Kyrgyzstan through the eyes of women

We depart for the Too Ashuu Pass, located at an altitude of 3,500 meters. After passing through the pass tunnel, we discover a superb panorama of the surrounding mountains. We then leave the vehicle in the highlands of the Sussamyr Valley to meet Kyrgyz nomads and their famous felt yurts. The road continues through the Kekemeren River canyon to the village of Kyzyl Oy, a true oasis nestled in the heart of the valley.

Overnight stay with a local family in the village of Kyzyl Oy. Transfer 5 hours.

Day 3: Kokomeren Canyon

This day is dedicated to hiking in the mountainous landscapes of the Kekemeren Valley. A wonderful opportunity to explore the area around Kyzyl Oy, enjoy the wide-open spaces, and observe the daily life of the locals. At the end of the day, return to the guesthouse to participate in a traditional Kyrgyz cooking workshop. A warm and friendly experience to discover the country's specialties and share local culinary knowledge.

Overnight stay with a local family in the village of Kyzyl-Oy.

We depart for the village of Kizart, the starting point of our horseback trek towards Lake Song-Kul. After approximately a two-hour transfer, we meet our horses. A brief explanation of equestrian practices, the characteristics of Kyrgyz horses, and the main safety instructions will help us get acquainted with our companions. We then set off for three wonderful days of riding through the Kyrgyz mountains, heading towards the jewel of the country: Lake Song-Kul.

Horseback riding excursion of approximately 4 hours.

Night in a yurt.

Day 2: We continue our horseback trek through the high-altitude landscapes. We cross the Jalgyz Karagay Pass (3,225 m) before gradually descending to the shores of Lake Song Kul. Considered the heart of Kyrgyzstan, this vast high-altitude lake offers pristine scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. The region is also frequented by nomads who come to set up their yurts during the summer months.

Overnight stay in a yurt. 4-hour horseback ride.

These two days are dedicated to discovering the exceptional landscapes of Song Kul, on horseback and on foot. We alternate activities to fully appreciate this pristine site. We travel around the lake. Along the way, we stop at yurt camps where nomadic families spend the summer. We share some moments of their daily lives with them: milking the mares, making koumiss, preparing cheese… In the evening, we can accompany the shepherd to gather his flock before nightfall.

Nights spent in yurts. 5 hours of hiking per day.

We leave the magnificent landscapes of Lake Song Kul and travel to the village of Kochkor, after about a three-hour drive. There, we discover a women's cooperative that perpetuates Kyrgyz traditions through music, handicrafts, and wool work. This is an opportunity to learn more about the making of sherdaks, traditional felt rugs with colorful patterns, and to share a special moment immersed in local craftsmanship.

Overnight stay with a local family. Transfer: approximately 3 hours.

We set off towards the south of Lake Issyk-Kul, nicknamed the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan," located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters. Along the way, we stop in the village of Kyzyl-Tou to learn about the traditional techniques used to build nomadic yurts. We then continue on to Kok Bulak, where we meet a family of Berkuchi, eagle breeders and trainers, who share this ancestral tradition with us.

The next day, we set off to explore the spectacular landscapes of the lake's southern shore. Depending on the conditions, we'll enjoy some time by the water before discovering Ak Say Canyon, the Shatyly viewpoint, and the colorful rock formations of Skazka Canyon. Between turquoise waters, mountains, and hills tinged with orange, these two days offer a wonderful glimpse into the diversity of Kyrgyz landscapes.

Overnight stays with local families in Kok Bulak. Transfers: approximately 3 hours. Walking: approximately 3 hours.

Return to Bishkek with a stop near Tokmok to discover the famous Burana Tower and historical remains dating back to the 11th century. We then continue our journey to the capital and arrive in Bishkek in the mid-afternoon.

Night in a guest house.