Central Asia – Ziba Adventures

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa for UK Passport Holders

John Horsfall — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 09:17:27 +0000

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa for UK Passport Holders

If you are a British citizen and looking to head to Tajikistan, you will need to obtain a visa from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The FCO offers two types of visas: a Visitor visa and a Visa on Arrival. The main difference between the two is that a visitor visa allows you to stay in Tajikistan for 30 days, while a visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days. This article will explain everything you need to know about how to get a Tajikistan visa for UK passport holders.

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa for UK Passport Holders

If you are a UK passport holder and want to visit or reside in Tajikistan, you have a few options. The first is to apply for a visa at a British Embassy or Consulate. The second is to apply for a visa from the country of your residence. If you are a UK national living in the UK, you can apply for a visa from the UK Embassy or Consulate closest to you. The third option is to apply for a visa from a UK border point (e.g. Birmingham, Edinburgh, or Gatwick).

Apply Online

The fastest, easiest, and most secure way to apply for a visa is online. The Tajikistan visa application can be submitted online at the British Embassy or Consulate website of your choice. You will need to select which type of visa you are applying for, provide some personal details, and pay the fee. The visa application can be completed in less than one minute, and the application fee is £65 for a single entry tourist visa or £140 for a multiple entry business visas.

Check if you need a Temporary Residency Permit (TRP)

If you are the primary applicant on your UK passport, you do not need a TRP. If you are a spouse, child, or parent on a UK passport with a specified relationship, you do not need a TRP either. If you are a UK national living in the UK that is not mentioned above, you need a TRP. A TRP is not required if you are a British citizen or a national of countries with a Bilateral Investment Treaty with the UK. These countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Republic of Montenegro, Serbian Diaspora, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. In the case of a TRP, the visa application will have an additional section where you have to answer “TRP check yes/no specifically”. If the answer is “yes”, you will have to pay the TRP fee of £160.

Check out ” A Guide to Tajikistan” for everything you need to know

Get a Visa from an Embassy or Consulate of Tajikistan

If you are a British citizen and want to visit or reside in Tajikistan, you need a visa. However, if you are a UK passport holder and do not live in Tajikistan, you can apply for a visa at any British Embassy or High Commission that issues visas. This includes the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, the British Embassy in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), the British Embassy in Dushanbe (Tajikistan), and the British Consulate in Varna (Bulgaria).

Can also try getting an E-visa Online

Check if You Can Get a 90-Day Visa-On-Arrival (VOA)

If you are a citizen of an LSE (Less than severely Excluded) country or have a TRP, you can check if you can get a VOA. A VOA is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay in Tajikistan for 90 days. If you are visiting the country for tourism or for less than 90 days, you can get a multiple-entry VOA. The visa is valid for one entry, and you will have to leave the country and get a new visa before entering again. If you are a student, you can get a VOA valid for six months. The VOA is only valid for entry through the Russian immigration post at Dushanbe Airport.

Conclusion

The best way to get a visa is to apply online through the FCO website. If you cannot apply online, you can also apply at a UK Embassy or Consulate. If you are a UK national living in the UK that does not apply for a visa at a British Embassy or Consulate, you can apply for a visa from a UK Border Post. The Border Post option is only available for certain UK passport holders. So when are you going?

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Why Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Are Top Travel Destinations

John Horsfall — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:29:41 +0000

Why Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Are Top Travel Destinations

Once the Soviet Union collapsed, its outermost territories became a promised land for adventurous looking for a unique travel destination. The relatively untouched landscape didn’t have lavish hotels and theme parks but boasted a vivid and almost pristine journey for the Silk Road. Its fantastical ruins and mountains make the Five Stan tour a popular bucket list option for intrepid tourists. However, most tour guides and travel websites won’t tell you that you don’t have to complete the entire route. In reality, you can enjoy the highlights of the trip with just two regions.

Trimming Down the Five Stan Tour

Country counters that want to make the most out of their passport’s world stamps consider the Five Stan journey a must-have travel goal. Besides hitting several destinations with one weekend, it also gives you the bragging rights among the handful who’ve completed the Five Stan tour. However, more places don’t always mean better for your travel experience or your savings. In reality, you can enjoy more by sticking to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

In this article, we’ll highlight five locations to highlight in your personalized Two Stan tour.

