Sporting Adventures in Kyrgyzstan

We leave the Kyrgyz capital heading west and then south. The road climbs gradually to the Tyu Ashuu Pass (3,500 meters). Once through the tunnel, a magnificent panorama unfolds before us. We leave our vehicle on the slopes of the Sussamyr Valley. From the Tyu Ashuu Pass, we take mountain bikes to reach the village of Kojumkoul and then Kyzyl Oy. Landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see!

Mountain biking along the Kokomeren River to the village of Aral. Magnificent sand cliffs unfold before us. Sublime. After a few hours, we stop in the small town of Chaek for a short break to eat and refuel. We then continue east along the track towards the village of Kyzart (2130m). We gradually gain altitude.

A short half-hour transfer in the morning to the start of the trail leading up to the Ashuy Pass at 3,400 meters. A good effort today to reach the pass and be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. Below, Lake Song Kul and dozens of yurts set up for the summer in this natural paradise. A superb descent to the lake along the old track. First encounters with Kyrgyz nomads.

Camp by the lake and night in a yurt (alti 3130 m).

These two full days are dedicated to horseback riding in this exceptionally pristine and tranquil setting, which perfectly complements the piercing cry of the Central Asian golden eagle. 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.). In the evening, we will set off with the Kyrgyz herder to gather his flock in the enclosure near the family yurt.

A horseback trek takes us to the northern shore of the lake. A series of small valleys and coves overlooking the lake leads us to the Bala Beyit nomadic valley in the north. Dozens of yurts dot the valley like mushrooms. Emerald in the morning and evening, turquoise during the day, the lake is surrounded by vast grassy steppes where thousands of sheep and goats, hundreds of mares and cows graze. A vibrant pastoral life thrives in the numerous yurt "villages" that spring up for the summer. Kyrgyz shepherds, superb and excellent horsemen, roam these vast expanses to watch over their flocks or simply visit their neighbors. Time flies: encounters, discovering the nomads' work, walks along the lake's shores or the ridges overlooking it...

A little time with the family at our yurt camp, then off on our trek along the ridges to reach the Tuyz Ashu pass (3229m) and the Kilemche jailoo through seas of grass and flowers... "Kilemche" in Kyrgyz means "carpet-like," covering the hills and foothills. At the end of the day, our yurt camp welcomes us back.

Walk: 5 hours

Elevation gain: 400 m

Negative elevation change : -800 m

Accommodation : yurts

During this day, we cross the Kilemche massif and traverse the Charatcha Pass (2900 m). The Song Kul peaks are now behind us. We descend towards the Jumgal Valley jailoo, another beautiful grazing region inhabited by nomads. Then, at the end of the day, we transfer by vehicle to the town of Kochkorka where we will spend the night.

Kochkorka, a lively Kyrgyz town. We stopped at the women's cooperative to learn about the making of felt rugs (shirdak) that decorate yurts, and explored the bazaar with its stalls overflowing with fruits and vegetables. Then we drove to the jewel of the country, Lake Issyk-Kul. This immense expanse, over 190 kilometers long, is the second largest high-altitude lake in the world. We hiked in the southwest to reach a promontory offering a splendid view of the lake, the canyons, and the peaks of the Tian Shan mountains. A palette of landscapes and colors unfolded before us. At the end of the day, we met a Berkuchy family, eagle breeders. Overnight stay with a local family.

Early departure for the Kyzyl Su Valley, a 1.5-hour drive away. This valley runs perpendicular to Lake Issyk-Kul. From there, we set off for a beautiful day of hiking along the edge of the forest and not far from the high peaks. Overnight stay in a yurt.

The foot of Oguz Bashy Peak (5400m) is our goal for the day. An alpine atmosphere prevails. To see this beautiful snow and ice face, we'll hike for three hours along the river before reaching the flower-covered plateau. A truly beautiful spot to admire the mountains. We'll see a few yurts, families, and their herds. At the end of the day, we'll reach the town of Karakol, explore its charming streets, visit the Orthodox church... and spend the night in a guesthouse.

6-hour walk
Elevation gain: + 500 m
Elevation change: -500 m

A half-day sea kayaking excursion on the world's second-largest high-altitude lake. After a brief technical briefing, we set off into Karakol Bay. A beautiful paddle to explore the bay and its shores. The peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains, over 4,000 meters high, are clearly visible to the south and north. Majestic.

At the end of the day, transfer to Tamshy or the village of Chon Kemin. Overnight stay in a guest house.

We leave the Issyk-Kul region, stopping to visit the Burana Tower (dating from the famous Silk Road) before returning to Kyrgyzstan's capital. The rest of the day is free.

Transfer to Bishkek airport. Return flight to Europe