Nomadic adventure in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek - Chon-Kemin National Park

1. The support team picks us up at 9am and we set off on our adventure.
2. We arrive in the verdant Chon-Kemin Valley , a nature reserve offering a diverse landscape encompassing semi-desert, glaciers, and gorges. For those who wish, we can explore the beauty of this area on horseback , starting from our host's house, where we will spend the night.

Chon-Kemin National Park - Konorchek canyon

1. This morning we visited Konorchok Canyon, a pristine place where the scarlet rock formations remind us of the American Grand Canyon. The red sand columns rising all around us tower over us and make the place feel intimate.

Konorchek canyon - Ruh Ordo

1. Arriving at the shores of Lake Issyk-Kol (1,609 meters above sea level), the second largest alpine lake in the world. This lake, a veritable inland sea, is the jewel of Kyrgyzstan . Surrounded by the Celestial Mountains, the snow-capped peaks rising to over 5,000 meters are reflected in the lake's crystal-clear waters. Dozens of rivers flow from the surrounding mountains into the lake through numerous valleys, each more beautiful than the last.
2. A visit to the Rouh-Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata reveals a unique blend of culture and serenity. Set in a peaceful environment, this complex is primarily dedicated to the four major religions: Islam, Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism. It also features spaces showcasing Greek philosophers and famous figures from Kyrgyzstan.

Ruh Ordo - Karakol

1. Arrival in Karakol, a small, peaceful town. We take the time to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral , a 19th-century Orthodox church; the Chinese mosque, resembling a Mongolian Buddhist temple, built by Dungan Chinese artisans.
2. For dinner, we are hosted by our Dungan family.

Karakol - Karakol gorge

1. Transfer by vehicle to the starting point of the trek, from the town of Karakol to the camp.

Karakol Gorge - Ala-Kul

1. After arriving at camp, we begin our trek to Lake Ala-Kul (3522m). Today's hike requires some effort, but will certainly be rewarding when we reach the glacial Lake Ala-Kul (3600m), a small marvel nestled in the heart of the mountains. The turquoise of its pristine waters contrasts with the bare peaks surrounding it, making the place truly enchanting.
2. Elevation gain: +1000 m. Approximately 4-5 hours of walking.

Ala-Kul - Altyn-Arachan

1. Departure around 8:00 AM. We ascend to admire the beautiful Ala Kol Lake ("Colored Lake"), approximately 3 km long, which changes color from turquoise to black depending on the light. We then hike to the pass (1.5 hours). There's a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Terksey-Alatoo mountain range and its peaks. The descent begins with a fairly steep section, followed by a walk through the Keldike Valley amidst herds of cattle. We arrive in the Arachan Valley and set up camp at 2500m. There's the option to bathe in the nearby hot springs. The camp is located near the Altyn Arachan spa resort with its few wooden cabins.
2. Meals included.
3. Between 6 and 7 hours of walking, 17km, elevation gain +300 / -1300 meters. Night in a tent.

Altyn-Arachan - Karakol

1. It is with emotion that we cover the last few kilometers that bring this rich adventure to a close. We bid farewell to our support team and descend back into the gorge in a 4x4, heading towards Karakol.
2. We settled into our guesthouse for a little rest.

Karakol - Jeti-öghüz

1. Arrival in the Jeti-Oguz Valley . Covered in lush vegetation, this stunning gorge, one of the most beautiful in the country, stretches for 37 km between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Celestial Mountains. Monumental red rock peaks, nicknamed " the Seven Bulls, " complete this picture-postcard landscape, immortalized on Soviet postage stamps in 1968. Hike in the valley.

Jeti-öghüz - Skaska Canyon

1. Visit the stunning Skazka Canyon , meaning " fairy tale " in Kyrgyz. These multicolored rock formations overlook Lake Issyk-Kul. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, these rocks with their diverse shapes will undoubtedly evoke fairytale landscapes.

Bokonbayevo - Kochkor

1. We take the main road again towards the village of Kochkor .

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1. Early in the morning, we are transferred to the small village of Isakaev , where our trek begins. We are greeted by our local guide, who will assist us during these two days of walking. After loading our supplies onto our packhorses, we set off on a trail. We cut across fields and cross a few streams before finally gaining altitude. As we walk, new landscapes begin to unfold, giving way to less dense vegetation. Along the way, we can observe herds grazing in the jailoos (traditional pastures). The last hour of the trek is a bit more challenging, with the ascent of the pass (3000m) that will lead us to our destination.
2. Finally, the waters of Kol Ukok are revealed to us. Their turquoise blue contrasts with the green colors of the valley.
3. We're staying at our host's place, in the yurt.

