The great loop of Kyrgyzstan

At 11:00 AM, you meet your guide in the hotel lobby and head towards the Ala Artcha National Park, located approximately 40 km from Bishkek. This first discovery immerses you in the mountain atmosphere of Kyrgyzstan, between valleys, trails and open landscapes.

Visit the sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too, known as Solomon's Throne. This pilgrimage site holds significant importance for local Muslims and remains associated with the biblical figure of Solomon. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2009, it reflects the spiritual history of the region.

You continue with a visit to the History Museum, located nearby.

In the morning, you will head to theOsh Bazaar in Bishkek, considered one of the liveliest markets in Kyrgyzstan. Stalls of dried fruits and spices follow one after another as you stroll, immersing the atmosphere in the colors and scents of Central Asia. You will also find a wide selection of traditional souvenirs.Day 4
Today, you set out on a hike through a walnut forest, which leads you to the waterfalls. You have lunch in the heart of this peaceful natural setting.

You continue along the winding road towards the Sary-Chelek Lake. The route crosses varied mountainous scenery, marked by contrasting reliefs. You have lunch along the way.

Day 6

This morning, you set out on a hike to discover this alpine lake nestled at 1,837 m altitude. The freshwater lake of Sary-Chelek is located 500 km from Bishkek and 300 km from Osh. This natural setting offers an ideal environment for walking, landscape observation and a break from everyday life.

A bit of history The lake was formed approximately ten thousand years ago as a result of a landslide. In 1959, the area was the subject of scientific studies aimed at protecting wildlife and flora. A legend tells of a beekeeper who spilled a bucket of honey into the lake, giving it a golden hue and the nickname Sary-Chelek, "yellow bucket". Other traditions instead evoke the colour of the surrounding trees, which turn yellow-orange in autumn.

The lake extends over 7.5 km, with a width of between 150 and 350 m. Its maximum depth reaches 234 m. Access is from the north or south: to the north, a route crosses the Talas mountains and their canyons; to the south, a path allows you to reach the site from the village of Arkyt, located 20 km away. Sary-Chelek is home to remarkable biodiversity: more than 1,000 plant species, 160 bird species and 34 mammal species, among which are deer, bears, lynx and wolves. Hikers familiar with mountain terrain particularly appreciate the variety of landscapes.

Relaxation around the lake.

After settling into your guesthouse, you can take a walk around the village or enjoy a relaxing moment on the artificial lake beach.

Arrival in the Soussamir Valley, which reveals emblematic landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, between high-altitude meadows and open horizons.

This immense alpine lake constitutes the country's main freshwater reserve. Located in the heart of the Celestial Mountains, it reaches an altitude of 3,016 meters and has fueled the imagination of many travelers. Its crystalline water varies according to light and weather, ranging from blue to green, sometimes with orange reflections.

Day 10
You take advantage of this day to relax and observe the lifestyle of the family hosting you. You witness the preparation of dairy products, the gathering of herds, or even the milking of cows.

Depart after lunch for a short horseback riding trek.

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

Arrival in the city of Naryn, a town nestled between mountains and crossed by the Naryn river. You will have lunch there before continuing your adventure in Kirghizistan.

A journey through time with a visit to the former Caravanserai of Tach Rabat. Located on the ancient route leading to Kashgar, this caravanserai, called Stone Hotel, is among the best-preserved sites on the Silk Road. The atmosphere there allows you to imagine the passage of merchants and caravans. Dating from the 15th century, the building housed numerous rooms for the rest of travelers.

Day 12
Today, your excursion takes you to the Tash Rabat pass, from where you enjoy a beautiful view of theChatyr-köl Lake, whose name means "celestial lake" in Kyrgyz. Located between the crests of At-Bashy and Torugart-Too, it extends at an altitude of 3,950 m.

The third largest lake in the country, Chatyr-Kul is distinguished by its expanse and the clarity of its waters, offering a peaceful landscape to contemplate.

You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, showcasing the region's craft expertise.

In the evening, you attend a traditional Kirghiz folk show. On the program: a Manas storyteller, traditional music and songs that immerse you in the country's epic tales and legends.

Arrival in the village of Kyzyl-Tuu renowned for traditional Kyrgyz yurt making.

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 in this activity.a yurt is built, and if you wish you can help them in this activity.

Upon arrival at your host's home in Bokonbayevo, you will attend an Eagle hunting demonstration. The Kyrgyz eagle hunter, on horseback, showcases the bond uniting him with his eagle and demonstrates his hunting technique on small prey such as rabbits.

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

Covered with dense vegetation, this gorge extends for 37 km between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Tian Shan mountains. Its red rock ridges, nicknamed "the 7 bulls", make up an iconic landscape, once featured on Soviet postage stamps in 1968.
Hiking in the valley.

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. You finish your discovery with the Przewalsky Museum, dedicated to local history.

After this climb, we relax in the hot springs of Altyn-Archan, renowned for their healing properties.

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 live in the region more than 140 years ago.

You then enjoy a swim in the Ak-Suu hot springs.

You have the opportunity to take a small mountain trail that climbs up the Chong Ak-Suu valley for approximately 40 minutes, along the "great white river", a powerful torrent that crosses the valley.

For those who wish, it is possible to practice kayaking at the camp (optional activity).

A bit of adventure before closing this Kyrgyzstan loop. This afternoon, you descend in rafting the Chuy river for a few hours, on an accessible route. You enjoy a beautiful panorama in the heart of the Chon Kemin gorge.

Last day on the road before reaching the Kyrgyz capital.

Check-in at your hotel, where you can rest for a while.

You head to the Osh Bazaar, considered one of the liveliest markets in Kyrgyzstan. Stalls of dried fruits and spices punctuate your stroll through the colors and scents of Central Asia. You will also find many traditional souvenirs there.

Stroll around Ala-Too Square, in the center of Bishkek. A favorite meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive every evening with passersby coming to stroll around. This square has also been the scene of several significant events in the country's history.

Breakfast at the hotel.