Issyk-Kul and beyond: discovering the unrivalled nature & culture

Early arrival in Bishkek, meeting with the guide at the airport, transfer to the hotel, check-in, rest. Breakfast. Next, we begin our acquaintance with Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, a city with a unique blend of Soviet architecture, modern art and rich history. We visit the central Ala-Too square, where a huge flag of Kyrgyzstan and a monument to Manas, the hero of the world-famous epic, are installed. We will walk along Sovetskaya Street, where buildings from the Soviet era with characteristic architecture and historical colour have been preserved. We will stop at the State Historical Museum, where we will see artefacts and exhibitions revealing the culture, nature and history of Kyrgyzstan. Visit to the Gapar Aitiev Gallery – an opportunity to see the creations of Kyrgyz artists, as well as mosaic art installations in the city’s open spaces. Walk through Oak Park and view monuments – architectural and sculptural monuments that symbolically unite the past and the present.

After the cultural programme, we offer a unique creative experience:

A master class on making silk scarves together with a group of women craftswomen – learn about traditional design techniques. Or

A master class on local ornamentation from the Baira brand – create your own souvenir pattern and enjoy the creative process.

At 6:30 p.m., we will meet at the hotel for a relaxing yoga class – a gentle practice for the body and soul that will help relieve tension after the flight and prepare you for the busy programme ahead. The class will be led by an experienced instructor, taking into account your adaptation to the new climate and time zone.

After yoga, we will gather at cozy dinner in a circle of female influencers and entrepreneurs in Bishkek – exchange experiences, inspiration and pleasant conversation in an informal atmosphere. Optional: after dinner, you can join the game of Lila – an ancient Indian game for

self-development and self-knowledge, which helps to better understand inner blocks and resources.

Meals: – / L / D

We start the day with a visit to one of Bishkek’s main mosques, an architectural monument and center of religious life. We move through the city to the bazaar, where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an oriental market. Colorful spices, fresh produce, national souvenirs and the smiles of the sellers – it’s like a real-life painting. After a trip along a picturesque road, with a stop for photos and rest, we arrive at the Tamga yurt camp, a unique yurt complex on the shore of Issyk-Kul. One of the main events along the way is Eagle Hunting show. These majestic birds of prey demonstrate their hunting skills in the traditional style, which is mesmerizing. We will also visit local yurt manufacturers in the village of Kyzyl-Tuu and learn how to assemble a nomad’s home ourselves. They will demonstrate the daily life, rituals and traditional crafts of yurt production in an interactive format. Afterwards, we will settle into the complex’s comfortable yurts: warm and cozy, with amenities for relaxation after an active day.

In the evening, we gather around the Yrkese fire, where folk songs, poems and live music performances are played – this is the soulful part of the programme, creating unity within the group and immersion in Kyrgyz culture.

Musicians playing traditional instruments create a magical atmosphere under the open sky, while hot drinks and treats keep us cosy and warm. We spend the night in yurts on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, under the starry sky.

(Altitude above sea level during the day: -900 m in Bishkek, 1600 m in Issyk-Kul)

Meals: B / L / D

Exercise and yoga on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul are a wonderful way to start the day in harmony with nature and fill yourself with energy. Breakfast in a yurt. Transfer to the Barskaun waterfalls – a picturesque gorge with a cascade of four waterfalls, the most famous of which is “Tears of the Leopard” (height about 24 m). Walks along trails in dense fir forests, photography, relaxation by the water. The Barskaun Gorge is famous for its legends, nature and the monument to Yuri Gagarin. A short trip and walk along the Arabel Plateau-vast Mountain expanses, picturesque views and the opportunity to recharge your batteries with the energy of the highlands and glaciers, at an altitude of 3800 m. After lunch, an excursion to the famous Skazka canyons with their bizarre rock formations and colours, an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers.

Master class of Kara-Zhoro, a national dance that allows you to experience Kyrgyz culture and traditions.

Master class on making kattama and boorsak, traditional Kyrgyz bread products. All guests participate in the process, followed by dinner together in a yurt on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Optional after dinner: Interactive Cash Flow game – an exciting activity to develop team spirit, improve financial skills and thinking.

(Altitude above sea level during the day: – 1600 m at Issyk-Kul, Arabel Plateau – 3800 m)

Meals: B / L / D

We start the day with special energy practices at dawn among the mountains – meditation and breathing techniques fill the body with fresh energy, tune the mind to harmony with nature and the adventures ahead. Breakfast in a yurt, a boost of energy before an active day.

Transfer to the starting point of the trek – Svetlaya Polyana (about 35 km from Tamga, 40 min).

Easy hike (~10 km) along the picturesque trails of the Jeti-Oguz gorge, famous for its legendary red rocks “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart”.

The hike takes about 3-4 hours with numerous opportunities to stop for photo sessions and contemplate the magnificent landscapes.

At the end, you will relax in a yurt camp, learn about the life of nomads, and have the opportunity to go horse riding (optional). The return to Karakol is accompanied by a visit to a local beekeeper with a tasting of natural mountain honey – try different varieties and learn the secrets of the apiary.

Visit the Orthodox wooden cathedral, a symbol of the city’s history and architecture. The Dungan-style Mosque is an amazing combination of cultural heritage. Learn about the city’s sights and traditions.

Visit to the “One Village – One Product” enterprise and shop

Excursion to a farm that supports local women producers. Master class and purchase of unique natural products under a brand that unites the villages of Kyrgyzstan.

