KAZAKHSTAN TO KYRGYZSTAN - KAZAKSTAN
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Ride over the Kungei Alatau Mountain Range which rises high on the borders of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This riding holiday 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 plateaux, 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. Here you will meet Kazakhstans foremost trainer of birds and hounds for this ancient hunting tradition (as well as his animals and family).
A little further along you will also visit and talk a leisurely 1.5 hour walk through the Charyn River Canyon. This is a grand and spectacular canyon, on a smaller scale but almost as impressive as the Grand Canyon in the USA or the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. After crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan overnight is spent in the Karkara base camp that lies alongside the Karkara river that froms the border between the two countries. The camp, situated in a breathtaking valley, is a starting point for all adventurers and here in the dining room and bar you will meet walkers and cyclists from all over the world; as well as the brave climbers starting their three week ascent to the peak of the majestic Khan Tengri...
Day 4
Meet your horse for the week and set off on a ride around the local area to get to know each other before you head off on the trail tomorrow. Overnight, once again, is at the Karkara base camp.
Day 5
Today you will ride through the alpine forest, alongside the fast flowing Karkara River (18km) and upward to a junction with more sedate Kok Zhar river. Along the way you will visit the nomads and spend some time enjoying their generous hospitality and if you are brave enough to partake in some kumis, alcoholic fermented mares milk that has a distintive smoky flavour and is extremly popular with all the locals! Overnight is spent in tented Camp 2 (2760m) where the surrounding area provides plenty of ammunition for a roaring camp fire.
Day 6
Ride through alpine meadows along the Kok Zhar river until you meet the Ayu Say river. Here the terrain begins to change from rocky alpine into rolling meadows After a long yet gentle ascent lunch will be taken enjoying your first view of Khan Tengri. The shorter descent takes you into the next valley where you will spend the night in tented Camp 3 (2850m).
Day 7
Today you once again cross over the (un-maned) border into Kazakstan on a trail cut through a large hill. Again along side the Kok Zhar river, following a sandy and gentle track perfect for longer canters. Overnight is in tented Camp 4.
Day 8
Today is the longest ride, around seven hours, with lots of ascents and descents as you explore the hills of the highest peak Khan Tengri 7010m - this is most northern peak over 7000 m on the planet, the 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. The magestic top of Khan Tengri is gleaming white with snow with an almost panoramic view of the surrounding snow topped mountains, an incredible backdrop visible during your picnic lunch. Overnight is in tented camp 5.
Day 9
This last day you will ride, through green valleys and forests before arriving at Karkara 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. This evening there will be a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant with a folklore show.
Day 11
Time to say goodbye and board you flight back to Heathrow.
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.
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.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
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