Visit the nomads of Kyrgyzstan by bike
Individually or in small groups

Dates:
May 31. - June 21. and July 13. – August 8. 2010 (level 4)  
July 20. – August 10. and September 3. - September 24. 2010 ( level 3)
Accompanied by car: price: 1.290 euro p.p. min. 4 persons

Not accompanied by car, for individual cycling tour: price: 1.095 euro p.p., date on request


A three weeks tour on your own bicycle in a country not often visited by western tourists.

Meet the nomads and their culture. Sleep in yurts, the nomadic tents made of felt. Children sing their folksongs and play traditional instruments of the Kyrgyz. You watch the making of kymyz, fermented mare milk. You see traditional horseback games. En route you will visit the petroglyphs of the period of the Scythes (3. -1. Century BC).

During your bike tour there is plenty of time to enjoy the overwhelming nature. In the yurt camps on the shore you can go for a swim in the clear blue Lake Issyk Kul, in the mountains you can go for a hike, ride on horseback or pay a visit to the nomadic families, who stay in the mountain pastures in the summertime.

A trip with Ecotour means an unusual and unforgettable vacation. Our trips are suitable for those who do not insist on luxury, love the mountains, appreciate the silence and do not want to travel in large groups.

Level of difficulty: The tour leads through mountainous regions with frequent slopes and every now and then a firm climb (usually graded as 3rd level). If you ride your bike frequently, have a good physical condition and are not scared of a short climb, then this trip suits you perfectly. Because of the different activities besides biking and the regular breaks, an experienced biker can cope with this tour.

Accommodation: The tour takes you around Lake Issyk Kul, starting at the north shore. You will stay in hotels, guesthouses with local families and yurts.

Travelling in a group: We will start with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants from Bishkek. The average distance per day is 60 km. Two days during this tour you will cycle 92 km on rather flat terrain. If the stretch is getting too straining we will shorten the daily stretch or we will introduce a longer rest. We prefer this approach because we do not want to focus on biking solely. Meeting Kyrgyz people, enjoying the unique nature and other activities are also part of the program. Your luggage will be transported by car and the car with the interpreter will be within reach during the whole trip.

Travelling as an individual: You can also do this trip individually. You will need to carry your own luggage. With map and tour description, you will cycle from one spot to the other. You have to bring a mobile phone and buy a Kyrgyz SIM so you can call the office of Ecotour in case assistance is needed. Arrival is expected between 4 and 6 p.m. Sometimes there will be an interpretor in a yurtcamp, travelling with other guests. This interpretor will be glad to answer your questions and give information if you want this.

Days of rest: We have planned sufficient resting days during the trip. During these days you have the opportunity to explore the countryside or the town.

Bicycle: You need to take your own bicycle along with you. Since roads are often in a bad condition we advise you to bring a good mountain bike or a strong trekking bike.

Program (in note form)

The program as described below is applicable to the tours in July and August. The cycle tour in May starts in Boom in stead of Bosteri.

The price includes everything from arrival at the airport till departure, except the flight, visa and alcoholic beverages.

If you book for 4 persons or more, we offer you 5% discount.

In case there are less then 4 participants for this tour, you are requested to pay an additional 150 euro p.p. to make this tour with car and interpreter.

Because of unforeseen circumstances, it might be necessary to make small changes in the program. We ask for your understanding.