Jewels of the Celestial Mountains

The support team will pick you up at 11:30 AM and you will hit the road for the beginning of your adventure.

You stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Tatar 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.

For those who wish to, it is possible to discover the surroundings on horseback departing from your host's house, where you spend the night.

You visit the Ruh-Ordo cultural center in Cholpon-Ata, a place where culture and serenity come together. 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 notable figures from 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 artisans. You conclude your discovery with the Przewalsky Museum, dedicated to local history.

For dinner, you are welcomed by your Dungan family, who prepare a traditional meal for you and share with you the history of this Muslim people originally from western China, settled in the region for over 140 years.

You visit the Skaska canyon, whose name means "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. Its multicolored rock formations dominate Lake Issyk-Kul. Born from ancient volcanic eruptions, these natural sculptures with varied shapes evoke landscapes worthy of a fairy tale.

In the late afternoon, you settle in with your hosts for the day in Bokonbayevo.

Arrival at your host's home in Bokonbayevo, you attend an Eagle hunting demonstration. The Kyrgyz eagle hunter, on horseback, presents the complicity that unites him with his eagle and demonstrates his hunting technique on small prey such as rabbits.

A family from the village will have the honor of showing us how a yurt is built, and if you wish you can help them with this activity.

You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, testifying to the region's artisanal know-how.

Travel through time with a visit to the ancient Tach Rabat Caravanserai. Located on the road 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 contained many rooms used to shelter merchants.

Day 6

Today, you will hike to the pass located at 3,950 m, from where you can enjoy a view of the Chatyr-köl Lake, whose name means "celestial lake" in Kyrgyz. It is located between the ridges of At-Bashy and Torugart-Too, at an altitude of 3,530 m. The third largest lake in the country, Chatyr-Kul impresses with its expanse and the clarity of its waters

Arrival at the camp, where you spend the night.

Day 8
You set out on a hike to Kel-Suu glacial lake, located at 3,500 m altitude. This isolated place is well worth the effort and offers a unique landscape, shaped by the surrounding mountains.

The lake has a particular name: "Kel-Suu" means "the water that comes" in Kyrgyz. Sometimes, its waters disappear and seep into underground caves; depending on the season and year, it can happen that the lake is not visible.

After breakfast, you resume the "road" heading towards Naryn. The itinerary is more flexible, with a small pass crossing. Along the way, you encounter shepherds and a few herds of yaks that punctuate the landscape. Arrival in the town of Naryn, a small town nestled between mountains and crossed by the Naryn river. You find more comfort here and enjoy a real break before continuing your adventure in Kirghizistan. Check-in to your accommodation, rest, then free time with your guide, who accompanies you for a walk around town.

After breakfast, you leave Naryn to reach Eki-Naryn, a place where two arms of the Naryn River meet, the main tributary of the Syr-Daria. Eki-Naryn is located in the heart of the mountains and offers an isolated setting, conducive to peaceful discovery of the landscapes. After settling into the yurt camp, you set off to explore the surroundings. After lunch, you gain elevation to admire the mountains and the surrounding valley. Along the way, you encounter a few shepherds setting up their camps for the summer season.

Day 12

You take advantage of this day to relax and observe the lifestyle of the family hosting you. Depending on the season, you witness the preparation of kumis or other dairy products, the herding of livestock, as well as the milking of cows or mares.

If you wish, you can leave after lunch for a short horseback riding excursion.

After enjoying a moment of relaxation by the lake and admiring the beauty of the landscape, you take the road towards the small village of Kyzyl-Oi. You travel along the Kokomeren river, which follows the trail and offers a succession of contrasting landscapes. Upon arrival at the village, you set off for a walk to discover the surroundings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Your route today crosses vast steppes in the heart of the Celestial Mountains. You continue through the Soussamir valley, located at the confluence of the Karakol and Soussamir rivers. The last day of travel before returning to the Kyrgyz capital. You leave the green mountains of Kyrgyzstan where you discovered a warm-hearted people with traditions still so persistent and arrive in Bishkek. Check-in at your hotel where you can rest for a few moments. You head to the Osh Bazaar of Bishkek, considered one of the most lively markets in Kyrgyzstan. Stands of dried fruits and spices punctuate your walk through the colors and scents of Central Asia. You will also find many traditional souvenirs there. Stroll through Ala-Too Square, in the center of Bishkek. A privileged meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive every evening with passersby coming to stroll. This square has also been the site of several landmark events in the country's history.

Breakfast at the hotel.