Taigan Expeditions

31/03/2023

DID YOU KNOW❔
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Did you know that when you come on a tour with Taigan Expeditions, you get a free (that's right, FREE) tote bag!!

A tote bag is prepared for every customer before arrival with bottled water, assorted toiletries, and goodies to keep the jet-lag induced hunger away!

These high quality tote bags aren't just useful during your tour, however! You can use them as shopping bags, fashion pieces, and more when you get home ‼️
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What would you use these chic tote bags for❔

16/11/2022

Hello, World Travelers! With November here, some of you might be thinking, "The opportunity to visit Kyrgyzstan this year is gone," but while it's true snow has closed the passes, that also means it's now SKI SEASON! Enjoy the views from ski resorts here in Kyrgyzstan, and when you're hankering for powder somewhere off the beaten track, write us at Taigan Expeditions!

12/10/2022

Howdy, Adventurous Ones! As Autumn is now fully upon us, we thought this would be a good time to reflect on the colorful natural beauty of fall in Kyrgyzstan! If you decide quickly, there may just be time for you to come to Central Asia and see for yourself, but if not, never fear, there's next year! Enjoy, and we'll see you out on the trail!

13/09/2022

Hello again, Adventure seekers! September is here, and you'd think our season would be winding down after all of our visitors in August, but we still have guests arriving this month, next, and even into November! If you've been wondering about whether you still have time this year to see Kyrgyzstan's amazing sights and incredible culture, the answer is yes, but you might want to move fast. To whet your appetite for travel, here are some more of the fantastic photographs one of our guests took back in June. Enjoy the breathtaking views, and then write us at Taigan Expeditions!

19/08/2022

Hello, Adventurous Ones! Today's post features more spectacular photographs from our first guests this season, but these follow one of the traditional aspects of Kyrgyzstan: the raising of a yurt, the round, felt tents used by nomads in Central Asia for thousands of years. Enjoy one of Kyrgyzstan's many cultural treasures, and then write us at Taigan Expeditions to see it in person!

08/08/2022

Hello again, Travelers! Today's post again showcases the fantastic photography of our first guests in June. Herein we see something of Kyrgyzstan's amazing culture, spanning literally millennia, from ancient petroglyphs, pictures literally carved in stone, to the Medieval archaeological site of Burana Tower. Enjoy, and as always, when you're ready, write us at Taigan Expeditions and come see Central Asia for yourselves!

29/07/2022

Greetings, World Travelers! Continuing from our last post, here are more amazing photographs from our first guests in June, an American father and his daughter. Herein, you'll share with them some astonishing moments watching a Kyrgyz family demonstrate traditional hunting with eagles and hiking beautiful Skazka ("Fairy Tale") Canyon. When these pictures have whetted your appetite for adventure, write us at Taigan Expeditions to begin your own!

21/07/2022

Hello, Adventure Seekers! As our travel season rolls forward, we thought we'd share some photographs from our first guests this June, a father and his daughter from the USA, and amazing photos they are! Our guests started off with a "fan favorite" among our clients, a horseback trip to a little-visited alpine lake "off the beaten path." Enjoy, and when you're ready to see for yourselves, write us at Taigan Expeditions!

01/07/2022

Hello, Wanderers! As we head into July in the Northern hemisphere, we can usually expect warmer weather here in Kyrgyzstan. We've found a great way to "beat the heat," and within only a couple of hours of Bishkek! Come white water rafting with us through Chong Kemin National Park; you'll have an absolute blast, and it's sure to be a "cool" time! Here's a photo from a trip in late May, and when you're ready, call us at Taigan Expeditions to heed the call of the wild (water)!

22/06/2022

Hello, Adventurers! Continuing from our last post, I thought I'd add some more exciting travel possibilities within a day's journey of Bishkek. For folks who only have a day to spend in Kyrgyzstan, but still want to get out of the city on horseback, we can arrange 1-2 hour horse trail rides in the hills south of the city, nestling up against the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains. Here are some photographs of recent guests - some of whom were our own family - with whom we've done exactly that. Enjoy the mountain scenery, and when you're ready to get out there, give us a call at Taigan Expeditions!

