Tien Shan: Under The Blue Sky Of Kyrgyzstan. 13 days.

Region: Central Asia, Kyrghyzstan, Tien Shan Mountains, Song Kul Lake area
Activity: horse riding
Trip Category: special, VIP
Difficulty: medium, no need of special skill

See also: Nomadic Kyrgyzstan Horse Riding, 10 days

Tien Shan - "The Sky Mountains" is one of the world's biggest and highest (up to 7,439 m - peak Pobeda) mountain land on the south of Central Asia where virtually all kinds of mountain outdoors are possible - from easy trekking to extremely difficult mountaineering. The entire area keeps ecological purity and untouched wild nature so far.

The Alpine lake Song-Kul lies at an altitude of over 3000 m in one of the loveliest regions of central Kyrgyzstan. From June to August friendly herders from the Kochkor valley graze their livestock on the surrounding lush pastures, which are perfectly suited to exploration on the back of a horse. At night we camp beneath crystal clear skies in remote and beautiful locations and enjoy the camaraderie of a blazing campfire

Itinerary:

Day 1	Arrival to Bishkek. Meeting at airport, transfer to the hotel where tonight is spent. Facilities include air conditioning in all rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and barbeque. This afternoon we explore Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's small and beautifully positioned capital at the foot of the mountains with views of the surrounding glaciers. We will see the enormous Alatau Square, and may also visit the history museum or the state department store, where it is possible to buy beautiful Kyrgyz felt carpets and hats.
Day 2	This morning we transfer by road to Lake Song-Kul (5-6 hours), a drive that takes us 3000m high into the Tien Shan (Heavenly Mountains). The lake is situated at the centre of a small plateau surrounded by a ring of mountain peaks, and is one of the most beautiful spots in Kyrgyzstan. The shores are dotted with yurts (nomadic tents), inhabited by Kyrgyz families who spend the summer up here with their animals (sheep, yaks and horses). Arriving at the camp on the southern shores of the lake, we will lunch in a yurt, owned by a local Kyrgyz family. Afterwards there will be an opportunity to try out the horses, which are Kyrgyz, ridden with Russian cavalry saddles.
Day 3	We begin today with a 15km ride up to the Moldaashu ravine, which affords fantastic views of the lake, and back down to the shore. After lunch on the Burgunsu stream, we ride on a further 15km to the evening camp, which is situated beneath the Uzbek Pass, on the shore of the lake where it is possible to swim from a pebbly beach.
Day 4	Today is spent riding up in the hills and along the shore of the lake, where you will encounter local shepherds, as well as fishermen. Tonight's camp is the burial ground of Aktash.
Day 5	This morning we ride 18km through dramatic valleys up into the hills to the north of the lake. Lunch will be taken close to the Aktash Pass where a group of yurts, which keep herds of yaks, is located. Afterwards we ride 15km over the Aktash and Tyulek Passes (3243m) and make the beautiful descent down to the Tyulek River.
Day 6	We begin the day with a 20km ride along the Tyulek River, through a very old village where the women weave carpets. After lunch near Tyulek Village, which is a lovely place for an afternoon swim, we continue for 12km up the magnificent Dolon Pass. The views on this ride are particularly stunning, with endless peaks and valleys opening up around every corner. Camp tonight will be set up 2km before the pass.
Day 7	The day starts with a 13km ride over the Dolon Pass and follows a stone road running through a narrow gorge and the village of Karaunkurt. After lunch at the end of the road, we ride 10km into the hills to camp near a farm.
Day 8	Today we ride 15km up over a pass and down through spectacular valleys to lunch in a ravine on the Song-Kul River. Afterwards, there will be an 8km ride to the dramatic Song-Kul waterfall where we will camp for the night.
Day 9	Today's ride takes us 17km over the "32 Parrots" Pass and back down to the shore of Lake Song-Kul, where the Song-Kul River meets the lake. We will camp here this evening, where there is good access to the lake and it is possible to swim. Herds of horses often come down to bath in the river here.
Day 10	This morning we ride for 15km parallel to the lake shore, passing ancient remains of Manas's army camps - Manas is the Kyrgyz epic hero who saved Kyrgyzstan from invasion 1000 years ago. After lunch at the Tashtulga burial ground we return to the original camp.
Day 11	This morning we drive back to Bishkek. En-route we may visit a local handicrafts shop in the village of Kochkorka. A further night will be spent at the hotel in Bishkek.
Day 12	Today is spent relaxing in the grounds of the hotel, where facilities include an open-air barbeque and swimming pool, and also sightseeing and shopping in Bishkek for those who wish. We will have a minibus and driver on hand for this service. This evening there will be a celebratory farewell dinner in Bishkek.
Day 13	This morning the hotel will provide a simple buffet breakfast before we are transferred to the airport at Bishkek. Departure.