Winter adventure in Kyrgyzstan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration11 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAsia / Kyrgyzstan
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions281.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
This winter, embark on a unique adventure in Kyrgyzstan , far from the beaten track. In the heart of the continental winter, discover a country transformed by snow: snow-covered canyons , frozen lakes (Song Kul, Kel Suu) , pristine steppes ... On horseback , reach a traditional yurt camp , experience walking on ice , and at the end of the day, savor the benefits of a hot banya with a mountain view. Hike through ochre-colored canyons contrasting with the blue of Lake Issyk-Kul. Meet a renowned eagle hunter.
This trip offers a deep immersion in Kyrgyz culture , between nomadic traditions , hospitality, and daily life in harmony with nature. Guided by a French-speaking tour leader , you will explore a haven of wild nature, still largely undiscovered in winter, in an atmosphere that is both authentic and contemplative .
Another way to experience Kyrgyzstan, off-season , between gentle adventure , cultural encounter and sensory experience .
The highlights
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A unique discovery of Kyrgyzstan in winter
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Breathtakingly varied landscapes
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An experienced French-speaking guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
For this trip, travel will be by horseback and on foot. You don't need to be an expert rider; you just need to know how to ride. For the hikes, you should be reasonably fit to fully enjoy the trip.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 300 m
- Average daily descent: 217 m
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
Talant is a French-speaking guide. He has been working as a guide for over 20 years. He is appreciated by all the groups he leads for his kindness and professionalism.
A French-speaking guide will accompany you.
Program
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Visit to the Kyrgyz capital
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 30km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Airport welcome by our team. Transfer to the guesthouse, followed by exploration of Bishkek. Stroll through the bazaars, parks, etc. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 1 -
Kyzart Transfer
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 180km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to the villages of Kochkorka and Kyzart. Hiking in the Boom Canyon.
Visit to a Kyrgyz family
Day 2 -
His Koul the Wild Adventure
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After meeting our equestrian guide and horses, we set off for Lake Son Kul, perched at an altitude of 3,000 meters. A five-hour trek, crossing mountain passes and ridges, leads to this incredible site. Silence reigns; only the sound of the wind on the pristine snow seems to whisper. We warm ourselves inside the yurt around the stove. A good cup of tea...
When night falls, we can admire the Milky Way. It twinkles intensely in the sky, without any light pollution. It's an ideal place to contemplate the galaxy and capture magnificent photos of the starry sky.
Day 3 -
Son Koul: Horseback Riding
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll hike on horseback across the frozen lake (it's 30 km long and 8 km wide) and along the ridges upstream from the lake. We're at an altitude of 3200 meters. Alone in this vast expanse. Downstream, our heated yurt camp, from which a beautiful plume of smoke rises. The atmosphere is incredible, a truly unique experience. When possible, it's sometimes possible to fish. Evening at the yurt camp.
Day 4 -
Return to the village of Kyzart on horseback
- Transportation Minibus - 01h33 - 50km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
It's time to head back to the village of Kyzart. A 5-hour horseback ride to reach the village. We leave the lake behind, this vast expanse... Once in the village, lunch and then departure for the small town of Kochkor where we will spend the night.
Day 5 -
Kel Suu: Hiking and horseback riding
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 200kmper day
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h per day
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we set off for the Naryn region (due south), near the Chinese border in the At Bashy mountain range. We ventured deep into the range, crossing the border zone. There, border guards stood at the entrance to the buffer zone between Kyrgyzstan and China. The track wound its way through passes and canyons to reach the lodge.
These two days are dedicated to exploring the mountains (the peaks are over 5000m) and the Kok Kiya Valley. We'll hike to Kel Suu Lake at 3520 meters, either on horseback or on foot. Few travelers venture there in winter! It's an exclusive experience!
We will walk on the frozen lake, a spectacular sight is guaranteed.
It is also the land of Yaks! but also of Marco Polo sheep (large mouflons) and wolves.
Days 6 to 7 -
Transfer to the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 250km
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off early in the morning to reach the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. A full day's drive takes us to the second largest high-altitude lake in the world. We stop in the village of Kochkor before continuing on to Bakonbaevo. We then spend time in Kyzyl Tuu, where Kyrgyz families specialize in yurt production. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 8 -
Issyk Koul and its canyons, meeting with a Berkoutchy.
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 250km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A day spent between lakes and canyons. Ak Say Canyon followed by Kaska Canyon were on the agenda this morning. Incredible colors: the blue of the lake, the ochre cliffs of the canyons. It's magical. Hiking in these sites.
Meeting with Aitou, a renowned Berkoutchy hunter. He will introduce us to eagle hunting...
Horse riding available. Overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 9 -
Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 25km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. Last-minute shopping, bazaars... Overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 10 -
Return flight to Europe
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 25km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning transfer to Manas airport. And flight to Europe.
Day 11
Note
This program may be modified depending on the weather and road conditions. The guide will inform participants of any changes.
Accommodation
Access
Our team will welcome you at Bishkek airport and will take you back to the airport at the end of your stay.
You will need to send us your flight schedule and airline details.
You can also go directly to the meeting point at our vests house. 185 Kurienkeva, Bishkek
Guest house Ultimate Adventure.
Go to the starting point
It is possible to fly to Bishkek with the airlines.
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus
Price details
The price includes
- French-speaking guide
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Full board except for meals in Bishkek
- Horseback riding
- Visit the site
- Zone entry permit
The price does not include
- Meals in Bishkek
- International flights
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 25-30 liter backpack for hiking
- Sleeping bag, comfort level -10 degrees.
- Duvets are provided in yurts and other accommodations.
- Frontal
- Walking sticks
- gaiters
- Sunglasses
- Her pharmacy, sunscreen
Clothing to bring
- For this trip, it is necessary to have good cold-weather gear. Temperatures can vary from -25 to 5 degrees Celsius.
- Base layer, mid-layer. Down jacket, Gore-Tex jacket, hat, gloves
- Good warm hiking shoes.
- Bandanas, scarves, chapkas