As seen on
World Nomad Games - Stewart Bespoke
Kyrgyzstan
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
18 Nights
2 - 2
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy the grand opening ceremony of the 2026 games
- Be a spectator of 'Kok-Boru' - nomadic horse polo
- Experince nomadic culture, arts, hospitality & ethnosports
- Horse ride at Geokdepe
- Tour of Bishkek
- Visit the famous Burana Tower minaret
- Yurt camp stay at Son-Kul Lake
- Samarkand city tour
- Explore Bukhara
- Darvaza Flaming Crater in Turkmenistan
World Nomad Games & Silk Road Kingdoms: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan (2026 WNG confirmed dates coming soon*)
Embark on a thrilling cultural journey through the heartlands of Central Asia as we witness the unparalleled spectacle of the World Nomad Games 2026 in Kyrgyzstan, before tracing the path of the ancient Silk Road into the mesmerising cities of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This unique adventure blends jaw-dropping scenery, imperial history, nomadic traditions and exuberant celebration in one unforgettable voyage.
In September 2018 we attended the 3rd World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan with a group of 15 intrepid travellers, and in 2024 we returned—this time to Kazakhstan—with four groups (!) as the nomadic peoples from all across Central Asia and beyond gathered once more to compete in their time-honoured traditions. In 2025, the Games return to Kyrgyzstan and promise to be the most vibrant yet.
The opening ceremony alone is worth the journey: competitors on horseback parade around the arena, brandishing their country’s flags—Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Turkmen, Uzbek, Tajik, Mongol, Iranian, Azerbaijani, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and more—dressed in resplendent leather armour and flowing medieval gowns. We recall a South African tribe performing a war dance in furs, and a Scottish team somehow qualifying with kilts and cabers in tow (!). Fireworks ignite, horses stamp and rear, rows of dancers take to the stage amid strobe lights and soaring music—the atmosphere electric and utterly unforgettable.
Only the fierce competition of Kok-Boru (or Buzkashi) rivals it—a brutal, thrilling battle of wills, rugby on horseback using a headless goat carcass instead of a ball. It’s the original polo of the steppes, and the energy from the crowd is something to behold.
*Please note that the World Nomad Games are typically set to begin around September 8th, but we are still awaiting final confirmation from the Kyrgyz government. As soon as the dates are confirmed, we will promptly provide the departure date and the finalised itinerary.
After this exhilarating start, we venture deep into the wild beauty of Son-Kol Lake, staying in traditional yurts alongside nomadic herders. From here, we cross the border into Uzbekistan, a land of dazzling turquoise-domed madrassas, gold-covered mosques and minarets scratching the skies of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent.
Finally, we cross into the white-marbled surrealism of Turkmenistan, camping beside the roaring flames of the Darvaza Gas Crater—the ‘Door to Hell’—before exploring the gleaming monuments and eccentric grandeur of Ashgabat.
This journey is for the adventurous soul: those drawn to remote mountain passes, vibrant traditions, timeless cultures and once-in-a-lifetime events. It is a rare opportunity to witness history both ancient and living—whether in the thunder of hooves at the World Nomad Games or the echo of prayer in a thousand-year-old madrassa.
Men and women from all nations are invited to participate in the myriad of other cultural games, including but not limited to:
- Horse racing
- Wrestling
- Archery
- Falconry
But it is not just the tournaments that people come to see – it is to experience the nomadic ethnic cultures in all their glories – with all of the following elements to be found alongside the games:
- Ethnohit (folklore and music);
- Ethnodance (traditional dances);
- Ethnofashion (traditional and modern clothing);
- Ethnobazar (exhibition and fair of traditional handicrafts);
- Recitations of epic poems and legends;
- Ethnohouse (traditional nomadic shelters)
Day 1: Arrive in Bishkek
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
5 star hotel
Arrival in Bishkek by flight TK344 at 9:00 AM.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for early check-in. Today is at leisure to rest and relax before the fun begins!
The day will conclude with a delicious dinner at Supara Ethno Restaurant.
