Along the Kyrgyz Trails on Horseback

Meet your guide at 11:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby before setting off to discover the natural landscapes in the surrounding area.

After approximately one hour of walking at an accessible pace, you will settle down for lunch and enjoy a barbecue together in a friendly atmosphere conducive to socializing.

You leave early in the morning to reach the small town of Kyzyl Suu, the starting point of your horseback ride.

On the way, 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, from where you enjoy a clear view of the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which allows you to better understand the history of the site.

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.

After a short car transfer to the starting point, you meet the accompanying team. You prepare your mounts and pack horses for this 9-day horseback ride.

The trek begins in the Chon Kyzyl-Suu valley, along the Terskey mountain range. You progress through lush nature, taking a tree-lined trail.

This morning you discover the Karatakia gorge and its pine forest, before gradually gaining altitude to cross the pass. Lunch is taken facing this panorama, then you descend into the Kitshi Kyzyl Suu valley.

After a hearty breakfast, you set off again for the climb up the Kashka-Tor pass (3,937 m). The ascent presents no particular difficulty, but is done at a moderate pace. At the summit, you enjoy a clear view of the valley below.

You then continue through part of the Jety Orguz valley. Covered with dense vegetation, this gorge extends 37 km between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Celestial Mountains. You take time to appreciate the landscapes before reaching a waterfall, where you settle in for a picnic.

You start the day by climbing the Archa-Tor pass, which peaks at 3,636 meters. Along the way, you observe a small waterfall nestled in a picturesque setting, where the water contrasts with the mineral nature of the rocks. Lunch is taken nearby, before discovering, in the afternoon, the Asha-Kashka Suu gorge.

9-day horse trek with full autonomy, with the transport of logistics and your personal belongings ensured by pack horses.

You leave the campsite early in the morning to cross a first pass located at 3,891 meters. The vegetation gradually gives way to a rocky landscape, offering clear views of the Tian Shan mountains in the distance.

At midday, at an altitude of almost 3,800 meters, the crystal-clear waters of the lake appear. You set up your camp there for the night.

The ride continues on high-altitude plateaus, along the Ak-Shyrak mountains, meaning "white sheep". You progress over almost barren terrain, where snow-capped peaks emerge in the distance.

Crossed by the river of the same name, you progress on land devoid of vegetation. You reach a viewpoint offering a clear panorama over the valley of the eight lakes, the stage planned for the following day.

Last day of riding, which brings you back to the Jukku valley, where you meet shepherds.

You make a stop within a family and have the opportunity to taste local products.

This morning, you attend an Eagle hunting demonstration. The Kyrgyz eagle hunter, on horseback, presents the bond that unites him with his eagle and demonstrates his hunting technique on small prey such as rabbits.

A family from the village shows you how a yurt is built and, if you wish, you can participate in this activity.

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.

Day 15

You take advantage of this day to relax and discover the lifestyle of the family hosting you. You can attend the preparation of kumiss, the gathering of herds or even the milking of cows.

2-night stay in a yurt with a shepherd family, on the shores of the lake. The second day is a free day, accompanied by your guide, allowing you to enjoy the region, take walks along the shores of the lake or simply share the daily life of Kyrgyz herders.

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 numerous rooms used to shelter merchants.

Today, a new excursion takes you to Lake Chatyr-Kul, meaning "sky lake" in Kyrgyz. Located between the ridges of At-Bashy and Torugart-Too, it sits at 3,530 meters in altitude, at the origin of its name. The third largest lake in the country, Chatyr-Kul stands out for its expanse and the clarity of its waters.

You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, demonstrating the region's artisanal craftsmanship.

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.

Last day of travel before reaching the Kyrgyz capital. You leave the lush mountains of Kyrgyzstan, marked by still-living traditions, and arrive in Bishkek. Check-in at your hotel, with time to rest and relax.

You visit Osh Bazaar, one of the liveliest markets in Kyrgyzstan. Stalls of dried fruits and spices set the rhythm of the visit with Central Asian colors, and you will also find many traditional souvenirs from the country.

A stroll through Ala-Too Square, in the center of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive each evening with many visitors. This square has also been the scene of several significant episodes in the country's history.