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GREAT SILK ROAD - KYRGYZSTANmore photos | enquiry | availability check | ride reviews This is an adventurous two week camping trail to the heart of the majestic Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgzstan.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - GREAT SILK ROADDay 1Arrive in Bishkek anytime in the night, usually flights arrive around 3am from Europe. (Should you wish you may arrive anytime from 2pm the afternoon before, your hotel for the night is included on a B&B basis). Transfer from the airport to your hotel. After a short rest a late breakfast (11.00) is enjoyed by the group before heading off on an escorted tour of the city. Dinner at leisure (not included) and overnight at your hotel in Bishkek. Day 2 An early breakfast before departing by road to the village of Barskoon. The route follows the rich Chui Valley. Lunch en-route and possible dip in the warm clear waters of the lake. At Barskoon you will be welcomed by the family of guides. Kyrgyz traditional dinner and overnight at guesthouse. Day 3 Kok-Bulak jailoo - Saray-Bulak (2550 m) - 5.5 hours riding Start riding toward the Tarylga river. Crossing the river Chon-Jargylchak jailoo to reach the (grazing) Kok-Bulak we enjoy our first gallop, the sweeping vistas to Lake Issyk Kul in the north, the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan in the south and our first encounter with the nomads. Camp in the valley near Saray-Bulak river. Day 4 Vallee Kichy-Jargylchak - Kok Bell - 6 hours riding Still heading east, rising into the sun from the Kichy Jargylchak valley and into the heart of mountains, crossing the beautiful and fragrant pine forests of the Tien Shan. There are views of the glacier over Akterek where we meet with shepherds and perhaps pause in the yurt to share koumiss. Camp in the Kok Bell valley. Day 5 Jyluu-Suu - 6 hours riding After fording the river we will ride through the Kashka Suu valley towards Jyluu-Suu and the hot springs before stopping for refreshment in the brightly decorated yurt of a local nomad. The afternoon takes us through the broad valley of the Jukkuu where we find our camp and one of the major routes of the Silk Road, the gates of China in Kyrgyzstan. Day 6 Dungurume Mountains - 4.5 hours riding We depart to the Celestial Mountains. There is a gradual rise along the river, we focus on the mountain ahead with hanging Dungurume glaciers that gives a milky hue to the stream. We meet with nomads and their herds of horses and sheep. Camp beside the river Dungurume. Day 7 High Plateau D'Arabel - 5 hours riding
Today we follow the road to the ancient plateau. The forest fades away at 2800m but the rise is peppered with scree before the mountain plateaus and the majestic glacial lakes stretch out before us. Suddenly we are transported to a new world with huge plains and a river gently meandering through peaceful lakes. Camp at 3500m, near to the lake, with a sea of snow peaks on the horizon. Day 8 River Taragai - 4.5 hours riding We ride and relish the sights of the high plateau area of Marco Polo, enveloped by the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan. Sheep and innumerable marmots with their now familiar call, an ocassional shepherd and in the distance the Kumtor gold mine. We join the Tare river to camp under a beautiful sky. Day 9 Patyr Bashyk - 5 hours riding Today a new pass - Ak Bel. We take a path between the towering, snow capped mountains where we may spot the Marco Polo bighorn sheep or goats picking their way through the scree. In the afternoon we descend to Patyr Bashyk lake to find our camp at 3600 m. Day 10
Canyon Yshtyk - 5 hours riding We discover another new pass in this world of mountains to reach the Yshtyk canyon, sometimes the passage is so narrow we can touch both sides. Be amazed at the beautiful scenery throughout the canyon and enjoy many river crossings. Tonight you join the shepherds in the valley of Kara-Keruu where they will be waiting for us with the traditional tea. Day 11 Jetim Bel - 5 hours riding Still in the embrace of the mountains, we cross the Kara-Sai river to reach the valleys of Kyzyl- Eshme and Kok-Bulak. We will have beautiful gallops in these wide open spaces, no obstacles in the air and the wind of freedom! Camp near Jetim Bel. Day 12 Valley Kumtor - 5 hours riding Ride in the vast valleys of Kysyl-Eshme Kumtor where the landscape invites you to gallop. You again cross the highest pass Ak Bel to reach the valley Tare. Camp at high altitude Day 13
Barskoon - 4 hours riding Last day on horseback, you cross the. Setting river and enjoy one last stunning view of the Tian Shan Mountains. Descend towards the valley of Arabel and say farewell to the horses. Transfer by car to Barskoon where you are again greeted by the family of our guide, Bania and enjoy a relaxing traditional meal in the yurt. Day 14 Bishkek Today we travel back to Bishkek and eat lunch en-route. In Bishkek, we will visit the bazaar in Osh, the largest market which is very popular, colourful and lively, it is worth a look! Free dinner in town (not included in ride price). Short night at the hotel. Day 15 Home Depending on your flight time there will be a transfer during the night back to the airport for your flight home. NOTES - GREAT SILK ROADPlease note that this itinerary is intended as a guideline only and may be altered due to conditions at the time The weight limit for this ride is 15st /210 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS The trip price includes all transfers, accommodation in yurts or homestay, tents and 2 nights 2*/3* hotel in Bishkek (a hotel room is also booked for you on the first morning so you can rest after travelling) riding, horses & equipment, English speaking guide, Kyrgz expedition leader, vehicle and driver, cook, full board from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 14, a breakfast/ lunch is also included on Day 1 and a tour of the city, site visit to the hot springs (small entry fee not included), border zone permit. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Not included are food and beverages in restaurants and bars, drinks, dinner on day one one and fourteen, entrance to museums and hot springs, tips and items of a personal nature. Riders who booked this ride also considered:
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