Wild Kyrgyzstan: Celestial Mountains and Nomads of Lake Issyk-Kul

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Kyrgyzstan is Central Asia's Switzerland — a country where mountains cover 94 percent of the territory and nomadic life still beats in felt yurts and herds of horses moving through the jailoo (summer pastures). This 9-day itinerary explores the country's best with an accessible adventure focus. It starts in Bishkek, the capital of tree-lined avenues and Soviet architecture, jumping immediately to Ala Archa National Park, an alpine valley 40 minutes from the city with summits of 4,800 m. The route circles Lake Issyk-Kul — the world's second-largest alpine lake, with salty waters that never freeze — stopping at petroglyphs along the way and black-sand beaches. In Karakol you visit the singular Dungan mosque, built Chinese-pagoda style without a single nail, and the red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz, the Seven Bulls. The journey culminates at Lake Song-Kul, 3,000 m above sea level, where you sleep in yurts with nomad families, milk mares and ride across endless meadows. Lodging in family guesthouses and yurt camps. Transport by 4x4 with driver-guide.