Bishkek Sightseeing, Attractions, Culture and History Tours 2022/2023

“Song Kul was the best bit for me, the yurts were so fun and the food up there was amazing. The horse riding was also really fun up there. I loved it, the leaders were amazing and the trip was so much fun.”

“A trip of wonderful contrasts visiting three countries which having only recently gained independence from Russia should on paper be similar. Uzbekistan with its history, culture, beautiful madrassahs and mozques, and security; Kazakhstan with the flat steppe that disappears into the horizon covering 25% of the country (this is probably the size of Germany!) (admittedly we only saw the steppe and of that only a minute part); Kyrgyzstan with its mountains and lakes (75% is mountains). The two overnight and one daytime train journeys really added to the overall interest of the tour. Felt very safe everywhere and had excellent food and guides.”

“Cities tend not to be high on my list of places to visit but I was surprised by the many parks and green spaces offsetting the large buildings and wide roads in all the cities visited. Of course the amazing architecture of the mosques, madrassas, minarets, mausoleums, museums and markets were impressive and interesting with a wealth of information from both our tour leaders and local guides, all of whom spoke excellent English.The train journeys and the brief ride on the Metro in Tashkent made pleasant changes to the coach travel. Good to see family groups enjoying the warm evenings in pedestrianised streets and squares, parks, local cafes and bars, etc. No litter, no noisy groups of youths, just a nice atmosphere.Though the planned overnight train ride to Kazakhstan didnt happen owing to international cancellation at little notice, the replacement coach was large and comfortable. In the morning traffic to Almaty many more upmarket cars were on the roads, after very few in Uzbekistan.The short drive out of Almaty with the walk up to the waterfall was a welcome change from the city streets. Then the long drive into the Kyrgyzstan countryside was literally a breath of fresh air; with the vast lake, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, flower-strewn meadows and leisurely walks. Not forgetting the impressive golden eagle demonstration. I would have preferred more than one night at the Yurt shores of Lake Camp. A couple of days later, an afternoon swim at the seaside on the Issyk Kul Lake was refreshing.Inevitable long road journeys were offset by ever changing views, excellent driving, mainly good roads and frequent stops.”