Kyrgyz Immersion and World Nomadic Games 2026

Meet at 11am in your hotel lobby, where your guide will be waiting for you.

The English-speaking team will pick us up at 09am in the morning, and together we set off to discover the city. We head to the Osh Bazaar, the most lively market in Kyrgyzstan. Stalls of dried fruits and spices multiply at your leisure during your visit to 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 pedestrians who come here to stroll. This square has also been the scene of many revolutions in the country's history.

After visiting the city, you will have the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony of the Nomadic Games 2026. This is a grand and unforgettable spectacle: riders galloping at full speed cross the arena, traditional songs and dances of Central Asian nomadic peoples fill the air, while a parade of delegations from more than 40 countries creates a festive atmosphere celebrating the richness of nomadic heritage.

The opening ceremony schedule has not yet been announced, nor has the ticket price. These are not included in the main rate.

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, where you enjoy a clear view over the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which provides a better understanding of the site's history.

Arrival on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul (1609 meters altitude), the second largest alpine lake in the world. This lake, a true inland sea, is the pearl of Kirghizistan. Surrounded by the Tian Shan mountain range, snow-capped peaks culminating at over 5000 meters are reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. From the surrounding mountains, dozens of rivers flow towards the lake via numerous valleys competing in beauty.

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 four major religions: Islam, Catholicism, Judaism and Buddhism. You also discover spaces dedicated to Greek philosophers as well as several prominent figures from Kyrgyzstan.

At the end of the day, we allow ourselves to relax on the beaches of Lake Issyk-Kul.

You will discover equestrian games (kok boru, er enish), traditional wrestling, folklore shows, as well as felting workshops and yurt assembly competitions.

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

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

On the way we visit the Przewalsky Museum, which exhibits the history of the discovery of the wild horse in the Gobi Desert.

Early in the morning, we visit the Karakol historical museum, where we notably have the chance to see the exhibition around Ella Maillart's expedition, who traveled across Central Asia.

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

Hiking in the valley.

Visit the magnificent Skazka Canyon, meaning "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. These multicolored rock formations overlook Lake Issyk-Kul. Resulting from ancient volcanic eruptions, these rocks with multiple shapes will surely evoke fairy tale landscapes for you.

In the late afternoon, we settle in with our hosts for the day in Bokonbayevo.

Arrival on the shores of Son-Kul Lake, the second wonder of Kyrgyzstan. This immense Alpine lake is the country's first freshwater reserve. Located in the heart of the Celestial Mountains, it peaks at 3,016 meters altitude and has long stimulated the imagination of foreign travelers. Its crystalline water is of unheard-of purity and changes color with time, shifting from blue to green, sometimes turning orange.

Stay with a shepherd family on the shores of the lake.

Day 8

You can take advantage of this day to relax and discover the way of life of the family you are staying with. Witness the creation of dairy products, the herding of livestock or even the milking of cows.

Today, we set out horseback around the lake. Lunch in the company of our hosts and free time in the afternoon to stroll along the shores of the lake, or simply enjoy life in the company of Kyrgyz herders.

Last day of travel before reaching the Kyrgyz capital.

Breakfast at the hotel.