The Great Loop of Kyrgyzstan

At 11:00 a.m., 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, with valleys, trails and open landscapes.

Visit of the sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too, known as the Throne of Solomon. 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 head to theOch Bazar of Bishkek, considered one of the liveliest markets in Kirghizistan. Stalls of dried fruits and spices succeed one another as you stroll, immersing the atmosphere in the colours and scents of Central Asia. You will also find a wide choice of traditional souvenirs.Day 4
Today, you set off on a hiking trip through a walnut forest, which leads you to the waterfalls. You have your lunch in the heart of this peaceful natural setting.

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

Day 6

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

A bit of history The lake formed approximately ten thousand years ago following 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 reference the colour of the surrounding trees, which turn yellow-orange in autumn.

The lake extends 7.5 km, with a width between 150 and 350 m. Its maximum depth reaches 234 m. Access is from the north or south: in the north, a route crosses the Talas mountains and their canyons; in 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, including deer, bear, lynx and wolf. Hikers familiar with mountains particularly appreciate the variety of panoramas.

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 vast alpine lake is the country's main freshwater reserve. Located in the heart of the Celestial Mountains, it peaks at 3,016 meters altitude and has inspired the imagination of many travelers. Its crystalline water varies according to light and weather, shifting from blue to green, sometimes with orangish 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 old 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. Dated to the 15th century, the building housed numerous rooms intended for the rest of travelers.

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

The country's third largest lake, 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 Kyrgyz folk show. On the program: a Manas storyteller, traditional music and songs that immerse you in the country's epic and legends.

Arrival at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu renowned for the traditional manufacture of Kyrgyz yurts.

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.

Upon arrival at your host's 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.

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 tale.

Covered with dense vegetation, this gorge extends for 37 km between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Heavenly Mountains. Its red rock ridges, nicknamed "the 7 bulls", make up an emblematic landscape, formerly represented 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 is reminiscent of Mongolian Buddhist temples and was built by Dungan craftsmen. You conclude your discovery with the Przewalsky Museum, dedicated to local history.

After this ascent, 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 goes 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 go rafting down the Chuy river for a few hours, on an accessible course. 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 visit the Osh Bazaar, considered one of the liveliest markets in Kyrgyzstan. Stalls of dried fruits and spices punctuate your walk through the colors and scents of Central Asia. You will also find many traditional souvenirs there.

A stroll through Ala-Too Square, in the center of Bishkek. A favored meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive each 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.