Description
HANDICRAFTS
The strong and self reliant nature of nomadic tribes, combined with the diverse influences of ancient artisans has resulted in some truly unique national products. Kyrgyz people value things which are both useful and beautiful, and much of what they produce reflects that.
Shyrdaks
One of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous exports, these thick felt carpets are handmade every step of the way. Sheep raised on high country jailoos are sheared for the lush wool which is then dyed and sorted. Master craftswomen create striking geometric patterns inspired by the stunning natural world around them. Each pattern has a special significance— learn about Shyrdk from a master, or even try your hand at making one!
Felt Products
High quality wool is used as felt and woven into fabric to produce traditional and modern clothing, hats, bags, and wall hangings.
Kalpak
Men in Kyrgyzstan often wear this tall white hat. It is made of four felt squares, turned up at the base, and sometimes decorated with white or black embroidery.
Trip essentials
Tour Type: culture & traditional Kyrgyz handicraft
Total Duration: 14 days
Best season: June – August
Level of Difficulty: easy
Maximum Altitude on the Trip: 3 400 meters ASL
Start and End Point: Bishkek
Accommodation: hotel in Bishkek and Karakol; home stays and yurts in rural areas
Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group
Best group size: 6 — 12 persons
Itinerary
Day 1
Bishkek
Early morning arrival at Manas airport. Meet and transfer to Bishkek. Accommodation in a hotel. Rest till lunch. Lunch. Afternoon city tour in Bishkek with visiting: Victory Square, Tsum Center, Opera and Ballet Building, Museum of Fine Arts, Oak Park, Mikhail Frunze Museum, Erkindik Boulevard, Open Air Art Gallery, Central Square Ala-Too, monument to Chingiz Aitmatov, Old Square, monument to Lenin, Panfilov Park, White House, Monument to Revolution, Philharmonic Hall Building, Monument to Manas, Osh bazaar. Dinner. Hotel accommodation.
Day 2
Bishkek – Kara-Oi or Cholpon-Ata
After breakfast drive to Kara-Oi or Cholpon-Ata. Visit the Burana Tower architectural complex (10th-11th century, an important point on the Great Silk Road) on the way (15 km from the main road, 1 hour). Lunch near Burana at Kyrgyz Family. Arrival in Kara-Oi, accommodation in local guesthouse. Afternoon visiting an open-air petroglyph (rock painting) gallery. Dinner.
Day 3
Kara-Oi or Cholpon-Ata full day – Karakol
Breakfast in guest house. After breakfast felt animal making at women cooperative Ainagul. Lunch at Ainagul Kooperativ. Late afternoon transfer to Karakol. Arrival in Karakol, accommodation in a hotel. Dinner.
Day 4
Karakol – Djeti-Oguz Gorge
After breakfast a city tour: visit the Dungan Mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church, small bazar and local handicraft shop and community. Lunch. Afternoon transfer to Djeti-Oguz Gorge. Dinner, bed and breakfast in the yurt camp.
Day 5
Full day in Djeti-Oguz Gorge
Hiking in Djeti-Oguz Gorge: hike to waterfall and down to neighboring pastures. Picnic lunch en route. Dinner and accommodation in a yurt camp.
Day 6
Djeti-Oguz Gorge – Bel-Tam
After breakfast leave to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul lake. On the way visit the Fairytale gorge. Transfer to Bel Tam (at Bokonbaevo) yurt camp on the shore of Issykul lake. Accommodation in yurt camp (B&B). Lunch and dinner.
Day 7
Bel-Tam full day
Free time: swimming in the lake, etc.
Day 8
Bel -Tam – Kochkor
Breakfast. En route stop in Kyzyl-Tuu village, the Village of Yurt makers. Visit a Kyrgyz family where all family members make a Boz Ui (Yurt) – a traditional Kyrgyz dwelling tent. Lunch in the village. Further transfer to Kochkor Village. Arrival in Kochkor. Accommodation in local home stay. Dinner.
Day 9
Kochkor full day
After breakfast meeting with Altyn Kol women cooperative. Preparing/washing wool. Drying and dying felt. Lunch at women cooperative. After the lunch making small carpet Alakiyiz and Shyrdak. Dinner and accommodation in a local home stay.
Day 10
Kochkor – Son-Kol Lake
After breakfast transfer to Son Kol lake. Watching and/or participation in everyday life of shepherds: milking mares; making national milk products like kymyz (a fermented mare’s milk) or airan (a sour dense milk product); tending cattle. Eat a delicious lunch here, stroll along the lakeshore, and hope the legendary Song-Kol weather is kind. Remain in yurt camp for a night B&B. Dinner at yurt stay
Day 11
Song-Kol lake full day
Song Kol lake. Lunch at yurt stay. Free time at Son Kol lake: horse riding, hiking. Dinner at yurt stay
Day 12
Song-Kol – Bishkek
Morning leave for Bishkek. Lunch at café. Hotel accommodation. Free time in Bishkek
Dinner.
Day 13
Day in Bishkek.
Time for shopping, etc. Free time in Bishkek. Farewell dinner at restaurant with folklore concert. Hotel accommodation.
Day 14
Check out of hotel. Night or early morning transfer to the airport. Departure.
