Best of Kyrgyzstan.

Bishkek — Burana — Cholpon-Ata

The first tower of the steppe.

Departure from Bishkek to Burana Tower (UNESCO) — the 11th-century minaret of the Karakhanid capital Balasagun. Museum, climb the tower, views over the Chui valley.

Onward through Boom Canyon to the north shore of Issyk-Kul — the world's second-largest mountain lake, ice-free year-round. In Cholpon-Ata visit the petroglyphs and the local museum.

Cholpon-Ata — Karakol

Gorges, church, mosque.

Grigorevka and Semenovka gorges, then on to Karakol. Russian Orthodox wooden church, Dungan mosque in Chinese style, historical museum, visits to artists and artisans. Dinner with a Uyghur family, a cultural show, optional soak in the hot springs at Ak-Suu.

Karakol — Jety Ögüs — Barskoon — Skazka — Bokonbaevo

The red rocks, the eagle.

Jety-Ögüs with "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart"; a short walk. Barskoon Gorge with waterfalls and mountain views. Fairy-Tale Canyon with its sandstone shapes. In the evening in Bokonbaevo: an eagle-hunting demonstration, guesthouse on the south shore.

Bokonbaevo — Ak-Sai Canyon — Kochkor

Panorama hike and craft.

A hike through the Ak-Sai canyon and up the clay-stone ridge with panoramic views of Issyk-Kul. Then a second eagle-hunting session with experienced falconers. In Kochkor visit local artisans for a Shyrdak demonstration — the history and making of Kyrgyz felt rugs.

Kochkor — Kalmak-Ashuu — Son-Kul

Up to the high plateau.

Drive up to Son-Kul (3,016 m) over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass to the north shore. Check in at the eco-yurt camp. Learn to bake traditional national bread, listen to the stories of the nomad queen Kurmanjan Datka — against the backdrop of the evening lake.

Son-Kul — 32-Parrot Pass — Bishkek

From the lake to the city.

After breakfast back to Bishkek. Mountain views, photo stops, a picnic by a quiet river. Leave Son-Kul over the 32-Parrot pass (3,600 m). Hotel check-in, dinner with national cuisine and an evening walk across Victory Square.

Bishkek — Ala-Archa — Chunkurchak

The last day in the high valley.

In the morning to Ala-Archa National Park in the Tian Shan — trails, rivers, viewpoints. Then to the Ata-Beyit memorial, which honours the victims of political repression. In the afternoon into the peaceful Chunkurchak valley with green meadows and steep cliffs. A relaxed close to the week.