KYRGYZSTAN is a mountainous
country in Central Asia- 93% of the land area is in
fact mountains. The vast peaks of the Tien -Shan Mountain
Range stretch away across the border in to the heart
of China. It has the second largest high-altitude
lake in the world -the almost mythical Issyk-Kul Lake.
Kyrgyzstan is truly one of the last wildernesses on
earth. It is possible to see herds of magnificent
wild ponies, horse, yaks, and even camels. This country
of wild, free nomads was literally the crossroad of
Asia, being crossed by four routes along the Great
Silk Road. The nomadic influence is still very strong.
In rural areas, many Kyrgyz still live in their "Yurtas"-
the traditional felt tents of the nomadic shepherds.
The scenery varies between lush, fertile, cultivated
valley bottoms to some of the world's highest peaks
-of the seven peaks in the world over 7000mt. 3 are
in Kyrgyzstan. There are fast-flowing mountain rivers
full of snow melt from the high glaciers cutting their
way through steep-sided valleys, often tumbling over
water falls and through beautiful alpine meadows awash
with multi coloured carpets of blooms in spring. In
the south it is still possible to see forests of indigenous
walnuts. The Kyrgyz people are very friendly and are
very proud of their traditions of hospitality and
handicrafts.
The earliest notable residents of what is now Kyrgyzstan
were warrior clans of saka, from about the 6th century
BC to the 5th century AD. The region was under the
control of various Turkic alliances from the 6th to
10th centuries. The Talas valley in southern Kazakhsthan
and northwest Kyrgyzstan was the scene of a pivotal
battle in 751, when the Turks and their Arab and Tibetan
allies drove a large Tang Chinese army out of Central
Asia.
Ancestors of today's Krygyz people probably lived
in Siberia's upper Yenisey Basin until at least the
10th century, when under the influence of Mongol incursions
they began migrating south into the Tian Shan- more
urgently with the rise of Jenghiz Khan in the 13th
century. Present day Kyrgyzstan was part of the inheritance
of Jenghiz's second son, Chaghatai.
There is a total of 80 ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan.
The Kyrgyz are outnumbered almost three to one by
their livestock. About two thirds of the total 5 million
population lives in rural areas. Kyrgyz adopted Islam
relatively late and are very moderate and excellent
hosts.
Horse Riding Tour
Season: July- August
Venture into on e of the last truly wild frontiers of
the world where you will be captivated by this truly
uninhabited region. You will enjoy the peace and quite
of the wild, snow -mountains, where by day, you will
revel in the clear, sun-kissed air, laden with the sweet
aroma of pine trees. By night, you can relax in a cool
mountain breeze and fall asleep in a world untroubled
by the 'civilised' world you have felt behind. Your
first night in the comfort of a yurta (the traditional
Kyrgyz dwelling made of felt) will truly be something
you will remember for the rest of your life. Your hosts
are real Kyrgyz nomads.
Multi-ethnic Kyrgyzstan
Duration:9 days
Cultural tour
Season: all year
Kyrgyzstan really is a multi ethnic country with more
than 80 nationalities living together. During this trip
you will see the lifestyles of different nationalities
in Kyrgyzstan each day you will share in the life of
a family from a different ethnic background, cook different
food and participate in a culture programme. Then listen
to the stories of the Manaschy, those legendary storytellers
who can sing and recite the world's longest epos-500000
lines about the national hero, Manas. Make your own
traditional Kyrgyz carpet and sing the songs of the
different nationalities. The breathtaking scenery of
the mountains and lake Issyk-Kul and the traditional
hospitality of the Kyrgyz people will make an indelible
impression upon you.
Beneath the Stars on Son-Kul
8 days
Horse riding tour
Season: July - August
Son-Kul Lake sits majestically among dramatic Snow-covered
Mountain peaks, yet it is hidden in a flat, plate like
valley. It appears to lie under the very sky it self
and you can reach out your hand and almost touch the
stars. All of nature can be experienced here and in
this enchanted area it seems as if time await your coming.
Vast swathes of Edelweiss stretch out across the alpine
meadows and as you journey along the little -used shepherds'
tracks you become as one with the environment - a true
nomad.
In the Land of Khan-Tengry
19 days
Trekking
Season: End of June- August
The central Tien- Shan Mountain range is an empire of
snow and ice. The highest mountains of central Asia
-Pobeda (victory) Peak (7439m) and Khan -Tengry (7010m.)
are to be found here. The grandeur and scale of these
great peaks sends most of the world's professional climbers
into raptures. Indeed it has been said many times, justifiably,
that Khan-Tengry is the 'Matterhorn' of Central Asia.
The similarity between these to great mountains is uncanny.
In addition, the awesome natural beauty of the Enilchek
Glacier and Lake Mercbaher make this journey truly unforgettable.
Poetry of the Nomads' Way of Life
8 Days
Cultural tour
Season: July - August
The nomadic way of the life of the Kyrgyz people has
over countless years of wandering the great tracts of
Central Asia, determined that the "yurta"
is a most comfortable and economic dwelling. It is not
only suitable for rapid assembly and transportation
but captures the very essence of these free and unfettered
people. On our tour you will have a chance to live in
it, to understand how safe and comfortable it is and
to experience its charm. And have you ever listened
to the do major symphony performed by a boiling teapot?
Poetry is in the soul of every Kyrgyz person and the
lyrical perfection of the world's longest poem (the
Manas epos) recited amongst the lush expanse of the
jailoo (summer pasture) is guaranteed to capture your
soul.
On Horseback to the Heavenly Mountains
9 days
Horse Riding Tour
Season: Mid June - Mid September
Join some of the world's greatest horsemen as they lead
you into this land that has been untouched by civilization.
Kyrgyz children are taught to ride before they can walk
and these masters of the horse will take you back in
time to witness the beauty of primordial nature: snow
caped mountains, virgin forestes and mountain lakes
with crystal clear water. You will be like a traveller
from the page of history as you experience different
climatic zones- from semi desert to tundra. On your
way you will meet wild animals and birds, such as marmots,
hares, foxes, falcons, and if you are lucky, even a
bear. Beware! Lest Mother Nature claims your heart,
amongst this magnificent, mountain scenery.
