Beautiful escapes in Kyrgyzstan

We leave the Kyrgyz capital for the southwest. Our route takes us to the Tyuz Ashuu Pass (3500 meters), a gateway to the southern cities of Osh. Once through the tunnel, a magnificent panorama unfolds before us, stretching as far as the eye can see. We leave our vehicle on the slopes of the Sussamyr Valley and set off to meet Kyrgyz nomads and their famous felt yurts. We pass through the village of Kojomkul, named after its renowned warrior. The Kokomeren River, with its powerful turquoise waters, runs alongside our track. The village of Kyzyl Oy, nestled in a beautiful oasis, is our stop for the night.

A peaceful awakening to the rooster's crow! We soak up the village atmosphere and stroll through its narrow streets. The villagers head out to their fields, while we hike along the Kokomeren River , which flows through a magnificent canyon upstream from the village or in the surrounding area. Horseback riding is available for those who wish.

We take our vehicle towards Chaek, a small village nestled in the middle of an arid valley. Along the track, stunning landscapes unfold, with ochre-colored sand cliffs. After a stop to refuel and stock up on food, we continue our journey towards Lake Song Kul (3016m): a two-hour drive to reach the Kara Keche Pass (3400m). Before us lies Lake Song Kul and dozens of yurts set up for the summer in this natural paradise. We camp by the lake and spend the night in a yurt (altitude: 3130m).

This entire day is dedicated to hiking in the exceptionally pristine and breathtakingly peaceful Son Kul . We will stop at yurt camps where nomads have settled for the summer. We will share a few hours of their lives (milking mares, making koumiss, cheese, etc.). If we are lucky, we may even have the opportunity to witness the Kyrgyz people's favorite game, Ulak Tartysh. In the evening, we will set off with a Kyrgyz herder to gather his flock in the enclosure near the family yurt. Horseback riding is available. Overnight camping in the yurt.

We leave our nomadic friends and head towards the village of Kochkorka, located on the main north-south route. We stop at the bazaar and visit the women's cooperative, where we learn about local crafts and purchase wool souvenirs. Then we travel to the village of Kyzyl Tou to see how nomadic yurts are made. Today's destination is Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest high-altitude lake (1600 meters above sea level) after Lake Titicaca. We enjoy a swim and a walk in the magnificent Ak Say canyon. The landscape at our feet is like a lunar landscape! At the end of the day, we meet a Berkutchy family, eagle breeders. We spend the night with a local family.

We'll travel along Lake Issyk-Kul: visiting villages on the lake's southern shore, climbing to the Shatyly viewpoint, and strolling through the Skazka Canyon, which unfolds in a splendid array of orange hues. The landscape and colors blend together to offer a unique and unforgettable natural spectacle. For those who wish, a swim in this salt lake is available; the water temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, and we're at an altitude of 1600 meters!

Then departure to reach the beautiful Jety Oguz valley (2000 m) and its famous "broken heart". Overnight stay at the yurt camp.

A day hike to Oguz Bachy peak, reaching an altitude of 5170 m . The verdant, heavily wooded hanging valley culminates in a wide plateau adorned with edelweiss and other mountain flowers. An opportunity to soak in the Ak-Suu hot springs above Karakol at the end of the day. Overnight stay with a local family in Karakol.

Visit to Karakol – a town at the eastern end of Lake Issyk-Kul. See the Orthodox church, the Dungan Mosque, the narrow streets lined with small Russian houses, and the bazaar (if it's a Sunday, the livestock market is also worth a visit). Then drive to the northern shore of the lake, to Cholpon-Ata. Visit the Petroglyph Cemetery. A short boat trip on the lake is possible. We leave the Issyk-Kul region for the Chon Kemin Valley. Overnight stay with a local family.

In the morning, a final hike in the Chon Kemin Valley. After lunch, we head towards the Chuy River Valley, which forms the border with Kazakhstan. We visit the Burana Tower before returning to Kyrgyzstan's capital . Overnight in a guesthouse or small hotel.

Transfer to the airport (not included in the price of the stay, but can be requested and arranged by the local agency) and return flight.