Early morning arrival in Bishkek, followed by transfer to the hotel. Rest and breakfast. After some time to recover, we will start our exploration of Bishkek with an immersion into local daily life. Our first stop will be the Osh Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where local traders gather. We will wander through stalls filled with dried fruits, spices, and handicrafts. Then, we will head to the city center to stroll along its wide, shaded avenues and discover its monuments, museums, opera house, and the central Ala-Too Square. Dinner at a traditional restaurant and overnight at the hotel.

PS: Arrival in Bishkek usually takes place in the morning. The day’s activities will be adjusted based on your arrival time and rest needs.
Meals included: Full board

After breakfast, transfer to Ala Archa National Park for an easy hike of up to two hours. Then, we will depart for the Chong Kemin Valley. On the way, we will stop at the Burana Tower, one of Central Asia’s oldest minarets. This beautiful architectural structure is a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun, once the capital of the Khaganate dynasty.
For lunch, a Kyrgyz family will welcome us into their home and guide us through the preparation of one of the country’s most iconic dishes: manty. The hostess will share her secrets for making these delicious meat-filled dumplings.
Afterward, we will continue to the Chong Kemin Valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, we will settle into our guesthouse in the heart of this lush valley.
Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse.

• Driving time: approx. 3-4 hours / approx. 210 km
• Hiking in Ala Archa: approx. 1.5 hours / 5 km / Elevation gain: +100m, -100m
• Meals included: Full board

After breakfast, we will head toward the town of Bokonbaevo. En route, we will stop in the village of Kyzyl Tuu, where a local artisan will welcome us into his workshop to explain the intricate process of building a yurt’s wooden frame. This visit will offer valuable insights into traditional village life, where yurt-making is a key craft.
Our second stop of the day will be Ak-Say Canyon, often referred to as the “Canyon of Forgotten Rivers.” We will explore its striking landscapes and admire the breathtaking views over Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. After a short descent, we will break for lunch.
Later, after navigating the winding roads or trekking along scenic paths, we will reach the stunning shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. A short 1-hour hike to the top of the sandstone formations will reward us with a panoramic view of the lake and the region’s unique mountainous landscape.

We will then return to our guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay.

• Driving time: approx. 3 hours / approx. 170 km
• Hiking in Ak-Say Canyon: approx. 1.5 hours / 7 km / Elevation gain: +260m, -260m
• GOOD TO KNOW: Accommodation with our hosts will be simple. Private rooms are available, but bathroom facilities will be shared.
• Meals included: Full board

Breakfast. Eagle hunting demonstration. This morning, we continue our journey along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, heading east towards Karakol, a town considered the mountaineering capital of the region. It serves as the starting point for major expeditions to the high peaks of the Tien Shan mountains.
On the way, we will stop at the Valley of Flowers "Kok-Jaik" (Jety-Oguz Gorge) for an easy hike of a few hours through its stunning landscapes. Afterward, we continue along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake towards Karakol. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel.
Dinner with a Dungan family (Chinese Muslims), where we will have the opportunity to experience their traditional cuisine.
Overnight at the hotel.

• Driving time: approx. 3h / 180 km
• Hiking time: approx. 1h / 4-5 km / Elevation gain: +225m, -225m
• Meals included: Full board

Breakfast. This morning, we will take a short city tour of Karakol, visiting the famous Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Both buildings hold significant cultural and historical value for Kyrgyzstan.
Our program includes a visit to the Regional History Museum, which features a gallery dedicated to Ella Maillart, the famous Swiss traveler who explored Central Asia in the 1930s.
After lunch, we transfer to Kochkor via the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Along the way, we will take an easy hike from Kyrchyn Valley to Grigorevka to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Arrival in Kochkor, where we will stay overnight in a local guesthouse, enjoying a home-cooked dinner.

• Driving time: approx. 5h / 260 km
• Hiking time (Grigorevka): approx. 1h / 4-5 km / Elevation gain: +300m, -300m
• GOOD TO KNOW: Accommodation at the guesthouse is simple. Private rooms and bathrooms are available.
• Meals included: Full boar

A relaxed morning to explore rural life in Kochkor, including a felt-making demonstration of the traditional "Ala-Kiyiz" technique. We will also visit the local market to experience the daily trade.
We then depart for Tash Rabat, traveling through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes dotted with the yurts of Kyrgyz nomads.
Along the way, we will visit Kochoi Korgon, the ruins of an ancient fortress from the era of the Great Silk Road.
Upon arrival at Tash Rabat Valley, we will settle into traditional yurt accommodations. In the afternoon, we take a scenic walk around the ancient caravanserai, nestled among the surrounding mountains.

• Driving time: approx. 4-5h / 220 km
• Meals included: Full board
• Overnight in yurts at Tash Rabat

Morning departure for the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, crossing the Torugart Pass (3,750m). After completing border formalities, we descend into China towards Kashgar, the westernmost city of the country.
Kashgar has been a major crossroads of the Silk Road for over 2,000 years, preserving its exotic trading atmosphere.
Upon arrival, we check into our hotel near the Old Town.