Also

1. Day 8
2. Two-day self-supported trek . Logistics and your personal belongings will be carried on packhorses.

Kol Ukok - Kol Tor Lake

1. We're going to visit Lake Kol Tor, located at an altitude of 3500m. We'll set off at dawn for a hike of approximately 3 hours (round trip). We'll follow the river until we reach a scree slope. We'll continue across this terrain, which becomes increasingly steep, and the grass longer. Be careful in wet weather, as the ground can be slippery.
2. After an hour and a half of walking, and crossing the pass, this magnificent little lake appears before us.

Kol Tor Lake - Kol Ukok

1. We set off again towards Kochkor . The descent is intended to be easier and faster.
2. Arrival in the small village of Kyzart, where we are transferred to our guest house for some well-deserved rest. Evening at leisure.

Also

1. Day 9
2. Two-day self-supported trek . Logistics and your personal belongings will be carried on packhorses.

Kyzart - Kilemche

1. This morning we set off for a hike in the direction of the Kilemche pastures, whose name means "like a carpet", because this place is reminiscent of a carpet covered with flowers.

Also

1. Day 10
2. Two-day self-supported trek . Logistics and your personal belongings will be carried on packhorses.

Kilemche - Tuz Achuu

1. A new stage brings us closer to our goal. It is on a rocky path that we cross the Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), where we can observe below the magnificent landscape reflected in the blue waters of the lake.
2. We arrive in the Tuz Ashuu pastures.
3. Arriving at the shores of Lake Son-Kul , Kyrgyzstan's second wonder. This immense Alpine lake is the country's largest freshwater reserve. Located amidst the Celestial Mountains, it sits at an altitude of 3,016 meters and has long captivated the imagination of foreign travelers. Its crystal-clear water is incredibly pure and changes color with the weather, shifting from blue to green, sometimes even turning orange.

Also

1. Day 11
2. Two-day self-supported trek . Logistics and your personal belongings will be carried on packhorses.

We find our vehicle and take the Kyrgyz track. We pass the Moldo Ashuu pass, cross the magnificent landscapes of the Ak-Talaa valley before finally reaching the main road to Naryn , a charming town nestled in the mountains and crossed by the Naryn river.

After breakfast, we leave Naryn to reach Eki-Naryn , a small but exceptional place where two streams of the Naryn River, the main tributary of the Syr Darya , meet. Eki-Naryn is a secluded spot in the mountains, breathtakingly beautiful!

After settling into the yurt camp, we visited the surrounding area.

After lunch, we head up into the hills to overlook the mountains and the surrounding valley. Along the way, we meet some shepherds who have set up camp for the summer.

Take a journey back in time with a visit to the ancient caravanserai of Tash-Rabat . Located on the road to Khasgar, the Tash-Rabat caravanserai, also known as the Stone Hotel , is probably the best-preserved site on the Silk Road , and you can experience its original atmosphere here. Dating back to the 15th century, it contained numerous rooms used to house merchants.

1. This morning, we set off towards Kel Suu Lake . We travel along a winding road and cross a wooden suspension bridge before arriving in the Kel Suu Valley. We will have to cross the river if the weather permits.

1. As we approach the border with China, we need to register in order to continue this adventure.
2. Arrival at the campsite, where we will spend the night.

Day 15

1. A hike to the Kel-Suu glacier lake at 3500m altitude, one of the most beautiful and most difficult to access places.

1. The lake has a unique characteristic, from which it takes its name. "Kel-Suu" in Kyrgyz means "the water that comes." Indeed, sometimes the lake disappears, seeping into underground caves; therefore, depending on the year and the time of year, you may not find the lake again.

After breakfast, we set off again towards Naryn . The route is less challenging, with a small mountain pass to cross. Along the way, we encounter shepherds and a few herds of yaks.

Arrival in the city of Naryn . Here we'll find some comfort and can take a proper shower before continuing our Kyrgyz adventure. Check-in at the hotel. Rest and free time with your guide, who will accompany you for a stroll around the city.

Our final day of travel before returning to the Kyrgyz capital. We leave the green mountains of Kyrgyzstan, where we discovered a warm and welcoming people with still-vibrant traditions, and arrive in Bishkek . Check into your hotel where you can relax for a while.

We're heading to the Osh Bazaar , Kyrgyzstan's most vibrant market. Stalls selling dried fruits and spices abound, showcasing the colors of Central Asia throughout your visit. You'll also find plenty of traditional souvenirs from the country.

A stroll through Ala-Too Square in the center of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive every evening with crowds of onlookers who come to wander. This square has also been the scene of numerous revolutions in the country's history.

Bishkek - Manas Airport

1. Breakfast at the hotel. We will then take you back to Bishkek International Airport. The return transfer can be arranged at your preferred time, depending on your flight schedule.