3-Day Winter Tour Around Issyk-Kul Lake

Morning pick-up from Bishkek. We’ll start the journey with a visit to Burana Tower, an ancient minaret from the 11th century. Explore the small museum and see balbals, old stone warrior statues.
Lunch on the way — try Kattama, a traditional Kyrgyz layered bread served warm with sour cream.

Then continue to the Ak Sai Canyons on the southern shore of Issyk Kul. A short walk to the viewpoint offers stunning views of the red cliffs, the lake, and the distant mountains.

By evening, we’ll arrive at Bokonbaevo village, where dinner and overnight stay await in a cozy guesthouse by the lake.

Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Bokonbaevo village

After breakfast, meet a local eagle hunter for a demonstration of this ancient Kyrgyz tradition.

Next, visit Skazka Canyon, famous for its colorful, fairytale-like rock shapes, and then continue to Barskoon Gorge for a short walk to a frozen waterfall.

We’ll also stop at Jeti Oguz Rocks, a striking red sandstone formation known as “Seven Bulls,” before heading to Karakol town for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse or small hotel in Karakol (optional 3* upgrade)

After breakfast, we’ll drive along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake to Cholpon Ata, where you can relax in the warm natural hot springs surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Next, we’ll visit the Open-Air Petroglyph Museum, an archaeological site filled with ancient rock carvings and stone circles beneath the open sky.
Alternatively, we can visit Kok Moinok Canyon, a scenic valley with colorful sandstone formations shaped by wind and water — a perfect spot for a short hike and photographs.

Lunch will be on the way. By evening, we’ll arrive in Bishkek, where you’ll be dropped off at your preferred location.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: None