Dear Adventurers:
I still remember my excitement as I took my first flight to Kyrgyzstan, flying over the imposing Himalaya, Karakorum, and eventually over the Tien Shan mountain ranges, over giant pieces of turquoise (or so the giant lakes seemed like from 37,000 feet up in the air). How lucky I was to see such vast beauty spread out below me and feel the excitement of a foray into new territories.
Since then, I have been fortunate to lead several departures of WT’s Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains, a fantastic itinerary that takes us deep into the mountains, to pristine valleys, and with overnights at stunningly beautiful campsites.
The hikes on the trip are modest and the camping is quite luxurious as we experience Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture, meet the people, and learn about their way of life, their food, their music, their traditions, and their high meadows full of grazing animals. As I returned again and again, I’ve discovered a people so proud of their heritage and so welcoming that now I’m hooked for life!
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan came out of its shell, and recently, the country has made major developmental strides, with new roads connecting far reaches of the country across the high mountain landscape that they share with Tibet. Now, in a land where Silk Road travelers once passed through on their camels, we can travel by comfortable 4WD vehicles.
The highlights of this trip are so innumerable it’s difficult to list them all, but here are a few: towering peaks and glacial lakes, pristine alpine valleys, eagle hunters, horse games, spice and vegetable markets, yurts in nomadic camps, a simple and delicious cuisine, and people with the biggest and most welcoming smiles.
And the best part is that few travelers venture here, but that’s going to change very soon. I hope you will join me for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in an under-the-radar mountain paradise.
Take a look at the web page and download a Detailed Itinerary for a full description of this incredible adventure. For questions or to book your spot, contact WT’s Asia Specialists at 1-800-368-2794 or email asia@wildernesstravel.com.
Kyrgyzstan beckons. Join us!
Hashmat Singh, Trip Leader
