Nomadic Adventure in Kyrgyzstan

Meet at 10am in your hotel lobby, where your guide will be waiting for you. We head towards Ala-Archa National Park, a large mountainous area 40 km south of Bishkek.

You stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Mongol invasions. You then climb to the top of the minaret, where you enjoy a clear view over the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which allows you to better understand the history of the site.

We set off to discover the beauty of the surroundings on horseback, departing from our host's house where we will spend the night.

This morning we head towards the Kok Moynok canyon, a preserved site where scarlet rock formations evoke the American Grand Canyon. The red sand columns that rise all around create an intimate and spectacular atmosphere.

You visit the Ruh-Ordo cultural center in Cholpon-Ata, a place where culture and serenity meet. In a peaceful setting, the complex is dedicated to the four major religions: Islam, Catholicism, Judaism and Buddhism. You also discover spaces dedicated to Greek philosophers as well as several prominent figures of Kyrgyzstan.

Arrival in Karakol, a peaceful small town located near Lake Issyk-Kul. You take time to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a 19th century Orthodox church, as well as the Chinese Mosque, whose architecture recalls Mongolian Buddhist temples and was built by Dungan craftsmen.

For dinner, we are welcomed by our Dungan family, who will offer us a traditional meal and introduce us to the history of this Muslim people originally from western China, who came to settle in the region over 140 years ago.

Vehicle transfer to the starting point of the trek, from the city of Karakol to the camp. After arrival at the camp, we begin our hike to Lake Ala-Kul (3522m).

Today's walk requires some effort, but will certainly be rewarding when we reach the Ala-Kul glacial lake (3600m), the little marvel in the heart of the mountains. The turquoise of its pristine waters contrasts with the bare peaks surrounding it, making the place enchanting. Elevation gain: +1000 m. Approximately 4h-5h of walking.

Departure around 8am. We climb to admire the beautiful Ala Kol lake ("colored lake") approximately 3km long, which changes color depending on the light, from turquoise to black. Climb to the pass (1h30 of hiking). Beautiful viewpoint over the Terksey-Alatoo mountain range and its peaks. Descent on a fairly steep first section, then hiking in the Keldike valley in the middle of cattle herds.

Arrival in the Arachan valley and setup at the camp at 2500m. Possibility to swim in the hot springs nearby. The camp is located near the Altyn Arachan thermal station with its few wooden cabins. Meal included. Between 6 and 7 hours of hiking, 17km, elevation gain +300 / -1300 meters. Night under tent.

It is with emotion that we travel our last kilometers that close this rich adventure.

We say goodbye to our accompanying team and descend into the gorge in a 4x4, heading towards the small town of Karakol.

Arrival in the Jety Orguz valley. Covered with lush vegetation, this superb gorge, one of the most beautiful in the country, stretches for 37 km between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Heavenly Mountains. Monumental crests of red rock, nicknamed "the 7 bulls" complete this postcard landscape immortalized on Soviet stamps in 1968.

Hiking in the valley. Visit of the superb Skaska canyon, meaning "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. These multicolored rock formations dominate Lake Issyk-Kul. Resulting from ancient volcanic eruptions, these rocks with multiple forms will not fail to evoke fairy tale landscapes for you.

We resume the main road heading to the village of Kochkor.

Early in the morning, we are transferred to the small village of Isakaev where our hiking adventure will begin. We are welcomed by our local guide, who will assist us during these 2 days of trekking. After loading the logistics onto our pack horses, we start walking on a trail. We cut across fields, and cross a few streams before finally gaining altitude. As we progress, new landscapes begin to emerge, giving way to less dense vegetation. Along our route, we can observe herds coming to graze in these jailoos. The last hour of hiking is somewhat more challenging, with the climb to the pass (3000m) that will take us to our destination. Finally, the waters of Kol Ukok reveal themselves to us. Its turquoise blue contrasts beautifully with the verdant colors of the valley.

2-day hiking trip in full autonomy. Logistics and personal belongings transported by pack horses.

We will visit Lake Kol Tor located at 3500m altitude. Early morning departure for a walk of approximately 3 hours (round trip). We follow the river until we reach a scree slope. We continue on this terrain which becomes increasingly steep, and the grass gets higher. Be careful in rainy weather, as the terrain can be slippery. After an hour and a half of walking and crossing the pass, this magnificent small lake appears before us.

We leave in the direction of Kochkor. The descent is easier and faster. Arrival at the small village of Kyzart, where we are transferred to our guest house for some well-deserved rest.

Free evening.

This morning we leave for a hiking trip towards the Kilemche pastures, whose name means "like a carpet", as this place is reminiscent of a carpet covered with flowers.

2-day autonomous hiking trip. Logistics and personal belongings are carried by pack horses.

A new step brings us closer to our objective. It is along a rocky path that we cross the Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), where we can observe below the magnificence of the landscape reflected in the blue waters of the lake. We arrive in the Tuz Ashuu pastures.

Arrival on the shores of Son-Koul lake, the second wonder of Kyrgyzstan. This immense Alpine lake is the country's primary freshwater reserve. Located in the midst of the Celestial Mountains, it peaks at 3016 meters altitude and has long stimulated the imagination of foreign travelers. Its crystalline water is of unparalleled purity and changes color with time, shifting from blue to green, sometimes turning to orange.

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

After lunch we leave Naryn to access Eki-Naryn, a small exceptional place, where two currents of the Naryn river meet, the main tributary of the Syr-Daria. Eki-Naryn is an isolated spot in the middle of the mountains, of breathtaking beauty!

After settling in, visit the surroundings.

After breakfast, accompanied by our local guide, we head to the highlands to overlook the mountains and surrounding valley. Along the way, we meet a few shepherds who have come to set up their camp for the summer.

After the trek in the Eki-Naryn valley, around 3 PM we leave for Tash-Rabat. A journey through time with a visit to the ancient Caravanserai of Tach Rabat. Located on the route to Khasgar, the Tach Rabat caravanserai, the Stone Hotel, is probably the best-preserved site on the Silk Road, and you will be able to feel its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it had many rooms that served to shelter merchants.

This morning, we head towards Lake Kel Suu. We drive along a winding road and cross a wooden suspension bridge before arriving in the Kel Suu valley. We will need to cross the river if weather permits. Assistance from a UAZ vehicle if the passage is too difficult.

As we approach the border with China, we must register in order to continue this adventure.

Arrival at the camp, where we will spend the night.

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

The lake has a peculiarity, in honor of which it got its name. "Kel-Suu" in Kyrgyz means "the water that comes". Indeed, sometimes the lake disappears, fleeing into underground caves, so, depending on the years and periods, it is possible that you will not find the lake.

After breakfast, we resume the "road", heading towards Naryn. The journey is less demanding, with a passage through a small pass. On the road we meet shepherds, as well as a few herds of yaks.

Arrival in the town of Naryn. We will find some comfort here, and will be able to take a proper shower before continuing our Kyrgyz adventure.

Rest and free time with your guide who will accompany you for a walk around the town.

Last day of travel before returning to the Kyrgyz capital. We leave the green mountains of Kyrgyzstan where we discovered warm-hearted people with traditions still so persistent and arrive in Bishkek.

Free evening.