We landed in Bishkek a day late, which we spent enjoying Istanbul. Without any set plans, we only had two clear goals: trekking to Ala Kul and a horseback ride to Lake Son Kol.

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With our first goal in mind, we set off from Bishkek to Karakol. On the way, we spent a day in the Kyrchyn Valley, where we enjoyed freshly caught river salmon grilled just a minute after it was fished, watched massive black eagles, and admired the first of Kyrgyzstan's iconic steppes full of horses.

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Our trek began in Karakol, and the first day was relatively easy, ascending around 800 meters over 12 kilometers without any steep climbs. Upon reaching the base camp, Siruta Camp, we rested in a yurt (always drinking tea, of course). The next day was the hardest (1,200 meters & 17 kilometers), as we ascended to the Ala Kul Pass to enjoy one of the best views I’ve ever seen. The turquoise blue water, with snow-capped mountains and a glacier in the background, erased any fatigue we might have felt. The route continued down to the Altin Aysharan Valley, a picture-perfect setting for any nature lover—truly beyond words.

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On the way to Kyzart, we stopped at Shazka Canyon, an eroded canyon shaped by wind and rain, with forms and colors worthy of the famous Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

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Our second goal was near: a two-day horseback ride to Lake Son Kol. However, the weather didn’t cooperate; a nighttime snowfall left almost a meter of snow, making access to the lake impossible by any vehicle. So, we had to move up our visit to the capital by a day.

Bishkek pleasantly surprised us—full of light, greenery, and life. Very different from its neighbor Tashkent, which stands out for its communist architecture and gray atmosphere.

Don’t miss the opportunity to use public transport (Marshrutkas) to travel throughout the country. They’re as fast as taxis and infinitely more affordable.