Bishkek To Bishkek (15 Days) Kyrgyzstan Overland (Cabb16)
Bishkek To Bishkek (15 Days) Kyrgyzstan Overland (Cabb16)
$1628
Bishkek To Bishkek (15 Days) Kyrgyzstan Overland (Cabb16)
15 Days Starting and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Visiting: Kazakhstan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
472
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 16-day overland adventure from Bishkek to Bishkek, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Wander through the leafy streets and vibrant cafes of Almaty, marvel at the stunning mountain scenery and alpine lakes, and take a refreshing swim in Lake Issyk-Kul, the world's second-largest alpine lake. Discover the beauty of Altyn-Arashan Valley and its hot springs, either on foot or horseback, and be awed by the sandstone cliff formations around Jeti-Oguz. Travel in a purpose-built Oasis expedition truck, camp under the stars, and experience the unique hospitality of local homestays and traditional yurts. This adventure tour promises an unforgettable journey through some of Central Asia's most spectacular terrains.
Highlights
Itinerary
We leave Bishkek and head north east to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis and capital until 1997. Almaty is the largest and most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Kazakhstan. Set in the foothills of the Trans Lli Alatau mountains, the area has a ski resort (Shymbulak) at an elevation of 2,200 mtrs and enjoys a great amount of snow from November through to May. The city has many sights and attractions, including Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park; Abay Opera House; Golden Warrior Monument in the Republic Square and the giant Almaty Tower. Or for adrenaline lovers, why not ride the ‘Fast Coaster’ roller coaster, that is located on the side of a mountain and reaches speeds of 45 km per hour.
We continue east looking for amazing camping areas to explore and if time allows we may visit the Singing Dunes. We’ll also drive up to Kolsai Lake, from where you can hike further into the hills to Lake Kaindy. Our next stop is at Charyn Canyon, which is considered the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan with its towering cliffs, eroded sedimentary rocks and some excellent hiking trails.
DAY 5-10: Charyn Canyon to Lake Issyk Kul
We leave the Charyn Canyon today and cross back into Kygyzstan before descending into the area of Lake Issyk-Kul, a mountain lake in the northern Tien Shan Mountains, once used by the Soviets to test their submarine torpedoes!
The area in the hills around the lake at Altyn Arashan and its surrounds offer the outdoor lover many hiking and horse riding opportunities and we spend a few days here to take in the amazing scenery. We will stay in traditional yurts here.
We then visit the vast red stone cliffs in Jeti-Oguz and visit the town of Karakol with its attractive houses and tree-lined streets. Behind it are the Terskay Ala-Too Mountains, an unspoilt wilderness populated only by nomadic shepherds.
Continuing around the lake we stop to see the amazing rock formations and cliffs at Fairy Canyon before arriving at the town of Kochkor.
As we travel around Kyrgyzstan we camp, but we also may have the opportunity to use some family homestays, where we are welcomed into a local home for the night. These are subject to availability, but if we can arrange them they offer a fantastic experience, allowing us to feel part of the family for a night and make some new friends! We will also include at least one overnight stay in traditional yurts.
DAY 11-14: Lake Song Kul and back to Bishkek
Travelling south west and leaving behind Lake Issyk-Kul, we make our way to the isolated and breathtaking Lake Song Kol, where we stay in traditional felt Yurts. There will be opportunity to either hike or horse back ride and explore the surrounding area. If we are lucky we may even see a game of Ulak Tartysh - a Kyrgyz version of polo. We will also view a traditional eagle hunting display (now done without live prey).
Here, those travellers continuing on to China will leave us, while we head back Bishkek with a stop at the impressive Burana Tower on the way.
DAY 15: Bishkek
Your trip ends after breakfast. Bishkek is a well-connected city, with the airport serving destinations throughout Asia with connections for onward travel further afield. For those with some time to spare it’s a pleasant city to spend a few days at the end of your trip, with some excellent bars, cafés and restaurants dotted around to relax and reflect on your trip through Central Asia.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided includes bush camps with no facilities, yurts, and simple village pensions.
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Yurt Stay at Lake Song Kol
Experience a traditional yurt stay at Lake Song Kol.
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Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Visit the ancient Tash Rabat Caravanserai on the old Silk Route.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are included.
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All Transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
All transport during the trip is provided on the Oasis Expedition Truck, which is equipped to handle various terrains and includes necessary equipment such as a medical kit, water and fuel capacities, and spare parts.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided for the duration of the trip.
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Services of Oasis Crew
The services of the Oasis Crew are included throughout the trip.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Local Payment
Local payment of USD 400 for 2024 and USD 500 for 2025 is not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the destination are not included.
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Meals
Approximately 50% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
Discover the stunning scenery of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan with a tour that takes you off the beaten track and into the heart of the wilderness. This journey will give you the unique opportunities to swim in the Lake Issy-Kul, trek the dramatic and vast mountain terrain and spend the night in a yurt by the banks of the Lake Song Kol. We travel towards the Chinese border to visit Tash Rabat, an ancient Silk Road Caravanserai before returning back to Bishkek. A truly once in a lifetime experience, this tour will give you memories to treasure forever.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis expedition truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use a purpose built truck which has been converted especially for this expedition, which passes through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all of the equipment we may need en-route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts as well as the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Most of our overland trucks also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Accommodation is split throughout this trip between simple hotels and hostels and camping. The variety of accommodation provided is great and often a totally unique experience, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts and simple village pensions. Some are well managed and some very basic. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. It would also be a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net so as to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities, so digging your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied is essential!
Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicle will we be traveling in during the tour?
You will be traveling in an Oasis expedition truck, which is a purpose-built vehicle designed to handle various terrains such as soft sand, mud, rock, and potholed roads. The truck is equipped with essential equipment, including a professionally compiled expedition medical kit, large water and fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts, and even a kitchen sink.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation on this tour is split between simple hotels and hostels and camping. You will experience a variety of accommodations, including bush camps with no facilities, yurts, and simple village pensions. Oasis uses roomy three-person tents for two people, which are specially made to meet the tougher conditions of an expedition trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows.
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Will there be any opportunities to stay with local families during the tour?
Yes, as you travel around Kyrgyzstan, there may be opportunities to use family homestays where you are welcomed into a local home for the night. These are subject to availability but offer a fantastic experience, allowing you to feel part of the family for a night and make some new friends.
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What activities are available at Lake Song Kol?
At Lake Song Kol, you will stay in traditional felt yurts and have the opportunity to either hike or horseback ride to explore the surrounding area. If you are lucky, you may even see a game of Ulak Tartysh, a Kyrgyz version of polo.
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What should I bring for camping during the tour?
You should bring your own sleeping bag, a roll mat, and your personal gear. It is also a good idea to bring your own freestanding mosquito net to give you the freedom of sleeping under the stars at night.
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Are there any special safety features in the expedition truck?
Yes, all Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security, it is recommended that travelers wear these at all times while the vehicle is moving.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
Approximately 50% of the meals are included in the tour. The rest of the meals will need to be arranged by the travelers themselves.
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What are the bathroom facilities like at the bush camps?
At bush camps, you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities. You will need to dig your own toilet pit with the shovels supplied.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.