Holidays with Downtown

A week of escape that takes you off the beaten track. Travel through a pristine land, and meet the shepherds at Lake Son Kul. Then take the road towards the Tash Rabat caravanserai, before heading further south to Lake Köl Suu. A small wonder with turquoise waters reveals the hidden beauties of Kyrgyzstan.

Day 1: Bishkek

After Immigration and Customs formalities at Kishkek airport you’ll be met by your driver for a transfer to your hotel downtown.

Day 2: Bishkek, Kyzyl-Oi

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 9 a.m. Together, you leave for the beautiful valley of Soussamir where we will have lunch. We leave the green valley of Soussamir, and take a track towards the small village of Kyzyl-Oi. We follow the Kekemeren river, where the landscapes gradually change colors, giving way to scarlet red formations. At destination, possibility of strolling in the surroundings. [B/L/D]

Day 3: Kyzyl-Oi, Son Kul Lake

We continue our Kyrgyz epic on this sublime road, which leads us to Son Kul. We take a track that takes us through a gorge, before passing through the Karakeche pass (3384 m), which leads us to the highlands of Son Kul. Arrival on the banks of Lake Son-Kul, the second wonder of Kyrgyzstan. This immense Alpine lake is the country's first freshwater reserve. Located in the middle of the celestial mountains, it rises to an altitude of 3,016 meters and has long stimulated the imagination of foreign travelers. Its crystal-clear water is of incredible purity and changes color over time, passing from blue to green, sometimes turning orange. [B/L/D]

Day 4: Son Kul Lake

You can take advantage of this day to relax and discover the way of life of the family with whom you are staying. Attend the creation of the Koumis, the herd gathering or even the milking of cows. If you wish, you can go after lunch for a short horseback ride. [B/L/D]

Day 5: Son kul Lake, Tach Rabat

Travel back in time with a visit to the old Tash Rabat Caravanserai. Located on the road to Khasgar, the Tash Rabat caravanserai, Pierre's hotel, is probably the best-preserved site of the Silk Road, and you can feel its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it had many rooms used to house merchants. [B/L/D]

Day 6: Tash Rabat, Köl Suu Lake

This morning, we leave for Köl Suu Lake. Head south via Lake Chatyr Kul. Beyond, we evolve on a winding road, and cross a wooden suspension bridge, before arriving in the valley of Kel suu. We will have to cross the river if the weather permits. As we get closer to the border with China, we need to register in order to continue this adventure. Arrival at the camp, where we will spend the night. [B/L/D]

Day 7: Köl-Suu Lake, Naryn

After breakfast, we enjoy the beauty of these enchanting places. On horseback, we leave for this small lake. In the heart of these mountains, discover the turquoise waters of Kel-Suu, which resides in peace. Isolated at an altitude of 3,514 m, between rocky cliffs and caves of character, this body of water is revealed to us. We take the "road" again, in the direction of Naryn. The journey is less difficult, with a passage of a small pass. On the road we meet shepherds, as well as some herds of yaks. [B/L/D]

Day 8: Naryn, Kochkor, Bishkek

We take the main road to Bishkek where we will arrive in the evening. On the way stop in the village of Kochkor, famous for its local development initiatives. Visit of the women's cooperative where felt carpets (sherdaks) are made. Then, we attend a traditional Kyrgyz folklore show. On the program, storyteller of Manas (legendary Kyrgyz heroes), traditional music and songs. Last day on the road before returning to the Kyrgyz capital. We leave the green mountains of Kyrgyzstan where we discovered a warm people with traditions still so persistent and arrive in Bishkek. Installation at your hotel where you can rest for a few moments. We go to Osh Bazaar, the busiest market in Kyrgyzstan. Stands of dried fruits, spices multiply throughout your visit in the colors of Central Asia. You will also find many traditional souvenirs from the country [B/L]

Day 9: Bishkek

Early morning transfer to the airport to board your flight back home. [B]

[B] = Breakfast | [B/L] = Breakfast and Lunch | [B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner