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.  

In the morning, we leave the mountainous village of Arslanbob, famous for its vast natural walnut forests that cover the surrounding hills. The road gradually descends from the cool mountainous landscapes to the fertile plains of the Ferghana Valley, passing through orchards, small villages, and cultivated fields that reveal the agricultural richness of southern Kyrgyzstan.

Our first stop is the city of Jalal-Abad, an important regional center known for its lively markets and multicultural atmosphere influenced by both Kyrgyz and Uzbek traditions. We take time to walk around the bustling bazaar district and discover the daily rhythm of the city before continuing our journey through the fertile valley.

A short drive takes us to Uzgen, one of the historical gems of the region and a former trading town on the Silk Road. There, we visit the remarkable medieval complex composed of an elegant minaret and several Karakhanid mausoleums decorated with intricate brick patterns. These monuments, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, offer a fascinating insight into the architectural and cultural heritage of Central Asia.

In the afternoon, we reach the southern capital of the country, Osh. The highlight of the visit is the sacred mountain of Sulaiman-Too, an impressive limestone hill rising in the middle of the city and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along its trails leads to several small shrines and viewpoints, offering a panoramic view of Osh and the surrounding Ferghana Valley.

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.