Kyrgyzstan Winter Wonderland: 3-Day Tour from Bishkek

Private tour
Price
from $250
Availability
November – March
Duration
3 days
Tour type

Overview

A 3-day winter tour from Bishkek combining Kyrgyz nature, culture, and mountain scenery. Visit Ala Archa National Park, the ancient Burana Tower, and peaceful Chon Kemin valley. Ride horses through snowy fields, explore the red canyons of Kok Moinok and Skazka, and enjoy views over frozen Issyk Kul Lake. Stay in cozy guesthouses or yurts and experience genuine Kyrgyz warmth.

Highlights

  • Snowy trails in Ala Archa National Park
  • History and Silk Road ruins at Burana Tower
  • Horse riding in scenic Chon Kemin valley
  • Colorful canyons – Kok Moinok, Skazka, and Ak Sai
  • Panoramic views of Issyk Kul Lake in winter
  • Local hospitality in guesthouses or yurts

Itinerary

Day 1. Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park – Burana Tower – Chon Kemin valley

Morning pick-up from your hotel in Bishkek. Our winter journey begins with a visit to Ala Archa National Park, a beautiful alpine gorge just outside the city. The park is peaceful this time of year, with snow-covered pine trees, frozen streams, and crisp mountain air. You can take a short walk to enjoy the views and the quiet atmosphere.

Next, we’ll continue to the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret from the 11th century, once part of the Silk Road city of Balasagun. Explore the small museum and see balbals, ancient stone figures scattered across the field.

Lunch will be on the way before we reach Chon Kemin valley, surrounded by snowy mountains and pine forests. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a cozy guesthouse, or optionally in a traditional yurt at Ala Kush Ethno Complex (subject to availability).

Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Yurt at Ala Kush Ethno Complex (optional upgrade)

Day 2. Chon Kemin – Kok Moinok canyon – Bokonbaevo village

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a horse ride for 2–3 hours through the quiet winter landscape of Chon Kemin valley. The snow adds a special charm to the scenery — white meadows, frozen rivers, and the soft sound of horses moving through the frost.

After lunch at the guesthouse, we’ll drive toward the Kok Moinok canyon, known for its vivid red and golden rock formations. A short winter walk leads to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon and Issyk Kul in the distance.

By evening, we’ll arrive at Bokonbaevo village, located on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in a family-run guesthouse.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Bokonbaevo village

Day 3. Bokonbaevo – Skazka Canyon – Ak Sai canyon – Bishkek

After breakfast, we’ll drive along the shore of Issyk Kul Lake, stopping briefly to admire the still waters framed by snowy peaks.

Our next stop is Skazka Canyon, or “Fairy Tale Canyon,” where red and orange sandstone cliffs form otherworldly shapes. Even in winter, the contrast between the snow and the bright canyon colors is striking.

We’ll continue to Ak Sai Canyon, offering a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains. After enjoying the scenery, we’ll return to Bishkek in the evening, with drop-off at your preferred location in the city.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: None

Prices

250 USD 10 people
270 USD 8 people
320 USD 6 people
405 USD 4 people
605 USD 2 people
1095 USD 1 person

Price per person

Included

  • Accommodation – as per program (2 nights; double/twin rooms)
  • Meals – as per program (Breakfasts – 2, Lunches – 1, Dinners – 2)
  • Private transport services (during all the tour)
  • English speaking guide (during all the tour)
  • Horse riding in Chon Kemin(1-4 hours)
  • Horse instructor
  • All entrance fees

Excluded

  • Personal expenses
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for driver and guide(optional)

Map

Additional info

Clothes & Equipment

You can bring everything you need, but remember that winter in Kyrgyzstan can get as cold as -20°C. Be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Recommended:

  • Warm gloves
  • Insulated boots
  • Thick coat and warm trousers
  • Thermal underwear
  • Multiple layers of clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimwear (for hot springs or heated pools)
  • Small towel
Private tour

Tour Booking

250 USD 10 people
270 USD 8 people
320 USD 6 people
405 USD 4 people
605 USD 2 people
1095 USD 1 person

Price per person

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Kyrgyzstan Winter Wonderland: 3-Day Tour from Bishkek

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