The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake
The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake
IIssyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world. And this incredible 5 day journey has been designed to become one of the best trips of your lifetime! 11 destinations and numerous experiences.
Not being the longest one this tour implies all authentic activities that you would experience only in Kyrgyzstan. Five beautiful and intense days around the charming and boundless lake will get you through its both sides: from modern resorts on the north coast, to wild and pristine nature on the south. You will be trying the national cuisine, riding a horse up to waterfalls, sailing the endless lake on a ship, sleeping in a yurt, seeing wild animals, visiting museums with parks, roaming canyons with gorges and so much more!
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Bishkek
In the morning you’ll be picked up from a hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
30 minutesBurana Tower
On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to the history fiends. We’ll spend around 30 minutes here: climb on the top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at the balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Resuming our way to Issyk Kul.
30 minutesChon-Kemin National Park
Second stop on the way is the mountainous valley Chon Kemin. Here we’ll have a fascinating horseback ride through the picturesque field, forests and the serpentine mountain pass up to the panorama. Lunch on the second storey of the loveliest guest house right at the foot of mountains. Moving on further to Issyk Kul.
3 hoursKonorchek Canyons
On the way we’re visiting the picturesque Konorchek canyon for a light but awesome hike.
2 hoursCholpon Ata
Day 2: Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov Gorge - Karakol
12 hoursCholpon Ata
In the morning we’re visiting the spiritual center Rukh Ordo that gives a good idea of Kyrgyz heritage. After that we’re moving towards Karakol town which is located on the line between the northern and southern coasts.
1 hourGrigorevskoye Canyon
On the way we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore its wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes. Lunch after the hike. Moving on.
3 hoursKarakol
Day 3: Karakol - Ski Base - Karakol - Jeti Oguz
12 hoursKarakol
Short city tour in the morning: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895). Now we’re heading out of Karakol to the famous and best Ski Resort in the country (7km). In winter you would have a beautiful skiing experience here but in summer you will enjoy no less stunning views of the whole region. Luscious green meadows, vast conifer forests, snow capped mountain peaks, glaciers and the entire lake in the background - it’s all about this Ski resort. A funicular will take you up to the height of 3040m and back down. Return to Karakol. Lunch. Now we’re leaving this small, nice town and heading towards the southern coast.
5 hoursJeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
Day 4: Jeti Oguz - Barskoon valley - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp
12 hoursJeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
In the morning after breakfast in a yurt we’ll resume our way along the southern coast. A visit to the Jeti Oguz panorama. Moving on.
2 hoursBarskoon Waterfall
A visit to the lovely Barskoon valley to do a light hike and explore the 3 waterfalls. Lunch. Moving on.
1 hourCanyon Skazka
A visit to the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming hike. Resuming the road.
1 hourBokonbayevo
Day 5: Bel Tam - Ak Sai - Bishkek
12 hoursBokonbayevo
In the morning after breakfast at the yurt camp we’ll have some time for relaxing. Explore the beach, evaluate the lake’s scale and chill around. Now we’re getting on the main road of the south coast and moving towards Ak Sai village where we’ll witness a spectacular Eagle hunting show. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in archery. Don’t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal carcass as a prey. After this experience we’re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore the hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. Otherworldly views are insured! Now we’re driving down from the canyon and moving to the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake.
4 hoursBishkek
No accommodation included on this day.
12 hoursIncluded
- 4x Breakfast
- 5x Dinner
- 5x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 4 nights
- Entry/Admission - Chon-Kemin National Park
- Entry/Admission - Burana Tower
- Entry/Admission - Canyon Skazka
Not Included
- Accommodation on the 5th night
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.