Yoga tour in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Day 1. Arrival in Osh. Meet and greet in the airport. Leisure time, walking, opening of the workshop. Overnight at the hotel.

Welcome to Osh, famous for the warmth and hospitality of its townsfolk. It is the biggest city in southern Kyrgyzstan. It welcomes the visitors with streets lined by green trees, numerous open-air cozy cafes, bright boisterous bazaar and the main point of interest - Suleiman Mountain that rises in the middle of the city.

Opening of the Yoga Workshop.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Transfer from Osh to Aflatun settlement at the confluence of the Aflatun and Utur river (1300m; 350km; approx. 6hrs). Leisure time. The beginning of active part of the tour. Trekking up along the Yushniy Aflatun river.
Camp 1 (1700m). Distance: 18km; approx. 6hrs. Altitude difference: +400m.

After breakfast we head for Aftalun settlement and further to the confluence of Aflatun and Utur rivers where we will have a rest before trekking.

Then we move up along the Yushniy Aftalun river. The first day always overwhelms with new sensations, fascinating landscaped vistas. Lush multicoloured alpine vegetation contrasts the austere grandeur of mountains. A rather good earth road runs along the canyon of Yushniy Aftalun river among the picturesque spruce forests. After 18-km ascent we set up Camp 1 (1700m).

Day 3. Continue trekking up along the Yushniy Aflatun river and then further along Uyalma river.
Camp 2 (2100m). Distance: 12km; approx. 5hrs. Altitude difference: +400m.

After breakfast we continue the trekking up along the gorge to the confluence of Aflatun and Uyalma rivers. In the Aflatun gorge as well as Uyalma hollow the bottom and northern slopes are hosts to spruce forests, whereas the southern slopes are abundant in desert-candle. The steep slopes of the gorge are formed of limestone. The upper part of the gorge is rocky with overhanging ledges.

At the confluence of Aflatun and Uyalma rivers the wide valley is covered with grassy plots and spruce forests; further up the two gorges get narrower. The left side of Uyalma gorge is gently sloping, there are traces of landslip and mudslide, while the right slope is rather steep and is covered with spruce forests.

Trekking further upstream, we reach the place where Camp 2 is to be set on the bank of Uyalma river (2100m).

Day 4. Trekking over Kuldambes pass (2750m) and then descent to Lake Sary-Chelek over Ashuu pass (2551m).
Camp 3 (1900m). Distance: 10km; approx. 5hrs. Altitude difference: +650m / -850m.

Today we cross two easy passes - Kuldambes (2750m) and Ashuu(2551m). The path first runs along the turbulent Uyalma river, then,near Kuldambes pass, it serpentines through grassy area. At the approach to the pass the slopes acquire more flattened forms. The path starts to zigzag among the alpine verdure and gradually reaches the stony section.

Easy trekking over Kuldambes pass is done at the background of various mountain scenery and picturesque landscapes. After crossing Kuldambes pass we start slow descent to Ashuu pass - the viewpoint which affords stunning views of the northern part of lake Sary-Chelek. Short trekking to the banks of the lake where we set up our Camp 3 (1900m) for the overnight.

Lake Sary-Chelek, the third deepest and one of the most beautiful alpine lakes of Central Asia, is an impressive attraction in Chatkal ridge (a spur of Western Tien-Shan). In summertime the temperature of the water in the lake is +19°С. Dozens of brooks make their way along the neighbouring small canyons and feed this fresh lake. The bluff banks submerge into the impenetrable depth of 234m. The northern banks of lake Sary-Chelek are covered with forests of spruce and silver fir-trees mirrored in the lake water.

In Kyrgyz “Sary-Chelek” means “yellow vessel”, “yellow bucket” or “yellow scoop”. However, this name can be justified only in autumn, when leaves of the trees turn yellow and the lake looks like a scoop full of honey. In summertime the water of the lake is blue with emerald hues. Old-timers say that once the lake contours reminded a bucket and it got its attribute “yellow” because of buttercups that carpet the slopes and reflect in the lake water.

