5-Day Kyrgyzstan Tour – Son Kul, Issyk Kul, Canyons, Hot Springs & Karakol

Morning pick up from the place we agreed beforehand in Bishkek city. Today, we leave Bishkek for Lake Son Kul. On the way, we’ll pause at Burana Tower, an ancient site with grave markers, earthworks, and castle ruins from the city of Balasagun, dating back to the 11th-13th centuries.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Son Kul lake and settle into a yurt camp by the lake. Enjoy the stunning views and activities like horseback riding and hiking. Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp.

Total Drive: 300 km / 4-5 hours
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

In the morning, we’ll go to Issyk-Kul Lake, which is the second-largest alpine lake in the world.

Along the way, we’ll visit unique Ak Sai canyons, where we’ll do hiking to the panoramic view of the entire canyons, mountains, and the lake.

Then, we’ll reach the village of Bokonbaevo in the late afternoon and settle into the next yurt camp, where we’ll meet a local eagle hunter who will demonstrate the traditional art of eagle hunting and explain its significance.

Dinner and overnight stay will be in the yurt camp.

Total Drive: 240 km / 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

Today, we’re heading to Karakol town. First, our adventure begins at Barskoon gorge, where we’ll hike to the waterfalls, taking in the beautiful scenery.

Following that, we’ll venture to the mesmerizing Skazka canyon, renowned for its stunning natural beauty in Kyrgyzstan. Lunch.

Then, we’ll continue our journey to Jeti Oguz, where we’ll walk along the red rocks, hike up to a panoramic view of the stunning Seven Bulls Rocks.

We’ll stay at a hotel for accommodation and have dinner at nearby cafes.

Total Drive: 170 km / 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll set off on an off-road adventure and hike to the Altyn-Arashan mountain valley. Our journey will begin from Ak-Suu village, where we’ll trek 16 kilometers to reach Altyn-Arashan. Once we arrive, we’ll relax in the hot springs and enjoy a delicious lunch.

The resting place is surrounded by stunning mountains, a flowing river, and lush forests, creating a picturesque setting. Later in the afternoon, we’ll be picked up directly from Altyn-Arashan Gorge by an off-road vehicle, taking us back to Karakol. We’ll stay overnight in a hotel and have dinner at local cafes.

Total Drive: 2 hours
Total Hiking: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll start our journey back to Bishkek.

On the way, we’ll visit the Open-Air Petroglyph Museum in Cholpon-Ata, home to ancient rock carvings dating from the 8th century BC to the 2nd century AD. From there, we’ll enjoy a stunning view of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Next, we’ll drive to Kok-Moinok Canyon, where we’ll hike to a breathtaking viewpoint showcasing its unique rock formations.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Bishkek for a farewell dinner, hoping to see you again in the future!

Total Drive: 440 km / 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast