In the Footsteps of the Nomads of Kyrgyzstan

Most international airlines arrive into Bishkek early in the morning. Upon landing, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in - early-check ins with breakfast are included. You have the morning to rest after your travel.At 12pm, you will meet your guide and embark on a walking tour of Bishkek. The capital of Kyrgyzstan, also known as the ‘White City’ – so called because many of the government buildings in Soviet times were built from the beautiful, locally mined white marble - is a fascinating city with vast plazas and dramatic monuments from the Soviet Era. Our local tour guide will give us a welcome introduction to both the city and the history of the country, followed by dinner in one of the most well-known tea houses in the city, complete with traditional live music and dancing.Accommodation: 3* Bugu Boutique Hotel or similar

After breakfast we transfer to the incredible Chon Kemin Valley, a protected region home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the country. Chon Kemin is a unique natural reserve with beautifully preserved alpine landscape. Steep glaciers are fringed with green coniferous forests and the valley is surrounded on all sides by towering mountain peaks. After the rainy season, the valley blooms with wildflowers which spread as far as the eye can see. On the way, we stop to visit Burana Historical Complex, a large archaeological complex near Tokmok, 80 km east of Bishkek. The minaret is something to behold: built in the 11th century, the height of the tower is about 25m; in the Middle Ages, it was over 40m, part of it having been destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century. If you can climb to the top of Burana, the views of the surrounding valley are staggering. On the east side of the tower there are the remains of mausoleums, and along the perimeter, ancient Turkic stone sculptures. We spend the night in the village of Tarsuu, a picture of rural Kyrgyz life, at a family run guesthouse. There are plenty of things to do this afternoon: a 2-3 hours (easy) hiking tour to Kalmak-Ashuu gorge, or you could, for a small fee, go on a horse-die or take a cookery class - the local delicacy is Boosok, a traditional Kyrgyz snack.

We have a fabulous day ahead of us and make an early start to get on our way as our destination: we have a total of 6 hours of driving to do today but it will be spread out.Our first stop is the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, a saline lake 113miles long. In the Kyrgyz language, the name means ‘warm lake’, as, despite the ring of snow capped mountains surrounding it, it never freezes due to the salt content. Our homestay is near the shores of the glistening lake – so large that its turquoise waters often look like the Mediterranean. Our route gives us a wonderful opportunity to acclimatise to the Kyrgyz landscapes, and brief glimpses into how life plays out here. We will explore the interesting rock formations of Skazka Canyon and be treated to a demonstration of eagle hunting at Bokonbaev village by local Kyrgyz nomads. Depending on time, we may get to walk by the shore before heading 'home' and settling in.

We have some more distance to cover today (395km) to head into the more remote parts of the country, so after breakfast, we drive south, down alongside the rising snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains. Our destination is the ancient Caravanserai of Tashrabat, which lies on the ancient Silk Road, only two days travel from the Chinese border.We break our journey in the remote village Acha-Kayindy to enjoy lunch and... a felt show. After a leg stretch and bite to eat at a local family's home, we continue on (3hrs) to reach Tashrabat in the afternoon. A 'caravanserai' is a roadside inn with, typically, a central courtyard for travellers in the desert regions of Asia. The Caravanserai of Tashrabat was just such a place: it's easy to imagine the traders and travellers of old stopping in this place to rest when journeying between the countries of Central Asia. The thick stone walls of the buildings of Tashrabat still stand and endure the elements, almost lost in the vast open plains surrounding them. Believed to have been used by traders since the 1400s, it is likely that there was a Christian monastery here as early as the 900s.We will stay in the yurt camp and explore the Caravanserai itself, imagining how traders throughout history would have holed up to protect themselves from bandits or bad weather on this lucrative but perilous trade route. Tonight we are treated to a fantastic dinner prepared by the lodge.Yurts sleep 2 - 4 people: single accommodation is not available. Shower and toilet facilities will be shared. Electricity and mobile connection is not available - do not expect wifi either!

A mix of riding (additional cost for optional activity) and walking is the ideal way for us to travel up the winding valley trails to the top of a high pass (4000m), where, weather permitting, we will have an incredible view of Chatyr-Kol (Lake). It is a there & back route, and we have all day to enjoy it, so there is no rush - we will be travelling at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for photo stops. We suggest riding the flatter sections to and from the base of the climb (14km total), and then hiking (8km with 950m ascent). Riding will be suitable for beginner riders also. If you would rather, you can just stay and explore the foothills around the Caravanserai, but the views are absolutely worth it if you are even a teeny bit tempted!We stay at the Caravanserai yurt camp for a second night tonight.

We will take the winding road up into the very centre of Kyrgyzstan’s hidden plateau (249km), to the majestic Song-Kol (“last lake” in Kyrgyz), in the Naryn Province, up at 3016m. It is probably - at the very least, arguably - the most picturesque lake in the country. It is a popular ground for nomadic shepherds who bring their flocks here in the summer months. Wildlife is diverse and the experience of nature, pristine. We will stay in a beautiful traditional nomad yurt camp on the southern shore, with the family who run it, play with the innumerable children, and sample the delicious local cuisine. Yurts sleep 2 - 4 people: single accommodation is not available. Shower and toilet facilities will be shared. No mobile signal. Electricity is from 18:00 until 22:00.

Today we have a complete day of leisure in these beautiful surroundings. Choose to hike, horse ride, grab a book or do nothing apart from breathe in the clean air and revel in the wilderness! It really is an amazing place just to spend time. Lucky visitors may see deer, foxes, marmots, Marco Polo sheep, birds of prey, or even leopards and wolves on the plains. Rest under a never-ending sky, viewing incredible sunrises and sunsets, not to mention impeccable views of the Milky Way in clear skies. Take the golden opportunity to spend time with the local people in ours and other yurt camps dotted along the shores. We stay a second night in Son-Kol yurt camp.

Reluctantly leaving our yurts and the striking plains behind, we will drive (360kms, taking 5-6hrs) back to the capital for our last group dinner in the city and to celebrate our adventure in this unique and beautiful country. We pause for lunch at the house of a family in Kochkor before continuing onto the capital. Some will miss the simplicity of the Yurt life... others will look forward to returning to some home comforts...The journey starts where it began, and we enjoy a group meal together in the city, celebrating a memorable journey together. Accommodation: 3* Bugu Boutique Hotel or similar

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Leaving the stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan is going to feel all wrong but ‘normal life’ awaits you. Time to plan your next escape!