Day 5. Trekking. Ascent along Lake Sary-Chelek over Makmal pass (2654m). Descent to the Kyzyl-Suu river.
Camp 4 (2000m) at the confluence of the Kyzyl-Suu and Kurumdu rivers.
Distance: 13km; approx. 6hrs. Altitude difference: +750m / -650m.

We leave the lake banks and trek upstream the Sary-Chelek river. After 1 km the river narrows and turns north. The slopes become steeper, at times broken by grassy areas with cones of spruce trees. Everywhere from the cliffs there run streams. By the riverbed there stand lonely birth trees. The gorge narrows and it seems that the cliffs reach for each other. But the path is well within view and soon we ascend to easy Makmal pass. From here we can glance again at the grandiose water basin of lake Sary-Chelek surrounded by rocky cliffs and woody slopes where pointed tops of pyramid-like Tien-Shan spruces reach for the blue sky, and floating clouds reflect in the quiet waters of the lake.

Feast your eyes on the scenery and start the descent to Kyzyl-Suu river. Soon we reach the Kurumdu river - tributary of Kyzyl-Suu river, and set up Camp 4 (2000m) on a cozy forest clearing.

Day 6. Trekking downstream the Kara-Suu river to lake Karakamysh (Kara-Suu). Camp 5 (1800m) on the lake bank. Distance: 12km; approx. 3hrs. Altitude difference: -200m.

Continue the descent along the Kara-Suu river to the banks of the scenic lake Karakamysh (Kara-Suu). To south-east there opens a splendid view of compact Min-Teke mountains, whereas on the west there rises mountain ridge separating the area from a chain of lakes (Kyle-kol, Iri-Kol, Chacha-Kol,Bokaly, etc.) neighbouring lake Sary-Chelek.

Lake Karakamysh (Kara-Suu) is fed by Kara-Suu river. About 6.5km long and 1.5-2km wide, the lake has the average depth of 90m. In summertime the water warms up to 17-19 degrees. The banks of the lake are overgrown with Tien-Shan spruce, juniper, mountain ash, barberry and other bushes. The rocky banks go deep into the water where shoals of fish are clearly visible.

We set up our Camp 5 (1800m) on the picturesque Kara-Suu bank.

Day 7. Trekking up to and over Kuturma pass (2446m) and then descent to lake Iri-Kol. Camp 6 (1300m) on the lake bank. Distance: 12km; approx. 6hrs. Altitude difference: -500m.

After trekking along the eastern bank of lake Kara-Suu we start an easy ascent to Kuturma pass (2446m). Here the landscape is really amazing: grey cliffs covered with clefts and dints are reflected in still green-bluish surface of the lake water. The road bends along the pinkish rocks and leads to the southern part of the lake that turns into the riverbed of the Kara-Suu river. Soon the current becomes turbulent. This can be clearly seen from the path that runs up to Kuturma pass. The ascent is relatively easy and rather rewarding: from the pass there opens the wide panorama of huge southern part of Sary-Chelek hollow with Lake Sary-Chelek itself. To the left there are the oblong contours of another lake - Iri-Kol whose banks will accommodate our camp for the night.

Descent from the pass does not take much time and soon we reach the banks of lake Iri-Kol located at the altitude of 1800-2040m. Here we set up our Camp 6 (1800m).

Lake Iri-Kol is formed by rock obstruction and is fed by springs. Bathing in its cool water brings relaxation and takes away the fatigue after day’s trekking.

Day 8. Trekking from lake Iri-Kol to the southern part of lake Sary-Chelek in Upaly ravine. Continue trekking round lake Kely-Kol and further to the Arkyt-Sai river where the vehicle will be waiting to pick you up (1400m).
Distance: 10km; approx. 2hrs. Altitude difference: -400m.
Transfer to Osh. Accommodation in the hotel (320km; approx. 5-6hrs).

