Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan-Duo
SHORT ITINERARY
Day 01 : Arrive in Bishkek
Well well well, Look what you have got yourself into: A trip of a lifetime.
As you take this trip, you will get to see these 2 countries for what it stands and not what our assumptions have taken over with the word “stan” in the end.
Did you calculate and saw that this duo trip helps you to save at least 48k INR in flight costs?
Try to arrive by evening today. ( Flights are mentioned towards the end of the itinerary ). We haven’t planned anything in the itinerary for today. We will finish off getting the Sim card and currency exchange now. The average temperature will be -20 degrees °C.
DAY 02 : Bishkek : city tour ( xmas night )
Today we will be walking to the Osh Bazaar, see the Ala-Too square & I shall explain to you the various protests that took place at that point. If you are short of cold weather clothes, today we can get those also. Especially women have a lot of options for boots and Jackets in these markets.
Today is a story day : about Kyrgyz people, silk route, Mongol domination, the Russian empire and the soviet era. We will also teach some basic Kyrgyz and Russian. For started: Hi : Salam(Kyrgyz ) , Privyet ( Russian )
At night, We can step out to see the Xmas events & attend local concerts that usually happen around this time.
DAY 03 : Head to Chong-Kemin ( 2.5 Hr : 148 km )
Chon-KeminK is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful valleys. It is popular with those who enjoy extreme sports.
We will have our first winter horse riding here. We will keep it short so that all of us can participate and have fun outdoors. Expect this to be one of the coldest days out there, so dress accordingly. You can refer to the packing list mentioned towards the bottom of the page.
We will check in to the hotel after our activity and enjoy some warm tea, meals and ambience in our simple homestay.
DAY 04 : Chong-Kemin- Karakol
Today we continue our epic road journey through this beautiful Ex-Ussr country. The road has stunning natural scenery of mountains, valleys, and alpine lakes. Today is the day you will get to witness Issyk-Kul ( 2nd largest saline lake in the world ) .
To give you a context of its size. `
- Delhi is 1,484 km² ,
- Mumbai is 603.4 km²
- Issyk-Kul is 6,236 km².
Our stay for tonight has Sauna, so whoever is up for it. We can go to Sauna too once we are in the hotel. If you aren’t aware : Russian Banya baths and Turkish Hammam baths are a big thing in the region.
On our way, we’ll stop at Karakol to see the Holy Trinity Church. A majority of Russians who visit the region come here once during their trip.
The church’s history begins in July 1869, when Karakol was established as a garrison town located on the outskirts of the Tsarist Russian Empire and a tiny brick stone foundations was erected. A chapel was built in the city center to serve the Cossacks and similar forces that have been brought in.
DAY 05 : Ski resort : Karakol
Quick Facts :
Slope distance available : 20km
No of lifts : 4
Altitude : 2,315M – 3,445M
Average temperature : -5 °C
For the people who have never skied before, get this: This mountain was used as a training base for Olympic athletes during Soviet times. 😀 .But don’t worry, We will have instructors who will train you with basic Ski techniques if you have never Skied.
The slopes at Karakol ski resort, surrounded by pine forest, can delight both beginners and experienced skiers, and there are beautiful views to be had over Issyk-Kul lake and the wider Tien Shan range.
DAY 06 : Altyn arashan NAtional park
In summer, we usually hike up. But in winter, we drive up to the national park in a Soviet van. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top. We will spend about an hour here and head back to Karakol.
The views today are going to blow your mind and Ride today is going to shake up all of you :D. Yes, its a bumpy ride. You might have already guessed it looking at the Soviet Van below 😀 .
DAY 07 : Karakol- Bishkek
Today is our last day in the country, so we are going to take a closer look into the culture .
You will be meeting a Hunting eagle, get close to them and if you have strong arms even take a picture holding them.
Post that, you will see for yourself how felt carpets are made. This is a women-run organisation where, if you buy things from them. It goes into employment of more women in the region.
In the evening , we will head out to the a club in Bishkek and trust Kyrgyz people love to dance.
DAY 08 : Fly into Almaty: New year’s Eve
Ok. It’s going to feel like we are flying into another country for a New year’s Party. So we are dressing up to get on the flight.
Since our flight lands around 9 pm, We will drop the luggage at the hotel and step out to have a good COLD❄️ New year’s night :D. Some clubs can be very strict about dress code. So Carry clothes/ shoes accordingly.
DAY 09 : Rest day: visit to Big Almaty Lake.
Today we will start our day late, after our Lunch.
Let’s try some Uzbek food for Lunch . Manti, Plov, Samsa, Lagman , Shahlik are some of the dishes you should try in any UZBEK restaurant.
