Nomadic Secrets

In the morning transfer to Tamchy that is situated on the shore of the Issyk-Kul Lake (hot lake), a pearl of Central Asia, the second biggest mountain lake in the world after the Titicaca Lake. On the way visit of the Burana Museum, the ancient capital of Central Asia of the 11th century called Balasagun. Arrival in Tamchy. Overnight at guesthouse.

Transfer to Karakol. Visit of the Prjvalsky Memorial Complex. In order to understand the Kyrgyz people life of the 19th century visit of an orthodox church, a wooden mosque in Karakol. In the afternoon drive to Jety-Oguz Sanatorium, a very famous sanatorium of the Soviet time. Soviet president and famous astronauts visited it. There is an opportunity to take a radon shower and massage in the sanatorium. 

In the morning departure from Jety-Oguz. Lunch  in Kochkor village where we can visit a handicraft center and see the process of making traditional Kyrgyz carpets. In the afternoon transfer to the Son-Kul Lake over Kalmak -Ashu Pass. Drive around the Son-Kul Lake to get to our yurt camp. Making the acquaintance with nomadic traditions. Overnight in yurts.  

Transfer to Arslanbob. Driving up to the Toktogul Dam. Picnic on the shore of the reservoir. then getting to the canyon raising over the Naryn River. On the main highway Osh-Bishkek drive to the Fergana Valley. Dinner in Djalal - Abad. Setting off for great walnut forests. Visiting a small waterfall sacred for local people. Overnight in homestay.

Le matin, nous quittons le village montagneux d'Arslanbob, célèbre pour ses vastes forêts naturelles de noyers qui recouvrent les collines environnantes. La route descend progressivement des paysages montagneux frais vers les plaines fertiles de la vallée de Ferghana, passant par des vergers, des petits villages et des champs cultivés qui révèlent la richesse agricole du sud du Kirghizistan.

Notre première étape est la ville de Jalal-Abad, un important centre régional connu pour ses marchés animés et son atmosphère multiculturelle influencée à la fois par les traditions kirghizes et ouzbèkes. Nous prenons le temps de nous promener dans le quartier animé du bazar et de découvrir le rythme quotidien de la ville avant de poursuivre notre voyage à travers la vallée fertile.

Un court trajet en voiture nous amène à Uzgen, l'un des joyaux historiques de la région et ancienne ville commerçante sur la route de la soie. Nous y visitons le remarquable complexe médiéval composé d'un élégant minaret et de plusieurs mausolées karakhanides décorés de motifs complexes en brique. Ces monuments, datant des XIe et XIIe siècles, offrent un aperçu fascinant du patrimoine architectural et culturel de l'Asie centrale.

Dans l'après-midi, nous atteignons la capitale sud du pays, Osh. Le point culminant de la visite est la montagne sacrée de Sulaiman-Too, une impressionnante colline calcaire qui s'élève au milieu de la ville et est reconnue comme site du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO. Une promenade le long de ses sentiers mène à plusieurs petits sanctuaires et points de vue, offrant une vue panoramique sur Osh et la vallée de Ferghana environnante.

The journey begins in Osh, heading east through the suburb of Dostlik, a mostly residential area at the edge of the city. After the border, travelers meet their new guide and driver, ensuring a smooth continuation into Uzbekistan.

The road then opens onto the fertile Ferghana Valley, one of Central Asia’s richest agricultural regions, stretching over 7,000 km² across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Between Andijan and the Kalmik Pass, the landscape is dotted with orchards, melon and cotton fields, and villages where traditional crafts, lively bazaars, and Uzbek tea houses reflect centuries of local culture. Travelers may glimpse historic caravan towns, vibrant markets, and the everyday rhythm of life in this historic Silk Road region.

The route finally climbs gently over the Kalmik Pass, offering sweeping views over the valley before descending toward Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. 

While the journey can be done in one long day, we recommend splitting it into two days to fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical stops of the Ferghana Valley — a choice that also supports a more sustainable, lower-emission approach to travel.