Epic Trip from Osh to Song Kol and Issyk Kul

I did the one-week Epic Trip from Bishkek to Osh with 3 other participants who I didnh't know previously, and we all got on really well. I would start by saying that in setting up the tour, Eleonora at Visit Alay was very helpful and attentive in providing me with all the information I needed about the tour and travel tips in general. The tour itself was great value and we did everything as planned in the programme - we really made the most of the time, always in the fine company of our hard working driver and guide, Kairat. There were 3 overnight stays in yurt camps and 3 homestays, all of them very nice authentic experiences. A big bonus were the extra activities: the demonstration of how to play different musical instruments and traditional Kyrguz dance offered by a very talented local musical family at Lake Issyk-Kul, the fascintating eagle hunting and archery demonstration in the hills nearby, and the felt making workshop at the homestay in Kochkor - I woulkd definitely recommend these additional activities, among others, which, divided between the 4 of us, did not cost very much extra at all. Food was also also good and plentiful everywhere. As a keen walker, I would have perhaps liked to have had a bit more time to do more short or medium-lenght hikes, but I understand about the time constraints involved in doing this and, overall, I would say this one-week trip has been the perfect introduction for me to Kyrgyzstan. I wouldn't hesitate to choose Visit Alay again for a trip through the Pamirs all elsewere. Thanks to everyone involved! Philip.