Alpine Lake Horseback Adventure at Son Kul

You meet your guide at 11:00 am in the hotel lobby, then you set off for a walk around the camp to discover the natural landscapes and atmosphere of the place. After about an hour of walking, you settle in for lunch and enjoy a friendly barbecue.

The afternoon unfolds peacefully: you take time to rest, explore the surroundings and continue your walk to the waterfall. In spring, you can also observe many mountain tulips along the trail.

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 of the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which allows you to better understand the history of the site.

For those who wish, you can discover the surroundings on horseback starting from your host's house, where you spend the night.

You arrive on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, located at 1,609 meters altitude. Considered the world's second largest alpine lake, it forms a true inland sea, often called the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. Surrounded by the Celestial Mountains range, you observe snow-capped peaks reflecting in its crystalline waters. From the surrounding mountains, many rivers descend and join the lake while crossing valleys with contrasting landscapes.

You visit the Ruh-Ordo cultural centre in Cholpon-Ata, a place where culture and serenity meet. In a peaceful environment, the complex is dedicated to the four major religions: Islam, Catholicism, Judaism and Buddhism. You also discover spaces dedicated to Greek philosophers as well as several prominent figures from Kirghizistan.

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

Along the way, you stop at the Przewalsky Museum, which traces the history of the discovery of wild horses in the Gobi Desert.

For dinner, you are welcomed by your Donggan family, who prepares a traditional meal for you and shares with you the history of this Muslim people originally from Western China, settled in the region for more than 140 years.

You continue your discovery of the lake by taking the circular road that leads you to the southern shore. This part of the coastline, wilder than the northern coast, allows you to approach new natural sites and explore landscapes with a still preserved character.

You visit the Skaska canyon, whose name means "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. Its multicolored rock formations dominate Lake Issyk-Kul. Resulting from ancient volcanic eruptions, these natural sculptures with varied shapes evoke landscapes worthy of a fairy tale.

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

You are heading to the Ak-Sai canyons, also called the "Valley of Forgotten Rivers", because of the ancient traces left by dried-up watercourses. As you climb the hills, you enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Issyk-Kul and the surrounding mountain landscapes.

A family from the village will have the honor of showing us how a yurt is built, and if you wish you will be able to help them in this activity.

You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, showcasing 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.

You set off for a new horseback riding adventure around Lake Son-Kul, which becomes uninhabited from early October onwards when shepherds descend with their families and livestock.

Along the way, you will probably encounter a few shepherds or fishermen settled in the region.

You set off on a horseback riding trek of 4 to 5 hours across a high plateau towards the Kilemche pasture. Depending on weather conditions, the route may take different passes to reach the camp.

You head to the Osh Bazaar, one of the liveliest markets in Kirghizistan. As you explore, stalls of dried fruits and spices succeed one another, offering an immersion in the colors and scents of Central Asia. You will also find many traditional souvenirs from the country.

A stroll through Ala-Too Square in the heart of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive every evening with crowds of passersby who come here to walk around. This square has also been the scene of numerous revolutions in the country's history.

Dive into the history of Kirghizistan with a visit to the National History Museum. You will discover a rich past steeped in traditions: the first floor is dedicated to secular Kirghiz culture, while the second recounts the main events of the Soviet period.

Breakfast at the hotel.