1. Chuy Valley

The square-cut valley of Kyrgyzstan’s capital makes it the first step toward the sprawling mountains. A week-long journey leads you to the Chuy Valley, where you’ll notice mementoes from the Silk Road’s glory days like the Burana Tower as you pass through.

Song-Kul Lake

2. Song-Kul Lake

Many communities that are within a hiking distance from urban locations still maintain a nomadic lifestyle. This allows you to meet locals who uphold a millennia-old way of living that revolves around shepherding and eagle hunting. However, the traces of modernity are catching up, as next-gen shepherds can be seen with a horsewhip while knowing how to operate a smartphone.

3. Tashkent

Uzbekistan’s modern capital contains over 3 million inhabitants, a stark contrast from Kyrgyzstan’s wide-open terrain. Although you’ll be swapping mountain hiking with urban crawling, there are many sights to see through their Brutalist architecture. It’s a testament to their long-honoured traditions.

4. Khiva

Along Uzbekistan’s westernmost desert dunes is the 1,000-year-old oasis of Khiva. Framed by clay fortifications, you can identify its hallowed halls marked by flowing lines of cursive Arabic. It’s a stark difference from the monochromatic mosaics you’d notice on most religious buildings. Besides its beautiful historical architecture, Khiva is also famous for its weaving tradition that symbolizes the omnipresent geometric patterns.

Bukhara

5. Bukhara

Once an essential caravan stops during the Silk Road’s glory days, Bukhara is now a sprawling neighbourhood of inns established from old merchants’ mansions. The mark of the trade continues to be a vital component of its city culture. You can walk through stalls that sell a variety of goods, from glazed pottery to decorative embroidery.

Conclusion

Whether you’re travelling the West’s hidden wonders or the East’s enigmatic sights, it’s essential to do your research. Although it’s a good idea to listen to fads and travel guides, it’s best to dig deeper and discover personal experiences and local finds. Doing a more in-depth study before your trip can expose you to hidden gems and destinations that can make your journey more fruitful and memorable.

At Ziba Adventures, we inspire people to go beyond their limits and discover the world from a new perspective through tailor-made adventures. Subscribe to my newsletter and explore the wonders of central Asia travel destinations like the Silk road journey today!

Uzbekistan Adventure

John Horsfall — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 15:36:11 +0000

An uzbekistan adventure

Introduction

Want an adventure like no other? To tread the well-worn, yet barely visited path of the Silk Road through Uzbekistan’s ancient cities of Bukhara and Samarkand. Then a Uzbekistan Adventure is awaiting you.

In 2018 I first visited Uzbekistan and to take an incredible adventure through Uzbekistan, a country famous for its ancient Silk Road cities covered with mosques, old forts as well as mystery. Beginning in Bukhara and ending in Khiva, this trip will have you following in the footsteps of many traders, ancient pilgrims, and Alexander the Great. Walk in the shadows of the magnificent blue-tiled buildings and this is an Uzbekistan Adventure you won’t forget.

Why I think you’ll love this trip

The Beautiful Registan in Samarkand is one of the true pinnacles of Islamic architecture, but the vibrant Old City of Bukhara is also a gem of the silk road. You’ll be amazed by the scale, grandeur and beauty of the monuments to iconic figures such as Tamerlane and the Persia-influenced madrassas, mosques and mausoleums.

What I loved about Central Asia was the unique mix of ancient Silk Road culture and a bit of Soviet influence.

In Uzbekistan you can spend an evening in the isolated Kyzylkum Desert with a fire talking about how excellent your adventure is, an evening watching the sun go down on Bukhara’s old city or climbing the Registan at sunrise.

What is significant about the experience is getting to know the stories and people of Uzbekistan while sharing home-cooked meals with local families in hostels

I recommend spending time in World Heritage-listed Bukhara, a 6th-century-BC city that’s swirling in history and home to the impressive Ark of Bukhara.

Walking through the Blue Mosques

Will this trip be right for you?