14/06/2022

Hello, Travelers! Something we occasionally get asked about here in Kyrgyzstan is, "What can we do for a 'day trip?'" While our specialty is multi-day trips across Central Asia, the immediate locale of Kyrgyzstan's Capital does have plenty of options, as other travelers to this magnificent country have discovered. Here's a link to a travel blog, who reposted another blog about day trips near Bishkek. We share her enthusiasm for the country's beauty, although I think a couple of places she mentions would make for a very long day trip! Still, even in a long drive, the eye never tires of the scenery here. Enjoy, and when you're ready, give us a call at Taigan Expeditions to visit Kyrgyzstan yourself!

Planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan? Don't miss this great and easy day trips from Bishkek. Stunning nature, culture, tradition and more!

03/06/2022

Hello, Adventurers! Picking up on where we'd left off before, I'd like to call your attention to a travel blog written about a year ago on the fabulous Skazka Canyon, south of the famed Issyk Kol lake here in Kyrgyzstan. Take a look at it, and when you're done, give us a call at Taigan Expeditions to see this incredible place for yourself!

Backpacking Kyrgyzstan: a travel guide to the Skazka Canyon in Kyrgyzstan and how to get to the Skazka Canyon for the independent traveller.

26/05/2022

Hello, Adventurous Friends! Today I want to take some more time out of our recent series to tell you a little about Nooruz, the traditional Persian "New Year" holiday celebrated across much of Central Asia! Nooruz takes place over the Spring Equinox, and families gather for meals and other celebratory forms - such as the Kyrgyz Kok Boru Championship! Kok Boru, occasionally known as "Goat Polo" in the West, is an ancient Nomadic sport which could be described as "Ice hockey on horseback, with a goat for the puck." While not a game for the fragile, as the following photos point out, it's very absorbing to see, along with a bevy of other equestrian skill and sport demonstrations. Enjoy the photos, and when you're ready, write us to see these ancient traditions with your own eyes!

06/05/2022

Hello, Adventure Seekers! Today I'd like to share with y'all another review of the travel possibilities in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on a particular passion of our family's: downhill skiing! If you're a skiier or snowboarder, someone who craves the wind in your face and the rush of terrain zooming beneath you, surrounded by crisp, clean air and magnificent vistas, then Karakol, Kyrgyzstan is a place you've got to try! Read what The Tribune (an English-language, Eurasia-focused newspaper) said about skiing in Karakol, and then write us about planning your ski trip of a lifetime!

https://www.thetribune.com/karakol-ski-resort-an-unforgettable-adventure-in-central-asia/

Karakol ski base is an ideal place not only for professional mountain skiers, but for all people who like winter skiing and snowboarding activities.

28/04/2022

Hello again from Central Asia! Picking back up with our series of other folks' recommendations, try this one from no less that the famous Bradt Guides, talking about Kyrgyzstan: "The Most Beautiful Country in the World." How do you top a statement like that? Better yet, take a look at this article of Bradt's, and then, when you're ready, give us a call at Taigan Expeditions to come to Kyrgyzstan and see for yourself!
https://www.bradtguides.com/kyrgyzstan-natural-wonders/

Stupefying landscapes marked by the remnants of ancient tribes and Silk Road travellers make Kyrgyzstan the perfect place to roam wild.

12/04/2022

Howdy, Adventurous ones! Today, we'd like to continue our series of other folks' writing about the wonderful travel opportunities in Kyrgyzstan, with a great article from _The Independent_ in the United Kingdom. You'll need to register to see the entire article about "10 Reasons to Visit Kyrgyzstan" from their correspondent, but the introductory photograph alone is truly worth a thousand words!

Post-Soviet chic meets nomadic culture in central Asia’s worst-kept secret, writes Liz Dodd

04/04/2022

We'd like to point out an opportunity a little different from some of our more frequent posts about horse travel, fishing and the like, namely: unique shopping opportunities! Our own home here is decorated with a beautiful plethora of various Central Asian handicrafts, ranging from Uzbek pottery to amazing (and comfortable!) Kyrgyz Shyrdaks! Enjoy a few moments of "virtual shopping," and when you're ready for the real thing, call or write us at Taigan Expeditions for the adventure of a lifetime!

