Winter Wonderland: Soul Retreat

Welcome to the heart of Central Asia! Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your boutique hotel in the capital. After check-in and refreshment, we begin exploring Bishkek – a fascinating blend of Soviet grandeur, modern innovation, and traditional Central Asian culture. City Tour: discover Ala-Too Square with its towering Kyrgyz flag and Monument to Manas, the legendary epic hero. Walk along Soviet-era streets, admiring characteristic socialist architecture, visit the State Historical Museum, explore Bishkek’s main mosques, stroll through Oak Park viewing monuments that symbolically unite past and present, immerse yourself in the vibrant Osh Bazaar-colorful spices, fresh produce, and traditional crafts. In the afternoon, depending on the availability and time, we can visit Ala- Archa Nature Park that is 40 km away from the city center or enjoy winter sports at a local favorite ski destination – Chonkurchak or other option experience traditional Kyrgyz wellness treatment. In the evening, introduction to the journey ahead, safety guidelines, and intention setting. During the dinner meet with Bishkek’s inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders, exchange experiences and insights. Overnight in the boutique hotel in Bishkek.

Accommodation: Navat Hotel*** or similar
Meals: – / L / D

After breakfast, depart Bishkek and journey eastward through scenic winter landscapes toward the Chon-Kemin Valley. This pristine gorge, tucked between mountain ranges, offers a peaceful escape into authentic nomadic life. Watch as the landscape transforms from urban sprawl to snow-covered mountain pastures and pine forests. Check into a traditional guesthouse nestled in the valley, optional activity to do: winter horseback riding through snow-dusted meadows and along frozen streams (1.5-2 hours) or glide through the winter wonderland in a traditional sleigh. In the afternoon, meet your host family and learn about daily life in rural Kyrgyzstan and cooking together Boorsok, Kyrgyz traditional bread. Free time to explore the village, interact with locals, or simply relax by the fireplace. Dinner with a Kyrgyz family, taste authentic dishes prepared in the traditional way, tea with homemade jams and sweets.

Accommodation: Ashu Guesthouse or similar

Elevation: 900m in Bishkek → 1,700m in Chon-Kemin
Meals: B / L / D

Breakfast and departure for the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, it never freezes despite being at 1,600m altitude. The lake is 182 km long, 60 km wide, and 668 meters deep. This scenic drive takes you through diverse winter landscapes, with the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains as your constant companion. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu Village to meet master craftsmen preserving the ancient art of yurt-making, learn about the intricate construction of these portable homes. Visit a women’s cooperative in Bokonbaevo, who preserving traditional felt craft, watch the ancient technique of creating felt from raw wool. Later on, witness the spectacular ancient practice of hunting with golden eagles. The relationship between hunter and eagle is deeply spiritual, based on mutual respect. During the dinner, your hostess will share her journey developing rural tourism entrepreneurship, stories and cultural insights.

Accommodation: Family homestay
Elevation: 1,700m in Chon – Kemin → 1,600m in Bokonbaevo

Meals: B / L / D

Leisurely breakfast with your host family, followed by a scenic drive along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore. On the way, visit Skazka Canyon, these clay formations date back 20-30 million years when this area was an ancient seabed. The bizarre shapes-resembling castles, animals, and mystical creatures-give the canyon its “Fairy Tale” name. Capture memories against dramatic canyon backdrop. Upon arrival, check into comfortable yurts with lake views. Peer coaching and mastermind circles, interactive business simulation games in the late afternoon. Reading and discussion of Chingiz Aitmatov’s masterpiece “Jamila”. Reflect on emotional awareness and responding to feelings with mindfulness. “Jamila” is considered one of world literature’s most beautiful love stories. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp on the lake shore.

