5 Days Around the Hidden Gems of Issyk Kul Lake

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Boom Gorge - Chon Kemin National Park
5 stops
1
Bishkek
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Bishkek, as you make your way to the Burana Tower in the small town of Tokmok.
Admission ticket free
2
Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon
At the Burana Tower, be prepared to be transported back in time as you explore the ancient mausoleums, buildings, and artifacts discovered by archaeologists. Climb to the top of the tower and take in the breathtaking views of the Chui valley and Tien-Shan mountains. Visit the small museum, where you will learn about the rich history and culture of Kyrgyzstan and the open-air museum, showcasing gravestones, rock drawings, and other fascinating historical objects.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
3
Boom Gorge
Continuing our journey, we'll stop at a local Kyrgyz street food spot to sample some of the best cuisine the country has to offer. Here, you'll get to try samsy, a traditional Kyrgyz dish made from dough and fillings that is cooked in a traditional tandoor oven made of clay. Additionally, we'll make a stop at Boom Gorge where you can enjoy the famous tea with milk and kattama, a delicious Kyrgyz swirled onion flatbread.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
4
Chon-Kemin National Park
Finally, we will arrive at Chon Kemin National Park where we will embark on a breathtaking horseback riding excursion to the mountains of Chon Kemin. During the 3-hour ride, you will experience the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan and the stunning views of the Tien Shan mountain range.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Chon-Kemin National Park
After the horseback riding, we will have a hands-on cooking masterclass where you will learn how to make boorsok, a popular Kyrgyz puff cake. You will have the chance to learn the secrets of Kyrgyz cuisine from a local family and taste the delicious results of your cooking efforts during dinner. Our accommodation for the night will be in a cozy local guest house, surrounded by pristine nature and the tranquil ambiance of Chon Kemin National Park. As the sun sets, we will be surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Kyrgyz landscape, making for an unforgettable end to our first day of this 5-day tour.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Chon Kemin - Cholpon Ata - Semenov&Grigoriev Gorge - Karakol
4 stops
6
Chon-Kemin National Park
On the second day, we'll wake up to a delicious breakfast in the heart of Chon Kemin National Park. From there, we'll head to Cholpon-Ata city, where we'll explore the fascinating open-air petroglyphs museum and the Ruh Ordo cultural center, which provides a unique insight into Kyrgyz culture and history.
Admission ticket free
7
Cholpon Ata
For lunch, we'll dine at one of the best restaurants in town, where you'll savor the flavors of traditional Kyrgyz cuisine. Afterward, we'll board a boat for a thrilling ride on the crystal-clear waters of Issyk Kul Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. During the hot season (May-September), you can even take a refreshing dip in the lake's cool waters and enjoy a surreal swim. Don't worry, life jackets will be provided for your safety.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Grigoryevka
Continuing our adventure, we'll journey to the stunning Grigoriev and Semenov Gorges, which are among the most popular and picturesque gorges in Issyk Kul Lake. You'll be amazed by the natural beauty of the area, and our knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the history and significance of the area.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
9
Karakol
As the sun sets, we'll arrive in the charming town of Karakol, where we'll visit natural hot springs nestled in the mountains near a river. Relax and unwind in the soothing mineral-rich waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Finally, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel room. Get ready for another exciting day of adventure and discovery on this 5-day tour of Kyrgyzstan!
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Karakol - Jeti Oguz(Seven Bulls)
2 stops
10
Karakol
On day 3, we will start the day with a delicious breakfast in our comfortable hotel and begin our exploration of Karakol city. We will visit the Duncan mosque, an outstanding example of Islamic architecture in the region, and the Russian Orthodox church, which showcases the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Kyrgyzstan's history.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
Afterward, we will venture out of the city and make our way to the breathtaking Jeti Oguz valley, where we will marvel at the stunning natural wonder of the seven bulls rock formation. From here, we will mount our horses and journey deeper into the Kok Jay valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear rivers flowing from glaciers. For the next 2-3 hours, we will ride our horses through the picturesque valley, soaking in the stunning scenery and immersing ourselves in the tranquility of nature. As we finally reach our yurt camp, we will be treated to a delicious lunch and some well-deserved rest. Before sunset, we will explore the surrounding area and capture some amazing photos of the breathtaking landscape. We will then enjoy a hearty dinner and spend the night in the cozy comfort of our traditional yurt.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Jeti Oguz(Seven Bulls) - Barskoon - Skazka Canyon - Bokonbaevo
4 stops
12
Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
On day 4, we will start our day early with a breathtaking sunrise at the Seven Bulls rock formation. This unique rock formation is a must-see in Kyrgyzstan and we will have the opportunity to witness its beauty at its best.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
13
Barskoon Waterfall
Our first stop will be in the beautiful Barskoon valley, known for its impressive natural beauty and stunning waterfalls. We will also have the opportunity to visit the giant monument of Yuri Gagarin's head, the first Russian cosmonaut, which is located in this area. The monument is a tribute to Gagarin's training in the Issyk Kul lake and is a must-see for history buffs and space enthusiasts alike. We will then embark on a 1-2 hour hike to reach the famous waterfall in the area and take in the incredible scenery along the way.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Canyon Skazka
Continuing our journey along the south shore of Issyk Kul lake, we will arrive at Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. This stunning canyon is one of the few canyons in Kyrgyzstan and is popular for its unique rock formations that resemble different shapes and objects. We will hike for 30 minutes to the top of a small hill where we can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Issyk Kul lake.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
15
Bokonbayevo
Finally, we will arrive at our yurt camp on the shore of Issyk Kul lake, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in cozy yurts. The yurt camp has all the necessary facilities to make your stay comfortable, including showers, toilets, water sinks, and laundry. Additionally, there is a bar where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning views of the lake.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Bokonbaevo - Ak Sai Canyons - Bishkek
3 stops
16
Bokonbayevo
On day 5, we will start with a delicious breakfast followed by free time until 11am to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of Issyk Kul lake. Take a refreshing swim or simply relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The highlight of the day awaits as we head for the eagle hunting show. Our experienced eagle hunter will put on a spectacular show, showcasing the incredible hunting skills of these majestic birds. You will witness three amazing demonstrations, including the eagle being called from a distance to the hunter's hand, the imitation of a hunting scene with the fur of a fox, and finally, the eagle hunting a live rabbit. This unique experience is only found in Kyrgyzstan. After the show, we will indulge in an archery masterclass.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
17
Our next destination is the Ak Sai canyons, where we will explore the hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. At the entrance of the canyon, you can observe traces of dried-up rivers that flowed many years ago. The winding roads will lead us to breathtaking and otherworldly views that are sure to leave you in awe. After we drive down from the canyon, we will head to a nearby wild beach for a lovely picnic and to take in the stunning views of the lake, saying goodbye to this magical region before we move on to Bishkek (200km).
3 hours • Admission ticket free
18
Bishkek
Upon arrival in the capital city, you will be dropped off at your hotel (not included). This marks the end of the tour, and we thank you for sharing this unforgettable experience with us.
5 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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