+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Home to spectacular snow-capped mountains and rolling summer pastures, Kyrgyzstan is a land created for romance and adventure. Amongst the yurt-dwelling nomads of Central Asia, you ll travel across a landscape of quite breathtaking scope and beauty, as you journey from the bustling bazaars of Bishkek and into the foothills of the spectacular Mountains of Heaven. Beginning in the Kyrgyzstan capital, you ll have a chance to soak up some of the rich contrasts of its soviet past, before heading across the classic Asian steppes towards the Tian Shan Mountains. Here, amongst some of the most stunning beauty in Central Asia, you ll have time to swim in alpine lakes and hike and ride through river valleys and across the summer pasturelands of the Kyrgyz nomads. Enjoying the contrasting mix of traditional nomadic yurts and comfortable hotels, this spectacular adventure then ends with an unforgettable helicopter ride across the majestic mountains of the Ala Archa National Park, where a high alpine picnic provides the perfect end to a perfect honeymoon. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the serene beauty of glittering alpine lakes and the Tian Shan Mountains Hike and cycle across the summer pasturelands of the Kyrgyz nomads Camp in traditional yurts beside hot springs and the flowing waters of the Narin River Take an unforgettable helicopter flight across the breathtaking Ala Archa National Park TOUR INCLUDES: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: BISHKEK Arriving in the Kyrgyzstan capital today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After a chance to freshen up, you will then meet up with your guide for a short sightseeing tour around the city. Originally a caravan stop along the old Silk Road through the Tian Shan Mountains, the city later went on to play a key role in the Russian revolutions of 1905 and 1917. Your tour will include visits to the vast Independence Square and the city's bustling Osh Bazaar. (B) DAY 2: BISHKEK - CHOLPON ATA Leaving the city behind you'll head towards the towering peaks of the snowcapped Tian Shan Mountains this morning, heading first towards the landscapes of the Chu Valley and the impressive 11th century Burana Tower. From here you'll then continue on to Lake Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world. Stopping to visit the ancient petroglyphs that lie scattered along the northern shore, you'll then complete the journey to your beachside hotel. (B) DAY 3: CHOLPON ATA The jagged peaks of the Tian Shan range provide the perfect backdrop, as you enjoy a day relaxing beside the waters of the lake. In spite of its depth (the lake reaches over 660 metres at its centre), the shallower waters are surprisingly warm, being heated by geothermal activity which prevents the lake from freezing during the cold Kyrgyzstan winters. Be aware though, there are no lifeguards on the beaches and the lake is located some 1,600 metres above sea level, so the sun's rays will be much stronger here. (B) DAY 4: CHOLPON ATA - KARAKOL Following the edge of the lake you'll travel on to the charming town of Karakol today, on its eastern shore. After settling in to your hotel, this afternoon affords an opportunity to take a walk through the town, taking in its rows of Russian houses and its historic mosque. On Sundays the town plays host to a large cattle market that attracts local nomads, sheep, horses and cows from across the region. (B) DAY 5: KARAKOL - JETY OGUZ - BOKONBAEVO This morning you will take a walk through the beautiful alpine landscapes of the Jety Oguz Canyon (Seven Bull Rocks), with its sandstone rock formations, waterfalls and stirring mountain views. Continuing on towards the lake's southern shore from here, you then head towards the village of Bokonbaevo, where you will spend the night in a local guesthouse. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: BOKONBAEVO - JAILOO YURT CAMP Setting off on foot this morning you head through the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains towards a remote yurt camp set up on the Jailoo (summer pastures) of the Kyrgyz nomads. These pasturelands form part of the deeply held traditions of these nomadic herders and this afternoon you will have a chance to meet a local eagle hunter and take a walk through these timeless and culturally revered landscapes. (B,L,D) DAY 7: JAILOO YURT CAMP - TON PIRIVAL PASS - HOT SPRINGS CAMP Today you'll set out to cross the high slopes of the Ton Pirival Pass (4,100 metres). A tough day of some nine hours of walking, the views across the Tian Shan range (The Mountains of Heaven) more than compensate for the climb up there. Stopping to enjoy a breathtaking picnic along the way, you'll then descend to the river, to spend the evening camped beside a hot spring. (B,L,D) DAY 8: HOT SPRINGS CAMP - LITTLE NARYN RIVER Switching from two feet to two wheels today, you'll follow a remote track that follows the course of the Naryn River, to mountain bike through a classic scene of Asian steppes and high snow covered mountains. Day's end then finds you encamped in a narrow forested gorge. (B,L,D) DAY 9: LITTLE NARYN RIVER Continuing on the bikes today, you'll stay close to the river as you head first towards a crystal pool for a refreshing swim. The