For centuries horses have been used as helpers for local nomads in moving yurts and cattle to higher pastures. The beautiful alpine steppes are the pantry for the yaks and the shepherds with their families moving higher and higher up in the Tien Shan Mountains. On this trek you will be above 2500 – 3000 m with the horses and enjoy the fantastic nature around the big glacier lake of Song Kol.
The nomadic life was everyday for most Kyrgyz well into the 20th century and the culture is still intact, although today the rhythm in life is semi-nomads and the families live in houses during the winter and the summer is spend in yurt camps . In the meeting with the nomadic families on this trek along the beautiful Song Kol lake right in the middle of the country, we enjoy the open attitude to foreigners and meet them in their home and we their lucky guests.
The needs of the animals and the whims of the weather are the focal points and both make the days unpredictable. The charm of being far away is the epitome of nomadic culture that is deeply rooted in people and animals. Here is only the entertainment you invent yourself and even though the nomads today have all electronic and technical aids, it is as if the world can continue to turn around - here you follow the course of nature.
Highlights:
♦ Song Kol Lake - large alpine lake at an altitude of 3000 m in the Tian Shan mountain range
♦ The nomadic culture - a unique opportunity to sleep in real yurts and get close to shepherd families
♦ The grandeur of nature - endless steppes and towering snow - covered mountains
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No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.
Most of you, who are used to walking/cycling during a long weekend, will be in condition to cope with a tour of this level. You should be in a good health condition. We have successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking/cycling. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk/cycle for 5/7h a day.
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