Blue jewels of Kyrgyzstan

We spent this summer three weeks with family (parents and adult children) in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, with a trip to the city of Kashgar in Sinkiang (China) .Nomads' Land organized all the Kyrgyzstan and China part as well as the trips to Uzbekistan. You can work with them with your eyes closed: impeccable organization, enthusiastic and passionate guide (also speaking perfectly French), good choice of accommodation and activities. Very pleasant preparation with Fabien, who is attentive and has concocted a trip to us. All for good value for money. Allow at least 10 days for Kyrgyzstan to really enjoy it. The change of scenery is total and the way of life is authentic. Expect "average" comfort but the superb landscapes and the amazing welcome of the Kyrgyz people will give you unforgettable memories. To fully enjoy it, nothing like walking: you will go on beautiful hikes: Altyn Arashan, Song Kul, Lenin peak ... They are all doable but still require good condition, especially that of Lenin peak (base camp to camp 1), which is quite long and demanding (allow 10-12 hours round trip), but it is the most impressive. To reach the south of Kyrgyzstan, you have the choice between a few hundred km of tiring tracks or to make a detour through China and the city of Kashgar. The road is excellent and the city itself is worth the effort (with the added bonus of "Western-style" comfort which feels good). However, it was necessary to endure two days of painful police checks between Kashgar and the border, with an occupying army (Han Chinese, from the east) omnipresent. So it's up to you to decide (knowing that this "detour" is quite expensive considering the short season and the few tourists). After Kyrgyzstan, we visited the cities of the Silk Road in Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Impressive and superb monuments, a very rich history, few tourists and a very pleasant atmosphere. The historic centers are not very extensive and can easily be visited on foot. Do not forget Khiva: it is the smallest of the three but the atmosphere is peaceful and timeless, you sometimes have the impression of going back 100 years. This trip was really exceptional, thank you again to Fabien, Murat and the whole team.

Returning from a two-week trip to Kyrgyzstan, a custom journey organized with Nomad's Land was chosen for its "ecotourism" approach. The agency is highly recommended for its ability to cater to desires for a trip combining the discovery of magnificent landscapes, interaction with the local population, and accommodations as much as possible with locals, along with a cultural aspect. The trip preparation was very smooth, starting with a phone interview followed by a few adjustments. The French-speaking guide, Malpalbek, took care from arrival to departure, showcasing an excellent knowledge of his country and sharing numerous anecdotes that helped immerse in the atmosphere of Kyrgyzstan. The adventure included hiking in incredible sites, horseback riding, meeting felt carpet makers (and even making a carpet), witnessing the yurt-making process (both exterior and interior weaving), attending the training of a golden eagle with a falconer, observing the stages of making a komuz (stringed instrument), and the production of cream and cheese. Visits included the caravanserai of Tash Rabat and the Burana Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Covering approximately 2000 km over 15 days, the nights were spent in yurts and guesthouses with locals. The journey couldn't have been more successful, offering excellent value for money for a private trip with a guide and driver for two people. Wishing the same wonderful journey for future travelers!