In the evening, transfer to the Ak-Suu hot springs, a place to relax and recover after an active day. The warm mineral water is good for your health and gives you a feeling of harmony.

Traditional Dungan dinner – immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of one of Kyrgyzstan’s ethnic groups. Evening networking with female entrepreneurs from Karakol – interesting stories, exchange of experiences and support in a cozy atmosphere. Accommodation at the Green Yard or Amir guest house.

(Altitude during the day: – 1600 m in Issyk-Kul)

Meals: B / L / D

We start the day at the modern Karakol ski resort, located at an altitude of about 2,300 metres above sea level among the coniferous forests of the Tien Shan. The resort offers slopes of varying difficulty, areas for winter sports, and in summer, opportunities for active recreation in the mountains. Morning energy practices against the backdrop of mountain panoramas will help tune your body and spirit for a productive day.

Next, we will try out a summer version of active recreation – kayaking on Lake Issyk-Kul, which offers breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush.

Immerse yourself in traditional cuisine and lifestyle with a lunch prepared according to the home recipes of a Uyghur family. Delicious meat dishes and a homely atmosphere. Master class on cooking Lagman. You will learn how to make homemade noodles and prepare the sauce – Laza.

After lunch, transfer to Tepke. Meet the owner of a ranch and horse farm, who will talk about life, agriculture in Kyrgyzstan, tourism and culture in Karakol, and share personal stories and advices.

Tour of the farm and master class on making jam from natural berries.

The game of positioning – you will discover your path, your ideal life and how to achieve it. Overnight stay at the Reina&Kench guest house.

(Altitude during the day: – 1600 m at Issyk-Kul)

Meals: B / L / D

We start the day with morning exercises in the fresh air – meditation and energy practices to restore and replenish our strength. It is the perfect morning to recharge with harmony before a busy days. Breakfast in a cozy guest house. Transfer along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. On the way: a trip to the famous ethno-religious complex “Rukh Ordo” – a place where traditional Kyrgyz culture, art and spirituality come together. Here you will see many exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the Kyrgyz people, as well as contemporary art objects. Excursion to the ancient petroglyphs located in Cholpon-Ata – rock paintings that have been preserved for thousands of years. This is a unique opportunity to touch the deep history of the region.

After lunch, check into the comfortable Guest house, surrounded by picturesque nature and tranquillity. Optional horse riding.

For those who wish, there is horse riding along the picturesque trails and valleys of Chon-Kemin, an introduction to the lifestyle and traditions of horse breeding (depending on the skills of the participants, duration approx. 1.5-2 hours).

Evening walk to the viewpoint and sunset viewing

Watching the sunset from the observation deck with a panoramic view of the mountain slopes and valley is a time for reflection and deep emotions. A friendly dinner with a local female entrepreneur is an opportunity to chat and learn more about the lives and successes of Kyrgyz women in rural business.

Evening film screening and discussions

Watching a film dedicated to significant women in Kyrgyz history and culture:

Jamila by Chingiz Aitmatov – a film about a strong woman and her role in the family and society;

or a film about Kurmanjan Datka, a famous stateswoman and symbol of national strength. Discussion of the role of women in the family and politics, within the group – exchange of impressions and emotions. Night in a guest house with a view of the mountains.

(Altitude during the day: 1,600 meters in Issyk-Kul, 1,800 meters in Chon-Kemin)

Meals: B / L / D

Morning: Horse games

The day begins with an active and exciting activity – traditional Kyrgyz equestrian games. This will allow you to experience the spirit of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture. Next, under the guidance of an experienced craftswoman, we will hold a master class on felting – one of the oldest Kyrgyz crafts. You will learn about the process of making a traditional felt carpet, or shirdak, and discover the meanings of national ornaments and symbols. Each participant will create a small felt souvenir, which will serve as a memorable gift from the trip. This process helps you feel a historical connection with your nomadic ancestors and be inspired by the unique Kyrgyz art.

Traditional lunch with cooking and shared meal: Kebab cooked in a tandoor – a clay oven that gives dishes a special aroma and tenderness;or dymlyama – slow-cooked meat with potatoes and vegetables, a symbol of home warmth. Everything is prepared together with you, making lunch part of the cultural experience.

After lunch, we begin our return journey to Bishkek (about 190 km, 3-4 hours). On the way, we will stop in the Issyk-Ata Valley, a place with picturesque landscapes, unique nature and opportunities for walking. A must-see is the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret and archaeological complex, evidence of the Great Silk Road and the history of Kyrgyzstan.

Evening: Dinner with dancing and the game “Know Yourself”

In Bishkek, at the Pishpek restaurant, guests will enjoy a festive dinner with national dishes and live music. After dinner, there will be dancing and a fun atmosphere in a friendly circle. At the end of the evening, we will summarise the trip, exchange impressions and express our gratitude.

A special cultural event is a meeting with a manaschi, a performer of the Manas epic, who will tell legends that convey the spirit of the Kyrgyz people through spoken word and song.

Optional: after dinner, the game “Know Yourself” – a special psychological game for self-discovery and deep communication, which promotes team development and self-reflection. Tour results.

(Altitude above sea level during the day: 1,800 m in Chon-Kemin, 900 m in Bishkek)

Meals: B / L / D

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Departure. End of tour.

Meals: B / – / –