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! Spend your unforgettable vacation this stunning way embarking on the tour that is a pure treasure!

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek - Burana Tower - Chon Kemin valley - Konorchek canyon - Cholpon Ata town

Stop At: Bishkek, Bishkek
In the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Burana Tower, Don-Aryk, Tokmok 722201 Kyrgyzstan
On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here: climb on top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Resuming our way to Issyk Kul.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Chon-Kemin National Park, Kemin Kyrgyzstan
Second stop on the way is a mountainous valley of Chon Kemin. Here we’re going to have a fascinating horseback ride through the picturesque fields, forests and a serpentine mountain pass up to a panorama. Lunch in the loveliest restaurant with a 360 view. Moving on further to Issyk Kul.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Konorchek Canyons, 125 km from Bishkek, Bishkek Kyrgyzstan
On the way, we’re visiting the fabulous Konorchek canyon for a light but awesome hike.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Cholpon Ata, Cholpon Ata, Issyk Kul Province
Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s northern coast) we're checking-in to a hotel. Free time for relaxing. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight (Olimp hotel or similar)
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel

Day 2: Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov Gorge - Karakol town

Stop At: Cholpon Ata, Cholpon Ata, Issyk Kul Province
In the morning we’re visiting a spiritual center called Rukh Ordo that gives you a good idea of the Kyrgyz heritage. After that we’re heading to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on the lake. After roaming 4km away the ship will stop at the depth of 120m. In the hot season (May-September) you may dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In the other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the ship enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around. After the ship ride we’re moving towards Karakol town that is located on the line between the north and south coasts.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Grigorevskoye Canyon, Grigoryevka Kyrgyzstan
On the way, we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes. Lunch after the hike. Moving on.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Karakol, Karakol, Issyk Kul Province
Arrival in Karakol. Check in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Now we’re driving to the neighboring village Ak Suu to have a relaxing swim in the hot spring pools near a forest. This will be a great touch after such an active day. Return to Karakol. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight (Green Yard hotel or similar)
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a hotel.

Day 3: Karakol - Ski Base - Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley

Stop At: Karakol, Karakol, Issyk Kul Province
Today we’re exploring the beauties around Karakol.
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. The chair lift will take us up to the height of 3040 meters and back down. Return to Karakol. Lunch. Now we’re leaving this small, nice town and heading towards the southern coast.

Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks), Kyrgyzstan
Today’s final point is the gorgeous Jeti Oguz valley which will disclose to you its legends. Driving deeper into the valley of flowers we’ll arrive at “Jailoo” (green summer pasture) where yurt camps are located. Now it’s time for a magnificent horseback voyage through forests and up the mountains to the lovely Maiden Braids waterfall. Free time for a walk on pastures. Dinner. Bonfire time outside and stargazing. Overnight in yurts (traditional Kyrgyz dwelling).

Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a yurt.

Day 4: Jeti Oguz - Barskoon valley - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp

Stop At: Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks), Kyrgyzstan
In the morning after breakfast we’re resuming our way along the south coast. Visiting the Jeti Oguz panorama. Moving on.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Barskoon Waterfall, Barskoon Kyrgyzstan
Visiting the lovely Barskoon valley to do some hiking and explore its 3 waterfalls. Lunch. Moving on.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Canyon Skazka, Tosor Kyrgyzstan
Visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming hike. Resuming the road.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bokonbayevo, Bokonbayevo, Issyk Kul Province
Arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp that's located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. This yurt camp has all the necessary facilities like: showers, toilets, water sinks, laundry and a bar. Sleeping in a cozy and warm yurt with a murmur of the immense lake’s waves will be one of the loveliest highlights of your trip. Free time for chilling. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Bonfire time outside. Overnight in yurts.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a yurt

Day 5: Bel Tam - Ak Sai village - Bishkek

Stop At: Bokonbayevo, Bokonbayevo, Issyk Kul Province
Today is the last day of our incredible journey but it doesn’t mean that adventures are over. We have still got a couple of exciting activities to experience.
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’re going to witness a spectacular Eagle hunting process. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in the archery part. Don’t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal's carcass as a prey. After this experience we’re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore its 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. Swimming and sunbathing.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Bishkek, Bishkek
Now it's time to leave this fairy region and move towards Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the capital city you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). End of the tour. Thank you very much!
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
•
•
•
No accommodation included on this day.

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.