KAZAKHSTAN TO KYRGYZSTAN - KAZAKSTAN
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Ride over the Kungei Alatau Mountain Range which rises high on the borders of Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan. This ride offers an opportunity to interact with nomadic people and their herds, living as they have done for centuries in these mountains. This area was once part of the legendary Silk route between China and Europe. We ride over Kashkator pass and to the Karakor Base Camp at 10 000ft in the high central Asian plateaus, on good strong horses on wide open spaces with no borders. We camp in comfortable camp sites under bright starlit skies at night with our horses close by. For riders who can walk, trot and canter, this could be the adventure of a lifetime.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - KAZAKHSTAN TO KYRGYZSTAN
Day 1
Depart London on specific departure date above. Arrive in Almaty close after midnight on Day 2...
Day 2
You will arive in Almaty early in the morning 1-3am this morning and check into the hotel. You can sleep in late before breakfast and then in the afternoon there will be a city tour which includes the State Museum, Bazaar and Equestrian Shop. There will also be a briefing about the route and dinner is in a traditional restaurant. Overnight is spent in the 4* Otrar Hotel.
Day 3
Today you will drive to Central Tien Shan Highlands (300km). En route you will visit the village of Golden Eagle Hunters (150km) and Charyn River Canyon (200km). This is a massive spectacular canyon, not quite as big but alsmost as impressive as the Grand Canyon in the USA or Fish River Canyon in Namibia. Overnight is spent in tented Camp 1.
Day 4
Ride across the alpine forest, along the Karkara River (18km) and upward to a junction with Kok Zhar river. Along the way you will visit the nomads. Overnight is spent in tented Camp 2 (2760m).
Day 5
Ride through alpine meadows along the Kok Zhar river until you meet the Ayu Say river. Overnight is in tented Camp 3 (2850m).
Day 6
Ride upwards to the Canyon of Kok Zhar River (18km) and then onwards until Dzheyak river. Overnight is spent in Camp 4 (2950m).
Day 7
Kok Zhar River ( 18km) to the junction with Dzheyak river . Today we explore the hills of the highest peak Khan Tengri 7010m - this is most northern peak over 7000 m on the planet (like famous peak McKinly(Denaly) in USA is most northern peak over 6000m on the planet). This is highest point of Kazakhstan and holy symbol of the ancient nomadic pagan religion. The translation of Khan Tengri is "Lord Tengri" , Tengri being the name of main nomadic God. We have a good chance of finding big groups of yaks and the magestic top of Khan Tengri is gleaming white with snow, an incredible backdrop visible all day.
Day 8
This morning we cross the border (keep passports ready). The station passport control office on a hillslope is as big as an outdoor old times WC! Today you will ride along the Dzheyak River (18km) and across Kashkator Pass (3584). You will then ride downwards to Sary Zhas River valley. During the day you will meet with the nomads. Overnight is spent in Camp 5 (3200m). There are some fantastic canters coming down the hills today!
Day 9
Ride down to Karkara Base Camp. Overnight is spent in the Karkara Base Camp (2200m). This last day you ride through green valleys and forests before arriving at Base Camp. Here dinner is served in a restaurant in the main building and there is an opportunity to take a sauna bath!
Day 10
Drive to Almaty. Overnight is spent in the 4* Hotel Otrar.
Day 11
Today is spent at leisure. There will be a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with a folklore show. You will then be transfered to the airport for your return flight home.
Day 12
Board flight at midnight or 1am and arrive in London afternoon.
NOTES - KAZAKHSTAN TO KYRGYZSTAN
A visa for two entries into Kazakhstan and one visa entry into Kyrgyzstan are required. For the visa application you will need 2 passport photos for each of the consulates. Cost for all visas were +- £50 in 2007.
Getting to Almaty Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
The price includes a tourleader from Europe, all accommodation in twin room or tent: 3 nights in hotel + 6 nights in camp, all meals, 6 days riding, tours as described and transfers.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, visas, drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Should separate transfers be required due to other flight arrival/departures, an additional cost may be charged.
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