Our destination today is again Lake Sary-Chelek. Following the path that runs from lake Iri-Kol, we skirt lake Kely-Kol (“round lake”) that is 700m in length and 200-400m in width.

Now we head towards main riverbed of the Arkyt-Sai river, to the point from which we will be transferred to Osh.

Our spectacular trekking is completed. Today we leave the enchanting mountainous area. Some are looking forward to comforts of civilization, while others regret that encounter with nature was so short.

We trekked an unforgettable route, one of many that the Tien-Shan offers.

Today we return to the city warmth of Osh with its numerous cafes and restaurants, and free Internet access. You spend overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 9. Osh. Morning flight to Bishkek. Meet in the airport. Transfer to Tosor village (290 km, Southern coast of lake Issyk Kul). Check-in, lunch and diner at the Planetary Eye yurt settlement.

Today we will have a flight to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek, and then will drive to the Southern coast of lake Issyk-Kul.

Lake Issyk Kul (“warm lake” in Kyrgyz) - a natural wonder of Central Asia! The phenomenon of Issyk Kul lake is not only in its being world’s second largest (both by deepness and square area) alpine lake but also that, despite altitude (1.608m), it never gets ice on its surface. The lake attracts hundreds of birds (local as well migratory), is abundant in fish (trout, carp, pike-perch etc.) and provides habitat (the lake-shore riparian forests as well as surrounding mountain forests) for diverse wildlife including nearly extinct snow leopards and red wolves.

Issyk Kul is the most popular tourist destination of Kyrgyzstan. The mountains and the marine microclimate produce a wild, unique environment here. The water of the Issyk Kul is clear blue with a visibility of up to 60 feet (20 m).The water temperature in July on the surface is a comfortable 68° to 73° F (20° to 23° C), and in January it is 36° to 37° F (2° to 3° C).

Accommodation, lunch and dinner at the Planetary Eye yurt settlement (village of Tosor).

Day 10. Tosor village. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the yurt settlement.

The Planetary Eye yurt settlement is situated in the village of Tosor on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The settlement comprises over 30 yurts, among which there is a dining-yurt, a library-yurt a shop-yurt and others performing public functions.

A yurt is a traditional dwelling of Central Asian nomads with a long history of over 3 000 years. The yurt’s structure was being gradually modified to have become almost ideal for the mode of life nomads led.    The yurt:
- is easily assembled and disassembled, requiring 3-4 persons (one family) and 1 hour of time;
- weighs only 250 kg, which is very little for a ‘whole house’, easily transportable on 2 camels or horses;
- retains warmth in winter (for which a heater should be installed inside) and cool in summer, as felt is a perfect heat insulator; it is also windproof.
- is absolutely health-friendly, as it is assembled of simple natural materials - wooden poles and twigs and felt made of rolled and pressed sheep’s wool; 
- has no angles, which makes the cosy round room particularly convenient for meals with a company of friends, ‘round tables’, indoor dances around a fire and so on.

Accommodation:

All guests live in yurts. The yurts accommodate 6, 8-9 and 10-11 persons. There also are single and double yurts.

Each yurt contains:

• a floor carpet;
• traditional mattresses (toshoks);
• warm woolen blankets, pillows and rugs;
• travellers are provided with a spare set of bedclothes;
• the yurt is provided with electricity: one socket for charging a mobile phone.

There is one yurt with a capacity of 30-40 persons for seminars and one with a capacity of up to 120 persons for major events.

Diets:

Healthy and mindful eating is essential for living in harmony. In the yurt settlement you can reserve specially balanced vegetarian food, as well as vegan dishes and meals for those on a raw food diet.

Day 11. Tosor village. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the yurt settlement.

Leisure time.

Day 12. Transfer Tosor village - Bishkek.

Breakfast and lunch at the yurt settlement. After lunch transfer to Bishkek. Check-in at holet 2* (“Khan-Tengri” or similar). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13. Bishkek. Departure.

