Traditionally, the nomadic people, the Kyrgyz, remain faithful to these traditions. This includes, in particular, handicrafts related to the creation and decoration of yurts made from thick felt panels. The horse occupies an important place in art, imagination, and collective symbolism. Thus, “Kok Boru” and “Ulak Tartysh”, two versions of the equestrian game “goat with a hide,” have remained very popular sports.

Epic poetry and improvised melodic poetry are the highest forms of artistic expression. The latter is accompanied by a three-stringed instrument called the komuz and can be the subject of a duel between two speakers – “aytysh.” The epic “Manas,” a literary phenomenon, with its volume and expressiveness, passed down and enriched over centuries through oral tradition, is the pride of a people currently undergoing a process of reclaiming its historical and mythological roots.

Day 1: Europe – Bishkek
Arrival at Manas Airport and transfer to Bishkek. Visit parks and gardens, the historical museum, and the very lively and colorful “Osh” market. Overnight with a local family. The friendly Dugan family invites us for the night and treats us to the flavors of their delicious dishes.

Day 2: Bishkek – Tamchi (200 km)
We head towards the ancient citadel of Burana, this ancient city, once known as Balasagun, which was the capital of Central Asia in the 11th century. Then we will head towards Issyk-Kul Lake, making a stop at the Konorchek Canyon before noon, where we will take a 3-hour walk in the impressive setting reminiscent of the great American canyons. In the afternoon, we will reach the village of Tamchi. Overnight in a tent or under the stars on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second largest mountain lake in the world. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m, the lake still maintains a pleasant temperature of up to 25°C.

Day 3: Tamchi – Kochkor
In the morning, we take time for a swim, then continue towards the Son-Kul region. Many families stay on the plain or in the capital, Kochkor, in the summer. We discover the morals and customs, crafts, and attend a folklore concert. Overnight with a local family.

Day 4: Kochkor – Son-Kul
We wake up early to walk to the livestock market, then visit the small Kochkor Museum. Then we continue our journey and stop at Sary Bulak to try the fried fish from Son-Kul. In the afternoon, we travel through the small valley of Toeloek towards the Kalmak Ashu Pass (altitude 3448 m). Then we walk (2 hours) from yurt to yurt to Son-Kul Lake, the “final lake,” located at an altitude of 3016 m. Here we discover the nomadic lifestyle, customs, and traditions of the Kyrgyz. We find a Kyrgyz family who will host us for the night in their yurt.

Day 5: Son-Kul Lake
In the morning, we continue our journey to the mystical stones of Tamerlane or Manas. From there, we walk along the shores of Son-Kul Lake (3 hours) to the pasture of our hosts. We taste dairy products and observe the life of horses, men, women, and yurts. In the afternoon, there will be a demonstration of equestrian games and the assembling of a yurt. Overnight under your roof.

Day 6: Son-Kul – Kurtka
In the morning, a walk in search of petroglyphs. Then we head to the great Naryn River. We descend into the Kurtka Valley, then to Ak Talaa, the “white fields.” We return to our transport to head towards the riverbank. Bonfires and overnight in a tent.

Day 7: Kurtka – At-Bashy
Morning and lunch in Kurtka, then a 2-hour drive to Naryn, the capital of the region and the last city before the Torugart Pass, the border with China. Visit the city, its market, and the fine arts gallery. We reach At-Bashy and visit the ruins of the ancient fortress. In the evening, we dine with the hosts, who tell us the great epic of Manas, the mythical hero of the Kyrgyz people. Overnight with a local family.

Day 8: At-Bashy – Tash-Rabat (3200 m)
In the morning, we follow the Silk Road leading to Kashgar. Before bypassing the At-Bashy range, we stop at the famous caravanserai Tash-Rabat, the “Stone Gate,” built in the 14th century. It housed the Khan and his personal guard, but also merchants. Visit and then take a walk to yak breeders. Overnight in a yurt.

Day 9: Tash-Rabat – Koh Debe
Today, we head to the wildest regions of Kyrgyzstan, traveling towards the small MELS Pass (Mark, Engels, Lenin, and Stalin), before descending to the Naryn River basin, a paradise for wild animals: eagles, vultures, hawks, ibex, and the famous wild sheep “Marco Polo.” Overnight in a tent.

Day 10: Koh Debe – Arslanbob
We cross the village of Kazarman, one of the highest passes on the Silk Road. Then we immerse ourselves in green nature, at the heart of the Pamir-Alay mountain range. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 11: Walnut Forests of Arslanbob
In the morning, a short drive to a small waterfall, then a 5-hour walk in the Arslanbob mountains. Stunning panoramic views of lush nature. Overnight in a tent.

Day 12: Walnut Forests of Arslanbob
We cross the pass, then spend the whole day descending through the largest walnut forest in the world (70,000 ha). Alexander the Great loved this forest. It is said that he brought and spread walnuts in Greece and Macedonia at the locations of his garrisons (in 329-327 BC). Today, they are called Greek walnuts. Overnight with a local family.

Day 13: Arslanbob – Osh
We descend to the Fergana Valley and head to the three-thousand-year-old city of Osh, or the throne of King Solomon. But on the way, we stop to see the treasures of Uzgen, the tower, and the mausoleums of the 11th century. We follow cotton fields and arrive in Osh, the ancient capital of Central Asia, where we explore the colorful market and its tea houses (teahouses), taste chachlyk (meat kebabs) or rice pilaf. We will also visit the three-story yurt of Queen Kurmadjan Datka, the ethnological museum, and take a walk on Solomon’s Mountain. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 14: Transfer Osh – Bishkek
Early in the morning, we head to the capital of Kyrgyzstan. We stop in Uzgen to visit the 11th-century minaret and mausoleums. Then we continue towards Jalal-Abad and ascend the Naryn River. We will see the Toktogul Dam, the largest in the country. After a picnic, we will bypass Toktogul Lake and ascend the Chichkan Canyon to the Ala-Bel Pass (3184 m). Then we descend into the wide valley, a vast pasture called “jayloo” by the Kyrgyz nomads. We stop near yurts to try the Kyrgyz drink “kumis” (mare’s milk). Then, the road rises through the Toye Achuu tunnel, the “camel pass,” at an altitude of over 3100 meters. We descend into the Kara-Balta Canyon. From above, the panorama is impressive. Then we arrive in the Chui Valley and continue to Bishkek. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 15: Bishkek – Europe
Transfer to Manas Airport. Back to Europe (home country).
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