Accommodation: Novotel Hotel
Day 2: Bishkek - Chon Kemin (150km - 2.5h)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
After breakfast, travel approximately 150 km from Bishkek to the Chon-Kemin Valley, a perfect place to experience rural Kyrgyz life.
Along the way, stop to visit Burana Tower, a 10th-century minaret, and explore the archaeological finds in the local museum.
Upon arrival at the guesthouse, enjoy a traditional lunch, followed by an afternoon of walking or horse-cart riding through the picturesque surrounding countryside.
Accommodation: Guesthouse Ashuu
Day 3: Chon Kemin - Son Kul lake (215km - 4.5h)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
After breakfast, transfer to Son Kul Lake via the Kalmak Ashuu pass. Once there, you will have the opportunity to ride along the lake, explore various yurts, and immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle of Kyrgyz shepherds.
One of the hidden gems of Son-Kol Lake is the ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks atop the rolling hills, which can be reached in a 3-4 hour walk. Son-Kol's location, at 3,016 meters above sea level and surrounded by vast grassy meadows, is perfect for hikes of any length.
Upon arrival, check in at a cozy yurt camp, where lunch and dinner will be served. Afterward, enjoy a walk or horse ride to the petroglyphs. Additional activities, such as horseback riding around the lake (available in easy or medium difficulty), can also be arranged upon request.
Accommodation: Nomad Dreams Yurt Camp
Note: Accommodation conditions at yurt camp are very traditional, with shared toilet facilities outside of the yurt and no shower.
Day 4: Son Kul lake – Cholpon Ata (240km - 4.5h) - World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
After breakfast, drive to Cholpon Ata. In the morning, head towards Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, after Lake Titicaca. Upon arrival, visit the regional and open-air museum of petroglyphs, followed by a stop at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center. After lunch you will check in to the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
In the evening, attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games.
Accommodation: Karven Four Seasons or similar
Day 5: Cholpon Ata - World Nomad Games
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Spend the entire day enjoying the World Nomad Games and the various cultural events. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: Karven Four Seasons or similar
Day 6: Cholpon Ata - World Nomad Games
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Spend the entire day at the World Nomad Games, featuring horse racing at the hippodrome and competitions in traditional sports such as sambo and toguz korgool. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: Karven Four Seasons or similar
Day 7: Cholpon Ata - Bishkek (270km - 4hrs)
Breakfast
Dinner
5 star hotel
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Upon request, enjoy a 1-hour boat ride on Issyk Kul Lake. Watch the World Nomad Games, and in the evening, transfer back to Bishkek. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Novotel Hotel
Day 8: Bishkek – Airport – Tashkent (40km -1 hr)
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Enjoy some free time before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Tashkent (driver only).
Upon arrival in Tashkent, you will be met by the driver at the airport and transferred to the hotel for accommodation. Overnight stay at the hotel.
*Flight not included in adventure cost*
Accommodation: Oscar Boutique or similar
Day 9: Tashkent - Samarkand
Train
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Begin your day with a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts, located in a beautifully preserved former palace of the tsarist diplomat Polovtsev. From there, we continue to the Earthquake Memorial, a moving tribute to the resilience of the Uzbek people.
Next, enjoy a scenic ride through some of the most stunning and architecturally impressive stations of the Tashkent Metro, a hidden gem of Soviet-era design.
We then head to Independence Square, a vast space adorned with grand fountains, a popular gathering place for locals and a symbol of national pride. The journey continues past the Presidential Palace, along the vibrant Broadway Boulevard, and on to the Amir Timur Monument and Alisher Navoi Theatre Square, where history and culture meet in the city’s heart.
Our next stop is Khast Imam Square, the spiritual core of Tashkent and one of its most authentic and historically rich areas. Here, we explore:
The Barak Khan Madrassah, built in the 16th century by a descendant of Tamerlane during the Shaybanid dynasty;
The Tillya Sheikh Mosque, also dating back to the same era and now serving as the district’s Friday mosque;
The Kafal Shashi Mausoleum, the final resting place of a revered local scholar, physician, and poet of Islam (904–979).
