Kyrgyzstan

KYRGYZSTAN is a mountainous country in Central Asia- 93% of the land area is in fact mountains. The vast peaks of the Tien -Shan Mountain Range stretch away across the border in to the heart of China. It has the second largest high-altitude lake in the world -the almost mythical Issyk-Kul Lake. Kyrgyzstan is truly one of the last wildernesses on earth. It is possible to see herds of magnificent wild ponies, horse, yaks, and even camels. This country of wild, free nomads was literally the crossroad of Asia, being crossed by four routes along the Great Silk Road. The nomadic influence is still very strong. In rural areas, many Kyrgyz still live in their "Yurtas"- the traditional felt tents of the nomadic shepherds.

The scenery varies between lush, fertile, cultivated valley bottoms to some of the world's highest peaks -of the seven peaks in the world over 7000mt. 3 are in Kyrgyzstan. There are fast-flowing mountain rivers full of snow melt from the high glaciers cutting their way through steep-sided valleys, often tumbling over water falls and through beautiful alpine meadows awash with multi coloured carpets of blooms in spring. In the south it is still possible to see forests of indigenous walnuts. The Kyrgyz people are very friendly and are very proud of their traditions of hospitality and handicrafts.

The earliest notable residents of what is now Kyrgyzstan were warrior clans of saka, from about the 6th century BC to the 5th century AD. The region was under the control of various Turkic alliances from the 6th to 10th centuries. The Talas valley in southern Kazakhsthan and northwest Kyrgyzstan was the scene of a pivotal battle in 751, when the Turks and their Arab and Tibetan allies drove a large Tang Chinese army out of Central Asia.

Ancestors of today's Krygyz people probably lived in Siberia's upper Yenisey Basin until at least the 10th century, when under the influence of Mongol incursions they began migrating south into the Tian Shan- more urgently with the rise of Jenghiz Khan in the 13th century. Present day Kyrgyzstan was part of the inheritance of Jenghiz's second son, Chaghatai.

There is a total of 80 ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz are outnumbered almost three to one by their livestock. About two thirds of the total 5 million population lives in rural areas. Kyrgyz adopted Islam relatively late and are very moderate and excellent hosts.

A Taste of wilderness and Freedom

8 days

Horse Riding Tour
Season: July- August

Venture into on e of the last truly wild frontiers of the world where you will be captivated by this truly uninhabited region. You will enjoy the peace and quite of the wild, snow -mountains, where by day, you will revel in the clear, sun-kissed air, laden with the sweet aroma of pine trees. By night, you can relax in a cool mountain breeze and fall asleep in a world untroubled by the 'civilised' world you have felt behind. Your first night in the comfort of a yurta (the traditional Kyrgyz dwelling made of felt) will truly be something you will remember for the rest of your life. Your hosts are real Kyrgyz nomads.

Multi-ethnic Kyrgyzstan

9 days
Cultural tour
Season: all year

Kyrgyzstan really is a multi ethnic country with more than 80 nationalities living together. During this trip you will see the lifestyles of different nationalities in Kyrgyzstan each day you will share in the life of a family from a different ethnic background, cook different food and participate in a culture programme. Then listen to the stories of the Manaschy, those legendary storytellers who can sing and recite the world's longest epos-500000 lines about the national hero, Manas. Make your own traditional Kyrgyz carpet and sing the songs of the different nationalities. The breathtaking scenery of the mountains and lake Issyk-Kul and the traditional hospitality of the Kyrgyz people will make an indelible impression upon you.

Beneath the Stars on Son-Kul

8 days
Horse riding tour
Season: July - August
Son-Kul Lake sits majestically among dramatic Snow-covered Mountain peaks, yet it is hidden in a flat, plate like valley. It appears to lie under the very sky it self and you can reach out your hand and almost touch the stars. All of nature can be experienced here and in this enchanted area it seems as if time await your coming. Vast swathes of Edelweiss stretch out across the alpine meadows and as you journey along the little -used shepherds' tracks you become as one with the environment - a true nomad.

In the Land of Khan-Tengry

19 days
Trekking
Season: End of June- August
The central Tien- Shan Mountain range is an empire of snow and ice. The highest mountains of central Asia -Pobeda (victory) Peak (7439m) and Khan -Tengry (7010m.) are to be found here. The grandeur and scale of these great peaks sends most of the world's professional climbers into raptures. Indeed it has been said many times, justifiably, that Khan-Tengry is the 'Matterhorn' of Central Asia. The similarity between these to great mountains is uncanny. In addition, the awesome natural beauty of the Enilchek Glacier and Lake Mercbaher make this journey truly unforgettable.

Poetry of the Nomads' Way of Life

8 Days
Cultural tour
Season: July - August
The nomadic way of the life of the Kyrgyz people has over countless years of wandering the great tracts of Central Asia, determined that the "yurta" is a most comfortable and economic dwelling. It is not only suitable for rapid assembly and transportation but captures the very essence of these free and unfettered people. On our tour you will have a chance to live in it, to understand how safe and comfortable it is and to experience its charm. And have you ever listened to the do major symphony performed by a boiling teapot? Poetry is in the soul of every Kyrgyz person and the lyrical perfection of the world's longest poem (the Manas epos) recited amongst the lush expanse of the jailoo (summer pasture) is guaranteed to capture your soul.

On Horseback to the Heavenly Mountains

9 days
Horse Riding Tour
Season: Mid June - Mid September
Join some of the world's greatest horsemen as they lead you into this land that has been untouched by civilization. Kyrgyz children are taught to ride before they can walk and these masters of the horse will take you back in time to witness the beauty of primordial nature: snow caped mountains, virgin forestes and mountain lakes with crystal clear water. You will be like a traveller from the page of history as you experience different climatic zones- from semi desert to tundra. On your way you will meet wild animals and birds, such as marmots, hares, foxes, falcons, and if you are lucky, even a bear. Beware! Lest Mother Nature claims your heart, amongst this magnificent, mountain scenery.

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