Visas

Kyrgyzstan is becoming more tourist friendly, in that many nationalities, including UK citizens, do not need a visa for entry.

Visa regulations and requirements, as well as the documents that embassies request can change frequently so it is essential that you check with either the embassy at which you will apply, or the visa agency which you will use, as to the current requirements.

You should ensure that your passport has at least six months’ validity after the end date of your trip. We also strongly recommend that your passport has a minimum of two blank pages next to each other – on rare occasion it may lead to problems with visas and immigration authorities if it does not.

If your flights involve a connection in Russia you must check with your airline whether you need a Russian visa. On the occasion travellers have been refused boarding for flights that connect in Russia, even if not entering Russia itself.

Health and vaccinations

We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.

Insurance

It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.

Money

The local currency in Kyrgyzstan is the som.

It’s not difficult to change money in Kyrgyzstan – usually the most convenient place will be a hotel but your guide will be able to point you in the right direction. There are also an increasing number of ATMs in larger

towns. However, these are not always reliable and so it is best to think of them as a backup rather than a main means of obtaining money. The best currency to bring for exchange purposes is US dollars, and these should have issue dates of 2006 or later, otherwise they can be difficult to exchange.

Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and better restaurants (usually in major cities only) but are not commonly accepted elsewhere.

Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.

Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travel to Kyrgyzstan.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

1. Day 1: Arrival Islamabad

   On arrival at Islamabad International airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, city tour of Islamabad followed by the Damn-E-Koh (view point), which gives us a panoramic view of Islamabad before driving past various modern streets and buildings graceful with a touch of Islamic Architecture & Folk Heritage Museum. Our tour culminates at one of the world’s largest mosque – Shah Faisal Mosque. Overnight in Green Oak Guest House. (BD)

2. Day 02: Islamabad-Taxila-Naran

   In the morning we drive to Naran and stop at Taxila en-route. Taxila has a well-planned museum and many historic sites of the Gandharan Buddhist civilization. The area flourished from the Sixth Century B.C until the Fifth Century A.D. Later drive to Naran.
   Overnight in PTDC Motel (BD)

3. Day 03: Naran-Fairy Meadow

   Today we drive through the scenic route over Babusar pass to Chilas joining the Karakorum highway. We continue driving to Raikot bridge where we change into 4×4 wheel drives to Tato. From Tato we will start a short trek to the lush green area of Fairy Meadows. Overnight in Huts at Fairy Meadow (BD)

4. Day 04: Fairy Meadow

   Today we have an opportunity to hike through the pine forest toward Bayal base camp or you can just relax at Fair Meadow and enjoy the beautiful view of Nanga Parbat mountain range. Overnight in Huts at Fairy Meadow (BD)

5. Day 05: Gilgit- Karimabad Hunza

   In the morning, trek down to Tato where for our jeeps to Gilgit City.
   Gilgit the administrative capital of Gilgit Baltistan. Here world’s three mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush and the Himalayas meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and adventure lovers. The region has a rich cultural heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora. Historically, the area have remained a flash point of political and military rivalries amongst the Russian, British and Chinese empires. Immediately after the end of British rule in the sub-continent in 1947, the people of this region decided to join Pakistan through a popular local revolt against the government of Maharaja of Kashmir.
   After lunch visit the Kargah Buddha carved on the rock dated from 7th century AD.
   Later continue along the Karakorum highway toward Hunza, en-route we will stop at Raka Poshi Peak (7788m) view point, with stunning view of the Mountain while enjoying your tea stop. Overnight at Hunza Embassy or Hilltop hotel. (BD)

6. Day 06: Karimabad visit

   In the morning, visit Altit village and Altilt fort. Afterwards we visit Baltit Fort which is approximately 700 years. In the 16th century the Mir (King) married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry. The architectural style is a clear indication of Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time. The rest of the day is free time at leisure for shopping.
   Overnight in Hill Top Hotel or Hunza Embassy (BD)

7. Day 07: Karimabad (Duiker)

   Early morning wake up and drive to Duiker village, above Karimabad village. Enjoy the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped mountains of Ultar (7388m), Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran (7266m) and other peaks.  Afternoon free at leisure or if you are energetic hike up toward Ular glacier. Overnight in Hill Top Hotel or Hunza Embassy (BD)

8. Day 08: Karimabad – Ghulkin – Upper Hunza Gojal

   In the morning we drive to Gulmit, en-route we visit Hoper Nagar valley, which can be seen from Duiker is on the opposite, eastern side of the Hunza River. This is another fertile valley and is predominantly Shia Muslim. This is one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers at Hoper. Later drive to upper Hunza Gojal Gulmit, we will stop by Atta Abad Lake for photography, next stop will be Gulmit village. Visit Gulmit old house to the local women’s handicraft centre, drive to Ghulkin village where you will spend the night with local family home. (BD)

9. Day 09: Ghulkin village Borith Lake

   In the morning we cross the Ghulkin glacier to Borith Lake, after lunch we walk toward the Passu glacier view point. Overnight at Borith Lake hotel & Resort. (BD)

10. Day 10: Passu village – Hussaini hanging bridge

    In the morning we drive down to Hussaini village, to attempt to cross the hanging bridge, here you have chance to test our fear of heights and wobbly wooden planks whilst be mesmerized by the fast flowing waters below. We walk through Zarabad summer pasture and back from another bridge to Passu village, after lunch drive back to Borith Lake.
    Overnight in Borith Lake hotel & Resort. (BD)

11. Day 11: Sost-Khunjerab pass-Tashkurgan (China)

    In the morning drive to Sost, after border formalities, we will drive by private transport to Tashkurgan via Khunjerab border (4750 m) crossing which is to the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. Along the way you will be able to see some wildlife at Khunjerab NationalPark where you will meet our Chinese guide and transferred to you hotel. Overnight in Crown hotel. (BD)

12. Day 12: Kashgar

    n the morning, we visit Tashkurgan Fort, dating back from the 14th century. You can enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding fields, mountains, and military complexes from the old walls. Afterwards we continue driving to Kashgar. The scenery along the way is breathtaking. We will be stopping at the Karakul Lake where you can enjoy the view of Muztagh-ata Mountains. Optional camel ride or walk around the Lake. Later continue to Kashgar. Overnight Qinibagh Hotel (New Building) (BD)

13. Day 13: Kashgar Sunday Market

    This day is planned to coincide with the famous Sunday market in Kashgar where everything from carpets, blankets, foods, horses, donkeys, sheep’s and even camels are for sale! Wonderful assortments of people come from all over the region, and the population of the town swells by 100,000! This is truly one of the most incredible bazaars in Asia, and a photographer’s paradise! After the market visit Eidgah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb and the old town.
    Overnight Qinibagh Hotel (New Building) (BD)

14. Day 14: Onward Flight

    Our service will end with the airport transfer.