We also visit the Kukeldash Madrassah, a still-functioning Islamic school from the 16th century, and take in the vibrant sights and sounds of Chorsu Bazaar, one of Tashkent’s oldest and most colorful markets.
Following the city tour, transfer to the railway station for the train to Samarkand. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: Orient Star or similar
Day 10: Samarkand
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Your journey begins at the iconic Registan Square, the crown jewel of Samarkand and one of the most breathtaking squares in all of Central Asia. During the time of Timur, this square was the bustling center where six major trade routes intersected. It is surrounded by three majestic madrasahs that together form a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The oldest, the Ulugbek Madrasah, was built in the 15th century and features a striking blue-tiled façade. Two centuries later, the Sher-Dor Madrasah was constructed in a similar style, echoing the elegance of its neighbor. Finally, the 17th-century Tillya-Kari Madrasah brought harmony and completion to the square with its integrated mosque, adorned with more than 1,000 square meters of gold leaf—a dazzling display of craftsmanship and grandeur.
A short walk from Registan leads you to the Bibi Khanym Mosque, named after one of Timur’s beloved wives. Once among the largest mosques in the Islamic world, it stands today as a powerful symbol of Samarkand’s imperial glory.
As you move through the city, don’t miss the opportunity to experience its vibrant modern life. A stroll through the colorful Siab Bazaar offers a lively contrast to the historical monuments, with its bustling stalls full of local spices, sweets, and handmade goods.
Next, visit the sacred necropolis of Shakhi Zinda, one of Uzbekistan’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Dating back to the 9th–14th and 19th centuries, the complex begins with an impressive gateway and a 70-meter-long staircase that leads to a narrow alley lined with nearly twenty beautifully decorated mausoleums. The site showcases some of the finest glazed tilework in all of Central Asia, offering a deeply spiritual and artistic experience.
The day concludes with a visit to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur and his descendants. Completed in 1404, this octagonal architectural gem features an opulent interior of marble and onyx, crowned by a gleaming gold dome that leaves a lasting impression of imperial majesty.
Accommodation: Orient Star or similar
Day 11: Samarkand - Bukhara
Train
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
After transferring to the railway station, board the train bound for the legendary city of Bukhara. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel for accommodation, with check-in available after 14:00.
Once settled, your exploration of Bukhara begins with a visit to the atmospheric Lyabi-Khauz Complex, a serene plaza built around a historic pool and shaded by ancient mulberry trees. This area includes the 17th-century Nodir-Divan-Begi Madrasah, the earlier Kukeldash Madrasah from the 16th century, and the Khonako, a Sufi lodge also dating back to the 17th century.
Continue to the Magoki-Attari Mosque, one of the oldest in Central Asia, originally built in the 12th century and restored in the 16th. This mosque stands partially below ground level, offering a unique architectural perspective shaped by centuries of history.
As you walk through the city, immerse yourself in Bukhara’s bustling merchant legacy at the traditional covered bazaars, housed in restored trading domes dating from the 14th to 17th centuries. These include Tok-i-Zargaron, the jeweler’s bazaar; Tok-i-Tilpak Furushon, once the cap-makers’ market; and Tok-i-Sarrafon, formerly home to the moneychangers.
Not far from the bazaar district stands the Ulugbek Madrasah, built in 1417 during the reign of the great astronomer and ruler. Despite its modest façade, it stands out for its refined and elegant ornamentation. Facing it is the Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, built in the mid-17th century. Larger and more vividly decorated, it was designed to outshine its older counterpart in both scale and color.
You will also visit Tim Abdullakhan, once a bustling market for luxurious textiles. Here, you’ll find a silk-weaving workshop where traditional methods are still used to produce silk threads and fabrics. These techniques rely on natural materials like wool, cotton, and silk—an enduring part of Central Asia’s rich textile heritage.
Conclude the day at the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, the spiritual and architectural symbol of Bukhara. With its towering minaret, grand mosque, and serene madrasah, this complex captures the essence of the city’s Islamic heritage and timeless charm.
Enjoy a folk performance at the Nodir Divan Begi Madrassah.
