Nomadic immersion in Kyrgyzstan and the 2026 World Games

The support team will pick us up at 9am, and together we will set off to explore the city.

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.

After visiting the city, you will have the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nomadic Games. It is a grand and unforgettable spectacle: horsemen galloping across the arena, traditional songs and dances of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia fill the air, while a parade of delegations from more than 40 countries creates a festive atmosphere celebrating the richness of nomadic heritage.

We set off to visit the ruins of the Burana minaret, a Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Mongol invasions. We climb to the top of the minaret where we can enjoy the splendid view of the surrounding countryside. We also visit the associated museum.

Arriving at the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul (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.

We then set off for the most beautiful petroglyph site in the country, located a few kilometers from Cholpon Ata. This open-air museum, also known as the Stone Garden, reveals petroglyphs as far as the eye can see, dating back to the Bronze Age up to the 4th century AD. From the site, we are treated to a breathtaking view of the lake and its mountains.

A visit to the Ruh-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.

At the end of the day, we allow ourselves some relaxation on the beaches of Lake Issyk-kul.

After breakfast, transfer to the Kyrchyn pastures, the true cultural heart of the Nomadic Games.

You will discover equestrian games (kok boru, er enish), traditional wrestling, folklore shows, as well as felting workshops and yurt building competitions.

We descend back into the Semenovka Valley and follow the stream before reaching the main road. Our next destination is the Orto-Oruktu hot springs, known for their healing properties and rich in minerals. On the way, we stop at a fish farm where we'll catch our lunch.

Arrival in Karakol, a small, peaceful town on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. 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.

On the way we visit the Przewalsky Museum, which exhibits the history of the discovery of the wild horse in the Gobi Desert.

Early in the morning, we visited the Karakol Historical Museum, where we had the chance to see the exhibition about Ella Maillart's expedition, which took her across Central Asia.

We continue our tour of the lake, taking the circular road that will lead us to the lake's southern shore. A wilder region than the northern shore, we're about to discover some stunning new natural sites.

Arrival in the Jety Orguz 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.

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.

In the late afternoon, we settled in at our hosts' place for the day in Bokonbayevo.

We find our vehicle and take the main road towards Lake Son-Kul.

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 captured 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.

Staying with a shepherd family on the shores of the lake.

You can use this day to relax and discover the lifestyle of the family you are staying with. Witness the making of dairy products, the herding of the herd, or even the milking of the cows.

Today, we're going horseback riding around the lake.

Lunch with our hosts and free time in the afternoon to stroll along the lake shores, or simply enjoy life in the company of Kyrgyz herders.

Last day of travel before returning to the Kyrgyz capital.

We leave the green mountains of Kyrgyzstan where we discovered a warm people with still so persistent traditions and arrive in Bishkek.

Check-in at your hotel and free evening.

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.