8 days
Moderate
Classic Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is an amazing and unique country and often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia because of its natural beauty and clean air. From unspoilt mountains and their stark craggy ridges, to rolling pastures and vast lakes, all rich in flora and fauna, Kyrgyzstan is really the place to “get away from it all” and it is easy to see why it is the gateway of choice for many travellers in Central Asia. On this tour we will also explore the fascinating culture and history of the people, many of whom are still semi-nomadic and travel on the famous “Silk Road”. We will experience life first hand in a “Yurt Camp” and spend a night staying in these remarkable homes complete with their decorated felt carpets and an abundance of hospitality.
Highlights
Amazing chance to visit stunning remote areas, unseen by most.
Gain an understanding Kyrgyzstan history and culture from the capital city to a Yurt Camp.
Photographers and sightseers dream.
Taste the delicious authentic cuisine.
Dates for 2024: 8 days / 7 nights
28/04/2024 - 05/05/2024
19/05/2024 – 26/05/2024
15/09/2024 – 22/09/2024
29/09/2024 – 06/10/2024
Experienced English speaking guides for tour
In-country transportation
All accommodation as per itinerary
Single rooms are available at an extra charge, but in certain circumstances, sharing may be required
Meals as per itinerary
Folklore Show in Bishkek
Eagle hunting in Bokonbaev (4 person minimum)
Camping equipment
Airport transfers
Mineral water (1L per person per day)
Any additional entrance fees / Optional extras for sights / attractions / shows are mentioned in the itinerary
International/domestic airfares & tax
Visa fees (if applicable)
Additional fee for a single room unless you have booked as solo traveller
Any personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
Beverage and alcoholic drinks
Photo/video fees at museums
Any other services not mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion
Travel Insurance (this is mandatory as you maybe asked to provide details)
Some tours offers optional extra excursions/ activities / fees which are not included in the price
The single supplement does not include individual accommodation in yurts and in local family house:
Extra payment per person for TWIN accommodation in yurt per night - 15 USD (if yurts are available)
Extra payment per person for SGL accommodation in yurt per night - 25 USD (if yurts are available)
Early check in in Bishkek hotel 3* for extra night SGL – 65 USD per room; DBL/TWN – 90 USD per room
Additional information
Kyrgyzstan is a small mountainous country in the heart of Central Asia, bordering on China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and is landlocked. Its average elevation is 2,750 m and more than three-quarters of the territory is occupied by the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains.
Climate
Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The weather conditions can vary depending on the location and altitude. In cities like Bishkek, situated at an altitude of around 800 metres, temperatures can exceed 35°C in the summer. In the high mountain regions, for example in the province of Naryn, temperatures are lower, with the average in the low 20s centigrade during summer. Night temperatures can drop dramatically and hover around freezing.
Detailed weather information is available online.
Is this trip for me?
This trip involves moderate hiking activities, so if you are in a reasonable state of health and enjoy outdoor walking, you should cope well with this tour. However, please keep in mind that it is adventure travel and you will be camping and staying in yurts some of the nights.
Some of the roads used are "challenging" as we visit very remote areas, unseen but most. We choose the summer months to visit as they are they driest and minimise any disruption to travel.
Should you have any questions with regards to your ability to participate in this tour, please contact our office for more information.
Accommodation
In an endeavour to enhance the overall travel experience and to give you a feel of what life is like in this part of the world, we provide authentic accommodation with character. You will stay in a variety of accommodation ranging from hotels to homestays and yurt/tent camps. Although the comfort level may vary, it will give you a truly authentic experience. All yurt camps and tent camps have basic toilet facilities.
Food
During our trip, you will have a chance to experience the vast array of delicious Kyrgyz food.
Local cuisine is firmly rooted within the centuries-old traditions of nomadic people and influenced by countries like Russia, Turkey and Middle Eastern and other Central Asian countries. The staples of the Kyrgyz diet, and the diets of most of the traditionally nomadic people in Central Asia, are mutton, flatbreads, rice and tea with sheep or horse milk flavoured with salt or sugar. Horse meat is often served and considered a delicacy by Kyrgyz people. Kazy or chuchuk are popular horse meat sausages. Dairy products such as thick cream (kaymak), yoghurt, cheeses and butter are commonly served.
Beshbarmak is considered the national dish; it consists of finely chopped horse meat (mutton or beef might be used instead) boiled in broth for several hours and served with homemade noodles and a spicy sauce called chyk.
*If you have any specific dietary requirements and restrictions, please indicate this during your reservation.
Drinks and alcohol
Tea and coffee: Kyrgyz are fond of tea. They like to drink it with milk, salt, sugar and butter. Coffee is less popular and most likely to be instant.
Chalap: a traditional drink made from dissolved kurut (kurut is a snack made from sour milk or yoghurt).
Balsaam(or arashan): this drink is made from different herbs and spices. Slightly alcoholic, it is mixed with coffee, tea, or vodka, and is believed to have a therapeutic effect on treating colds and coughs.
Bozo: a drink made from boiled and fermented millet grains.
Kymyz: a slightly fermented mare’s milk is a popular drink in jailoo and a signature drink in Kyrgyzstan.
Kvass: a drink made from fermented rye bread.
Shubat: fermented camel's milk.
Jarma or Shoro: fermented barley drink.
Vodka (Arak in Kyrgyz) is the most common alcoholic beverage, followed by beer and wine, which are widely sold across the country.
Wine: Kyrgyzstan does grow grapes and produce its own sweet wine.
Kyrgyz people also produce their own, highly sweet cognac.
Local Kyrgyz beers include Nashe Pivo, Jivoe, Arpa and Karabalta.
