The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake, all year round

The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake, all year round

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About This Experience in Bishkek

IIssyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world. And this incredible 5 day journey has been designed to become one of the best trips of your lifetime! 11 destinations and numerous experiences. Not being the longest one this tour implies all authentic activities that you would experience only in Kyrgyzstan. Five beautiful and intense days around the charming and boundless lake will get you through its both sides: from modern resorts on the north coast, to wild and pristine nature on the south. You will be trying the national cuisine, riding a horse up to waterfalls, sailing the endless lake on a ship, sleeping in a yurt, seeing wild animals, visiting museums with parks, roaming canyons with gorges and so much more! Spend your unforgettable vacation this stunning way embarking on the tour that is a pure treasure!

Why Visit Bishkek?

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Bishkek provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Bishkek

You can reach Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers

Pickup Time: 10 minutes before departure

Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.

Itinerary

Bishkek - Burana Tower - Chon Kemin valley - Konorchek canyon - Cholpon Ata town

In the morning you’ll be picked up from... 30 minutes

In the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).

On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower 30 minutes

On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here: climb on top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Resuming our way to Issyk Kul.

Second stop on the way is a mountainous valley of Chon Kemin 3 hours

Second stop on the way is a mountainous valley of Chon Kemin. Here we’re going to have a fascinating horseback ride through the picturesque fields, forests and a serpentine mountain pass up to a panorama. Lunch in the loveliest restaurant with a 360 view. Moving on further to Issyk Kul.

On the way, we’re visiting the fabulous Konorchek... 2 hours

On the way, we’re visiting the fabulous Konorchek canyon for a light but awesome hike.

Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of... 12 hours

Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s northern coast) we're checking-in to a hotel. Free time for relaxing. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight (Olimp hotel or similar)

Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov Gorge - Karakol town

In the morning we’re visiting a spiritual center... 1 hour

In the morning we’re visiting a spiritual center called Rukh Ordo that gives you a good idea of the Kyrgyz heritage. After that we’re heading to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on the lake. After roaming 4km away the ship will stop at the depth of 120m. In the hot season (May-September) you may dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In the other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the ship enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around. After the ship ride we’re moving towards Karakol town that is located on the line between the north and south coasts.

On the way, we’re visiting the 2 stunning... 3 hours

On the way, we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes. Lunch after the hike. Moving on.

Arrival in Karakol 12 hours

Arrival in Karakol. Check in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Now we’re driving to the neighboring village Ak Suu to have a relaxing swim in the hot spring pools near a forest. This will be a great touch after such an active day. Return to Karakol. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight (Green Yard hotel or similar)

Karakol - Ski Base - Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley

Today we’re exploring the beauties around Karakol 5 hours

Today we’re exploring the beauties around Karakol. Short city tour in the morning: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895). Now we’re heading out of Karakol to the famous and best Ski Resort in the country (7km). In winter you would have a beautiful skiing experience here but in summer you will enjoy no less stunning views of the whole region. Luscious green meadows, vast conifer forests, snow capped mountain peaks, glaciers and the entire lake in the background - it’s all about this Ski resort. The chair lift will take us up to the height of 3040 meters and back down. Return to Karakol. Lunch. Now we’re leaving this small, nice town and heading towards the southern coast.

Today’s final point is the gorgeous Jeti Oguz... 12 hours

Today’s final point is the gorgeous Jeti Oguz valley which will disclose to you its legends. Driving deeper into the valley of flowers we’ll arrive at “Jailoo” (green summer pasture) where yurt camps are located. Now it’s time for a magnificent horseback voyage through forests and up the mountains to the lovely Maiden Braids waterfall. Free time for a walk on pastures. Dinner. Bonfire time outside and stargazing. Overnight in yurts (traditional Kyrgyz dwelling).

Jeti Oguz - Barskoon valley - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp

In the morning after breakfast we’re resuming our way along the south coast 2 hours

In the morning after breakfast we’re resuming our way along the south coast. Visiting the Jeti Oguz panorama. Moving on.

Visiting the lovely Barskoon valley to do some... 1 hour

Visiting the lovely Barskoon valley to do some hiking and explore its 3 waterfalls. Lunch. Moving on.

Visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for... 1 hour

Visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming hike. Resuming the road.

Arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp that's located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake 12 hours

Arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp that's located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. This yurt camp has all the necessary facilities like: showers, toilets, water sinks, laundry and a bar. Sleeping in a cozy and warm yurt with a murmur of the immense lake’s waves will be one of the loveliest highlights of your trip. Free time for chilling. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Bonfire time outside. Overnight in yurts.

Bel Tam - Ak Sai village - Bishkek

Today is the last day of our incredible... 4 hours

Today is the last day of our incredible journey but it doesn’t mean that adventures are over. We have still got a couple of exciting activities to experience. In the morning after breakfast at the yurt camp we’ll have some time for relaxing. Explore the beach, evaluate the lake’s scale and chill around. Now we’re getting on the main road of the south coast and moving towards Ak Sai village where we’re going to witness a spectacular Eagle hunting process. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in the archery part. Don’t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal's carcass as a prey. After this experience we’re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore its hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. Otherworldly views are insured! Now we’re driving down from the canyon and moving to the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake. Swimming and sunbathing.

Now it's time to leave this fairy region and move towards Bishkek (230km) 12 hours

Now it's time to leave this fairy region and move towards Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the capital city you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). End of the tour. Thank you very much!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How do I book this tour?

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Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

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