Accommodation: Paradise Plaza or similar
Day 12: Bukhara
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Begin the day with a visit to the Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the elegant countryside residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, located just five kilometers outside the city. This serene estate offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle and regal ambiance of Bukhara's ruling elite.
Returning to the city, continue your journey through Bukhara’s storied past with a stop at the Ark Fortress—a massive citadel that once served as the royal residence of Bukhara’s emirs. Its ancient walls have witnessed centuries of power, ceremony, and intrigue.
Next, visit the Chashma-Ayub Shrine, a spiritual site dating back to the 14th–16th centuries, famed for its sacred spring believed to have healing properties. Nearby, discover the Samanid Mausoleum, a true gem of early Islamic architecture and one of Central Asia’s most exquisite historical monuments, celebrated for its perfect symmetry and intricate brickwork.
Your exploration continues at the charming Chor Minor, a unique and colorful madrassah with four distinctive towers, each different in design. Once used as a library for students, this whimsical structure is one of Bukhara’s most photographed landmarks.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander through the old city, sip tea in a shaded courtyard, or explore hidden corners and artisan shops at your own pace, soaking in the timeless atmosphere of Bukhara.
Accommodation: Paradise Plaza or similar
Day 13: Bukhara - Farab Border (100km - 2hrs)
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
After breakfast, depart for the Uzbek–Turkmen border at Farab, a journey of approximately 100 kilometers taking around two hours. Upon arrival at the Dashoguz border, you will be greeted by your local Turkmen guide and begin your exploration of this lesser-known but historically rich region.
Your first stop is a visit to a local bazaar, where you can immerse yourself in the everyday rhythms of Turkmen life—colorful stalls, aromatic spices, and vibrant textiles offer a lively and authentic experience. Lunch will be on your own, giving you the flexibility to discover local flavors at your pace.
In the afternoon, continue the journey to Koneurgench, located about 110 kilometers away. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to impressive architectural monuments, including the elegant Turabeg Khanym Mausoleum, the towering Kutlug Timur Minaret, and the solemn Soltan Tekesh Mausoleum, all remnants of a powerful medieval capital that once thrived along the Silk Road.
From here, the adventure shifts to the dramatic landscapes of the Karakum Desert, as you set out on a drive of approximately 300 kilometers to Darwaza - home to the legendary Gas Crater, often referred to as the “Door to Hell.” Arrive in the evening, just in time for a barbecue dinner under the stars, with the glowing flames of the crater.
Accommodation: Tents
Note: Note: Accommodation conditions at camp are very traditional, with shared toilet facilities outside of the yurt and no shower.
Day 14: Darwaza - Ashgabat (270km - 4hrs)
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
In the morning, begin your drive to Ashgabat, a scenic journey of approximately 270 kilometers through the vast and hauntingly beautiful Karakum Desert, taking around four hours. Along the way, stop to witness some of the desert’s natural wonders, including the bubbling Mud Crater and the mesmerizing Water Crater. You’ll also pass through Yerbent, a traditional nomadic village, offering a glimpse into the enduring lifestyles of Turkmen desert dwellers.
Upon arrival in Ashgabat, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Lunch is independent, giving you the opportunity to discover local cuisine at your own pace.
In the afternoon, set out on a city tour along Archabil Street, home to some of Ashgabat’s most iconic monuments. Visit the towering Constitution Monument, the striking Neutrality Arch, and the futuristic Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, which features one of the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheels.
Later, venture just outside the city to the evocative ruins of the Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque, a once-majestic 15th-century mosque now standing in peaceful decay. This sacred site, still frequented by local pilgrims, offers a special atmosphere of reverence and tradition. Pilgrims are known for their warmth and hospitality, often welcoming visitors with traditional dishes as a gesture of goodwill.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport
Day 15: Ashgabat
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Enjoy a full-day tour that offers a perfect blend of ancient heritage and modern marvels. Begin with a visit to the modern landmarks of Ashgabat, a city known for its striking white-marble architecture and futuristic skyline.