Still, wondering about going to Uzbekistan? Here are a number of reasons why you should visit:

Central Asia is a remote destination, I mean have any of your friends been there? Like us you will move well away from cities, right off the well worn track and be able to fully immerse yourself in the local food, the life and culture.

You will likely be limited on time so I recommend spending a little extra in Bukhara, we ended up going there twice on our trip. The place is special and the atmosphere of the old city is incredible.

So what are you waiting for?

If you have any questions about Uzbekistan let me know and I will be happy to help you plan your trip.

An Uzbekistan Concert

For more posts on Central Asia check Out

https://www.zibaadventures.com/central-asia/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistan

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20 Incredible Photos of Uzbekistan

John Horsfall — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 14:57:51 +0000

20 Incredible Photos of Uzbekistan

Teleshayakh Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

THE SILK ROAD GEM OF UZBEKISTAN

A Cultural feast of Islamic Architecture and History

Swimming the Amu Darya River at Sunset

A Local craftsman in Bukhara

Uzbekistan

The Spice and Silk Festival

A Traditional Dancer in Bukhara

Local grocer in Tashkent

Teleshayakh Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Teleshayakh Mosque in Tashkent

Registan

Down the back Alleys at Sunset

Exploring Bukhara

Bukhara at Sunset

Amu Darya River at Sunrise

Khiva

Khiva fortress in the Old City

Uzbekistan Concert

Rug Sale in Bukhara

Bukhara at Sunset

Deserts outside Khiva

Other Adventures we’ve done

Cycling in the Alps, a Breathtaking Adventure

An Adrenaline-Fuelled Horseback Safari Kenya

The Hidden Gem of Ski Touring in Iran

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Turkmenistan places to visit

John Horsfall — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 18:02:58 +0000

turkmenistan and places to visit

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

WHEN NORTH KOREA MEETS LAS VEGAS

a guide to turkmenistan and what places to visit

This is a guide to Turkmenistan and the best places to visit while you are there. If you are lucky enough to have been granted entry into this most secretive of countries.

Before I started my Turkmenistan adventure, I was told the place is like North Korea and Las Vegas.

Overview

I’ve been to Turkmenistan I get it. Therefore it almost felt like I was in the Truman Show with Jim Carrey.

Due to its segregation from the outside world. It is one of the least if not the most untravelled of all the Stans, but one of the most interesting by far.

I think one of the biggest attraction of all is the chance to look behind the curtain and see into a very mysterious place.

Turkmenistan is run by a regime, which has absolute control over everything in the country.

Officially, they encourage tourism, but the requirement of travelling with an expensive guided tour and policemen watching your every move may discourage regular travellers from visiting Turkmenistan.

Our Trip

We were lucky to get a three-day transit visa while we were in Iran, this is the cheapest and best way in my opinion. It means you don’t have to have a guide with you and you can roam freely around the country, I use the word freely loosely!

You can to go through and leave at certain places and you have three to five days to get across. This is painful for a cyclist who has to cycle through the desert covering 100 odd km a day, and if they miss their exit date, they get deported.

A quick tip about money is that there is a black market and locals love the US dollar. So take Dollars into the country and exchange while you are in. Don’t do it on the border, they always rip you off. The official exchange rate is not the one in real life.

About Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a country under a dictatorship. Therefore, that comes with laws that you should be wary of. These include bringing up politics or the President.

The first president gave up smoking in 1997, and so he banned smoking for everybody else too, just to give you a flavour of the sort of place.

Be very careful about taking photographs in Turkmenistan. If you’re not sure of taking a photo of a public building, especially in Ashgabat. Do check with the police, which will inevitably be watching you anyway.

I got caught, and they made me delete my photo’s.

Don’t bother with the internet while you are there, because it is more hassle than its worth

Picture of the President holding some puppies

Day 1 – Ashgabat

Coming in from Iran If ever there was a city that commanded a presence, it would be Ashgabat.

I have never seen a place with so little life, the roads are empty, the parks are empty. The comparisons with Pyongyang and Vegas are warranted, so definitely one of the places to visit while you are here.

All around you are wealthy, massive, grandeur buildings constructed in white marble. Beautiful fountains are full of clear running water. Landscaped green cedar trees lining every park walkway. But no people.