Accommodation:  Yurt Camp (private yurts with heating, outside shared toilet and shower cabins)
Elevation: 1,600m in Issyk-Kul

Meals: B / L / D

Wake to the sound of waves lapping the shore and mountain views. After breakfast, depart for Karakol, the adventure capital of Kyrgyzstan. Founded in 1869, Karakol is a vibrant town blending Russian, Dungan, Uyghur, and Kyrgyz cultures. It serves as the gateway to some of Central Asia’s best outdoor adventures. On the way, visit Jeti-Oguz Gorge, red rock formations. Upon arrival to Karakol, city tour with visiting of Dungan Mosque, unique Chinese-style design with colorful Buddhist-inspired details, architectural masterpiece built entirely without nails (1910); Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral – example of Russian Orthodox architecture in Central Asia, visit One village One product shop to explore about community business in region and other city parks.  Optional visit of Karakol Ski Base, one of Central Asia’s best-kept skiing place, experience alpine skiing or snowboarding. Dunner with Uighur or Dungan family, so we can observe life of ethnic groups, arriving here as refugees. Overnight in the family boutique hotel.

Accommodation: Amir Hotel *** or similar
Elevation: 1,600m in Issyk-Kul → 1,750m in Karakol

Meals: B / L / D

Full day winter sports & wellness. In the morning experince Karakol Ski Base adventure: skiing runs through pristine Tien Shan terrain or snowboarding. Lunch in the mountain café with panoramic views or packed lunch on slopes. In the late afternoon, transfer to Ak-Suu hot springs, we will have thermal wellness experience. Dinner in the restaurant with several lady entrepreneurs of Karakol. Overnight in the hotel with spectacular views to Tian-Shan Mountain range.

Accommodation: Amir Hotel *** or similar
Elevation: 1,750m in Karakol

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, depart for the remote Jyrgalan Valley, Kyrgyzstan’s emerging community-based tourism success story. Scenic mountain road through winter landscapes. Once a dying Soviet-era coal mining town, Jyrgalan reinvented itself as a sustainable tourism destination through community effort and international support. Local families now operate guesthouses, guide services, and craft workshops, creating a model for rural economic revival. Welcome lunch at a family guesthouse, meet your hosts who were part of the village’s transformation. Later on, optional backcountry freerides experience via spectacular untouched terrain. Dinner with family. Learn traditional songs or games, join guided discussion connecting today’s outdoor experiences with business insights. Overnight in the village.

Accommodation: Family guesthouse
Elevation: 1,750m in Karakol → 2,200m in Jergalan

Meals: B / L / D

Farewell breakfast with your Jyrgalan host family. Depart for Cholpon-Ata, the resort hub of Issyk-Kul’s northern shore. Cross mountain passes with lake views. Upon arrival check into the comfortable lakeside accommodation with modern amenities. In the afternoon, 1 hour boat excursion on Issyk-Kul if weather permits or visit local stadium and observe horse games like Kok-Boru (goat polo) or others if available that day. Visit Ruh Ordo Cultural Complex – unique complex celebrating world religions and Kyrgyz culture. Optional Yoga or Stretching Session with lake views, we will experience breathing techniques for stress relief and meditate overlooking Issyk-Kul. Dinner at hotel restaurant featuring local specialties. Overnight in the hotel with awesome view to the lake.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel
Elevation: 2,200m in Jergalan → 1,600m in Issyk- Kul

Meals: B / L / D

Early morning: “Magic of Morning” practice, sunrise meditation on the lake shore (6:30-7:30 AM). Witness dawn over Issyk-Kul’s waters. The magic hour philosophy: understanding how morning routines shape successful days-insights from global thought leaders and ancient wisdom traditions. Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Bishkek with meaningful stop at Burana Tower Complex , 11th-century minaret from Balasagun, ancient Silk Road city, capital of Karakhanid Khanate. Excursion on spot. It connected Chinese, Persian, and European trade routes. Continue to Bishkek. Upon arrival check-in and meet successful female business leaders across sectors, action workshop: “Integrating Travel Insights into Business & Life”, we will create personal roadmap for implementation. Evening celebration & farewell dinner with Folklore Show. Return to hotel for final night or optional last stroll through illuminated Bishkek.

Accommodation: Navat Boutique Hotel or similar
Elevation: 1,600m in Issyk- Kul → 800m in Bishkek

Meals: B / L / D

Breakfast at hotel. Final goodbyes and group photo before departures. Scheduled transfers based on individual flight times.

Farewell Wishes: You leave with more than memories-you carry new friendships, business connections, cultural understanding, and renewed energy. The spirit of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and the warmth of its people will remain with you. Until we meet again- Кош болуңуз! (Goodbye in Kyrgyz)

Meals: B / – / –