the departure date
50% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is cancelled within 45 – 30 days of the departure date
100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is cancelled within 30 days of departure date

Refund Policy

In case of cancellation, the refund will be made in 15 working days as per the cancellation policy and subtracting 5% GST on the deposited amount.
The refund will be made to the same account/mode through which transfers have been received

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of expeditions do you organise?

Adventures Overland offers two types of Expeditions – Fixed Departures and Customized Tours. As part of our Fixed Departures, you will be self-driving your (or a rented vehicle) in a convoy of vehicles that is always led by at least one support vehicle and 2 crew members. For a bigger convoy, we provide a lead and a sweep vehicle. Customized Tours are those where you travel on your own chosen dates and we can customize the route as per your preferences.
For such journeys, we make all necessary travel arrangements including hotel bookings, permits, excursions and if required, we can send a support team with the group.

In which parts of the world do you organize expeditions?

We organize expeditions all around the world in 6 continents every year. We organize fly anddrive expeditions in Jordan, Russia, Iceland, Alaska, Mongolia, South America, Africa and Australia where you don’t need to bring a vehicle as the vehicle is included as part of the package.

What kind of people travel on your expeditions?

Since 2012, we have been proudly putting together off beat and luxury bespoke tours all
around the world for solo travelers, families, couples and senior citizens who come from
different walks of life and comprise of entrepreneurs, professionals, industrialists, doctors, creative minds etc. mostly aged 35 years & above.

Are your expeditions suitable for solo woman travellers and families?

Our expeditions are ideal for solo travelers (male and female) and families with kids. The
average male female ratio on most of our expeditions is 60:40. Families, couples and senior citizens join us frequently in all kinds of expeditions.

Is driving mandatory on these expeditions?

Driving is NOT mandatory on any of our expeditions and you are most welcome to enjoy the journey, sit back and relax while someone else is behind the wheel!

How much driving experience do I need to join an expedition?

Drivers must be a minimum 25 years old. We expect you to be a confident and competent
driver, with plenty of driving experience. You should normally have held your driver’s
license for a minimum of two years. Please also note that most of our expeditions include
sections of gravel or dirt roads, as stated in the Expedition Summary. We never travel off
road; it is simply that there are sections where the road is not paved.

Our expeditions call for all participants to be good team players, who are flexible and
adaptable when things do not go as planned and will muck in as requested by the Expedition
Leader. Self sufficiency is important and being able to manage yourself – your well being,
hygiene & health – is vital, together with having a good sense of humour. Overland
travel can be challenging and bring up the most unexpected of situations. This means that
you will all be expected to work together as a team to resolve any problems we may
encounter, but always subject to the authority of the Expedition Leader.

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