Explore Kyrgyzstan on a 5-day trek from Bishkek to Song Kol Lake, discovering Burana Tower and nomadic life at the yurt camp. Witness eagle hunting in Ak-Say Canyon, then visit Karakol for scenic hikes and hot springs at Altyn-Arashan. Wrap up your journey at Cholpon-Ata’s Petroglyphs Museum before returning to Bishkek, leaving with cherished memories of this captivating adventure.
Today, we’ll depart from Bishkek towards Lake Song Kol at 9:00 a.m. Along the way, you’ll have a stop at Burana Tower. This tower, accompanied by grave markers, ancient earthworks, and remnants of a castle, represents the remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, established by the Karakhanids between the late 11th and 13th centuries.
Upon arrival at Song Kol Lake in the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed to the yurt camp situated on the lake’s shore. Take in the breathtaking views of the surroundings and indulge in optional activities like horseback riding and hiking. Later, dine and spend the night in the yurt camp.
Total Drive: 300 km / 4-5 hours
Meal: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp
In the morning, we’ll enjoy the lakeshore with activities like horseback riding or hiking, immersing ourselves in the daily life of local nomads. After lunch, our journey will take us to Issyk-Kul Lake.
During the trip, we’ll make a stop at the Ak-Say Canyons on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul to explore the area and witness a demonstration by golden eagle hunters as they showcase their hunting skills with eagles. We’ll then arrive in the village of Bokonbaevo late in the afternoon and be welcomed at the next yurt camp. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the yurt camp.
Total Drive: 240 km / 4 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Today, we’re journeying to Karakol. Along the way, we’ll make stops at Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall, and Jeti Oguz Gorge for short hikes and photo opportunities. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before arriving in Karakol in the late afternoon. Our accommodation will be in a guest house, and we’ll have dinner at local cafes.
Total Drive: 170 km / 3 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house or Hotel
After breakfast, we’ll embark on an off-road adventure and hike to the Altyn-Arashan mountain valley. We’ll start our journey from Ak-Suu village, covering a 16km hike to reach the Altyn-Arashan. Upon reaching the valley, we’ll enjoy the hot springs and indulge in a delicious lunch.
The place where we’ll rest boasts breathtaking beauty with surrounding mountains, a river, and a forest. In the late afternoon, we’ll be picked up directly from the Altyn-Arashan Gorge by an off-road vehicle, returning us to Karakol. Our accommodation will be in a guest house. Dinner will be served at local cafes.
Total Drive: 2 hours
Total Hiking: 4-5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house or Hotel
After breakfast, we’ll begin our trip back to Bishkek. Along the way, we’ll make a stop in Cholpon-Ata to visit the Petroglyphs Open Space Museum. We’ll have lunch at a cafe during the journey. Upon reaching Bishkek, the tour will come to an end. We’ll say goodbye, looking forward to meeting again!
Total Drive: 400 km / 5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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