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-You ride on local horses,(some of them are "Celestian Horses") , prepared for high mountain trips, sturdy and obedient, living in herds the rest of the year. -Riding equipment is provided, meeting european standard. You can bring your own saddle. -Personal things stay in saddle bags (provided). -Accomodation is wether in guesthouses, tents, or in yurtas when passing through summer pastures. As hospitality is a rule for Kyrgyz people we have an agreement with a local organization which tell us which family can welcome us. This extra income allows them facing constant increase in prices and affording school expanses for their children. -Every trip is accompanied by :
All our trips are accompanied by a 4 wheel drive vehicle which meets the team everydays at camp, so that you can take only what you need for the day in your saddle bag. WARNING : All trips stay several days at high altitude. Temperature may sometimes, but not often, be under zero degrees C for a while, snowy and windy, even in summer. Warm clothing is necessary. Entering yurtas, you should take off your shoes ; but, in spite of thick felter carpets, one get cold feet chatting with a cup of tea in front of you, so bring good socks or slippers ! Riding level and fitness Good physical condition is recommended. We go through passes over 4000 m but will not stay there a long time. Good riding skills is compulsory as well as basic horse care except for the trip "Son Kul". Don’t forget :
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VISA It is now possible and without any difficulties, to get your one month touristic visa at your arrival in Bishkek airport. It costs about 60€. Only condition: valid passport for at least six month from your entry date. This procedure is in place since 2002. Ambassade du Kirghizstan à Bruxelles Flights for Bishkek (FRU)
Time difference with Europe : 4 hours (GMT+6). -Vaccinations Diphtéria/tétanus/polio recommended. -Communications At the beginning and at the end of the trip,
you can contact the rest of the world by fax, Email, telephone or
private express mail. During the trip, mobile phone can be used
from some places. -Temperature and climate The capital, Bishkek, is 800m above sea level. The climate is continental dry, very hot in summer in Bishkek and around (+ 30 to 40° C), by far cooler in the mountains. Many peaks are between 3500 and 7000 m and many passes are permanently covered with snow. -Currency Is called "som" and divided in 100
teen. There are banknotes and coins. In Bishkek, almost all Banks
can do every transaction you may need (transfert, credit card, etc...) You can now take money with any credit card in some banks and special places, but it il preferable having some Dollars or Euros with you just in case it's not working ! -Language Two official languages : Kyrgyz (turco-altaïc) and Russian. Almost everybody speaks Russian, except in remote villages where teaching is only in Kyrgyz. -Clothes Kyrgyzstan is a moslem country, though religion doesn't appear to be the main preoccupation of people, but don't wear mini-skirts or go without shirt, specially in the countryside. -Facts about Kyrgyzstan As in other moslem countries, one eat with right hand, the left one is "unclean". Tea, the national drink, is served in small cups never filled up. It has to be filled very often. Offering a full cup of tea is considered as an invitation to go away. Delicious local bread, called "nan" is broken by the chief of the family so as everybody can take a piece. When invited for a meal, it is not rare getting up from the table and going away as soon as the meal is finished. -Silk Road Kyrgyzstan lies on the north branch of the great silk road, linking China to Europe, from the beginning of our millennium. Some of our trips are passing through these routes, where remains can be seen. *For general information about Kyrgyzstan, click "Kyrgyzstan".
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