Description
Nomads life in Central Asia
Nomads are individuals who live a migratory lifestyle where they often move their livestock with them by following seasonal pastures each year. These nomads have embraced a sustainable way of life that combines both animal and plant husbandry. This creates a type of symbiotic relationship between humans, animals, and nature which allows these wandering peoples to survive in some of the harshest climates on earth. Despite the difficulties associated with this traditional lifestyle, numerous communities remain dedicated to living off the land—gathering wild food sources such as seeds and berries while tending flocks of sheep or herds of horses.
Why visit nomads life in Central Asia?
In Central Asia, you can experience a trip like no other for the adventurous traveler. From Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—no journey in this region will disappoint. Immerse yourself in some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery while exploring ancient cities and modern urban centers full of color and history.
On top of that, you will get to sample unique flavors with food ranging from Turkish kebabs to delectable fruit platters accompanied by local street fares at every corner. Not only are there unique cultures on offer but also an array of activities to try such as skiing in Kazakhstan or horseback riding through Khiva’s changing desert landscapes found throughout Uzbekistan.
The friendly locals never hesitate when it comes time to share their cultural knowledge highlighting up-and-coming music scenes or famed wildlife destinations worldwide; dive into the bazaars full of delicious scents wafting from spices and knickknacks sure to fit any budget!
Program:
| Day | Itinerary: | Meals |
| 1 | Bishkek Arrival in Bishkek. Meeting at the airport “Manas”, transfer to the hotel 3*. Rest. Sightseeing tour: visit Ala-Too Square, Osh Market Opera and Ballet Theatre, Fine Art Museum, World National Library, State Historical Museum, etc. Dinner in a local restaurant. Accommodation in the hotel 3*. | – – D |
| 2 | Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata Breakfast. Transfer to Cholpon-Ata (260km 4-5 hrs) northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way visit the cultural complex Burana Tower (X-XI cen.), a cultural site that marks Karakhanid town Balasagyn. Arrival in Issyk-Kul lake. Afternoon-visit Cultural Complex “Ruh Ordo”, Petroglyphs museum on open-air dating from 500 BC – 100 AD. Image of wolves, long-horned ibex, goats, horses, snow leopards, and some hunting scenes. Rest/swim on the shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Accommodation in the Guest House. Optional extra: 1-hour boat cruises to enjoy the beauty of the lake | B – – |
| 3 | Cholpon-Ata – Karakol Breakfast. Transfer to Karakol along the northern side of Issyk-Kul lake (140 km, 4 hrs). On the way excursion to Grigorivskoye Gorge entering Grigorievskoye Gorge and exiting from Semenovskoye Gorge (50 km, 1 hour). Upon arrival to Karakol visit Prejevalskiy Museum, a Russian Explorer who made several expeditions in Central Asia and reached the gates of Lhasa in Tibet. Afternoon visits Dungan mosque of Chinese style (built in 1910 years), Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (XVIIII cen.) built without iron nails. Accommodation in the Guest House. | B – – |
| 4 | Altyn-Arashan Gorge Breakfast. Excursion to Altyn Arashan Gorge (Gold Spring) 3000m, it is located 45 km east of Karakol (3-4 hrs). On the right of the river, there is a small resort “Altyn Arashan” (1963 years). Lunch-box. Hiking to the mountains. Take a bathe in the hot spring pool. Back to Karakol. Accommodation in the Guest House. | B, L – |
| 5 | Karakol – Kochkor Breakfast. Transfer to Kochkor (275 km, 5-6 hrs) along the southern side of Issyk-Kul lake. Lunch in en-route café. On the way excursion Jety-Oguz Gorge, valley with seven red stones rock formation where you can see Broken Heart Mountain. After continue visit Skazka Gorge (Fare tale), amazing gorge with red stone formation and canyon. Optional extra: Show of eagle hunting. Upon arrival in Kochkor, visit felt made souvenir and handicraft shop, see manufacture of felt carpet (Kyrgyz National carpet). Dinner accompanied with local folklore in Home stay. Accommodation in Family runs home stay. | B – D |
| 6 | Kochkor – Son-Kul Lake Breakfast. Transfer to Son-Kul lake (120 km, 3-4 hrs) the second large high mountain lake at the altitude of 3060m, where you can see nomadic life, ancient culture, tradition and customs of Kyrgyz nomad’s which is still alive today. Taste Kyrgyz national drink “Kymyz” (fermented mare’s milk). Lunch in Yurt Inn. Rest. See edelweiss flower, golden eagle, camel, yaks and taste Kyrgyz national local nomad’s food. Optional extra: horse riding in the pasture. Dinner and accommodation in Yurt Inn, nomad’s traditional dwelling. | B, L, D |
| 7 | Son-Kul Lake – Tash-Rabat Transfer to Tash-Rabat via Naryn (260 km, 4-5 hrs), towards Chinese border. Tash-Rabat Caravan Sarai (X-XII century) served as a fortress for travelers along Great Silk Road. Lunch-box on the way. Afternoon excursion to Caravansarai, see local nomad’s life, tradition and customs. Dinner and accommodation in Yurt Inn. Optional extra: Horseback riding | B, L, D |
| 8 | Tash-Rabat – Kazarman Breakfast. Transfer to Kazarman (380 km, 5-6 hrs) via magnificent Kurtka pass and famous Makmal gold mine. Lunch box on the way. Arrival in Kazarman. Dinner and accommodation in the CBT Home Stay. Optional extra: it is place where you have a chance to hike up and visit Saimaluu-Tash rock painting dating from 2000 BC up to Middle Age at 3200 meter in high valley which is listed in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. To visit this site one full extra day should be added. | B, L, D |
| 9 | Kazarman – Sary-Chelek Lake Breakfast. Transfer to Sary-Chelek National Park (“Yellow bowl”) via Jala-Abad (358 km, 6-7 hrs) where you can enjoy Sary-Chelek lake view and nature. It was founded to protect and research the pristine natural landscape. Dinner and accommodation in the CBT Home Stay | B – D |
| 10 | Sary-Chelek Lake – OshBreakfast. Excursion on the boat through the Sary-Chelek lake, 1 hrs. Open magnificent view of the lake. Lunch-box. Afternoon transfer to Osh (300 km 5 hrs). Accommodation in the CBT Home Stay. | B, L – |
| 11 | Osh Breakfast. City tour: visit Suleiman-Too (X cen.), Mountain Takht-Sulaiman. At the foot of the mountains are the most famous mosque of the city (the mausoleum Asaf ibn Burhiya (XI-XVII cen), a mosque-Abdullakhan Rawat (XVII – XVIII cen), the mosque of Mohammed Yusuf Bayhodzhi oglu (1909 years). Madrassas Alymbek Paravanchi Datca, madrassas Muhamedboy Turk Hal Muratbaev are magnificent examples of the Fergana architectural and construction of the school. Afternoon continue city tour: See the Mosque of Shahid-Tepa,; memorial complex “Evening light” Lunch in the local restorant. Monuments: VI Lenin, Toktogul Satylganov, Abdykadyrova, Sultan Ibraimov, Orozbekova Kurmanjan Datca Alisher Navoi. Accommodation in the CBT Home Stay. | B – – |
| 12 | Osh – Dostuk (Uzbekistan) Breakfast. Transfer to Kyrgyz-Uzbek border post “Dostuk” (30 min). Cross the border to Uzbekistan and meet with Uzbek travel agency. | B – – |
