Kyrgyzstan Summer Drive
Trip Overview
Kyrgyzstan epitomizes the nomadic charm of Central Asia. From stylishly dressed eagle hunters in traditional attire exhibiting their bird of prey, to rugged men playing Kok Boru (buzkashi or dead goat polo); a drive through this mountainous country is a rewarding experience at multiple levels. Embark on a self-drive road trip to Kyrgyzstan in a convoy of Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Pajero in May 2023, as the Kyrgyzstan Expedition winds its way from the capital Bishkek through high mountain passes like 33 Parrots Pass, along beautiful mountain lakes such as Issyk Kul & Song Kul, through Grigorievskoe and Semienovskoe gorges, and visit the mesmerizing waterfall falling from a high drop named ‘The Tears of a Leopard.’
About the trip
Duration
8 Nights / 9 Days
Trip Cost
INR 2,50,000 Per Person (EMI Option available)
Excluding 5% GST & 5% TCS
Trip style
Self Drive
Landscapes
Mountains, Off Roading, Lakes, Waterfalls, Gorges
Activities
Cruise, Eagle Hunting, Headless Goat Polo
Upcoming Dates
27 May – 4 June 2023
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Brochure
Route Map
Itinerary
Bishkek
On arrival in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, you will be transferred to the hotel, where you will meet your fellow travellers. Bishkek is situated in the Chu River valley, amidst beautiful sceneries all around. After a brief break, we visit the heart of the city – the Ala-Too Square where the State Historical Museum is also located. Enjoy a walk in Oak Park, one of the favourite places in town, and visit the Osh bazaar post lunch.
Bishkek – Burana – Cholpon-Ata (300 Km)
Today we head out for an important landmark of Kyrgyzstan – Burana Tower – through the mountain road via the village of Toguz-Bulak. The Burana Tower is an ancient minaret that was a funerary monument. Today you can see earthworks, remains of the castle and three mausoleums. This region was once the ancient Balasagun town, founded by the Karakhanid Khanate that ruled large parts of Central Asia and Persia. On the road we will stop in Iskra village to have lunch. In the evening enjoy a 2-hour private sunset cruise on Issyk-Kul Lake with views of snow-capped mountains of Tien Chan.
Cholpon-Ata – Gorges – Karakol (180 Km)
The Grigorievskoe and Semienovskoe gorges form the principal attractions today. Located on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, 60 kilometres from Cholpon Ata, these gorges offer untamed nature with hiking trails. Lunch at a local cafe, would be followed by a visit to an Orthodox Church and the famous Dungan Mosque.
Karakol – Karakol Ski Base – Reina Kench (70 Km)
Today after breakfast. Arrival at Karakol Ski-Base; we'll take a ski lift to Panorama Point Utilize the ski lift to return to the ski base after taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. Following that, depart for Reina Kench. After lunch at a nearby cafe, we will watch the Kyrgyz traditional horse game Kok-Boru, which is played by two teams on horsebacks. Appreciatethe speed of horses, the agility of the riders as they vie for the dead goat – the prize for the winning team.After Kok Baru, there will be time for archery/the Boorsok Show/and free time for sightseeing. After a long day of activity, we will return to Karakol.
Karakol – Jety Oguz – Barskoon– Bokonbaevo – Kochkor (290 Km)
Another day of nature immersion awaits as we head to the most sought-after attraction in Barskoon gorge, the sheer drop of the waterfall creates a lovely sound. Enjoy the tranquillity of the place. After lunch at Tamga Village, we drive to Skazka canyons en route to Bokonbaevo, where we will experience eagle hunters with their birds of prey. This is one of the signature experiences of Kyrgyzstan, as you witness eagles with wingspan of 6 feet fly with great speed and hunt with precision. It is one of the oldest traditions of Kyrgyz nomads.
Kochkor – Eki Naryn – Naryn (230 Km)
Our day starts with a visit to a felt making product unit. One of the important craft traditions of nomadic people of this region. Witness the technique of making felt products up close. Also, a fantastic opportunity for souvenir shopping! After this experience we head to Naryn. An off-roading stretch through the Eki-Naryn valley forms the highlight of today’s drive. Witness the confluence of two tributaries of the Naryn River merge en route. In Naryn, you will also be treated to a beautiful folk show performace
Naryn – Song Kul Waterfall – 33 Parrots Pass – Song Kul Lake (150 Km)
Song Kul Lake, located at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, is the showstopper attraction of the day. From Naryn the drive will take us through the 33 Parrots Pass at 3150 metres, before we arrive at Song Kul. The lake, surrounded by green meadows, long used by nomads for grazing their animals, is picturesque as it is remote. Stay at a Yurt camp here brings home the warmth and hospitality of local shepherds and offers an opportunity to learn about their way of life and customs. After lunch at the camp,free time at Son-Kul Lake. You can also take a walk by the shore of the lake, enjoy nature and spend time away from civilization.
Song Kul – Kyzyl OI – Bishkek (330 Km)
After experiencing the nomadic charms of the countryside, we head back to Bishkek. The road to Bishkek passes through mountain passes and a coalmine Kara Keche at 3364 metres. On the way we will stop at Kyzyl Oi village for lunch. Thereafter the drive to Bishkek via Suusamyr Valley and Too Ashuu mountain pass (3586 m) is a serene experience. From this pass, there is a clear view over the whole valley with green grass and Yurt camps. On arrival at Bishkek, you will now enjoy your farewell dinner.
Bishkek ( Departure)
After witnessing Kyrgyzstan's raw and unadulterated beauty, the expedition ends today. We'll leave for the airport, and as you embark on your flight home, we are sure there will be a lingering feeling in your heart to explore more of Central Asia.
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Useful information
Trip Inclusions
Accommodation (08 Nights on twin sharing basis) at Luxury hotels
Meal- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Private Airport transfers
Ski lift to Panorma Point 3000m
Kok-Boru (Ulak Tartysh) horse game (Karakol) – 1 hour Archery
Eagle Hunting
Folk Show (Naryn)
Boat Trip (Cholpon Ata) – 2 hour
Visits described in the program
Self-drive 4X4 pick-up trucks (4 people sharing 1 vehicle)
Fuel, toll fee and maintenance charges of the vehicle
Support car with all the necessary equipment
Adventures Overland crew and support team
Certified English speaking guide during transfers and site visits
Activities as per the itinerary
Adventures Overland Merchandise
Vehicle Branding
Visa Assistance
Trip Exclusions
Meals & Drinks other than listed in Itinerary
International air tickets
Kyrgyzstan visa fee
Medical & travel insurance
Refundable security deposit of vehicle
Porterage, Tip and Gratuity
Alcohol
Any cost arising out of unforeseen conditions like ill health, landblocks, 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 offbeat 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 and 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 offroad, it is simply that there are sections where the road is not paved.
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