This tour kicks off with Kyrgyzstan’s unique Independence Day events which could include a military parade, concerts and of course an exciting speech by the President. After experiencing some amazing national music, dance and food during the celebrations, we’ll leave Bishkek, and make our way into the phenomenal countryside of Kyrgyzstan, experiencing mountains and lakes and having the unique opportunity to spend a couple of nights sleeping in traditional yurts. We’ll have our very own show of the Kok Boru Horse Games (or “dead goat polo”) on the shore of Lake Issik Kol, and if you’re game you can even have a go at playing with the decapitated goat yourself!
Despite Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty and nomadic culture though, we can’t forget that like the rest of Central Asia, this amazing country was part of the Soviet Union and there are still some fascinating relics of this to be explored. On the shore of Lake Issyk Kol, we’ll have the chance to visit an old Soviet heavy water factory, a Soviet brewery that is now responsible for Kyrgyzstan’s best-selling beer and a YPT exclusive outing to the Soviet Meteorology Station.
If you’d like to see some more Central Asia while you’re here, you could join us for the Silk Road Summer Tour which visits Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Xinjiang as well, the Central Asian Summer Combo or the Kyrgyzstan Independence Day and Xinjiang Far West Combo.
Day 1 – Thursday August 30th – Bishkek
Day 2 – Friday August 31st – Bishkek, Independence Day
Day 3 – Saturday September 1st – Bishkek, Kok Boru Horse Games, Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs, Karakol
Day 4 – Sunday September 2nd – Karakol, Valley of the Flowers, Jetty Ögüz Gorge, Kyzyl Suu
Day 5 – Monday September 3rd – Institute of Glaciers Foundation, Issik Kol
Day 6 – Tuesday September 4th – Issik Kol Lake, Son Kol Lake
Day 7 – Wednesday September 5th – Group A Son Kol Lake, Burana Tower, Bishkek. Group B
Group A
Group B
Day 8 –Thursday, September 6th (End of Group A) – Friday, September 7th Group B Nomad Games.
Group A
Group B
Day 9 – Saturday, September 8th
Day 10 – Sunday, September 9th – Bishkek
Want to extend your YPT adventure? Join one of our great tour extensions
All transport according to the itinerary.
Local English speaking guide.
Western YPT guide.
Accommodation according to itinerary in twin/double share, except on days 4, 5 & 6 where we will be sharing a yurt with each other.
Entrance fees to all sites outlined on the itinerary.
Breakfast every day.
Lunch and dinner on days 4, 5 & 6 and dinner on day 7.
Travel arrangements to Bishkek at the start and end of the tour.
Visas or LOI’s for Kyrgyzstan. Most Western passport holders can now enter Kyrgyzstan for 60 days without a visa, but if you don’t fall into this category we can advise you separately.
Meals other than those stipulated (allow up to $10 per meal).
Drinks at meals.
Single supplement for accommodation ($175, not available in the yurts on days 4,5 & 6).
Tips for guides (not obligatory, and up to your personal discretion).
Any other personal expenses such as souvenirs.
Travel insurance.
We have expert guides ready to help answer any questions you may have.
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