During our time in Ashgabat, we saw mostly military guards, who are on guard outside every significant monument and cleaning women. Women were wearing the same sort of outfits, men were in white shirts. The place is just weird.

Turkmenistan

Day 2 – Driving to Merv

Out of Ashgabat on our way to Merv, Merv is one of the places to visit. The white shining marble was behind us and now very much a desert as we head towards Merv.

Merv was discovered by Alexander the Great, this was to take advantage of the abundance of water. It’s an incredibly strategic location between the Afghan highlands and the desert lowlands.

It was a famous capital city for over 2000 years and became one of the most prominent cities on the Silk Road. Once known as the ‘Queen of The World’ it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most investigated archaeological sites in Central Asia.

Merv in her prime as a centre of religious study and trade would have been ranked alongside other great Islamic cities as Damascus, Cairo and Baghdad.

The combination of ethnicities and faiths who lived together in this city, is what made it vibrant, bustling and the fascinating city of the past. The peak of Merv’s history was as a vital seat of learning and the easternmost capital of the Seljuk Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Brutality came to Merv in 1221, when the Mongols devastated the city and the population. It is believed that over a million people were killed in that year alone.

In the 15th century, a new city was created, free of Mongol occupation, by the Shah Rukh, the leader of the Timurid.

Unfortunately, history wasn’t right, and more wars continued to destroy Merv. In the 18th century, Merv fell into ruin by the invading Russians, who arrived in 1885, did nothing to revive the city.

In the centre of a Merv Ruin

Day 3 – Exploring Merv and Places to visit

After a night in the desert, we gave up the search for this long lost ruin. We decide to move on and went for exploring the city of Merv.

There are many parts to Merv, so below is a brief overview of the five cities of Merv.

Erk Kala – the earliest of the five cities of Merv

The Erk Kala fortress is a vast monument to lost power. It would have served as the centre of life in ancient Merv with the city square secure within the solid walls. It is now just a massive mound of mud brick and sand made smooth by the harsh heat and weather.

The site has archaeological artefacts in abundance and pieces of pottery, material and bone from thousands of years ago can often be found having been recently uncovered by erosion, wind and the footsteps of visitors.

Gyaur-Kala – the second city of Merv

This is one of the most significant structures in the city and covers over 300 hectares of land. It is an extraordinary example of ancient architecture and appears to be a city within a city with towers and entryways on each wall.

Sultan Kala – the third city of Merv

This is the medieval area of Merv. It is the incarnation of the town which was destroyed in the massacre, and devastation, wrought by the Mongols in 1221.

The ruins are a haunting memorial to the people, nearly a million, who died that year.

The 38m-high Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, located in what was the centre of Sultan Kala, stands out as one of the last remaining tombs which started renovation after 1990. It is now a listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Abdullah-Khan Kala – the fourth city of Merv

This is the city which marked the re-invention of Merv by the Timurid Empire in the late 14th century. It is 1km south of Sultan Kala.

Bairam Ali Khan Kala -the last city of Merv

The newest of the five cities and built to the west of Abdullah-Khan Kala. The ruins are set out in a rectangle and were built in the 18th century. By the time the Russians arrived in 1885, they were already abandoned. The bricks were used for new construction by the most recent invaders.

Kharam-keshk Castle

It doesn’t look much like a castle now, and the only indication of its prominence is the elevated position and size. This single-storey mansion type house was the residence of a powerful Merv family between the 9thand 13th centuries.

Great and Little Kyz-Kala

The Great Kyz Kala is a fortified building that is thought to have been built in the 7th century. Its purpose and use are mysterious, but it is one of the most well-preserved buildings in the city.

Recent excavations have discovered rooms, flooring and a staircase so it may have been the home of someone mighty.

After the day exploring, we headed to Turkmenabat, where we stayed for our final night in Turkmenistan.

The city of Merv

Conclusion

My feelings about Merv are mixed. The site is without a doubt full of interest, history and the influences of various engrossing cultures. However, much of what there is to see has been damaged by war, time and the weather.

It’s the thought that this was once noisy, colourful and the aroma filled home to over 500,000 people. A city that had been powerful and important enough to be fought over is now gone forever.

