Days 1 – 2 – Fly overnight to Bishkek

Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. Early check-in is included. The rest of the day is yours to relax before dinner.

Day 3 – Ala Archa National Park & Opening Ceremony

Begin the day surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine haven in the Tian Shan mountains. Enjoy a leisurely walk among rugged peaks, sparkling streams, and breathtaking gorges. Return to Bishkek for lunch, then discover the city’s highlights: Central Square, the iconic Manas Monument, and a vibrant bazaar. This evening, watch the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the VI World Nomad Games.

Day 4 – Issyk Kul Lake

Travel by road to the sparkling northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake. Its salty waters never freeze, earning it the name ‘warm lake’. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Check in to your hotel in Cholpon-Ata for a 2-night stay.

Day 5 – World Nomad Games

Spend a full day at the 2026 World Nomad Games at the Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome, the beating heart of the Games. Immerse yourself in the excitement of traditional nomadic sports as riders compete in the fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled Kok-Boru — Central Asia’s iconic horseback team sport. Experience the power and precision of horseback wrestling (Er Enish), where strength, balance, and horsemanship are put to the ultimate test. Beyond the main arena, enjoy captivating displays of traditional archery and be awed by eagle demonstrations showcasing the deep bond between hunters and their magnificent golden eagles. The atmosphere is electric, with thundering hooves, cheering crowds, and the raw spirit of nomadic heritage on full display. Programme may vary depending on the day’s events.

Day 6 – Cheese Tasting, Hot Springs & Dine with a Uyghur Family

After breakfast, journey east along the shoreline of Issyk Kul to Karakol, stopping in the village of Tup for a tour and a tasting of the region’s famous Kyrgyz cheese, Kurut, a hard, salty cheese ball made from dried, fermented milk. Discover Karakol’s highlights on arrival, including the Dungan Mosque, the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, and the lively bazaar. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a local hot spring, an essential part of the Karakol lifestyle. This evening, join a welcoming Uyghur family for a delicious home-cooked dinner of lagman. Overnight in Karakol.

Day 7 – Jeti-Oguz Gorge & Yurt Stay

After breakfast, travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famed for its striking red sandstone formations — the ‘Broken Heart’ and the towering ‘Seven Bulls’. Enjoy an easy one-hour walk to admire sweeping views of the gorge before stopping for lunch. Continue to Tamga, where you’ll check in to your yurt camp with private ensuite for the next 2-nights.

Day 8 – Skazka Canyon & Barskoon Gorge

Enjoy a day of exploring. First, visit Skazka Canyon and enjoy a walk among its dramatic red rock formations. Continue to Kadji-Sai village for lunch with a local family of musicians, accompanied by a lively folklore performance. In the afternoon, explore Barskoon Gorge and see the famous ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’ waterfall. Return to the yurt camp for a hands-on manty cooking class with a chef.

Day 9 – Meet an Eagle Hunter

After breakfast in your yurt, travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Along the way, meet an eagle hunter and see the training process of these magnificent birds. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu village to visit a local family and learn about the traditional craft of yurt-making, a village famous for its skilled artisans. Enjoy lunch with the family before continuing to Chon-Kemin, where you’ll check in at your guesthouse for the evening.

Day 10 – Cook Traditional Kyrgyz bread

Start the day with a walk in Chon-Kemin Nature Park, followed by a hands-on cooking class making Boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz bread, for lunch. Travel to Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley, and explore the open-air museum with ancient balbals. Check in to your hotel, enjoy some free time, and finish the day with a farewell dinner and drinks. Overnight in Bishkek.

Days 11 – 12 – Depart Bishkek

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Late checkout is not included.

Days 1 – 2 – Fly overnight to Bishkek

Fly overnight to the city of Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. The rest of the day is yours to relax before dinner.

Day 3 – Ala Archa National Park & Bishkek

Begin the day surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine haven in the Tian Shan mountains. Enjoy a leisurely walk among rugged peaks, sparkling streams, and breathtaking gorges. Return to Bishkek for lunch, then discover the city’s highlights: Central Square, the iconic Manas Monument, and a vibrant bazaar.

Day 4 – Issyk Kul Lake

Travel by road to the sparkling northern shores of Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake. Its salty waters never freeze, earning it the name ‘warm lake’. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Check in to your hotel in Cholpon-Ata for a 2-night stay.

Day 5 – World Nomad Games – Finals & Closing Ceremony

Spend an unforgettable day at the 2026 World Nomad Games grand finals day at the Cholpon-Ata Hippodrome. Witness the thrilling finals of equestrian competitions and horse races, where skill, speed, and tradition come together in a spectacular display of horsemanship. Cheer as riders compete in Kok-Boru, horseback wrestling (Er Enish), and other classic nomadic sports, showcasing the power and agility of both horse and rider. The day concludes with the grand Closing Ceremony on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, celebrating the Games with music, dance, and cultural performances — a fitting finale to this extraordinary event. Programme may vary depending on the day’s events.

Day 6 – Hot Springs & Dine with a Uyghur Family

Drive to Karakol and explore Dungan Mosque, the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, and a lively bazaar. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a local hot spring, an essential part of the Karakol lifestyle. This evening, join a welcoming Uyghur family for a delicious home-cooked dinner of lagman. Overnight in Karakol.

Day 7 – Jeti-Oguz Gorge & Yurt Stay

After breakfast, travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famed for its striking red sandstone formations — the ‘Broken Heart’ and the towering ‘Seven Bulls’. Enjoy an easy one-hour walk to admire sweeping views of the gorge before stopping for lunch. Continue to Tamga, where you’ll check in to your yurt camp with private ensuite for the next 2-nights.

Day 8 – Skazka Canyon & Barskoon Gorge

Enjoy a day of exploring. First, visit Skazka Canyon and enjoy a walk among its dramatic red rock formations. Continue to Kadji-Sai village for lunch with a local family of musicians, accompanied by a lively folklore performance. In the afternoon, explore Barskoon Gorge and see the famous ‘Tears of the Snow Leopard’ waterfall. Return to the yurt camp for a hands-on manty cooking class with a chef.

Day 9 – Meet an Eagle Hunter

After breakfast in your yurt, travel to Chon-Kemin Nature Park. Along the way, meet an eagle hunter and see the training process of these magnificent birds. Stop in Kyzyl-Tuu village to visit a local family and learn about the traditional craft of yurt-making, a village famous for its skilled artisans. Enjoy lunch with the family before continuing to Chon-Kemin, where you’ll check in at your guesthouse for the evening.

Day 10 – Cook Traditional Kyrgyz bread

Start the day with a walk in Chon-Kemin Nature Park, followed by a hands-on cooking class making Boorsok, traditional Kyrgyz bread, for lunch. Travel to Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley, and explore the open-air museum with ancient balbals. Check in to your hotel, enjoy some free time, and finish the day with a farewell dinner and drinks. Overnight in Bishkek.

Days 11 – 12 – Depart Bishkek

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Late checkout is not included.