waters of the Naryn River begin amongst the high peaks of the Tian Shan and flow on into neighbouring Uzbekistan. The longest river in the country (at 535 kilometres), it ends its journey in the inland waters of the Aral Sea. Continuing through the Kyrgyzstan countryside after your swim, you'll then head for your overnight guesthouse. (B,L,D) DAY 10: LITTLE NARYN RIVER - SON KUL A drive through the northern province of Naryn today takes you through some of the country's most breathtaking scenery. Your destination is the high alpine lake of Son Kul (3,000 metres), the largest freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan. Surrounded by mountains and home to nomadic herders during the summer months, these spectacular panoramas take in the great expanse of the Son Kul Valley. This afternoon offers a chance for a well-earned rest beside this most picturesque of lakes, or perhaps the opportunity to visit a local nomadic family. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: SON KUL Today has been set aside to head out on foot or horseback, to make the most of this spectacular mountain landscape. The second largest lake in the country, after Issyk Kul, and surrounded by broad summer pastureland, the lake lies sandwiched between the Son Kul Too ridge and the Borbor Alabas and Moldo Too Mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop for your day's exploring. (B,L,D) DAY 12: SON KUL - BISHKEK Drive back to Bishkek today and check into your five star spa hotel on the outskirts of the city. (B) DAY 13: BISHKEK - ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK Lying some 40 kilometres to the south of the capital, the Ala Archa National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Few visitors get to see it laid out in all its majestic glory though. Today you will fly over its peaks and forest by helicopter, providing a chance for some unforgettable views and a picnic lunch high up amongst the mountain landscapes. There should also be an opportunity for some climbing and walking today, or you could just lay back and enjoy the view. (B,L) DAY 14: BISHKEK You will be transferred to the airport today for your return flight home. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BISHKEK GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL Golden Tulip Bishkek Hotel is a 4 star hotel in the city centre of Bishkek, close to the museums, theatres and Main Square. It combines a personal touch by the owner with true international four star standards. The friendly multilingual and proactive staff will be at your service to offer you comfort and convenience during your stay. All of the sixty four comfortable rooms are fully equipped with all necessities and amenities and come in multiple categories; Standard, Superior, Suite, Deluxe or Presidential Suite. Through the elegant lobby you can reach the sport club and the Sapphire Restaurant, serving an à la carte menu of French, Italian and Lebanese cuisine. In the evenings, socialize on the summer terrace with a drink from the Forbes Bar and Restaurant. JANNAT RESORT Located in the mountains just outside Bishkek, the four star Jannat Resort hotel is a quiet escape where you will inhale deeper pure mountain air, arrange a tea ceremony on the mountainside or watch the peaceful flow of the river, all without giving up the comforts of a four star hotel. The eighty five en suite rooms are all comfortably fitted with king sized beds and provide picturesque mountain views. The main hotel restaurant serves a buffet of Swedish food, and the recently opened Terrace restaurant serves a variety of European dishes. There is also a lobby bar where guests can enjoy a drink, or you can relax with a massage in the hotel spa and take a dip in the large indoor pool. KARAKOL AMIR HOTEL Built in 2006, the Amir Hotel offers the best accommodation available in Karakol and is the only hotel with private facilities. Located in the centre of the town and only a five minute walk from the Pobedy Park, this two star hotel features seventeen comfortable rooms. A tasty buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant, and lunch and dinner are served on request, with Central Asian and European dishes being offered. Make sure to reserve the Russian Banja in the hotel garden, divided into a resting room, a wet area and a sauna. SON KUL LAKE
SONG KUL YURT CAMP This authentic yurt camp provides the ultimate adventure experience, sleeping in traditional nomadic tents beside the beautiful Son Kul. Surrounded by roaming herds of cattle, horses and goats, the snow-capped peaks and an impressive alpine lake, the camp has an inspiring backdrop to the puffing yurt chimneys and nomadic life. The camp itself is comprised of ten cosy yurts with original décor and traditional Kyrgyz Felt carpets each of which sleeps up to five people. With simple wooden beds, clean bed linen, blankets, pillows and a stove lit each night before dinner, your stay will be both warm and comfortable. Nearby there are two larger yurts used for dining where you can sample hearty local cooking and even fresh fish caught from the lake. After a full day s activities, riding, walking and exploring the surrounding area, a session in the camp s homemade, rustic sauna is a relaxing experience. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com