We landed early in the morning and took the shuttle bus to our hotel in the city. First, we'll rest and settle in. In the afternoon, we'll discover Bishkek and its history on a leisurely city tour. We'll end the day with a group dinner where we'll enjoy delicious traditional cuisine.

The first part of our journey takes us through the Chui Valley in three cycling stages: from the capital, Bishkek, along the impressive Kyrgyz mountain range, which rises to over 4,000 meters, to the Chon Kemin Valley. We cycle along a combination of lightly trafficked paved roads and dirt tracks, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Our first destination is the hot springs of the Issyk-Ata Valley (1,500 m), nestled in a beautiful alpine landscape. There we relax and spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse.

Our day begins with a ten-kilometer descent along a quiet road through the Issyk-Ata Valley. Our first destination is Rotfront, a settlement founded in 1927 by German immigrants and originally named Bergtal. Even today, it is home to the largest German minority in Kyrgyzstan. About an hour later, we cycled to Burana Tower, an impressive 11th-century minaret and one of the few remaining structures from the golden age of the Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan. During our lunch break, we enjoyed the views of this historical relic against the imposing backdrop of the Tien Shan Mountains. After the hike, we continued east, passing through several villages until we reached Orlovka. There, we stayed in a guesthouse at the base of the popular ski resort and enjoyed a relaxing end to the day.

On our final cycling leg through this region, we left the Chui Valley behind and entered the picturesque landscape of the Chon-Kemin Valley. With its alpine mountains and sweeping valleys, it quickly becomes clear why Kyrgyzstan is often called the "Switzerland of Central Asia." In the early afternoon we arrive at our cozy guesthouse, where after a delicious lunch we have the opportunity to relax in the garden and contemplate the stunning mountain scenery.

After a good breakfast, the support bus will take us about 20 kilometers to the starting point of our hike at the local forestry office. There, we'll load our luggage onto the horses and begin our full-day trek. Those who prefer can also complete the route on horseback; if needed, horses can be rented on-site. As we trek through the captivating alpine landscape with its diverse flora, we enjoy breathtaking views at every turn. In the afternoon, we arrive at the picturesque Kol Kogur Lake, surrounded by dense forests and flowering meadows. Weather permitting, its crystal-clear waters invite you to take a refreshing dip.

After an early breakfast, we set off today to cross the mountain pass towards Issyk Kul. After about three hours of hiking, we reach the highest point, where, weather permitting, we will be rewarded with our first breathtaking view of the vast lake. With this panoramic view before us, we descend for approximately two hours to reach a local farming family, where we enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Afterward, our vehicle takes us to Tamchi, a charming seaside resort on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Our accommodation is just 300 meters from the beach, ideal for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.

After the hikes of the last two days, this morning we'll relax on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. After lunch, we'll travel by vehicle to Kara Talaa, a small lakeside village (approximately 1.5 hours). From there, we'll set off by bicycle into the interior of Issyk Kul, following a gravel road that leads us to the picturesque Tura Suu Valley. We'll enjoy the views of the magnificent mountain scenery that borders the valley to the south.

After breakfast, we crossed the 2,365-meter-high Ala Bash Pass and descended into the Ala Bash Valley. Time seems to stand still in this valley. Its inhabitants make their living from livestock, and few travelers visit this remote side valley of the Issyk Kul River. Around midday, we reached the salt lake of Kara Kul, whose high salinity allowed us to float effortlessly. After a swim, we hiked about 12 kilometers to our yurt camp, located on the shores of the Issyk Kul. (Note: The canyons are impassable in bad weather. In that case, we will use an alternative route.)

The stage begins impressively with a drive through the loess-rich Kyzyl-Eschme Gorge. Following a gravel road along Tong Bay, we reach Bokonbaeva, where we stop in a guesthouse garden and visit an eagle hunter. The ride then continues at a leisurely pace along the Issyk-Kul coast to Tong. Optional: Mountain pass crossing (2540 m), 65 km/1300 m elevation gain. Optional extension: Mountain pass crossing at Kaji Say (2540 m), 65 km/1300 m elevation gain.

After breakfast, we'll spend the morning swimming and exploring the nearby sandstone gorges. After lunch, we'll drive approximately 80 km to Kyzyl Suu, enter the valley, and hike the final 10 km to the hot springs. There, a small bath complex with simple rooms awaits us, nestled in the mountains.

Those who wish can take another soak in the hot springs in the morning. After breakfast, we embark on a hike to the neighboring Yeti Oguz Valley. For nearly 20 km, we traverse meadows and forests, passing by local yurts and enjoying views of Lake Issyk-Kul and the surrounding mountains. The hike ends at the impressive red rock formation known as "Yeti Oguz," which translates as "Seven Bulls." In the afternoon, we arrive at our comfortable accommodation. We enjoy a relaxing evening with Kyrgyz cuisine.

To conclude our trip, we still have much to discover in terms of culture. In the morning, we'll explore Karakol, with its bazaar, a Dungan mosque, and a wooden Orthodox church. We can't miss the Uyghur cuisine, especially the famous "Ashlamfu." Those who prefer to relax can visit the hot springs of Aksu. In the evening, we'll enjoy traditional Kyrgyz folklore.

After breakfast, we'll begin our return journey to Bishkek. During the approximately six-hour drive along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul and through the Chui Valley, we'll have time to reflect on our trip. We may stop at a yurt builder's workshop, and we can even try building a yurt together. We'll arrive in Bishkek in the late afternoon and conclude our journey with a farewell dinner.

Early morning return flight home or individual extension.