Continue to the ancient site of Old Nisa, once the royal residence of the Parthian kings of the Arshakid Dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating look into one of the great civilizations of the ancient world, with remnants of fortresses, temples, and royal halls set against a dramatic desert backdrop.
Next, explore the National Museum of History, home to a rich collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years—from Bronze Age relics to treasures of the Silk Road and beyond. The museum offers valuable insight into Turkmenistan’s deep and diverse cultural heritage.
After dinner, experience Ashgabat by night on a scenic drive through the city. Cruise along its grand avenues lit by brilliant illumination, and pause near the Palace of Happiness—an iconic structure known for its kaleidoscope of night lights and panoramic views. This magical nighttime setting reveals why Ashgabat is often called one of the most visually spectacular cities in Central Asia.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport
Day 16: Ashgabat - Geokdepe (50km)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Morning drive to Geokdepe village, located 50 km from Ashgabat, to explore a private horse farm. Upon arrival, settle in at the farm and meet the owner. Enjoy horseback riding with a daily excursion of 10km each day.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 17: Geokdepe
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Enjoy horseback riding on the farm's scenic grounds, with a 10km ride each day, guided by a professional trainer.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 18: Geokdepe - Ashgabat (50km)
Breakfast
Lunch
4 star hotel
Enjoy your final day horseback riding across the picturesque grounds of the horse farm, exploring the beautiful Geokdepe area. Reluctantly leaving our horses and the striking plains behind, we will drive back to Ashgabat to celebrate our adventure in these unique and beautiful counties.
Accommodation: Hotel Sport
Day 19: Departure
Transfer
Breakfast
After breakfast today, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure flight.
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights (flights from Bishkek - Tashkent not included)
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Visas fees, Migration fees & PCR test
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. You will also be staying in yurts - the traditional nomadic felt tents.
An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which is exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel, guesthouse or yurt camp (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote places. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be:
One guide for the duration of your stay in Kyrgyzstan (apart from departure day)
Local guides for each excursion in Uzbekistan
One guide from arrival to departure in Turkmenistan
Our local guides are approachable and knowledgeable English speaking guides.
This ensures you the perfect balance of information and support on your trip, offering insight into local life and customs.
Am I fit enough?
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements.
This adventure includes horseback riding, so it’s important to be in good physical condition to make the most of it. You don’t need to be an experienced rider, but a basic level of fitness will help you enjoy the journey fully.
Travel & Arrival
Please note international flights are not included in this adventure, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, the responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
Reviews
The Wanderer
Well planned trip with good support both locally and in the UK. A good itinerary and an excellent local guide meant that the whole arrangement went smoothly with enough fluidity to allow some adjustments on the day. And if you haven't been to the World Nomad Games, you should - look out for 2026!
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2024
Caroline
Everything about this trip (Kazakhstan and the World Nomad Games) was 5☆: all the staff were excellent,
but special call out for the guide, Ansar. I will use YellowWood again.
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2024
Linda Chapple
An informal and fun attitude to travelling whilst keeping very professional. The entire itinerary was superbly crafted with much attention to detail. I can't wait to travel with YellowWood Adventures again. Highly recommended.
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2018
Lucy
This trip was one of the best I've ever done. Seeing the World Nomad Games was a completely unique and wonderful experience - especially the buzkashi which was thrilling! Getting into the Tian Shan mountains afterwards was really quite magical; experiencing the scenery and feeling isolated from the rest of the world, thanks to the personalised feel of the trek, was unrivalled. The quality of the food was also a highlight, and I was catered for as a vegetarian (in a very non-vegetarian place!). Kyrgyzstan is a relatively undiscovered gem, and it was lovely to do a road-less-travelled style trip. Thanks to Sam and YellowWood for taking us on a genuine adventure with a fantastic itinerary. I look forward to joining some more non-traditional trips when possible!
The World Nomad Games - Kazakhstan 2018
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- Passport & insurance documents
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Credit / Debit card for ATMs in town
- Prescription medication
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Washbag & usual contents
- Day pack for sightseeing
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Adaptors
- Camera & charging cables
- Phone & charging cables
- Money belt or grab bag for essentials
- Sun protection
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
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