25/03/2022

Hello, Adventurers! A few weeks back we told you we'd be offering other folks' looks at travel in Central Asia in general and Kyrgyzstan in particular, and here is the next entry in that series! This is a link to a travel blog by a Brazilian couple, who seemed to enjoy their time here, and offer a good overview of some of the wonderful possibilities for Kyrgyzstan travel! After you've read about their adventures, write or call us at Taigan Expeditions, and we'll start planning your own!

Kyrgyzstan amazed us when we visited it during the World nomad games

17/03/2022

Here at Taigan Expeditions we do a lot of different things, from white water rafting to archaeological tours, to everything in between. We hope y'all liked our link last week to some folks' description of horse trekking in Kyrgyzstan; now here's photos from our equine trips of yesteryear to further whet your appetite for horse travel! When you're done enjoying these, write or call us at Taigan Expeditions to start your own horse journey in Central Asia!

09/03/2022

Howdy, Adventure seekers! Over the next few weeks, we want to bring you something a little different from our more usual posts. We're more than happy to tell people ourselves about how fantastic outdoor travel in Kyrgyzstan can be, but we're also looking to share this simple fact: other people think so, too! Here's the first of many travel articles, blogs, and so on, extolling the virtues of travel in our neck of the woods. While we're not affiliated with this particular company, these folks talk up "the Great Trek in Kyrgyzstan," and if you love horse travel like we do, take a look at what they're saying!

From corralling like a cowboy to trekking Kyrgyzstan’s ancient silk route, these are the five horse-riding retreats we think you’ll be galloping to book. Unbridled adventure awaits.

28/02/2022

Hello from Taigan Expeditions!

It's been a while since we've posted about adventure travel in Kyrgyzstan; for that matter, it may have been a while since many people have thought about it! However, and contrary to what some may think about foreign travel given the world's situation, now is actually a great time to consider adventure travel, to get "off the beaten path," and we know how to do just that!

It's already warming up, and with an early Spring the mountain passes will open sooner, which means this year will be a great time to take advantage of lower air fares before the Summer travel season really starts.

Also, without wishing to wade into a debate, Kyrgyzstan allows for those vaccinated and those with a negative PCR test to enter freely, so all are welcome.

Here's a few photos to whet your travel bug's appetite, and when you're ready, write us at Taigan Expeditions to plan your 2022 adventure!

13/10/2021

Howdy, Adventurous Ones! Continuing our theme of "packing for Central Asia," some folks may ask about bringing their own camping gear. My recommendation on that depends on two questions: do you want to go by foot or horse? And how did you get here? Dealing with the 2nd question first, whether you came by air (most folks) or train or car (less common but has advantages) can affect how much of your own gear you can bring with you, e.g. there are fewer baggage weight considerations traveling by land. The first question then comes into play: when traveling by foot, I think most guests in Kyrgyzstan are expected to bring their own gear; the opposite is the case for horse travels, as our guides and associates understand most foreigners will not be bringing their own horse tack, for example. In short, if you're planning on trekking by foot, pretty much bring your own everything; if by horse, you probably won't need anything beyond clothing and what you'd normally wear; a camera, for instance. More on this later, but for now, dream of Central Asia's scenery, and we'll see you on the trail!

05/10/2021

Howdy again, Adventure Seekers! Continuing our posts about packing for Central Asian Travel, today I wanted to offer some general observations about electronic gear while trekking. I've been specifically asked about "Can we get cell phone reception while traveling?" In short, yes AND no. In Bishkek, you can get a "sim card" that will probably work quite well in the city or along (most) of the roads; in the mountains, however, don't count on it. As far as charging your devices, I'd suggest bringing your own battery pack or folding solar panel, as opportunities to plug in a telephone at a yurt camp may be limited. I also would recommend, since many folks nowadays use their phones as their primary cameras, putting their device in an impact-resistant case of some kind; mountain trails aren't necessarily gentle with modern gadgets! Moreover, given how changeable mountain weather is I encourage folks to think about a water-resistant case for any electronics they have which don't like moisture (and that's anything powered by electricity!). That's it for now, and we'll see you on the trail soon!