One of the most exciting features of Merv for archaeologists and curious tourists is that it is made up of five separate cities from different ages of history.

You have to use your imagination to try and visualise what was once there. While the history of Merv is tremendous and by taking that chosen route we missed The Darvaza Gas Crater. Also known by the locals as the ‘door to hell’, is the number one tourist attraction in Turkmenistan.

The Darvaza Gas Crater

It is apparently a sight to behold and one of the coolest things you can do in Turkmenistan.

During the Soviet Era, a group of geologists came to the Karakum Desert, not too far from Darvaza. They were intent on tapping into a cavern that was rumoured to contain a lot of natural gas.

They started drilling, but the earth beneath them gave way and collapsed. This resulted in a massive crater that not only consumed the drilling equipment but opened a huge gas hole.

Worried that the hole would give off toxic gas, the Soviets decided to light the crater to burn off the gas. What was thought at the time was it would only burn for a couple of days continues to burn to this day.

For more posts on Central Asia check Out

https://www.zibaadventures.com/central-asia/

Travel Advice for visiting Turkmenistan

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkmenistan

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A Guide to Tajikistan

John Horsfall — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 18:48:31 +0000

A guide to Tajikistan

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

a guide to TAJIKISTAN

A Guide to Tajikistan

In the summer of 2018, we headed into Tajikistan from Uzbekistan. This country was one of my favourites if not my favourite country in the Stans. Tajikistan is 93% mountainous, known as the Switzerland of Central Asia, making it one of the most mountainous countries in the world. This is a guide to Tajikistan.

This country is likely to leave you breathless and I mean that literally and figuratively- much of the country sits at high elevations, so that lack oxygen is very real.

Well, below, I will try and explain why this is such a beautiful country and what you can expect when you go.

Before you go to Tajikistan

Get an E-visa

If you live in a former Soviet Union country, you will need a visa for Tajikistan.

These days, nationals of 121 countries can get e-visas online via the official Tajikistan e-visa portal. Do not use any other website. A single entry Tajikistan visa is US$50, plus an extra US$20 if you want to go to the Pamir regions as you need a GBAO permit, which we did.

Try to apply several weeks before you plan to travel to Tajikistan and make sure you fill it out correctly; there was a South African on the border who missed a digit on his e-visa and then when he arrived was not allowed in and had to wait in the waiting room for days, not fun!!!

Bring cash (Dollars)

Travelling through Tajikistan it is essential to carry quite a bit of money, ATMs can be hard to come by.

ATMs won’t always have some money available, and in places like Murghab in the eastern Pamir Highway, there aren’t any ATMs at all!

Many homestays, hostels and businesses accept dollars for larger payments.

It is recommended bringing US dollars to Tajikistan. How much you bring of course depends on your travel budget, but even though we were on a small budget, we bought several hundred dollars in cash when we were travelling into Tajikistan.

Pick up a Russian Speaking hitchhiker!!

One of the reasons for such an incredible experience was in Dishambe we met an Australian guy called Serge who spoke fluent Russian and was able to communicate with the locals as we moved through the country.

This meant we could joke with the guards, be welcomed into peoples home and understand what they are saying to us and ask for directions when we got lost.

Picking up one of these people I realise is a big ask but always worth learning a few words of Tajik or Russian to build rapport with the locals.

Our first view of Afghanistan

1. One of the World’s Greatest Roadtrips

Bam-i-Dunya, meaning ‘The Roof of the World’. This is the Pamir Highway, this is one of the world’s most incredible adventures whether you drive it, cycle it or walk it.

The Pamir Highway and Walkhan Corridor will take you up and over high altitude passes surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dotted with villages full of some of the warmest people who will stop at nothing to help you, bring bread and homemade yoghurt.

Of course, many a side trip can go from the Pamir Highway; We decided to head up the Bartang Valley for a few nights before coming back and then onto The Wakhan Valley.

The Pamir Highway goes through the most significant state of Tajikistan, the GBAO (Gorno Badakshan Autonomous Oblast).