Transfer to airport. Departure.

• Itinerary description
• Equipment on route

• Meals
• List of personal gear

• Escort team

Who can attempt this trek? Should the participants of the tour have prior trekking experience or prepare themselves physically?
This trekking is rather easy and is suitable for anyone with good physical condition. Tourist above 16 and under 65 years of age can join this tour provided they have no serious health problems and their doctor does not object to participation in such kind of tourist activities. Children above 14 can also join this trekking tour provided they are accompanied by their parents.

The offered trekking tour can be graded as simple-average, which means no special skills in mountaineering are required. The escort team consists of an experienced high altitude guide able to choose the right path and advise you on the precautions to be taken in each section of the route. During the tour you will have to trek on foot long distances. Therefore the only condition for those willing to participate in this trekking programme is absence of medical contraindications to such activities.
 

We provide spacious two person tents and big mess tent to be used in inclement weather, as well as foodstuff, tableware, tables, chairs, portable WC, first aid kit, gas burner and gas cylinders (or primus stove and gasoline) in case it is raining and the wood is wet and does not burn.

List of personal gear:

You should also have on you any special medicine you usually take in case of health problems. Should you need any detailed information regarding personal gear you can contact our tour operators.
 

How are meals organized during the trek programme?

You will be escorted by a cook and other service staff responsible for arranging regular and tasty meals. You don’t need to bother about tableware, kitchen utensils and equipment as we provide all these as well as tables, chairs, and tents throughout the whole trek programme.

Drinking water is provided from crystal-clear mountain springs. However, it is recommended to drink only boiled water. In cities and during long transfers it is advisable to use bottled water.

Below you can find the menu of one of the trekking days:

Breakfast:
First dish: cereal porridge (semolina, oats, rice).
Second dish: cooked eggs with sausages, omelette, pancakes, thick pancakes, toasted bread, cottage cheese pancake, etc.
Buffet table: cheese, sausage, assorted bread, butter, ketchup, marmalade, chocolate paste, sweets, cookies, wafers, dried cream, honey, sugar, halavah.
Drinks: selection of hot drinks, such as tea (black and green), coffee, cocoa.

Lunch:
Buffet lunch: assorted bread, fresh salads, canned fish, cheese, sheep cheese, assorted meat appetizers, tea (black and green) sweets, cookies, wafers, fruits (apples, pears), dried fruits (apricot, raisin, figs, etc.), assorted nuts.
*In case of camp lunch first course is added.

Dinner:
First course - soup (European or local cuisine).
Second course - various dishes of European cuisine with assorted garnish, as well as a choice of local dishes.
Buffet table: assorted bread, cheese, sausage, ketchup, spices (mustard, various dressings), sweets, cookies, wafers, sugar.
Drinks: selection of hot drinks, such as tea (black and green), coffee, cocoa, thin jelly.
Dessert: watermelon, melon, fruits.
 

Country: Kyrgyzstan.
Tour at the foot of Lenin Peak.
Tour duration: 10 days.

Amateur photographers, journalists, artists, travelers, romantics, bards, the young and the old, who knows no rest in this world, and everyone who has lost themselves - you all are going to get every thing here - the harmony, peace and balance. You are going to absorb all this beauty and feel the grandeur of this land, you will see the world in its new colors, you will be granted with new life energy, and you will get new powerful sources to live - live with fun, live joyfully, learn to be happy every minute of this wonderful stay at our small, single and unique planet - Earth!

Country: Uzbekistan.
Heritage tour of Uzbekistan.
Tour duration: 6 days.

The Orient is a delicate thing: fine pattern, delicate silk, fine arts, graceful and charming dances… The tour across Uzbekistan called “The Oriental Adventures” will guide you through the most interesting places of this wonderful country. We understand that you wish to manage seeing the most impressive, eye-catching, important and unique things during your short vacation in order to be able to estimate true worth of magnificent monuments of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, in order to be able to enjoy surrounding nature and its generous gifts!