• Driving time: approx. 5h / 280 km
• Meals included: Full board

Today, we take the famous Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake, a scenic high-altitude lake surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Our day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 4-hour drive to Karakul Lake, departing at 9:00 AM. After an hour on the road, we stop at Opal Village for a short break, where you can explore the local bazaar and experience traditional life.
We continue our journey, passing by the breathtaking Bulongkol Lake (Baisha Mountain) and through sandstone valleys, with views of the Hindu Kush and Himalayas. The Karakoram Highway is one of the highest trans-border routes in the world, making this journey an unforgettable experience.
At Karakul Lake, we take an easy one-hour hike to enjoy the incredible scenery and observe the nomadic Kyrgyz people living in their yurts.
Return to Kashgar in the afternoon.

• Driving time: approx. 7h / 460 km
• Meals included: Full board

Today, we explore the diverse cultures and vibrant history of Kashgar, home to Kyrgyz, Tajik, Uzbek, and Uyghur communities.

Morning:

• Meet our guide and driver in the hotel lobby.
• Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and an important place of worship for the local Muslim community.
• Explore Kashgar’s Old Town, where a cultural performance welcomes visitors, offering deeper insight into local traditions.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Visit the Sunday Market, one of the most famous in Central Asia. The first stop is the livestock bazaar, where farmers bring their animals by donkey, truck, bicycle, or horseback. The lively atmosphere and unique bargaining methods make this a fascinating experience.
• Visit the Apak Hoja Mausoleum, the holiest site in Xinjiang and an architectural masterpiece.
• Stroll through the handicraft street, filled with jewelry, pottery, musical instruments, and local goods.

To end the day, we will experience a traditional tea house, immersing ourselves in local culture.
Meals included: Full board

After breakfast, we transfer to the Torugart Pass, where we cross the Kyrgyz-Chinese border. Upon arrival at the Torugart Border Checkpoint, we complete customs formalities before meeting our Kyrgyz guide and driver on the other side.

We then drive to Naryn, where we check into our hotel and rest after the long journey.

• A packed lunch will be provided upon entering Kyrgyzstan.
• Driving time: approx. 7h / 390 km
• Meals included: Full board

Breakfast. Departure by road to the heart of Kyrgyzstan, Lake Son-Kul. The route can be challenging at times, but after crossing several passes, we will reach this true haven of peace located at over 3,000 meters altitude in the Tian Shan Mountains.

Upon arrival, we will settle into our yurt camp on the lake’s shore. Nomadic families live here during spring and summer with their herds of yaks and horses.

In the afternoon, we will take an easy walk for a few hours to visit the ancient petroglyphs. Returning to our camp, we will enjoy dinner in this serene setting, spending the night in traditional yurts on the summer pastures.

• Driving time: approx. 3h / 160 km
• Maximum altitude: 3,016 m
• Meals included: Full board

A full day at Lake Son-Kul, offering a great opportunity to meet local shepherds and their families in breathtaking landscapes. The warm and welcoming Kyrgyz families will invite us to taste traditional regional products such as Airan (yogurt) and Kumis (a fermented mare’s milk drink, the national beverage).

You will have the freedom to explore the scenic ridges on foot, or for those interested, horseback riding is available (at your own expense and responsibility).

• Hiking time: Based on your physical condition
• GOOD TO KNOW: Accommodation is simple. Yurts are shared by 2-3 people, and sanitary facilities are shared.
• Meals included: Full board

Breakfast. In the morning, we will visit the Bishkek History Museum, which presents the history of Central Asia from the Bronze Age to the Soviet era. We will also explore the city, including the Manas Monument, dedicated to the legendary Kyrgyz national hero, and continue to Ala-Too Square, followed by a walk around the former main square, surrounded by the Parliament buildings.
Afterward, we head toward the village of Kyzyl-Oy. The scenic road takes us through a gorgeous canyon with a turquoise river, set against a backdrop of stunning green and ochre cliffs. This is a photographer's paradise, with landscapes that feel almost surreal.
Upon arrival, we will experience the warm hospitality of Kyzyl-Oy villagers, who will welcome us into their homes for the night. For those who want to stretch their legs, a short hike above the village offers beautiful panoramic views of the valley, river, and village.

• Driving time: approx. 4-5h / 170 km
• GOOD TO KNOW: Accommodation is simple. Private rooms are available, but sanitary facilities are shared.
• Meals included: Full board

After breakfast, we will head back to the capital. The road to Bishkek passes through the vast Suusamyr pastures and the Too-Ashuu mountain pass, where you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the valley below.
As we descend, we return to civilization, traveling along one of the most important roads in the country.
After lunch, we will have time to visit the local market for souvenir shopping. In the evening, we will gather for a farewell dinner.

• Meals included: Full board

Depending on our flight schedule, transfer to airport.