Winter Active Tour around Issyk-Kul – 6 Days of Adventure

Winter Active Tour around Issyk Kul

Private Tour

Price

On request

Availability

December-mid March

Duration

6 days

Tour type

Winter Tours

Overview

Experience the best winter adventures around Issyk-Kul on this 6-day active tour. Travel from Bishkek to Bokonbaevo and Karakol, explore deep canyons, climb snowy peaks, kayak on the clear waters of Issyk-Kul, and relax in natural hot springs. You’ll hike through red canyons, enjoy mountain views, learn about Dungan culture, and visit the forgotten Soviet town of Enilchek. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of nature, adventure, winter landscapes, and local traditions.

Highlights

Hike through Konorchek and Ak-Sai canyons
Visit Orto-Tokoy reservoir and enjoy sunset at Issyk-Kul
Climb Tashtar Ata Peak (3900 m) for panoramic views
Go kayaking in Mikhailovsky Bay
Enjoy Dungan culture and traditional dinner
Explore Enilchek village and relax in hot springs
Ski or horse ride at Karakol Ski Base
Stay in cozy guesthouses and mountain hotels

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

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

Excluded

Breakfast on Day 1
Ski equipment rental
Personal expenses
Insurance
Alcohol

Gallery

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

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

Get in Touch

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Winter Active Tour around Issyk-Kul – 6 Days of Adventure