Fairytale of Issyk Kul

Private tour

Price

from $650

Availability

Mid May-September

Duration

7 days

Difficulty

Easy-Middle

Tour type

Outdoor

Overview

This is a 7-day trip through Kyrgyzstan, starting in the city of Bishkek and moving to the peaceful Issyk Kul Lake. See the wild beauty of Ala-Archa National Park, discover old stories at the Burana Tower, and dive into Karakol’s rich culture. Enjoy nights in a traditional yurt under the stars, learn from an eagle hunter in Kadji-Say, enjoy hot springs in Ak-Suu, and experience horseback riding and trekking in Jyrgalan and Kok-Jaiyk valleys. This adventure mixes beautiful sights with deep cultural experiences, making it a journey you’ll always remember.

Highlights

Visit most beautiful canyons and valleys
See Eagle Hunting Show
Visit best panoramic view in Issyk Kul lake
Horse riding and hiking during the trip
Stay in yurts
Try different cuisines
Visit historical places
Visit hot springs in Ak-Suu

Itinerary

Day 1. Airport – Bishkek city – Ala-Archa National Park – Bishkek city

When you arrive at Manas International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a local guide and driver who will take you to Bishkek city, where you’ll check into a hotel right away.

If you arrive early, after some rest and breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore Ala Archa National Park. It’s a great spot for picnics and walking with 20 glaciers around. You can enjoy a leisurely walk by the river or hike up the mountains for an amazing view of the valley.

Afterward, we head back to Bishkek for lunch at a café. After lunch, if we have time, we’ll take a tour around Bishkek, seeing places like the Manas, Kurmanjan Datka, and Lenin statues, Oak Park, the Opera and Ballet Theater, Victory Square, and key government buildings including the Parliament and the White House.

We’ll finish our day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Total Drive: 110 km / 2-3 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2. Bishkek city – Cholpon-Ata town

After breakfast, we’ll start our trip to Issyk Kul Lake. On the way, we’ll stop at the Burana Tower, a UNESCO site. This ancient tower is in a place that used to be an important spot on the Great Silk Road.

There, you can visit a small museum that shows items found in the area and learn more about the old city. You’ll also see Balbals, old stone markers for graves.

Lunch in a local cafe. Then, we’ll head to the town of Cholpon Ata, on the north side of Issyk Kul Lake. We’ll have dinner and stay overnight at a resort by the lake.

Total Drive: 270 km / 4 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3. Cholpon-Ata town – Karakol city

After having breakfast, we’ll go see the Open Air Petroglyphs Museum in Cholpon Ata. These ancient rock carvings were made between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. There we can see a stunning view of the lake.

We’ll continue our journey to Karakol. In the afternoon, we’ll take a quick tour of Karakol. We’ll visit the memorial for explorer Prjevalsky, a Dungan mosque, and a Russian Orthodox church.

Later, we’ll go to the Hot Springs in Ak-Suu, where you can relax by soaking in a pool of warm natural water surrounded by mountains.

We’ll have dinner and then stay overnight.

Total Drive: 140 km / 2 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse

Day 4. Karakol city – Jyrgalan valley – Karakol city

Today, we’re going to start our journey to the Jyrgalan valley. Once we get there, we have a fun plan to ride horses around the area. This way, we can explore the beautiful waterfall and a lake known as Turnaly Kol.

We’ll also get to see a famous rock called Tulpar Tash. The scenery from these spots is just amazing. You’re really going to love what you see.

If riding horses isn’t your thing, don’t worry—we can go for a walk to these places instead.

After, we’ll head back to the city of Karakol. Once we arrive, we’ll find a nice place to have dinner. Then, we’ll spend the night there, resting up for whatever comes next.

Total Drive: 130 km / 3 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse

Day 5. Karakol city – Jeti-Oguz valley – Kok-Jaiyk valley

Today, we’ll head out to the Djety-Oguz valley. Once there, we’ll be greeted by the stunning views of the Seven Bulls Rocks and the Broken Heart. We’ll take some photos and go on a short walk near the Red Rocks.

Next, we’ll drive further into the Kok-Jaiyk valley. There, we’ll hike to the Devichy Kosi (Lady’s Braid) waterfall, which is a beautiful spot in the valley.

After lunch in yurts, we’ll go horseback riding around the area, taking in the breathtaking nature.

We’ll stay overnight in a Kyrgyz yurt, which is a traditional Kyrgyz home. It’s a unique experience to live like the locals in their traditional housing.

Total Drive: 50 km / 1 hour
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt

Day 6. Kok-Jaiyk valley – Kadji-Say village

After enjoying breakfast and the beautiful views in Kok-Jaiyk valley, we’ll head to Kadji-Say. There, we’ll explore Mars Canyon and meet an eagle hunter. He’ll show us how he hunts with his two eagles.

After lunch, we’ll visit Boz-Salkyn gorge and hike up to the Shatyly viewpoint. From there, you’ll see the best views of Isyk Kul Lake and the surrounding mountains and canyons. The hike to the top takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. After enjoying the views, we’ll return to Kadji-Say village for dinner and to spend the night.

Total Drive: 140 km / 2-3 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 7. Kadji-Say village – Kok-moynok Canyon – Bishkek city

Today, we’re off to Bishkek. Along the way, we’ll stop at Kok-Moynok Canyon, where we’ll snap some amazing photos and go for a short hike.

Next, we’ll make a stop at a local café to taste traditional Kyrgyz Kattama served with sour cream. Kattama is a tasty puff pastry that’s crispy outside and soft and juicy inside. These pastries smell like butter and melt in your mouth.

Once we arrive in Bishkek, we’ll enjoy our final dinner at a traditional local restaurant before heading to the airport. We’ll say our goodbyes, hoping to meet again!

Total Drive: 380 km / 5-6 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Prices

Number of people	2	3	4	8	10
Price per person (USD)	1290	1050	840	735	670

To get prices for other group sizes, please Request the Tour or Get in Touch with Us.

Included / Excluded

Accommodation – as per program
English speaking driver/guide
Meals – as per program
Entrance fees
Transport services during all the tour
Eagle hunting show
Drinking water
All activities

Personal expenses
Single room supplement – 160 USD per person*
Alcohol and soft drinks
International airfares
Travel insurance
Tips for driver and guide(optional)

*Except the yurt camps

Map

Gallery

Additional info

Clothes & Equipment

You can bring everything you need. Remember that in the summer, Bishkek can get as hot as 40 degrees Celsius, and it can be as cold as minus 5 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Be ready for sudden changes in the weather.

Recommended:

Rain-coat
Waterproof pants
Sweater/fleece
Wind-stopper
Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
Power bank (to charge devices)
Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
Good, waterproof trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhoea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
A small towel
Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)
Sunglasses
A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
Flash light (torch)
Walking poles if needed