Winter Active Tour around Issyk Kul

Private tour

Price

On request

Availability

December-mid March

Duration

6 days

Difficulty

Easy

Tour type

Winter

Overview

Join us on a 6-day trip exploring Kyrgyzstan from Bishkek to Bokonbaevo and Karakol. See amazing canyons, climb mountains, kayak on Lake Issyk-Kul, and learn about local cultures. With walks, climbs, and kayaking, it’s a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and culture.

Highlights

Exploring Konorchek and Ak-Sai canyons
Visiting Orto-Tokoy reservoir
Watching sunset at Lake Issyk-Kul
Climbing Tashtar Ata Peak for stunning views
Kayaking in Mikhailovsky Bay
Learning about Dungan culture over dinner
Adventuring to the Enilchek hot springs
Skiing or horse riding at Karakol ski base

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek to Bokonbaevo, about 350 km

We meet at Bublik coffee shop for breakfast and a chat at 8:00. After breakfast (you pay for your own), our adventure starts. We drive for 2 hours to Konorchek canyons in the Boom Gorge. It’s a great place for photos and a walk (40 minutes one way). We eat lunch at Food Zone cafe, visit Orto-Tokoy reservoir, and at sunset, we see Ak-Sai canyons. We end the day at Issyk-Kul lake and go to a guest house in Bokonbaevo for dinner.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 2-3 people in a room

Day 2: Bokonbaevo to Tashtar Ata Peak and back, 60 km

Morning transfer to Boz-Salkyn gorge, then climb Tashtar Ata mountain, 3900 m high, with beautiful views all around. The climb up is +600 m, down into another gorge is -1200 meters. We eat dinner and stay overnight in Bokonbaevo.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (lunch boxes), Dinner
Accommodation: 2-3 people in a room

Day 3: Bokonbaevo to Karakol via Kayaking, about 200 km

Early transfer to Issyk-Kul for kayaking with Sergey’s team. After kayaking, we move to Karakol, stay at Green Yard hotel, and have dinner with a Dungan family, learning about their culture.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (lunch boxes), Dinner
Accommodation: 2 people in a room

Day 4: Karakol to Enilchek and back, 300km

We visit hot springs near Enilchek village, seeing the remnants of a Soviet-era mining town. The highest point we reach is Chon-Ashuu pass at 3800 meters. Dinner and overnight stay at Green Yard Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (lunch boxes), Dinner
Accommodation: 2 people in a room

Day 5: Ski or Horse Riding at Karakol, 70 km

We spend the day at Karakol ski base. Ski rentals not included. You can choose to ski or ride horses. Evening soak in Ak-Suu Kench hot springs. Dinner at Green Yard Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: 2 people in a room

Day 6: Karakol to Bishkek, 400km

Quick tour of Karakol’s main sights, then drive to Bishkek. We stop in Bulan-Sogotuu to admire Issyk-Kul lake and have lunch in Cholpon-Ata. We drop everyone off at their homes in Bishkek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included

Prices

To get prices for this tour, please Request the Tour or Get in Touch with Us.

Included / Excluded

Transportation for the whole tour
Meals as mentioned
Accommodation in guest houses and hotels
Guided tours and entry fees for all sites
Border permits

Breakfast on Day 1
Ski equipment rental
Personal expenses
Insurance
Alcohol

Map

Gallery

Additional info

Clothes & Equipment

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.

Recommended:

Rain-coat
Waterproof pants
Sweater/fleece
Wind-stopper
Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
Power bank (to charge devices)
Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
Good, waterproof trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhoea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
A small towel
Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)
Sunglasses
A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
Flash light (torch)
Walking poles if needed

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