The wonders of nomadic Kyrgyzstan: amongst glaciers, valleys and yurts

Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan loved this land despite the gruelling battles they had to fight there. The hospitality of the local nomadic people remains as spontaneous and generous as ever. The landscapes along the Silk Road, with their rhapsodic alternation of steppes and mountains, valleys and lakes, make Kyrgyzstan one of the most extraordinary destinations to discover. Particularly at this time of year, if you choose to follow the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail – which crosses the country from east to west for a total distance of 1,243 miles – you’ll encounter the rugged Tien Shan mountains, tiny villages and seasonal yurt camps, the traditional shepherds’ tents. The glaciers provide a dazzling, ancient backdrop, whilst ancient caravanserais such as Tash Rabat, dating back as far as the 15th century, offer timeless thrills. Meanwhile, the ethereal silhouette of Kel Suu, a turquoise lake fringed by jagged rock faces, resembles a papier-mâché mirage when glimpsed from afar. Fresh goat’s cheese, meat cooked over an open fire, and the sound of words spoken in the moonlight beneath a dazzlingly bright starry sky will make this a fairytale journey.