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Beneath the Stars on Song-Kul |
Horse Riding Tour
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Duration: 8 Days
Season: July-August
Song-Kul Lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan,
situated at an altitude of 3013 m above sea level. Surrounded by dramatic
snow-covered mountain peaks, it is hidden in a flat, plate-like valley. It
appears to lie under the sky itself and it feels as if you can touch the stars
themselves.
In a matter of weeks here it is possible to experience the rotation of the four
seasons.
Edelweiss, a mountain flower, grows in abundance here.
The valley in which the lake is set has been known from time immemorial as a
pasture, where the hills are covered with thick and juicy grass.
Your route takes you through some of the alpine mountains and meadows of
Kyrgyzstan. Each landscape leaves an indelible image on you. Along the way to
the lake you will get a chance to meet Kyrgyz shepherds, follow their paths and
experience their nomadic life.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Arrival in Bishkek. Family run accomodation. After a rest, take a City Tour including The Museum of Fine Arts and a Bazaar. |
| Day 2 |
Trip to Kochkorka (3 hours - 240 km), visit a felt carpet workshop where it is possible to produce your own felt carpet and buy carpets or souvenirs. It is also possible to go horse riding around Kochkorka, which is a nice mountain valley at 2000 m. O/n in family run accomodation. |
| Days 3-5 |
3 days Horseback riding to Song-Kul: Koyar village ten kilometers from Kochkorka riding along a river, o/n in tents. 5-6 hours riding each day, crossing two Passes: 3260 m and on the 5th day 3700 m. In the evening of the 5th day you arrive at Song-Kul - 120 km from Kochkorka. |
| Day 6 |
Stay by Song-Kul in the yurtas of local shepherds, who pass their summer on the jailoo (summer meadows) to graze their cattle. You can see herds of horses and sheep. Accommodation in a yurta (this is the traditional home of the nomadic shepherds). Taste kymyz (mare's milk) and observe the shepherd's wife preparing bread and cheese. If you wish, you can take a horseback tour around Song-Kul or walk in the hills around the mountain valley. Observe a horse tournament (Ulak Tartysh) - which is the favourite pastime of the Kyrgyz people in the summer time. At night, gaze at the skies like an astronomer - the nearness of the stars will take your breath away. Eat dinner with a family and listen to songs and music played by the women on the Komuz (the Kyrgyz national instrument). |
| Day 7 |
Return to Bishkek, via a breathtaking road and the Tuya-Ashuu Pass (7hours) and enjoy a picnic on the way. Dinner in a Dungan restaurant in Bishkek. |
| Day 8 | Fly home. |
Level of difficulty: This type of horseback riding is of average difficulty. You should be ready to go to an altitude of more than 2500 m above sea level. An average level of fitness is required.
Conditions: It is necessary to bring a sleeping bag, rucksack, personal clothing (raincoat, warm clothes, hiking boots and change of footwear) and equipment, first aid kit/medicines, personal insurance.
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| 28 T. Moldo St., Bishkek, 720001 Kyrgyzstan Phone: (00 996 312) 622381 Fax: (00 996 312) 622380 E-mail: novinomad@elcat.kg |
Design by NoviNomad Company Created: January 13th, 2000. |
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