Off-Road Nomad Experience

Meeting at the airport by the Baibol Travel team and transfer to one of the best hotels in Bishkek. After a short rest, we will go to nearby Ala-Archa National Park to experience the majesty of the Tien Shan Mountains - a real oasis of wildlife, located only 40 km from the capital on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains. In the park, there are many natural attractions: the famous peaks (5000 m), glaciers, coniferous forests and rare animals. All this you will see on the way to the magnificent 70-meter Ak-Sai waterfall. We will have lunch surrounded by this beauty. On return, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Our destination on the second day of our trip will be is one of the highest mountain lakes in the world - Son-Kol (3016m), heart of Kyrgyzstan. Here, far from civilization you will be able to enjoy wildlife, pristine beauty, peace and quiet. Our route there passes over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass and stops at Burana tower, all that remains of the ancient Turkic Karakhanid (10-13^th century) capital of Balasagun. Upon arrival at the lake, we will settle in the ancient dwelling of nomads - yurts! After a rest, we can choose a horse and go on a horseback ride along the coast. The lake, surrounded by mountain meadows has been a favorite summer pasture (jailoo) for nomadic tribes of cattleherders since ancient times. In the evening we gather for dinner around the fire and listen to Kyrgyz songs, proverbs and sayings. We will overnighting in yurts, under the endless sky of the great steppe.

From Son-Kol we drive to the Suusamyr Valley, rightfully considered one of the best jailoos of Kyrgyzstan. In summer it is filled with dozens of yurt camps. Traveling here is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture, life and traditions. Throughout the trip, we recommend that you interact with the locals to better immerse yourself in our nomadic civilization. Our guides will be available for consultation with you on all issues, including assistance in communicating with the local population.

The path to the valley will pass through the high-mountain Kara-Keche pass and by the coal mine of the same name Kara-Keche. On arrival, we will have a short rest in our yurt camp. At this time of year, large herds of animals often gather in the valley, so here you can fully experience all the delights of ecotourism: ride a horse, try shearing sheep, milk the cows and drink kaimak (sour cream) or our national drink, kumys, made of fermented mare’s milk.

Today is the day devoted to the history of the country. From the Suusamyr Valley we descend to Talas city. On the way we visit the "Manas-Ordo" complex, center of spiritual energy of the Kyrgyz people. Here you will see the legendary collection of the largest oral epic in the world, included in the list of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. All the exhibits of the complex are an illustration of the life of the epic hero of the Kyrgyz people - Manas Ata. After lunch in the restaurant "Baibol" we continue the cultural program. We go to see the remains of the ancient fortifications of Ak-Dobo and Kulan-Koruk.

In the evening, you will see a can enjoy Kyrgyz films in the conference hall of "Baibol" with English subtitles. Those, who are interested can learn how to play exciting traditional board games such as toguz-korgol. We will spend a night in the traditional Baibol guest house.

Today, keepers of our ancient hunting traditions will show you an exciting hunt with eagles and greyhounds. Berkut is the strongest predatory bird, able to catch a fox, wolf, roe deer and even a mountain goat. The special connection between  bird and hunter (berkutchi)  will be clearly demonstrated. Kyrgyz hounds (taigans) are the faithful helpers during the hunt. The constitution of a dog is similar to a hunting leopard, because it has an incredible speed. They can also climb on horseback to have a better view of the terrain and to see game.

After lunch, we will enjoy an equally interesting event, a professional master class on carving and decorative work with wood. We will then proceed to Besh-Tash National Park and settle into the yurt camp. We'll have dinner and spend the night here.

In the morning, we go on hiking to Besh-Tash lake, located in the picturesque natural park of the same name at an altitude of 3000 meters. Along the whole territory of the park runs a trout-filled river. We'll have lunch in the valley, surrounded by high mountains. In the evening, you will see a demonstration of the national clothes of nomads and may try them on. We will have dinner and overnight in the yurts.

On the final day of the trip, we will return to the capital. On the way, we will have a lunch with the hospitable shepherds in Suusamyr valley, who will treat us to natural dairy products of their own production. Upon arrival to Bishkek, we check-in at the hotel. After a short rest, you will have 2-3 hours to stroll along souvenir shops in the picturesque, eastern market of Kiyal in our famous Osh bazaar. Your journey will end with a farewell dinner in the ethno-restaurant "Baibol" with tasting of tandyr kozu (young lamb) accompanied by a national folklore ensemble. Transfer to the airport for flight back home the following morning.