"The Great Loop": Around Kyrgyzstan

We take a domestic flight from Bishkek to Osh. Enjoy the view on the high summits from the plane.

Today, we go for a hike in the ** walnut forest**, where we’ll be able to glance at two splendid waterfalls. We’ll take our lunch in this relaxing and stunning environment.

4-5 hours hike

In the morning, we’ll visit the historical bazar of Osh city, which has always been an important commercial place. Enjoy the smell and colors of the spices, the dry fruits, the samsa and the textiles. You might also be able to find some local souvenirs.

We leave for Jalal-Abad, the third biggest city in Kyrgyzstan. On the road, we’ll visit the historical sight of Uzgen, where you’ll be able to see three mausoleums and one minaret from the 11th century.

After driving on a dirt road, we finally reach the picturesque Uzbek village of Arslanbob. Nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 1600m, besides one of the world’s largest walnut forests, this village, which looks like no other in Kyrgyzstan, is a paradise for hikers.

This morning, we go horseback riding to discover this little lake at 1837m (6027 ft) altitude.

We can rest by the lake, and even go for a short swim in its clear water.

We get back on the road for Sary-Chelek. We cross mountainous landscapes, with their bright contrasting colors. Lunch on the road.

We take the road towards Toktogul, a large artificial lake of 284km2.

The landscape is breath-taking, with mountains and cliffs of all colors. We go through the magnificent Low-Naryn gorge, and follow a river of the same name. The turquoise water only adds to the beauty of the scenery.

Finally, we arrive in the Suusamyr Valley, and are amazed by its superb landscape – one that you could easily find on a postal card of Kyrgyzstan.

We continue our trip to Kyzyl Oi, which translates as "the red bowl".

This little village, located at 1800m altitude (5905ft), gets its name from the surrounding red mountains. The road is a little harsh, but this new landscape will astonish you.

You can enjoy the day, relax, and discover the daily life of our host family. You might be lucky enough to attend the production of Kumys, the local mare milk, or see how shepherds gather their herds.

We leave after breakfast to discover the lake on a horse.

We arrive on the shores of Son Kul Lake. This huge alpine lake is an important water reserve in Kyrgyzstan. Nestled in the celestial mountains, it is located at 3016 m (9895 ft) above sea level. Its crystal clear water changes colors depending on the weather, which can change every hour. The lake takes on blue, turquoise and sometimes even orange colors. It hosts nomadic shepherds and their herds in the warm months of summer.

Today, we’ll hike toward the Tash Rabat pass, from which we’ll have a splendid panoramic view on the Chatyr-Kul Lake, which translates as the “celestial lake”. It is nestled between the At Bashy and Torugart-Too mountain range, at 3530 m (11581 ft), by the Chinese border. Chatyr-Kul is the third largest lake in the country.

We get back in our car to continue our adventure. We go through the Teskeï-Torpok (3133 m) pass and take a road called the 33 parrots due to its 33 curves. We get to see splendid landscape in the valley of Korgo, before getting back on the main road to Naryn.

We arrive in the city of Naryn, Kyrgyzstan’s highest city, nestled in beautifully-colored mountains and crossed by the Naryn River. We have lunch there, before getting on with our adventure.

In the evening, you’ll be charmed by a concert of traditional Kyrgyz music. The program includes extracts of the Manas epos, traditional songs and instruments.

We go back on the main road, this time towards the village of Kochkor, known for its local development initiatives. We then visit a felt fabric held by an association of women. Discover the Kyrgyz felt rug, shyrdak, and other handmade handicrafts.

We arrive in the small village of Kyzyl-Tuu, famous for its traditional fabrication of yurts. One family in the village will show you how to build a yurt, and you’ll be welcomed to help them in this task.

We arrive at the Jety Orguz Valley. Covered with fertile vegetation, this gorge is probably one of the prettiest in the country. It stretches over 37 km (23 miles), between the Issyk Kul Lake and the Tian Shan Mountains. Strange rock formations, nicknamed the “seven bulls” and the “broken heart”, fill the place with mystical legends. We hike in the valley.

Finally, we make it to Karakol, a small town that borders Issky-Kul. We take the time to visit itsSaint Trinity Cathedral, an orthodox from the 19th century; and its Chinese mosque which looks like a Mongol Buddhist temple, built by the Dungan population. We also visit the Przewalsky museum, where you will learn about local history.

After this hike, we get to relax in the famous natural hot springs of the valley, known for their curative properties.

Tonight, enjoy an original evening in Karakol. You’ll be welcomed by a Dungan family, and get to taste their culinary specialties, different from what you’ve been able to try so far.

We hike towards the Golden spa of Altyn Arachan, located at around 3000m (9842ft) altitude. To reach the hot springs, we take a small trail near the Arashan river and gradually climb up. At the summit, we’ll have an incredible view on the surrounding mountains, including the Palatka (“tent”) Peak.

Car assistance.

We go to the splendid Ak-Suu Gorge, located around 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Karakol. We take this opportunity to bathe in the hot mineral sources.

North of Grigorievka, we take a small mountain trail to the Chong Ak-Suu Valley during approximately 40 minutes. We settle in a family’s house.

We follow the "great white river", a strong mountain torrent.

You can rent kayaks near our camp to discover the surroundings (optional)

Let’s go for an adventure before ending our trip. This afternoon, we go rafting in the Chuy River for a few hours. There are no particular difficulties. Enjoy the view you get on the Chon Kemin Valley.

We arrive in the green Chon Kemin Valley, a stunning natural reserve with landscapes varying from large forests, glaciers, gorges and semi-desertic planes. We’ll go for a walk in the surroundings.

We visit the Osh Bazar, one of the most fascinating markets in Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy the colors and the smells coming from stands of dry fruits and spices. You can also buy a few traditional souvenirs to bring home.

Walk on the Ala Too Square in the center of Bishkek. Meeting place for Bishkek’s youth, it comes alive every evening with families and friends who come here to relax. It’s also an important historical place, since it hosted several revolutions.

This is our last day before getting back to the capital. We leave the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, where we met a generous culture, and go back to Bishkek. Drop-off at your hotel, where you’ll be able to relax.