Wonders of Kyrgyzstan

At 11:30 AM, you meet your guide in the hotel lobby and head towards Ala Archa National Park. You enjoy a pleasant hike in the heart of the mountains, before returning to the capital at the end of the day.

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 helps you better understand the history of the site.

You will depart to discover the beauty of the surroundings on horseback, starting from your host's house where you will spend the night.

You reach the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul (1,609 m altitude), considered the world's second largest alpine lake. A true inland sea, it is often called the pearl of Kirghizistan. Surrounded by the Celestial Mountains range, snow-capped peaks exceeding 5,000 m are reflected in its clear waters. From the surrounding mountains, numerous rivers join the lake through contrasting valleys.

You visit the Ruh-Ordo cultural center in Cholpon-Ata, a place where culture and serenity come together. In a peaceful environment, 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 from Kirghizistan.

North of Grigorievka, you take a mountain track that climbs up the Chong Ak-Suu valley for about 40 minutes. You then settle in with a local family before heading out on a hike through the wooded valley. The route follows the "great white river", a powerful mountain torrent that accompanies your walk.

In the evening, you rejoin your hosts to share a friendly moment.

In the morning, you set off for a walk in the surrounding area and discover the Sut Bulak lake, a peaceful site nestled in the heart of the mountains. You make your way back down to the Semenovka valley and follow the course of the torrent before returning to the main road.

New destination, the hot springs of Orto-Oruktu known for their healing properties, rich in minerals. On the way, we stop at a fish farm, where we will fish our lunch.

A ride in the surrounding area where we discover another small wonder of Kirghizistan, the Sut Bulak lake.

For dinner, you are received by your Dungan family, who invite you to share a traditional meal. Your hosts also tell you the story of this Muslim people originally from Western China, settled in the region for over 140 years.

Arrival in Karakol, a peaceful small town on the shores of the Lake Issyk Kul. 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.

You set off on a hiking trip towards the Altyn Arachan Golden Spas, located at 3,000 meters altitude. The trail follows the Arashan River and the climb is gradual, at the pace of the valley. Upon arrival, you enjoy a remarkable panorama of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Palakta. Vehicle assistance is provided to facilitate access if necessary.

After this climb, you take time to relax in the hot springs of Altyn-Arachan, renowned for their healing properties and their soothing setting.

You continue your tour around the lake by taking the circular road that leads to the south shore. Wilder than the north coast, this region invites you to discover natural sites with striking landscapes, which you explore as you travel along the road.

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.

In the late afternoon, you settle in with your hosts for the day in Bokonbayevo, for a stopover marked by hospitality and sharing.

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 in this activity.

In the middle of the afternoon, you will head to the salt lake, a small lake with high salinity neighboring its bigger brother Issyk-Koul Lake where you can swim before immersing ourselves in the fresh and warm waters of Issyk-Kul.

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

Located 25 km from Kochkor, we take you to visit the Chong Tuz salt mines, once exploited during the Soviet period. Today you explore its galleries which serve as a sanatorium, and discover an atypical site that will fascinate many.

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.

Travel back in 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 experience its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it contained many rooms used to shelter merchants.

Day 11

You take advantage of this day to relax and observe the lifestyle of the family hosting you. You attend the preparation of dairy products, the herding of livestock or even the milking of cows, to better understand the organization of pastoral life.

If you wish, you can leave after lunch for a short horseback ride, an opportunity to ride along the pastures and appreciate the tranquility of the landscapes.

After a moment of relaxation by the lake, and taking time to appreciate the beauty of the landscape, you head towards the small village of Kyzyl-Oi. Located at 1,800 meters altitude, it owes its name to the surrounding mountains with red hues. The road, sometimes bumpy, gradually leads you towards an entirely different setting.

In the afternoon, you set off for a walk around the area to discover the landscapes surrounding the village.

You head to Osh Bazaar, considered one of the liveliest markets in Kirghizistan. As you walk through the aisles, stalls of dried fruits and colorful spices fill the atmosphere and recall the flavors of Central Asia. You will also find a wide selection of traditional souvenirs there.

You stroll through Ala-Too Square, in the heart of Bishkek. A favorite meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive each evening with passersby who come to wander. This square has also been the setting for several landmark events in the country's history.

Dive into the heart of Kyrgyzstan's history with a visit to the National History Museum. You will discover a past rich in traditions: the first floor is dedicated to secular Kyrgyz culture, while the second recounts the main events of the Soviet period.

Breakfast at the hotel.