“Hi, it's us, Georgina and Lee Ling”
Have you always wonder how is it to live in a yurt and ride the horse like how the nomads are? Nomads aren't just found in Mongolia, the Kyrgyz still practices a nomadic way of life just like how their ancient ancestors. Kyrgyzstan is also known as Switzerland of Asia, where famous Tian Shan Mountainous regions are. It was also once an important silk road stop-over between Asia and Europe, then blended it with the strong Russian influence as it was part of USSR till 1991. And a little-known fact, Kyrgyzstan has the world's largest walnut trees forest.
At a glimpse, this is what we will be experiencing:
We will start off our journey in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Visiting the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the History Museum, National Philharmonic and so forth. We will then head to Ala Archa gorge, that was once only accessible for the VIPs of the Soviet Times.
Ala Archa National Park
The next day we will be visiting the Asian Bazaar, then head off to Tue Ashuu pass at over 3,000 metres, this road is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Kyrgyzstan. We will have lots of opportunities for taking beautiful pictures along our way. View of Tian Shan mountains
Asian Bazaar at Bishkek
Sunset view
The next day we will continue our drive to the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, Son Kul Lake. Nomads come to this wonderful place and herders of the Naryn region come to the lake for its pastures. We will stay in their nomad's yurt for the next 2 days. Son Kul Lake
Son Kul Lake Yurt
Son Kul Lake Yurt
Son Kul Lake
Horse riding alongside the vast Son Kul Lake
We will then head to Tash Rabat Caravanserai on the Great Silk Road, possibly the most well preserved and impressive stone Caravanserai from the 14th century, an important stop-over for the silk road traders. It is said to have 31 rooms but some people thought it is more. This Caravanserai is located at the very heart of Tian Shan Mountains and was built of stone blocks from the mountain.
Tash Rabat Caravanserai
We then head to Kochkor village, we may have a chance to weave our carpets. Gorge on the way to Kochkor village
We will continue our journey to Issyk Kul southern shore, second largest alpine lake in the world. The lake is called "the pearl of Central Asia". For more than 1500 years local people considered the lake to be a sacred one. We will then head to famous gorge of Jeti Oguz, Red Rocks.Issyk Kul Lake
Issyk Kul Lake evening
Karakol Valley
We will then head to Dungan mosque, built in Chinese style without using a single metal nail, then leave for southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. This is a great chance to see the whole lake from all sights. Staying over at Chon Kemin village.Issyk Kul Lake
The next day we will ride the horse for 3 hours. We will ride up to the mountains and through the mountain forest. I hope we can reach the top and we will get to see the panorama view of the gorge. Then we will head back to Bishkek, visiting Burana Tower along the way. It is a minaret from the 11th century. The Burana Tower was used during the Great Silk Road as a sign for travellers that there was a city wit a rest stop.Chon Kemin Valley
Chon Kemin Valley
Chon Kemin Valley
Itinerary:
Day 1
0825 hrs: Meet at Changi Airport and leave for Bishek
2240 hrs: Fly to Bishek via Dubai
Day 2
0540 hrs: Arrive Bishek
0800 hrs: Start Bishek 1 day tour, then to Ala Archa Gorge.
1900 hrs: Overnight at Bishek hotel
Day 3
0800 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Visit Asian Bazaar
1030 hrs: Drive to Kyzyl Oi village, driving to Tue Ashuu pass at 3000 meters high and one of the most beautiful roads in Kyrgyzstan.
1700 hrs: Overnight in homestay
Highlight Tue Ashuu pass
Day 4
0800 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Drive to Son Kul Lake, the 2nd highest lake in Kyrgyzstan
1700 hrs: Overnight in yurts
Highlight Son Kul lake, nomads
Day 5
0800 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Horse riding and meet the real nomads
1700 hrs: Overnight in yurts
Highlight Son Kul lake, nomads
Day 6
0800 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Drive to Tash Rabat Caravanserai, located at the very heart of Tian Shan Mountains
1700 hrs: Overnight in yurts
Highlight Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Day 7
0700 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Leave for Kochkor village which is over 3000 meters high.
1800 hrs: Overnight in homestay
Highlight Kochkor village
Day 8
0730 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Leave for celestial Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world, the pearl of Central Asia, Jeti Oguz, visit a local eagle hunter
1800 hrs: Overnight in guesthouse
Highlight The pearl of Central Asia and Jeti Oguz
Day 9
0730 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Leave for Chon Kemin
1000 hrs: Visiting Dungan mosque, old wooden Orthodox Church, driving along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, swim in the lake
1800 hrs: Overnight in homestay
Highlight Issyk Kul Lake
Day 10
0730 hrs: Breakfast
0830 hrs: Leave for Bishkek
1000 hrs: Visiting the Burana Tower and the open air museum of Balbans
1800 hrs: Overnight in Bishkek hotel
Highlight Burana Tower
Day 11
0845 hrs: Fly back Dubai
1800 hrs: Reach Dubai T1
2145 hrs: Fly back to Singapore
Day 12
0815 hrs: Reach Singapore
Things to bring:
1) Cold weather outdoor attire as it can be 0 degrees and lower at night, warm weather clothing as temperature can be as high as mid 20s
2) Sleeping bag
3) Not shy about nature toilets
4) Room slippers
Accommodation condition:
1) There are no showers only toilets when staying in the yurts and the toilets are outside. The heater will start when we are about to sleep.
2) Kochkor and Chon Kemin homestays shower and toilet are in corridor with heater in the room.
3) Kyzyl Oi homestay toilet and shower are outside with heater in the room.
4) Naryn and Karakol guesthouse showers and toilets are in the room with heater in the room.
I had a amazing trip with a group of friendly and warm tour mates. Carly was such an assuring tour leader. Excellent and safe Vietnamese driver, Jerry. well spoken English Vietnamese guide Tommy. I enjoyed myself very much and look forward for another trip!
Excellent short trip with beautiful verdant countryside and charming local tribal people not corrupted by tourism yet . Be prepared for long drive on narrow winding mountain roads.
Best trip ever ! Everyone laughed and enjoyed the hols as if we have known each other all our lives instead of meeting for the first time ! Everyone kept their cool when faced with an unforseen delay . The scenery at Ha Giang is simply superb . There are so many small towns within the mountains with... Read more
Georgina was great in: 1) giving reminders so that people can un-RSVP for others on wait list to get a spot. 2) giving clear instructions, photos, links on how to get to the meeting point, 3)explaining why everyone had to be on time and what the program is expected to be and when it might end. ... Read more
My wife, son and I never regret of signing up this trip. My 8 year old son enjoyed the walk on the rocky beach. Best moment of the walk was that we came closed to the corals, crabs ???? and ???? shrimps. Thank you threeplaygrounds!