27/09/2021

Howdy again, fellow travelers! Today I want to continue our series about packing for your adventure in Central Asia! Picking up where we left off from last week's topic of "layering," today I want to discuss footwear for your expedition. Few other pieces of equipment are quite so important, as that choice can make the difference between the experience of a lifetime and misery-filled days. I always recommend a good pair of hiking or riding boots, either waterproof synthetic or polished leather, NOT "sneakers" or sandals, for hiking or horseback travel through our mountains.

The boots should be well "broken in" before you arrive; blisters on the trail just aren't fun. If the boots have tread on the bottom, the tread should be minimal so as not to get caught in stirrups if you're horseback riding; likewise, I suggest a style that protects your ankle, as you'll find that useful whether on horse or foot. Lastly, pick boots that have room for thick (I like wool) socks for when the trail gets cold. Speaking of the trail, in our next post I'll discuss some other items you'll want when you're traveling ours!

21/09/2021

Greetings, Adventurous Ones! As previously posted, today I want to help you pack for your next "trip of a lifetime" (but isn't there always another mountain to climb or sea to cross?) in Central Asia! We'll start today with the biggest factor in packing for the mountains and steppes where we roam: weather.

Here, you can go from blazing hot to shivering chill and back again in a matter of minutes, not necessarily because the weather changes that fast (although it can), but simply by going up and down mountains. Key to successful travel through our terrain is called "layering." You don't bring a massive parka per se; you bring multiple, lighter layers that can be rapidly worn or removed as weather demands, things that can easily be put on top of a rucksack or saddlebags.

An example will demonstrate what I mean. Horseback riding up a mountainside, you could start with a long-sleeve shirt, with the sleeves rolled up (shirts with so-called "Swiss tabs" are great for that). As you go up, roll down the sleeves; if it's chillier than you're used to, fish a wool sweater or fleece out of your saddlebag. Above the tree line, the wind will pick up, so pull out a windbreaker (that you had conveniently below the sweater in the saddlebag!). After you cross the pass, the windbreaker goes back in the bag, followed by the sweater farther down the trail. One other suggestion: bring a wide-brimmed hat, preferably with "stampede strings" for when the wind kicks up! That's it for now, but next time we'll continue with more packing tips for Central Asia!

Some recommended clothing items: 1. Wide-brimmed, water-resistant hat with "stampede strings." 2. Wool sweater and/or fleece (meant for the outdoors, not for "fashion!") 3. Quality, water-resistant windbreaker 4. Long-sleeved shirt with "Swiss tabs."

16/09/2021

Hello, Travelling Friends! We hope you've enjoyed our interview with the good folks at "How to Train Your Wagon." Today we'd like to sharpen your appetite for adventure by offering some more photographs of some of our previous treks! Keep watching our future posts for advice about how to properly pack for your Central Asian adventure, and in the meantime, enjoy!

10/09/2021

Hey, adventure seekers! Today we want to highlight the possibilities waiting for you in an early spring visit to Kyrgyzstan, one of the most beautiful, least visited by Westerners, spots on Earth! To share just some of the possibilities, here are a few photos from the Aigul ("Moonflower") Festival in southern Kyrgyzstan, which takes place every year in April! Don't miss this, write Taigan Expeditions today!

06/09/2021

Hello, our adventurous friends! Last week we were pleased to introduce the travel blog, "How to Train Your Wagon," with their interview of us about adventure travel in Kyrgyzstan. We hope you enjoyed it, and that episode whetted your appetite for travel in Central Asia! Here we present part 2 of the 2-part series on Kyrgyzstan; enjoy!

Quickly and easily listen to How to Train Your Wagon for free!

31/08/2021

Hello again from Taigan Expeditions! We have something pretty cool for y'all today, if I do say so myself! A little while back, I did an interview with a family-oriented travel blog called, "How to Train Your Wagon," who are interested in traveling to Kyrgyzstan! The link provided below is to part 1 of the 2-part series we did; hope y'all enjoy it, and get excited about adventuring in Central Asia!

Quickly and easily listen to How to Train Your Wagon for free!