Kyrgyzstan - With the Wind at Your Back: Cycling Trip for Families

After landing in Kyrgyzstan's capital you are warmly welcomed and taken to your hotel. Now there's time to rest and settle in. In the afternoon you explore the bustling city with its markets and squares together.

After the transfer to the green Chon Kemin Valley you set off on your first relaxed bike ride – ideal for warming up and settling in. It soon becomes clear why Kyrgyzstan is also called the Switzerland of Central Asia.

By bike you explore the surroundings: across wide meadows, along rivers and past small villages – a lovely insight into rural Kyrgyzstan. If you like, you can extend the ride and head higher into the mountains. In the evening a Kyrgyz menu with salads, soup, main course and dessert awaits you at the cosy guesthouse.

The tour vehicle takes you up into the highlands to Son Kul lake at over 3,000 m. From the Kalmak Ashu Pass it's not far: you cycle the last 20 kilometres or so to your yurt camp right on the lake.

Your ride takes you across seemingly endless high pastures, between grazing horses, sheep and cows and past the nomads' yurts – a stage you won't forget. In the afternoon a short horse ride from the camp is possible.

Your hosts' day starts early: you can watch and help with milking, baking and preparing food, or go for another short ride. After lunch you cycle up to the Kalmak Ashu Pass – 500 metres of climbing that shouldn't be underestimated, but that make everyone who manages it under their own steam proud. After the descent, the tour vehicle takes you to Kochkor.

Today the bikes stay put. On Saturdays Kochkor hosts its well-known livestock market: it's best to go early in the morning and watch the herders from the mountains sell their animals. The small town is also known for its felt products – at a traditional workshop you get creative yourselves.

The second part of the cycling trip takes you to Issyk Kul. You start near Kochkor and climb the 2,700 m Semis Bel Pass – under your own steam or in the tour vehicle. A gentle descent brings you to the entrance of the Ala Bash Valley, where you pitch your tents on a beautifully located hill, cook together and sleep under the stars.

Downhill you go into the idyllic Ala Bash Valley, through meadows and villages with views of the glaciated peaks. Lots of surprises await you at the family-friendly yurt camp. On an excursion into the nearby hills you watch traditional eagle hunting in the evening sun – a special experience for children and adults alike.

The last stage runs mostly downhill to the shore of Issyk Kul. At the cosy yurt camp right on the lake you can cool off in the water of the “warm lake” – which is what Issyk Kul means.

On the way to Chong Kyzyl Suu you stop at many fascinating places. Fairy Tale Canyon reveals a bizarre sandstone landscape like something from another world, and on the lakeshore you can swim once more in the crystal-clear water. In Chong Kyzyl Suu a dip in the hot springs awaits; you stay at a simple guesthouse.

Today the famous sandstone rocks of Yeti Oguz – the “Seven Bulls” – await you. On horseback you cross the nomads' pastures, with spectacular views – a real highlight of the trip. In the afternoon you move into your rooms at the idyllic Eco Village Lodge.

Today you have a choice: an excursion to the provincial capital Karakol with its bazaar, wooden mosque and Orthodox church, or another trip into the nearby mountains.

On the drive back to the capital you stop at the home of Ira, an excellent cook who treats you to a meal. After the long drive you cool off in the hotel pool and round off the trip together.

After two eventful weeks it's time to say goodbye: transfer to the airport and flight home.