Kyrgyzstan Hiking and Yoga Retreat: High Mountain Lakes and Nomad Trails

The trip runs 11-21 July 2027 and begins with a group transfer from Manas International Airport in Bishkek to the Chon Kemin Valley, a drive of several hours. The first two nights are in spacious yurts with comfortable beds, heating and private bathrooms, set among rolling hills. You settle in with a gentle hike through the surrounding countryside and your first yoga practice under the mountains. The next day is a full-day hike into the forests and higher ground, with a picnic lunch out in the scenery.

From Chon Kemin you head to Son Kul Lake for four nights, and this is the heart of the trip. The lake sits above 3,000 metres, ringed by grasslands, grazing horses and snow-capped peaks. Mornings and evenings are framed by yoga. In between there is daily hiking along the shore and into the surrounding mountains, swimming in the clear water, three sessions in the traditional steam room, and optional horse riding with local guides and well-trained horses. Beginners can take gentle rides around the lake and hills; more experienced riders can push further into the mountains and over high passes. You also visit a local semi-nomadic family and watch the Nomad Games.

After Son Kul you drop down to Tash Bashat for one night in a mountain hotel, a chance to unpack and take a gentler afternoon after several active days at altitude. Then it is on towards Issyk Kul Lake, stopping to meet master yurt makers, learn the craft and help build a yurt yourselves before reaching a lakeside eco-camp for the night. The following morning you meet a Berkutchi, an eagle hunter, whose skills have been passed down through generations. That evening brings yoga and dinner overlooking the lake.

The final stretch takes you to Bishkek for two nights in a spa hotel. You tour the wide boulevards, leafy parks, monuments and public squares, visit a bustling local market full of spices, textiles, produce and handmade crafts, and finish with a farewell dinner of Kyrgyz cuisine. Throughout, an English-speaking local guide, a team of drivers and the camp owners and hosts travel with the group. The operator is a certified B Corp and runs the trip with locally owned partners, including a travel company set up by two young Kyrgyz women.

James Rafael teaches all the yoga. He is a vinyasa yoga, movement and meditation teacher who runs flowing, lighthearted classes with an emphasis on breath, integrated strength and flexibility, and options for every level. Classes run 60-90 minutes, with individual alignment attention you would not get in a normal weekly studio class, plus some philosophy, poetry and older texts offered lightly. The group is hosted by Jools Sampson, founder of the company running the trip, who stays with the group for the whole journey.

What's included

- 10 nights accommodation across yurts, mountain hotels and a spa hotel - Three meals a day throughout the retreat - Daily yoga sessions with James Rafael - Guided hikes in Chon Kemin Valley and at Son Kul Lake - Visit to a local semi-nomadic family - Traditional eagle hunter experience - Visit to master yurt makers, including building a yurt - Nomad Games experience - Three steam room sessions at Son Kul Lake - Guided tour of Bishkek - Visit to local markets and bazaars - All transport within Kyrgyzstan - Airport transfers at set times - English-speaking local guide throughout - All entrance fees and permits

What's not included

- Return flights to Bishkek - Travel insurance - Optional horse riding (gentle ride $40 for 1.5 hours, advanced ride $70 for 3 hours) - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Tips for guides and drivers