During this trip, you will discover one of the most remote treasures of Kyrgyzstan. It’s magical to travel from Osh to Tash Rabat as a real traveler on the Silk Road. You will pass the Ferghana mountain range in a totally wild environment. You will be on an expedition into the wild, seeing the stunning wildlife there and the few shepherd’s families that live there will show you the best of Kyrgyz traditional hospitality. You will discover the natural and cultural treasures of Kyrgyzstan: The ancient city of Osh, the high passes of the Ferghana range, the alpine pastures of the Arpa Valley, and Tash Rabat caravanserai. Throughout this trip, you will be immersed into the Kyrgyz wilderness. A real experience of a lifetime! Day 1 – The Tour starts in Osh City Altitude: 950 m Accommodation: Guesthouse in Osh Meeting your guide in Osh at the airport or at a guesthouse in Osh. Osh is a 3000-year-old city on the Silk Road full of many colorful parks and must-see bazaars. The first stop of the day will be at Sulaiman-Too mountain where you will be able to hike up to the ridge and dive deep into Kyrgyz culture at the large Silk Road bazar in Osh City. Lunch will be had a café in one of the many parks in Osh. The rest of the day will be spent getting ready for the rest of your trip buying fresh fruits and vegetables. After this busy day, you will be able to have a rest at a cozy guesthouse in Osh. *It’s also possible to start the tour in Bishkek. It’s no problem to buy a flight from Bishkek to Osh for an additional fee. Day 2 – Osh to Yassy Gorge Altitude: 1,950 m Altitude Gain: 200 m Altitude Loss: 0 m Trekking time: 3 hours 7 km Driving: 125 km Driving time: 3-4 hours Accommodation: Tents Leaving Osh, you will make your way to the Yassy Gorge. The first stop of the day will in the accent Silk Road town of Uzgen. You will be able to visit the three mausoleums in the historical park and have a great view from the top of a Silk Road minaret. The next stop will be in the Yassy gorge where you will meet the horsemen and start your trek to the base of the Chiite pass at 2,400m. Today is not a very challenging day, but a great day to get to know your horsemen, trekking guide and get used to the altitude in the mountains. Day 3 – Yassy Gorge to Koek Kya Altitude: 2,450 m Altitude Gain: 1,300 m Altitude Loss: 1,000 m Trekking time: 7 hours 20 km Accommodation: Tents After packing all your gear on the back of the horse porters you will leave the Yassy Gorge and start making your way to the Chiite pass at 2,400m. After taking a few great pictures from the pass you will keep moving forward to the Shiite pass at 3,630m and finally cross down into the Jylangash valley. The final resting place for the night will be the base of the Koek Kya pass at 2,650m. Today is a challenging day and it’s recommend to get an early start. Day 4 - Koek Kya –Kichi karakoman Altitude: 2,750 m Altitude Gain: 1,050 m Altitude Loss: 600 m Trekking time: 6.5 hours 18 km Accommodation: Tents Today you will trek thought an ever-changing landscape and cover a lot of ground. The first pass will be the Koek Kay Pass at 3,081m. The next pass will be the Kyzyl Beles Pass at 3,143m. From the top of these mountain passes it’s also possible to add a bit more of a challenge to hike to a higher vantage point to capture a great picture. Tonight, you will sleep near the Kichki Karakoman River at 3,135m. Day 5 - Kichi Karakoman River –Karakol River Altitude: 3,150 m Altitude Gain: 200 m Altitude Loss: 250 m Trekking time: 6.5 hours 16 km Accommodation: Tents Today is created to be an easier day where you are able to really enjoy the mountain views and recover from the last days of high mountain passes. In this area, you will have chance encounters to meet shepherds living in the Yurts and see an authentic side of Kyrgyz hospitality. If you wish to make it more challenging day it’s possible to hike up to the Karakol pass and gain a view of both sides of the Ferghanarange. Tonight, you will sleep near the Karakol River. Day 6 - Karakol –Kek Bel pass Altitude: 3,100 m Altitude Gain: 815 m Altitude Loss: 465 m Trekking time: 6.5 hours 17 km Accommodation: Tents The early morning is the best time to cross the Karakol River when the water level is the lowest. The horsemen will help you cross the river and make it easy for everyone. Today you will follow the foot paths of the Marco Polo Sheep to the base of the Kek Bell pass at 3,885m. Day 7 – Kek Bell Pass – Soek River – Tash Rabat Altitude: 3,450 m Altitude Gain: 0 m Altitude Loss: 150 m Trekking time: 3.5 hours 7 km Accommodation: Yurt Camp in Tash Rabat Today you will make one last mountain pass with great views all around. The first pass will be the Kok Bel pass at 3,885m which will lead you to the Soek river where you will meet your driver for the last part of your trip. You will be able to say good bye to your horse men and go with your guide to Tash Rabat. Tash Rabat is a caravansary from the 10thcentury and it’s definitely a great spot to rest after your long trek. You will feel like a true traveler from the Silk Road times and spend the night in an authentic Yurt Camp from the Silk Road days. You will be able to have a local style shower and charge your devices too. Day 8 - Drive from Tash Rabat to Bishkek Altitude: 850 m Driving: 450 km Driving time: 6.5 hours Accommodation: Guesthouse in Bishkek Today you will be able to enjoy a totally different landscape, green and dry nature, cliffs, red canyons, the wide river of Naryn, in the heart of Kyrgyzstan. The drive is quite long from Tash Rabat to Bishkek, but it’s on good roads. Once you arrive in Bishkek you will be able to relax and clean up after your long trip. Tonight, everyone will have a farewell dinner in a café in Bishkek. Day 9 - Flight back home Today everyone will be transported to the Manas Airport and we hope you enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and we hope to meet you or your friends one day here in Kyrgyzstan.