Tajikistan

2. The Epic Trekking

Tajikistan is one of the best trekking destinations. During the Soviet era, it was a popular trekking destination for the Soviet Union looking to get away, but after the Soviet collapse and civil war, it lost its lustre for most people. It’s now considered safe and is just as stunning as ever.

Lunch at the Top of the Mountain

More people are making the journey to take in the views, but it’s still far from being considered touristy. The Fann Mountains, The Pamirs, Bachor, Pik Engels, Yagnob Valley, to name a few.

We headed up a few mountains in the Bartang Valley and along the Pamir Highway. The options are endless, and all will be well worth the effort.

An ancient fort in the Wakhan Corridor

3. People

The people are what ties this diverse and magnificent country altogether. Over Tajikistan, you will be welcomed in by strangers who will insist on showing you unique Tajik hospitality.

Here people believe that you or a guest is a gift from the heavens and will go to considerable lengths to make sure you’re taken care of. In the Wakhan Corridor as we were setting up to camp we were kidnapped by three children who at first thought we were lost but wanted to show us their home and area, they then said we could camp on the grass next to their house but after that welcomed us in their home and gave us dinner.

This happens a lot to travellers.

People in Tajikistan

4. History

The Rudaki Statue in Dushanbe. Rudaki is an essential figure in Tajik Literary history, born in Penjikent.

While its most recent history has been on the tumultuous side, things have stabilised more recently. But the turbulent past makes for an exciting series of events that have led to the country of Tajikistan we know as today. Tajikistan has been under the rule of the Mongols, Arabs, Timur, Turkic, Persians and Russian, to name a few.

The Adventurer Marco Polo even took a stroll through Tajikistan. Tajik civilisation dates back at least 3,000 years albeit only having been an independent republic since 1991.

If you’re interested in the ‘Great Game’ the book about British Spies, there is plenty of places in Tajikistan to live out the history of the times when the Russians and British were vying for control of central Asia.

The Wakhan Corridor was where a buffer zone between the Russian and British Empire was created.

5. Cultural Diversity

Tajikistan is diverse almost as much as its mountains are big. Of course, a country along one of the many routes of the Silk Road would be diverse. In the east side of the GBAO area, you’ll find the Kyrgyz nomads.

The Wakhan Valley you’ll find the Wakhi people practising Ismailism and with their own distinct Wahki language.

Around Khorog some people identify as Pamiri and have their own distinct language which is different from Tajik, The Bartangis tucked away in a beautiful and earthquake ridden Bartang Valley who speak the Bartangi language that is virtually unknown outside.

Then, of course, you’ll find ethnic Tajiks more into the west of the country.

To see the living history you can visit the Yagnobi people of the Yagnob Valley along the southern slopes of the Zeravshan Range.

There are also large Tajik population outside the country, especially in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Cyclist heading towards the Pamir Highway

Conclusion

If you manage to get to Tajikistan, you’re already off the beaten track! The adventures to be had here are of course endless, from death-defying roads to poorly lit 5 kilometre long tunnels, high altitude treks, cycling broken roads and camping with some of the most stunning views through the high Pamir, kayaking across crystal clear lakes, skiing the river bed.

For more posts on Central Asia check Out

https://www.zibaadventures.com/central-asia/

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Kyrgyzstan Yurt

John Horsfall — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:46:07 +0000

STAYING IN A KYRGYZSTAN YURT

Song Kul Lake

THE TRADITIONAL DWELLING PLACE OF PASTORAL NOMADS

STAYING IN A KYRGYZSTAN YURT

What is is like to stay in a Kyrgyzstan Yurt and called it home for one night? Kyrgyzstan Yurts are portable, sturdy, round felt-covered tents that you’ll often see as you are taking tours of Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is a nation defined by its natural beauty. Heading out of Osh, We headed up to Son Kul Lake just as the heavens open up a steep dirt road. It’s an incredible place, at 3016m it’s too cold for permanent habitation, but between June and September herders’ yurts dot the shoreside meadows.

We arrived, and the lake opened up in front of us, although the weather was terrible we drove about taking in the surroundings.

After a while of driving about, we decided to put ourselves up in a Yurt for the night. A yurt is the traditional dwelling place of pastoral nomads in Central Asia. A nomadic family can set up one yurt within a matter of 4-5 hours.

