Kyrgyzstan is a multi-ethnic country with more than 80 ethnic groups living harmoniously together. During your tour you will see the lifestyles of these different groups. Each day you will be invited into a house from a family of a different ethnic background to cook different foods and partake in a cultural programme. You will learn how to make Kyrgyz carpets the old-fashioned way and sing countless traditional songs. The landscape of Kyrgyzstan is just as memorable as the local cultures you will discover. Seeing the Teskey-Ala-Too and the breathtaking Ala-Too mountain range will make an incredible impression on you.
Transport: Minibus with A/C, 160 km, 2 hours
Karakol sits against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, its grid pattern of streets lined with trees. We’ll begin our exploration on foot in the nearby village of Pristan, located on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake. Our guide will lead you through the museum dedicated to the life of Russian explorer and traveller, Nikolai Przewalski. He made countless journeys through Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian destinations. Our next stop is at the bazaar where we can once again see a variety of produce offering clues to the ethnic diversity common in these parts. This is also plain to see in Karakol’s architecture. We’ll see firsthand as we visit the Dungan Mosque. It was built in 1904 by Dungan migrants who came from China and it’s special in that it uses no nails in its construction. In complete contrast, the Russian Orthodox Church dates from 1869 and has been sympathetically restored after being repurposed during Soviet times as an educational center and coal store. Any Karakol city tour is not complete without seeing the Karakol Historical Museum with its new exhibition about Ella Maillard. She was a famous Swiss traveler that took many pictures of Karakol in the 1930s. It’s fascinating to see how her photographs differ from the cityscape we see today. Tonight will be another night of cooking, this time with the Dungan people. Although the Dungan people come from China they also have an Arabic background. The Dungan people are famous for their Ashlan-Foo, a spicy noodle dish. Any Kyrgyz person who knows their food will tell you that the best Ashlan-Foo comes from Karakol. Tonight will be spent in the same guesthouse next to the Karakol River. Sit back, relax and enjoy this tranquil setting.
What is the history of the Dungan people in Kyrgyzstan?
The Dungan originated in the Kansu and Shensi provinces of northwestern China. Today, there are people from Kansu living in the mountains and valleys of Kyrgyzstan and people from Shensi living in Kazakhstan. The Dungan arrived in Central Asia as poor peasants after their defeat by the Chinese Emperor in the Dungan Revolt which took place between 1862 and 1877. Culturally, the Dungan are Chinese; their language is greatly influenced by Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. As a rule, many Dungan speak the Kazakh language in addition to their own, while young people also speak Russian. Their language, Dungani, is based on Mandarin Chinese but uses the Cyrillic script. It has only three tones instead of four.
After a big breakfast, we’re going to take you to Altyn-Arashan Gorge. The direct translation of Altyn-Arashan from Kyrgyz is “Golden Spring”. It’s famous for its hot springs and Russian-style log cabin guesthouses which are located at an altitude of 2600m. The water contains minute traces of radon which locals believe has health-enhancing properties. Whether that’s true or not, from the hot springs you’ll have an extraordinary view of the snow-capped mountains that surround this beautiful place. After lunch you will be transferred back to Karakol to be welcomed to a local Uzbek household. Uzbeks that live in Kyrgyzstan live a different lifestyle to Uzbeks back in Uzbekistan, but they take their duty to uphold their ethnic traditions very seriously. If there’s one thing you must try while you’re in Karakol, it’s Uzbek Plov. This is a rice-based meal cooked with meat, carrots and oil, but of course, there’s a secret ingredient: a special style of cooking that only Uzbeks know. You will be able to befriend them to learn about the techniques they use as well as finding out a little more about their culture. Overnight will be spent in the same guesthouse where you can talk with the local family about your experience in Karakol.
What’s the history of the Uzbek people in Kyrgyzstan?
