On this Expedition as we travel from the ancient trading hub of Kashgar, in the footsteps of Silk Route merchants and over high mountain passes into Central Asia. With its spectacular Pamir Alay and Tian Shan peaks, Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian gem waiting to be discovered. Staying in simple traditional yurts, travellers move alongside friendly nomadic people, enjoying unrivalled hospitality and witnessing a culture little-changed for centuries. Travel through this unspoilt country offers adventures and surprises in equal measure - traverse the Torugart Pass, swim in Son-Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes, or simply relax into life as a Kyrgyz nomad.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Sat) Arrive in Kashgar and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Explore Kashgar including old town, Abakh Hoja’s Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and Sunday bazaar. |
| Days 3-4 |
Cross the Torugart Pass (3752m) to Tash-Rabat Caravansarai. Light walking in local area. |
| Days 5-6 |
Drive to nomadic settlement at Son-Kul Lake. Stay in yurts near local herders. |
| Day 7 |
Drive to Kochkorka village. Overnight in village homestay. |
| Day 8 |
Walk in area around Barskoön Gorge. Stay at Tamga village on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. |
| Days 9-10 |
Drive the lake shoreline via Jeti-Öghüz Gorge to Karakol and Cholpon-Ata. |
| Day 11 |
Journey from Cholpon-Ata to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, stopping en route at Burana Tower. |
| Day 12 |
Day trip to the rugged Ala-Archa Canyon. City tour in Bishkek. |
| Day 13 |
Fly to Tashkent. |
| Day 14 |
Trip ends in Tashkent this morning (Fri). |