Looking down on our Yurt and the Lake

Community Tourism

Many of the Kyrgyzstan Yurts there is part of the community tourism schemes. The area offers opportunities for yurt stay visits or multi-yurt hikes and horse treks.

We decided to go for one which was not part of the community tourism, and we wanted something a little more authentic and cheaper!! As you walk in, there are three single beds with a log burner in the corner.

Although a Kyrgyzstan Yurt is white and plain on the outside, inside they are awash with different colours.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. For this one, the price was around $8 each, and for the community tourism Yurts, it was double.

Song Kul Lake

Evening Entertainment

Dinner was an exciting affair as there seemed to be a huge family argument going on outside. The wife would serve us our course and then as she left the tent where dinner was served, the arguments would continue. Slightly awkward, but at least it is authentic!!

After dinner, we headed into our Yurt for the night, the fire was going, and it was undoubtedly cosy in there. I wanted to stay in a Yurt while I was here; it was a great experience and comfortable sleeping, so I would highly recommend doing it.

One thing to remember when setting out to sleep in a yurt is the cold. Song Kol is located at 3000m above sea level. Nights are never warm at such heights. Bring something warm if you are a cold sleeper.

Coming out in the morning with Ski Gear on!!

For more posts on Central Asia check Out

https://www.zibaadventures.com/central-asia/

Looking to create your own Adventure? Pin this post for later!

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Central Asia – Ziba Adventures

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa for UK Passport Holders

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa for UK Passport Holders

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa for UK Passport Holders

Apply Online

Check if you need a Temporary Residency Permit (TRP)

Check out ” A Guide to Tajikistan” for everything you need to know

Get a Visa from an Embassy or Consulate of Tajikistan

Can also try getting an E-visa Online

Check if You Can Get a 90-Day Visa-On-Arrival (VOA)

Conclusion

Why Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Are Top Travel Destinations

Why Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Are Top Travel Destinations

Song-Kul Lake

Bukhara

People also read

Uzbekistan Adventure

An uzbekistan adventure

Introduction

Want an adventure like no other? To tread the well-worn, yet barely visited path of the Silk Road through Uzbekistan’s ancient cities of Bukhara and Samarkand. Then a Uzbekistan Adventure is awaiting you.

Why I think you’ll love this trip

Walking through the Blue Mosques

Will this trip be right for you?

An Uzbekistan Concert

20 Incredible Photos of Uzbekistan

20 Incredible Photos of Uzbekistan

Teleshayakh Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

THE SILK ROAD GEM OF UZBEKISTAN

A Cultural feast of Islamic Architecture and History

Swimming the Amu Darya River at Sunset

A Local craftsman in Bukhara

Uzbekistan

The Spice and Silk Festival

A Traditional Dancer in Bukhara

Local grocer in Tashkent

Teleshayakh Mosque, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Teleshayakh Mosque in Tashkent

Registan

Down the back Alleys at Sunset

Exploring Bukhara

Bukhara at Sunset

Amu Darya River at Sunrise

Khiva

Khiva fortress in the Old City

Uzbekistan Concert

Rug Sale in Bukhara

Bukhara at Sunset

Deserts outside Khiva

Other Adventures we’ve done

Turkmenistan places to visit

turkmenistan and places to visit

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

WHEN NORTH KOREA MEETS LAS VEGAS

a guide to turkmenistan and what places to visit

Overview

Our Trip

About Turkmenistan

Picture of the President holding some puppies

Day 1 – Ashgabat

Turkmenistan

Day 2 – Driving to Merv

In the centre of a Merv Ruin

Day 3 – Exploring Merv and Places to visit

Erk Kala – the earliest of the five cities of Merv

Gyaur-Kala – the second city of Merv

Sultan Kala – the third city of Merv

Abdullah-Khan Kala – the fourth city of Merv

Bairam Ali Khan Kala -the last city of Merv

Kharam-keshk Castle

Great and Little Kyz-Kala

The city of Merv

Conclusion

The Darvaza Gas Crater

A Guide to Tajikistan

A guide to Tajikistan

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

a guide to TAJIKISTAN

A Guide to Tajikistan

Before you go to Tajikistan