Gastronomic tour in Kyrgyzstan
Season: June-September
Location: Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata – Kochkor – Son-Kul – Bishkek
Duration: 7 days
Kyrgyzstan very interesting country on Great Silk Road where nomads traditions connected with settled way of life, Kyrgyz cuisine has absorbed all tastes of the central Asians peoples. Modern national cuisine is represented by dishes of Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Uighurs, Dundgangs. Meat is the main ingredient of national dishes, beef, mutton, horse. Ancient traditions of nomadic life style of Kyrgyz is influence on this fact.
During this tour we will taste most popular national dishes and drinks.
Price includes following service:
– Accommodation in twin standard room according to the programme scheme
– Service of English speaking guide
– Master classes of cooking national dishes
– Meals according to the programme scheme
– All land transfers mentioned in the programme
– Folklore show in Bishkek
1st Day. Bishkek
Meeting at the airport. Short sightseeing after rest. Today we will prepare most popular dish of all holidays – plov.
Plov is a traditional medium Asian dish, originally from the Fergana Valley and common in southern Kyrgyzstan.
The basis of the dish is rice, carrots and meat, first fried and then cooked. There are a lot of variations of preparing this dish, each village has own receipt and secrets.
2nd Day. Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata
Transfer to Cholpon-Ata (260km), driving time 4-5 hours. Visit Burana Tower on the way. We will make stop in the small Issyk-Kul village Tamchy for boorsok show. Boorsok is dough of different shapes fried in oil. We will take part in making and cooking boorsok and will taste it with tea and kaimak (greasy cream).
Next national dish is kuurdak (fried meat with onion and spices). Overnight in guest house.
3rd Day. Cholpon-Ata –Karakol
We continue our trip and after breakfast transfer to cozy town – Karakol. It is possible to visit Semenov gorge and make short hiking. Short excursion around city and after tasting the most popular dish of Karakol – ash-lyanfu (cold soup with vegetable souse, noodles and starch). Dinner in local Dundgangs family with various national dishes and salads. Overnight in hotel.
4th Day. Karakol – Kochkor
After breakfast transfer to Kochkor village, visit Skazka canyon on the way. Today we will cook the favorite traditional dish – besh barmak.
Beshbarmak is chopped meat, which is served with noodles, onions and strong meat broth. It is noteworthy that traditionally beshbarmak is eaten by hand.
Translation from Kyrgyz, “beshbarmak” means “five fingers”. Beshbarmak is widespread mainly in the north of Kyrgyzstan, in the Chui, Talas and Naryn regions. Overnight in guest house.
5th Day. Kochkor – Son-Kul Lake
Next place of discover is Son-Kul Lake where we will meet nomads and their real life. Today we will try real drink kumyz (traditional drink made from mare’s milk by thoroughly whipping).
Today we will have dymdama (stewed vegetables with meat). Dinner and overnight in Yurt Inn.
6th Day. Son-Kul – Bishkek
After breakfast short walking or horseback riding and transfer to Bishkek (360 km). Farewell dinner in the ethno complex Supara with folklore show and tasting the best national dishes of Kyrgyz cuisine.
7th Day. Departure
Check-out. Airport transfer. Morning airport transfer. Departure.
Price does not include:
– International air fare
– early check-in in the Bishkek hotel – USD 40 per person
– Kyrgyz visa fee
– Felt show in Kochkor
– Boating in Issyk-Kul Lake
– Photo fee in museums
– horseback riding in Son-Kul
– alcohol and beverages in restaurants and cafe
Group of 2 people = USD 1125 per person
Group of 3 people = USD 930 per person
Group of 5 people = USD 720 per person
Group of 7 people = USD 630 per person
Group of 8 people = USD 605 per person
Group of 10 people – USD 580 per person