Discovery Tour In Kyrgyzstan & China

Situated dramatically at the foot of the Tien Shan range, Bishkek is a pleasant city with tree lined streets and comfortable summer temperatures. A former Silk Road settlement, Kyrgyzstan’s capital is a young city. A clay fort built by the Khan of Kokand in 1825 and destroyed by the Russians in 1868, was rebuilt in 1878 and it is from this time that Bishkek evolved. The city was known as Frunze in Soviet times, named after the Commander who kept Kyrgyzstan from the hands of the Tsars, but reverted to its old name of Bishkek in the 1990’s. This afternoon we have a short orientation tour of the city.

Overnight Simple Guest House

Leaving behind the city we head into the heart of this small nation. At its centre lies Lake Issy Kul, which is ringed on both sides by Tien Shan mountains. We drive around the north of the lake arriving late afternoon in Karakol. Strategically located this city was once a Russian military outpost, and was the gateway of expeditions into the Tien Shan and beyond. The great Russian explorer Prjevalsky died here before an expedition to Tibet, the small museum dedicated to him gives a great insight into the 19th century Central Asian explorers. In the city we have the opportunity to see the Chinese influence at the Dungan mosque built in 1910 in the style of a Buddhist pagoda (it’s made of wood without any nails) whilst the strong Russian influence is evident at the Orthodox Cathedral.

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

There's a long day ahead as we leave the sleepy city and where we take a walk along the river up to the summer pastures of the tokmok city families. We visit the 'Valley of Seven Bulls', at Djety-Oguz, where large red sandstone rock formations tower over the valley. During Soviet times this area become known as a health retreat, the sanatorium remains. It became famous when after his first flight in space Yuri Gagarin came here to decompress. We then continue along the southen shore of Lake Issy Kul to Kochkor taking a dip in the water depending on the weather. Kochkor is a typical Krgyz town, whilst here we stay in local guest houses, a great way to get to know the locals. The women of the town are famous for feltmaking and have founded a successful outlet to support their craftmanship. Depending upon size we may find the group split between guesthouses.

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we continue our journey towards Kashgar, climbing through the Central Tien Shan mountain range. We arrive in Tash Rabat, the site of an ancient fortified caravanserai, where we stay in ‘yurts’, specially constructed nomadic tents. In use since 2000BC, the yurt has allowed the  nomadic peoples to travel between the seasons. Made from ‘willow’ or ‘popular’ tree 40 poles make up the ‘ooik’ structure, covered with willow lattice ‘kerege’ and felt to keep it waterproof; a yurt can be constructed anywhere. The upper circular section of the roof is called the ‘Shanyrak’, it holds the poles together and represents the family, the home and in  Krygyzstan, the national emblem on the flag embracing the original 40 tribes.

Overnight Basic Yurt Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We climb to the Torugart pass (3572m) and cross into China where the dramatic alpine scenery gives way to the remote landscapes of Xinjiang province. We reach Kashgar in the evening. The majority of the population in the province are Uighurs, a colourfully dressed Central Asian people, who speak a Turkic language, use Arabic script and are Sunni Muslims.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Kashgar, a name which evokes many images, was once an important staging post along the so-called Silk Route and was the host to many travellers and caravans. Today Kashgar is a delight for the seasoned traveller. A sightseeing tour will show you the major points of interest in and around the city. For a real insight into life along the Silk Road, we recommend that you spend some time exploring the alleyways of Kashgar’s old town. In the evening, join the locals in Id Kah square, which comes alive at dusk. The setting and its people have changed little in ten centuries – a rare view of life in Central Asia. The climax of our time in Kashgar is a visit to the famous Sunday market. Held once a week it is one of the most colourful and exotic markets in Asia. Uighur and Kyrgyz traders of camels, goats, leather, basketware, rugs, daggers, jewellery and a thousand other goods gather here from many miles around to trade and barter - a kind of pilgrimage to the market. We spend the day absorbing this delightful Central Asian scene.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Strategically important for centuries Kashgar stood on a crossroads for Silk Road travellers. At the foot of the Pamir mountains with easy access to Persia, India and Central Asia Kashgar joined the north and southern silk routes. Its importance was enhanced during the 19th century when the Chinese, Russians and British vied for power in what became known as ‘The Great Game’ (The British and Russian embassies remain standing in Kashgar today). The British were determined to stop the Russians expanding their empire southwards towards India, along the precipitous mountain route. Today we organise an optional trip to travel along the Chinese section of the Karakorum Highway road as far as the Kara Kul Lake, lying in the shadow of Mt. Mustagh Ata. Glaciers cut deep into this snowcapped mountain, which at 7,600m dominates its surroundings.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Kashgar behind, we rejoin the Silk Road and retrace our steps through the mighty Karakoram valley, to the spectacular Torugart pass (3752m). After clearing the border formalities, we leave China behind and journey through the dramatic mountain scenery of Kyrgyzstan. The Pamir and Tien Shan mountain ranges account for approximately 90% of the land mass of Kyrgyzstan. The lonely, rugged road is still one of the main trade routes between China and this former Soviet state. Todays journey ends in Tash-Rabat, where once again we stay in the yurt camp.

Overnight Basic Yurt Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we set off  for Song Kul lake, via Naryn. This spectacular lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3013m above sea level. Surrounded by dramatic snow-covered mountain peaks, it is hidden in a flat, plate-like Jailoo (the Kyrgyz word for mountain pasture) which is covered in Edelweis flowers at certain times of the year. In the summer the shepherds drive the livestock (sheep and/or horses) up into the mountains for pasture and establish a camp for the season. On arrival after settling into our yurts, we will have the opportunity to relax and unwind or perhaps go on a pleasant walk by the lake.

Overnight Basic Yurt Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you may choose to relax by the lake, which is home to an extraordinary number of birds. Over 60 different species have made their homes on the shores of the lake or in the surrounding area. Alternatively, depending upon the weather it may be possible to take a walk into the mountains surrounding the lake. Leaving the camp we follow the grassy, undulating slopes at the foot of the Moldo-Toor range.  Song Kul lake offers a spectacular backdrop to the north and we hope to meet locals along the way to get a further glimpse in to this traditional lifestyle.  The walk takes approximately 5 hours and reaches an altitude of 3811m. After lunch we leave our yurts and make our way to Kochkor, arriving early evening.

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we visit a local felt making workshop to see the local women and their colourful designs before making our way back to Bishkek. Along the way we visit the Baruna Tower, all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. The tower is believed to be the oldest minaret in Central Asia with an detailed external pattern of relief work in brick. Originally 45 meters tall only 25 meters remain now following an earthquake in the 15th century. We arrive in Bishkek in the late afternoon and the rest of the day is free to relax.

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast

Here we have a day of leisure to explore this city, with its open squares, many museums and interesting markets. You will have the opportunity to travel into the Tien Shan mountains to the Ala Archa gorge and its waterfalls (optional).

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast

The tour ends in Bishkek this morning after breakfast. Passengers travelling on the Turkish Airlines group flights back to London will depart for the airport in the early hours of the morning before breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast