Steppes and Mountains: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Transfer to your hotel.

Between modernity and the past, Almaty reveals itself to you.

At 11 a.m. you depart for an excursion to Medeu-Shymbulak, then you head to visit Kok Tobé and take a cable car ride. If you have time, you will visit Almaty's Green Market which is open until 6 p.m.

You are heading to Charyn, an exceptional and renowned place for the beauty of its canyon. Because of its extent, 150km long, Charyn compares with the magnificent American Grand Canyon. You take advantage of the day to lose yourself in the magnificence of this landscape, where rock formations with red tones rise all around us.

After visiting the Charyn canyons you arrive at the village of Saty.

Arrival in Karakol, a peaceful small town on the shores of the Issyk Kul Lake. You take time to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a 19th-century Orthodox church; the Chinese mosque with the appearance of a Mongolian Buddhist temple, built by Dungan Chinese craftsmen.

We continue our tour of the lake, and take the circular road that will lead us to the south bank of the lake. A wilder region than the north coast, we will discover amazing new natural sites.

Hiking on foot in the valley. Visit to the spectacular Skazka Canyon, meaning "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. These multicolored rock formations overlook Lake Issyk-Kul. Born from ancient volcanic eruptions, these rocks with their varied shapes will surely evoke fairy tale landscapes for you.

At Bokonbayevo, you attend an Eagle hunting demonstration. The Kyrgyz eagle hunter, on horseback, demonstrates the complicity that unites him with his eagle and shows his hunting technique on small prey such as rabbits.

Relaxing morning by the lake.

You will head to the salt lake, a small lake with high salinity neighboring its big brother Lake Issyk-Kul where you can swim before we immerse you in the fresh and warm waters of Issyk-Kul.

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, bearing witness to the region's artisanal expertise.

Located 25 km from Kochkor, you visit the salt mines of Chong Tuz, once exploited during the Soviet period. Today you walk through its galleries which serve as a sanatorium, and discover an atypical site that will fascinate more than one person.

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 tales and legends.

Arrival in the city of Naryn, a charming town nestled in the mountains and crossed by the Naryn river.

Travel through time with a visit to the old Tach Rabat Caravanserai. Located on the road to Kashgar, the Tach Rabat caravanserai, the Stone Hotel, is probably the best-preserved site of the Silk Road, and you will be able to feel its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it contained many rooms that served to shelter merchants.

Travel back in time with a visit to the ancient Tach Rabat Caravanserai. 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 experience its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it featured numerous rooms that served to shelter merchants.

Arrival on the shores of Son-Koul lake, the second marvel of Kyrgyzstan. This immense alpine lake is the country's first freshwater reserve. Located in the middle of the Celestial Mountains it reaches an altitude of 3016 meters and has long stimulated the imagination of foreign travelers. Its crystalline water is of unheard-of purity and changes color with the passage of time, shifting from blue to green, sometimes turning orange.

Day 11

You take advantage of this day to relax and discover the lifestyle of the family hosting you. Depending on the season, you witness the preparation of Koumiss (in June-July), the gathering of herds or even the milking of cows, authentic moments of pastoral daily life.

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

Last day of driving before returning to the Kyrgyz capital. We leave the green mountains of Kyrgyzstan where we discovered a warm people with traditions still so persistent and arrive in Bishkek. Check-in at your hotel where you can rest for a few moments.

We head to the Osh Bazaar of Bishkek, the most lively market in Kyrgyzstan. Stalls of dried fruits, spices multiply as you browse through the colors of Central Asia. You will also find many traditional souvenirs from the country.

Stroll through Ala-Too Square in the center of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive every evening with crowds of strollers who come here to walk around. This square has also been the scene of many revolutions in the country's history.

Breakfast at the hotel.