This year we are running two Festival Tours, one of 17 days and one of 15 days.
During either tour you will travel through and explore our beautiful country and visit two festivals in different locations All festivals are organised by local people. Whilst the festivals are arranged by locals for locals you are very welcome, and indeed will be encourage, to participate.
17 Day Tour
The biggest festival takes place around Lake Son-Kul at an altitude of 3100 m. Before the festival everyone joins in cleaning the area around the lake of garbage and junk left by tourists and locals. Once cleaned demonstrations horse riding, horse racing, and musical performances take place, whilst ancient games are played and traditional food is prepared. The second festival to be visited is in Chon-Kemin, and here you will learn about (and taste) Kyrgyz cooking. A full description of the festival programmes will be sent following booking.
15 Day Tour
On this tour you will see and experience how Kyrgyz families prepare themselves for departure from their summer pastures in the mountains, taking down their yurts and celebrating the coming end of the summer season. From here it is on to Bel-Tam on the sourthern shore of lake Issyk-Kul where you will see a demonstration of hunting with birds of prey, see national games and visit a craft exhibition.
General
With both programmes there is plenty of time to get acquainted with the daily life of Kyrgyz nomads, to hike in the mountains and to ride on horseback (or learn how to ride). You will be able to swim in the clear blue water of Lake Issyk-Kul, to enjoy our beautiful nature and to experience the warmth and hospitality of our people. You will stay in different yurt camps in the mountains, sleep in a yurts (the nomadic tent of felt), and hear the music of children singing and playing on Kyrgyz musical instruments. You will see how kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) is made, and will be able to try it. In Bishkek you will stay in our guesthouse Umai located in the centre of the city. Whilst travelling through the country you will stay in B&Bs, yurt camps and sometimes with local families. An English-speaking interpreter will accompany you and explain to you the meaning of the activities and festivities which take place.
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.
Below is the 17 day tour programme. Please note that unforeseen changes in the programme can occur. Festivals are organised by local people, so alterations in dates or activities may take place. If necessary Ecotour will adapt their programme accordingly.
The programme for the 15 day tour can be sent on request.
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Programme
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| Day 1 |
Departure |
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| Day 2 |
Arrival in Bishkek, sightseeing. |
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| Day 3 |
Day trip to Ala-Archa National Park. |
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| Day 4 |
From Bishkek to Joert yurt camp at Tuura-Suu ( alt. 2250m) by car. |
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| Day 5 |
Leisure day in Tuura-Suu, horseriding, music made by children. |
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| Day 6 |
From Tuura-Suu to our yurt camp at Son-Kul (alt 3100m ). A beautiful trip by car. |
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Days 7-8
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Festival in Son-Kul. Stay in our yurt camp. |
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| Day 9 |
From Son-Kul to our yurt camp at Ak-Say on the shore of lake Issyk Kul. Possibility to swim and hike. |
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| Day 10 |
Stay in Ak-Say. From here it is possible to hike to the salt lake (12 km from the yurt camp). |
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| Day_11 |
From Ak-Say to our yurt camp at Temir-Kanat (alt 2450m ). |
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| Day_12 |
Stay in Temir-Kanat, go horse riding, visit herdsmen and sip kymys. |
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Day 13
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From Temir-Kanat to Chon-Kemin valley. Stay in a B&B. |
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Day 14
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Festival of traditional cooking in Chon-Kemin. |
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Day 15
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To Bishkek by car. |
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Day 16
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Day free for exploring Bishkek (lunch not included). |
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Day 17
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Departure. |
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Because of unforeseen circumstances, it might be necessary to make small changes in the program. We ask for your understanding.
If you book with 4 persons or more, we offer a 5% discount.
In case there are less then 4 participants for this tour, you are requested to pay an additional 150 euro p.p. to make this tour individually or with a small group.
Kyrgyzstan is a land full of beautiful experiences and wonders unique...
click the link below
This journey suits people who are interested in the nomadic way of life
and the culture of the Kyrgyz people.
We expect you to be a little adventurous, to have an average physical condition
and not necessarily to demand luxury.
