10-Day Colors of Kyrgyzstan Tour – Son Kul, Issyk Kul, Karakol & Canyons

When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver who will take you to Bishkek city, where you’ll check into a hotel at 2 pm(Early check-in can be included by request).

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 Bishkek city tour.

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

Total Drive: 2.5 hours
Meals: none;
Accommodation: My hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll head out to visit the Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun built by the Karakhanids. Alongside the tower, you’ll see grave markers, ancient earthworks, and remnants of a castle and mausoleums. You will explore a small museum and view Balbals, ancient stone markers.

Next, we’ll journey to the Chon Kemin valley for lunch at a guesthouse with local family. Then, we’ll go horseback riding to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Dinner and stay overnight in a guesthouse with a local family.

Total Drive: 175 km / 2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house

Today, we’re heading to Son Kul Lake, an alpine lake located at 3016 meters above sea level, making it the largest freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan. It’s surrounded by vast summer pastures and mountains, offering a glimpse into the traditional nomadic way of life.

At Son Kul Lake, men spend their days riding horses and looking after cattle brought from nearby villages, while women manage household tasks like cleaning, cooking, baking bread, and making dairy products from cow and horse milk. You’ll see many horses freely grazing and breeding in this natural setting.

At Son Kul Lake, you can enjoy the breathtaking views and take part in activities such as horseback riding and hiking. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the yurt camp.

Total Drive: 230 km / 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

In the morning, we’ll head to Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake globally. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ak Sai canyon on the lake’s southern shore, where you can explore and watch golden eagle hunters show their hunting skills with eagles.

Afterward, we’ll hike up to the Ak Sai canyon viewpoint, offering stunning views of the lake, mountains, and the canyon itself. The scenery is truly amazing, and you’ll enjoy every moment of it.

Finally, we’ll arrive at Bokonbaevo village in the late afternoon and settle into the next yurt camp by the Issyk Kul lake shore. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the yurt camp(or optionally guest house).

Total Drive: 270 km / 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp or guest house

Today, we’re leaving Bokonbaevo to explore the natural beauty of the south shore of Issyk Kul lake. Our first stop is the captivating Skazka(Fairytale) Canyon, known for its breathtaking scenery in Kyrgyzstan. After admiring the canyon and taking numerous photos, we’ll journey to Barskoon valley.

In Barskoon valley, we’ll hike to the waterfalls for about an hour, enjoying the picturesque surroundings and capturing memorable moments with our cameras.

From there, we’ll continue our drive to Kok Jaiyk valley.

There, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in the yurt camp.

Total Drive: 180 km / 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

Today, we’ll embark on a 2-hour hike to reach a beautiful waterfall in Kok Jaiyk valley.

After lunch at a yurt camp, our adventure takes us to Jeti Oguz Rocks, where we’ll explore the striking red rocks, hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the impressive Seven Bulls Rocks, and snap some memorable photos.

Later, we’ll drive to Karakol town for city tour, dinner and an overnight stay.

Total Drive: 80 km / 1.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

Today, we’re going to explore the Karakol gorge. We’ll start with a hiking or horseback riding(optional) trip for the day, enjoying the beautiful views.

For lunch, we’ll have a nice meal in nature surrounded by forests, rivers, and big mountains.

After, we’ll relax at the Ak-Suu Hot Springs. It’s a great way to unwind and ease your muscles after a day of outdoor activities, soaking in the warm water with the mountain scenery around you.

Later, we’ll drive back to Karakol, have dinner, and spend the night.

Total Drive: 50 km / 1.5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll start our day with an off-road trip and hike to the Altyn-Arashan mountain valley.

From Karakol, an off-road vehicle will take us to Altyn Arashan. When we get there, we’ll relax in the hot springs and have a tasty lunch.

The area is beautiful, with big mountains, a river, and green forests all around.

After lunch, we’ll hike back to Karakol. The trek is about 16 km and takes 4-5 hours. We’ll spend the night in a hotel and eat dinner at local cafes.

Total Drive: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Bishkek, stopping at the stunning Semenovka and Grigorievka gorges. These scenic spots offer breathtaking views, and we’ll enjoy lunch in a cozy yurt camp surrounded by nature.

Upon arrival in Bishkek, we’ll have dinner at a traditional restaurant before settling in for the night at a hotel.

Total Drive: 330 km / 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: My hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport. It’s time to say goodbye, and we hope to see you again soon!

Total Drive: 40 km / 1 hour
Meal: Breakfast