Two weeks cycling around Lake Issyk-Kul on own or rented bicycles
(bicycle rent not included)
This tour can also be done individual. Price 990 euro p.p., bicycle rent not included. Min 2 pers.
A two week tour by bicycle in a country not often visited by western tourists.
Meet the nomads and their culture. Sleep in yurts, the felt houses of nomadic herdsmen. Children sing their folksongs and play traditional instruments of the Kyrgyz. You can watch the making of kymyz, fermented milk of mares. You can see traditional horseback games.
During your bicycle tour there is plenty of time to enjoy the overwhelming nature. In the yurt camps on the shore of the clear blue Lake Issyk-Kul you can go for a swim. In the mountains you can go for a hike, ride on horseback or pay a visit to nomadic families, who stay in the mountain pastures in summertime.
A trip with Ecotour means an unusual and unforgettable vacation. Our trips are suitable for those who do not insist on luxury, love the mountains, appreciate the silence and do not want to travel in large groups.
Level of difficulty: The tour leads through a mountainous region with frequent slopes and every now and then a firm climb (usually ranked as 3rd level of difficulty). If you ride your bike frequently, have a good physical condition and are not stopped at a short climb, then this trip will suit you perfectly.
Accommodation: The tour will take you along the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul, starting at the far east part of the lake. You will spend the night with local families, small hotels, B&B and in yurts. The luggage is transported by car, and an English interpreter is available during the whole trip.
Travelling as an individual: It is also possible to make this tour on your own. In consultation with Ecotour you can pick your own arrival date. You will carry your own luggage and equipped with map and travel description you will cycle to your next overnight stay. Arrival is expected between 4 and 6 o'clock p.m. You will travel without interpreter. May be you meet a group travelling with an interpreter in one of the yurt camps. In that case she will be glad to help you too. You will have to bring your own mobile and buy a Sim cart and prepaid cart in Bishkek so you can call Ecotour if necessary.
Resting days: We have planned sufficient leisure days during the trip. During these days you have the opportunity to relax or explore the countryside or the town, go for a hike or ride on horseback.
Everything is included in the tour price with the exception of the flight, visa and bottled beverages. A visa can be obtained easily upon arrival at the airport in Bishkek. The price of the flight depends on the company you are flying with and the date of booking. Until the end of 2010 it is possible to buy a two way ticket for about 600 euro.
|
Program
|
| Day 1 |
Departure for Kyrgyzstan |
|
| Day 2 |
Arrival, transfer to hotel, after lunch preparation of bicycles. Sightseeing. |
|
| Day 3 |
By car to Karakol, a village on the east side of Lake Issyk-Kul. Stay in B&B. Visit the Dungan mosque and wooden Russian- Orthodox church.
|
|
| Day 4 |
From Karakol to yurt camp Jeti-Ögus. Alongside a small river you climb to 2250 m. 20km. First asphalt, then 16 km dirt road. |
|
| Day 5 |
Leisure day in yurt camp Jeti-Ögus . You can go for a hike, visit the village downhill with a spa from the Sovjet time, and see the beautiful red rocks with names like "Broken Heart" and "Seven Oxen". |
|
| Day 6 |
To Kichi-Jargylchyk, 23 km down on a dirt road, then asphalt road along the south side of the lake.total about 75 km. Overnight with a local family. |
|
| Day 7 |
To Manjyly over asphalt road. Stay in dry area in yurts. 59 km |
|
| Day 8 |
Passing the village of Bokonbaevo, alt 1600 m. Then 20 km dirt road to Temir-Kanat. The yurt camp Temir-Kanat is situated on a slope about 100 m above the village, a steep climb up. Alt 2450 m. Total distance 35 km. |
|
Days_9-10
|
Leisure day in Temir-Kanat, hiking, horse riding, play games. |
|
Day 11
|
From Temir-Kanat to yurt camp Ak-Say, at the southern shore of the lake. Alt. 1600 m. You start out on the main road on asphalt, at the end of the ride 12 km through a gorge over sand and gravel. Total 42 km. |
|
| Day 12 |
Leisure day in Ak-Say, hiking, swimming. |
|
| Day 13 |
From Ak-Say along the waterfront of the lake to Kara-Talaa. After 12 km you reach a salt lake where you can take a swim. Overnight stay with local family. |
|
| Day 14 |
From Kara-Talaa cycling to Balykchy. Here you will be picked up by the car and drive to Bishkek. |
|
Day_15
|
Departure. |
|
If you book for 4 persons or more, we offer you a 5% discount.
In case there are less then 4 participants for this tour, you are requested to pay an additional 100 euro p.p. to make this tour individually or with a small group.
Because of unforeseen circumstances, it might be necessary to make adaptations to the program. We ask for your understanding.
Kyrgyzstan is a land full of beautiful experiences and wonders unique...
click the link below
Mountain passes, bad tracks, off-road, and firm climbs over 3000 m
characterize this route. Not all slopes are steep,
but some are very long and on dirt roads.
But it is worth the effort.
