# High Mountain Lakes and Nomad Trails > Explore Kyrgyzstan on a small-group wellness adventure with James Rafael. Yoga, hiking, horse riding, Son Kul Lake and nomadic culture in Central Asia. - URL: https://reclaimyourself.club/our-holidays/kyrgyzstan-yoga-wellness-adventure/ - Published: 2026-06-18 - Updated: 2026-08-24 - Author: Jools Sampson --- **Explore the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan** This ten-night wellness adventure takes us deep into the heart of Kyrgyzstan, a country of soaring mountain ranges, alpine lakes and nomadic traditions that have shaped life here for centuries. Travelling through remote valleys, high mountain passes and vast open landscapes, we'll experience a side of Central Asia that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Our journey begins in the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley, where we'll settle into mountain life with a gentle hike through the surrounding countryside and our first yoga practices beneath the mountains. The following day, we'll head deeper into the forests and mountains on a full-day hike, stopping for a picnic lunch surrounded by some of Kyrgyzstan's most spectacular scenery. **Life at Son Kul Lake** One of the highlights of the retreat is our four-night stay at Son Kul Lake, a vast alpine lake sitting at over 3,000 metres above sea level. Surrounded by rolling grasslands, grazing horses and snow-capped mountains, this is one of the most beautiful and remote regions of Kyrgyzstan. Our days here are spent immersed in the landscape. Morning and evening yoga sessions frame each day, while hikes take us into the surrounding mountains and along the lakeshore. There is also plenty of time to swim in the clear mountain waters, relax in the traditional steam room and simply enjoy the vast open spaces. For those who wish to, there are daily opportunities for horse riding with experienced local guides and well-trained horses. Beginners can enjoy gentle rides around the lake and surrounding hills, while more experienced riders can venture further into the mountains and wilderness, climbing high passes and exploring more remote terrain. During our stay, we'll also visit a local semi-nomadic family and experience the Nomad Games, offering a fascinating insight into the traditions, hospitality and way of life that continue to shape this region today. **From Son Kul to Tash Bashat** After our time at Son Kul, we leave the high plains behind and travel to Tash Bashat for a night of comfort at a mountain hotel. This gives us a chance to unpack, unwind and enjoy a gentler afternoon after several active days at altitude. **Discover Nomadic Traditions** From Tash Bashat, we continue towards Issyk Kul Lake, stopping along the way to meet master yurt makers. Here, we'll learn about the craft behind Kyrgyzstan's traditional nomadic homes and help build a yurt ourselves before continuing to our lakeside eco-camp. The following day, we'll meet a Berkutchi, or eagle hunter, whose remarkable skills have been passed down through generations. Watching these magnificent birds and learning about their role in Kyrgyz culture is an experience few travellers ever have the opportunity to witness. Our overnight stay at Issyk Kul Lake provides a change of pace after the mountains. We'll spend the afternoon learning the craft of yurt making, enjoy an evening yoga practice and dinner overlooking the lake, before meeting a traditional eagle hunter the following morning. **From Mountain Lakes to Bishkek** Our final days take us from the mountains to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's vibrant capital. We'll explore wide boulevards, leafy parks, monuments and public squares while learning about the country's fascinating history and modern identity. There'll also be time to visit one of the city's bustling local markets, where stalls overflow with everything from spices and textiles to local produce and handmade crafts. We round off the adventure with a special farewell dinner, enjoying some of Kyrgyzstan's finest cuisine as we reflect on the experiences and friendships of the past ten days. **Yoga Woven Into the Adventure** Yoga with James Rafael provides a thread running throughout the journey, with regular morning and evening practices helping us connect more deeply with the landscapes around us. From mountain valleys and lakeshores to life on the high plains of Son Kul, the practices create space to move, reflect and recharge between days of hiking, travel and exploration. --- Site index for agents: https://reclaimyourself.club/llms.txt