The Uzbeks are a Turkic people from Central Asia. They comprise the majority population of Uzbekistan, while large populations can also be found in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia. The roots of the Uzbek people stretch back for many millennia, while the identity of modern Uzbeks has been shaped by more recent events. Different tribes and people have inhabited Central Asia and have made contributions to the modern Uzbek population. During the time of the ancient Silk Road, Uzbek traders were travelling by caravan to Kyrgyzstan and some stayed to live here.
Today you will be transferred to the Djety-Oguz Valley which features in many Kyrgyz legends. You’ll be staying in a Uighur-run yurt camp located right on the river banks. In this very special landscape, there’ll be the opportunity to wander in the company of local shepherds, taking a guide with you to translate some of the stories you’ll be told. Two of the most popular legends in these parts are that of the “Seven Bulls” and “The Broken Heart” – we won’t spoil the surprise if we tell you that these stories are as much a part of the mountains as the rocks themselves. If you wish to spread your wings and reach a little further, then there are horses that can be saddled for you to ride. If you’re keen to hike on foot, then a popular trail leads you to the Maiden Tears Waterfall, or instead to the base of Oguz Bashi Peak whose summit reaches 5170m. For dinner, we’ll serve shish kebab, smoked cubes of lamb or beef barbecued over an open fire. The fat sizzles as it drips onto the flames, leaving the meat tender and juicy in your mouth. You can help your hosts cook before heading to bed where you’ll drift off to sleep accompanied by the calming sounds of the river.
What is the history of Djety-Oguz?
Let us tell you a legend about the rock formations around here. A Kyrgyz Khan stole the wife of another, who sought advice from a “wise man” about how he could wreak his revenge. The wise man was reluctant to give advice but in the end relented, telling the Khan that he should kill his wife and give the body to his rival. “Let him own a dead wife, not a living one.” The Khan made his plans and at a funeral feast arranged to sit next to his stolen wife. As the last of the nine bulls were being slaughtered as part of the customary ritual, he took out his knife and stabbed her. From her heart gushed blood and other fluids, which carried the bulls away down the valley. Where they came to rest, they became these cliffs.
Over the last week we’ve shown you just how ethnically diverse our beloved Kyrgyzstan is, but now it’s time to make our way back to the capital, Bishkek. On the way, we’ll make one last stop at Boom Gorge for an al fresco lunch. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic, the terracotta rock of the valley sides the perfect contrast to the blue of the sky and the river. Back in the city, there’ll be time to visit a few souvenir shops. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a folklore show. A small group of Kyrgyz musicians will play an assortment of traditional instruments for you and perform some well-known folk songs.
Transfer to the airport. Sadly, it’s time to fly home, but we hope you’ll come back to explore other Central Asian countries.
Bishkek – City Tour
Karakol – City Tour
Altyn-Arashan hot springs
Felt carpet workshop
The Kyrgyz currency is called the Som (KGS). In the capital Bishkek there are many ATMs that you can find in shopping centers, supermarkets or on the main streets. All of them accept Visa cards and some, like Kyrgyz Kommerts Bank, Demir Bank and Uni Credit accept other cards such as MasterCard or Maestro card. Outside of Bishkek, we don’t recommend relying on ATMs as there are so few of them. We also recommend that you bring some cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible at most places, except for high-end restaurants, hotels and a small number of international stores. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is the most liberal and democratic country in the Central Asian region. For the last seven years, the political situation in the country has been calm and there is nothing to suggest that this situation might change. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night and only use official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kyrgyz partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of most Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. To be sure whether you need a visa or not you can check on www.thevisamachine.com. Any special permits that you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide to you free of charge.
As soon as we receive your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kyrgyzstan.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. In the Ferghana Valley in the south and in capital Bishkek, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated more than 1500 meters above the sea level, where temperatures are in the mid-20s during summer. At high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer, so make sure you bring some warm clothes. The best season to visit for activity or jeep tours would be in summer and winter for skiing tours. Please note, weather in some mountain areas may be very changeable.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kyrgyzstan are basic at best.