Clothes
Most likely you will experience varied weather conditions due to the huge variety in elevation and terrain. It is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day, especially in the mountains, where nights can be very cold even during the summer months. In the lower plains, temperatures can rise above 30-40 degrees. So pack clothes suitable for various temperatures that can be layered and aim for functionality and fast-drying features. We would recommend packing a mix of short and long-sleeved tops and trousers. Also, take with you a set of modest clothing that covers knees, chest and shoulders and scarf (for mosque visits).
Altitude Sickness
During this trip, you will be staying at altitudes over 800m. The pace of the trip will allow acclimatization time; however, it is important to be aware of the effects of altitude on one's body.
If you feel any of the following symptoms, you should inform your guide immediately to descend to a lower altitude:
· Headache
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive shortness of breath
• Peripheral oedema (swelling of feet, hands or face)
• Insomnia
Safety and security
Kyrgyzstan is considered to be a safe place to travel, however, you should take sensible precautions as you would everywhere else. Always watch your belongings and be vigilant in large crowds. Don’t carry a large amount of cash with you. We strongly recommend carrying a money belt or alternative. Keep valuables in a safe place and don’t expose them to others. Be cautious at currency exchange offices and when visiting local bazaars.
Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10-15% service charge to the bill. If there is no service charge included, tipping is not compulsory but always welcomed. In larger hotels, it is common to give a small tip to bell boys or cleaners.
Toilets
In larger cities and tourist destinations across the country, sit-down toilets are the norm; however, squatters are more common in rural regions. Toilet paper is often not provided.
Money Exchange
The Kyrgyz currency is the som and tyin (1 som = 100 tyin). Credit cards are rarely accepted so you should always keep some cash with you. ATMs are accessible in Bishkek and other bigger locations but limited and we don’t recommend relying on them. Money exchange offices can be found in larger cities. Usually, they will trade EUR, USD and Roubles; some locations will also trade GBP and Chinese yuan.
We recommend taking US dollars with you (bills printed after 1996). Notes have to be in good condition without stamps and marks on them.
Internet
Internet is available in the cities but not so much in the countryside. Internet speed can also vary. If you need to use your laptop during the trip you may need to carry a dongle with you.
Prepaid SIM cards are generally cheap and you will find them in many mobile provider shops in bigger cities. Mobile telephone companies offer different internet packages. Major telecom companies are Beeline, O!, and MegaCom.
Electricity
In Kyrgyzstan, the standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and power outlets are of type C (standard Euro plug) and F (Schuko plug).
Visa and passport information
Please be aware that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for this trip differ depending on where you are from so it is vital that you check these requirements with the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan. Please, keep in mind that your passport does need to be valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country.
If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you can stay in Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days without obtaining a visa:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, USA, Vatican.
Other nationalities may require a single entry visa and should contact the relevant consulate or embassy for more information.
These details were correct at time of publication. It is the travellers sole responsibility to check entry requirements.
Covid restrictions
It is the travellers responsibility to check any Covid restrictions, prior to travel and arrival.
Flight information
Flights are not included in the price of this trip and Google Flights has every flight listed, along with times and costs.
Manas International Airport in the capital Bishkek, is the main international airport in Kyrgyzstan.
Many major airlines operate flights to Kyrgyzstan and we recommend:
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
Emirates (via Dubai)
Insurance
Your safety is our number one priority and therefore it is compulsory that you acquire insurance that adequately covers your trip. Please take note that due to some of the geographical locations visited and activities included on this trip, standard insurance policies may not always provide sufficient cover. The insurance should cover hiking, trekking, camping (make sure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit coverage for your trip) and any optional activities you would like to participate in. It must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your country. Please ensure that the policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury.
Important Information
On all guided trips
Although the guides are well trained to deal with different capabilities, however if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely participate in an activity, or their impact on other guests safety, Time Exposure Travel has authorised them to prevent the partaking of said activity.
This is clearly stated in the Time Exposure Travel Booking Conditions and alternative options will be offered where possible. No refunds will be provided and guests will be liable for any additional costs, should they be incurred.
Guests should feel confident about participation in activities prior to booking and Time Exposure Travel will be happy to clarify and doubts about suitability.
Tour information
All information provided is accurate at time of publication, however all holidays can be subject to unexpected events, which may result in changes to itinerary’s, dates of availability, accommodation locations and personnel. This could be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical, pandemic, weather, terrorism or insurrections or any other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. These events may also affect the price.
Travel Aware
The UK Government have information online about how to stay safe and health when overseas - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/checklist-for-travellers
Book with confidence
Time Exposure Travel is a fully bonded as a tour operator. We hold ABTOT (Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust) Licence number 5419. ABTOT APPI provides protection for customers’ prepayments, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. In the unlikely event of financial failure please contact ABTOT’s 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397. A copy of the policy is available on request from your travel organiser. The APPI policy is provided by Travel & General Insurance Services Limited (T&G), registered number 02527363 and underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Limited (Hiscox), registered number 00070234. T&G and Hiscox are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (number 113849).
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece top/sweater
Long pants/jeans
Shirts/t-shirts
Sleepwear
Waterproof hiking shoes
Waterproof backpack cover
Light walking shoes
Windproof rain jacket
Hiking pants
Scarf
Sandals/flip-flops
Shorts
Sun hat/bandanna
Conservative dress
Travel towel
Warm hat
Disinfection gel
Gloves
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Toiletries and toilet paper
Sanitary Wipes
Sanitising Hand Gel
Reusable water bottle
Documents such as passport with photocopies insurance documents, required visas or vaccination certificates
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt/ neck wallet
Locks for bags
Day pack
Camera (With extra memory cards, charger and batteries)
Emergency charging devices
Outlet adapter (2 pins round plugs)
First-aid kit
Insect repellent
Torch and head Torch
Binoculars