Kyrgyzstan horse riding: Tour 2

Destination: Kyrgyzstan

Activity: Horse riding

Duration: 12 days

Places to visit: Bishkek - Chon Kemin valley - Tamga - Chong Kyzyl Suu -  pass Karatakia -  gorge Kitchi Kyzyl Suu - Gorge Jukutshak - gorge Ashu-Kashka Suu - Lake Kashka-Suu - river Kumtor - Arabel Suu - Chokoli Lakes - Bishkek

The Kyrgyz very often use the following proverb "Horse is men's wings". Horses played a vital role in the nomad's life since ancient times. It was almost impossible to survive without a horse in the mountainous country of Tien - Shan. During the tour you will be riding a horse along one of the parts of the Great Silk Road that passed through the territory of Kyrgyzstan. This tour uncovers for you the chance to get acquaint with Kyrgyz traditions; try the national drink Kumis (fermented mare's milk) and delicious national dishes.

Tour summary:

Day 1: Bishkek - Chon Kemin valley
You will be met by your guide in the International Airport of Manas and accompanied to Bishkek City (30 min. drive). In Bishkek, after having breakfast, the entire day will be devoted to a guided Bishkek City Tour, including lunch.  During this sightseeing tour  we will visit  the central Ala-Too Square, Oak Park (Duboviy Park), Victory Square (Pobeda Square), the History Museum, National Concert hall and the monument of Manas (legendary hero of the Kyrgyz people), Oriental Bazaar, Art Gallery and many other places that provoke your interest. Transfer to Chon Kemin valley to the Guesthouse of Kalmak-Ashuu, where you also will spend overnight. On the way, we will visit the Burana Tower -minaret of the 11 century and its attached Balbans (stone warriors) open air museum. Your dinner will be served at 7 pm.
 

Day 2: Chon Kemin valley - Tamga
7 o'clock breakfast. Afterwards, you will start your (380 km, 6h) trip to Tamga Village by car. This day we will drive along the southern shore of the celestial Issyk-Kul Lake (1608m.above sea level), which is second largest mountain lake in the world. This Lake is also called "the pearl of Tien - Shan Mountains". Dinner is served in the Tamga Guesthouse, where you will also spend the night.

Day 3: Tamga - Chong Kyzyl Suu
This day we start with delicious breakfast and keep our way (70 km) to remarkable Chong Kyzyl Suu Valley by car. On arrival in Chon Kyzyl Suu we will start our horseback riding along the Terskey Ala - Too mountain Range (5h). On our way, we will see spectacular red mountains that are differently shaped. In Dungan vallage of Jely Suu we will visit the mineral sources of hot springs where you will have a chance to take a bath in mineral waters. After that, a horseback riding tour to the Chong Kyzyl Suu Physical and Geographical station. This way will take one hour. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in yurt camp. A yurta is an original nomad's habitation that is made of a wooden frame and covered with felt. This is a collapsible dwelling that is made without a single nail.

Day 4: Chong Kyzyl Suu - Pass Karatakia - Gorge Kitchi Kyzyl Suu
Breakfast. After that you will have a horseback riding to the stunning Karatakia Gorge and then over the Pass Karatakia. After enjoying of the surrounding views, you will take fortifying lunch. After lunch it will be (6h) horseback riding down to the Kitshi Kyzyl Suu Valley that is the place where you can try Kyrgyz national drink - Kumis - fermented mare's milk. Night in tents. Dinner is served at 7 p.m.

Day 5: Kitchi Kyzyl Suu - gorge Jukutchak
You will start horse riding to (3937m above sea level) Kashka-Tor pass after breakfast. You will ride a horse all the way through the stunning red ravine. En route you will visit the sandstone red cave that is known "500 rams". It is said that in olden times the nomads used this cave for their cattle. But some time later the part of the cave was destroyed by the earthquake. But even now it is possible to imagine the original size of this cave for 500 rams. There is also a mountain waterfall. You will have your lunch at the bottom of the waterfall. The waterfall is situated not far from hot springs (40 degrees Celsius) that are also possible to visit if you wish. After having a rest we continue our way to Jukutchak valley. Night in tents. Dinner is served at 8 p.m.

Day 6: Gorge Jukutshak - gorge Ashu-Kashka Suu
Breakfast will be served at 8 o'clock in the morning. After breakfast we will commence an ascent on horses to the (3636m above sea level) pass Ashu-Tor, on the way you will see a mountain waterfall and also you can take a bath in sauna. After lunch you will keep on (6h) your horse riding down the gorge of Ashu-Kashka Suu. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m. Overnight is in tents.

Day 7: Ashu-Kashka Suu Gorge - Kashka-Suu Lake
Your breakfast is at 8 o'clock. After packing your stuff you will have an ascent on the pass of Kashka - Suu (3891m.) on the horses. There you will have a lunch. Afterwards you will ride your horse for 6 hours to the Kashka - Suu Lake. This pure and sparkling lake finds its origin in a glacier. This magnificent mountain lake is situated at 3800 meters hight above sea level. At 7p.m. dinner is served. Overnight is in tents.

Day 8: Lake Kashka-Suu - river Kumtor (3012m)
After delicious breakfast you will begin horse riding to Kumtor river. It will take 6 hours. We will ride over Ak Shirak Mountains, which are snow covered even in a high summer. The changeable weather will surprise you. It can change from summer heat to winter snow falling within 20 minutes. Kumtor River is the most renowned place for gold diggers. Even nowadays there are some people who try to find out gold there. At 7 p.m. dinner will be served. You will spend the night near the Central Tien - Shan Observatory in tents.

 
Day 9: Kumtor - Arabel Suu
This day starts with a breakfast at 8 o'clock in the morning. After breakfast you will ride your horse for 5 hours alongside Arabel Suu River. Picnic is on the way. Next we will continue to the Valley of mountain lakes. There is eight lakes valley. These beautiful lakes are situated near to each other and you can see all of them at the same time. It provokes an unforgettable feelings while walking there. Dinner and overnight are near the River of Arabel Suu in tents.

Day 10: Arabel Suu - Chokoli Lakes (3006m. above sea level)
Breakfast will be served at 8 o'clock. After that there is a continuation of horseback riding tour to the Chokoli Lakes. Being lucky you could detect ibexes and Marco Polo sheep there. Not far from the mountain lake you will also visit the glacier. You will spend the night in tents near the lake. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

Day 11: Chokoli Lakes - Bishkek (by car)                                
After packing your luggage, you will be served with breakfast at 8 o'clock in the morning. Afterward you will be transferred to Bishkek city by vehicle. You will be in Bishkek in the Hotel*** at around 5 p.m. In the hotel you will have a free time for yourself. At 7 p.m. you will have a farewell dinner in a café.

Day 12: Flight home
Your guide will pick you up from the hotel at the time arranged previously according to your flight details and accompany you to the Airport of Manas.