Welcome to
Bishkek
The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake, all year round
- Duration120 hours
- Max Travelers15 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- Category4WD Tours, Adventure Tours
Overview
Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world. And this incredible 5 day private 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 action-packed days around the charming and boundless lake will get you through its both sides: from modern resorts on the north coast, to the wild and pristine nature on the south. You will be trying the national cuisine, riding horses, 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 in this stunning way, having embarked on the tour that is a pure treasure!
Gallery
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
All activities according to the program
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Lunch
Dinner
English-speaking guide
Breakfast
What's Not included
Accommodation on the 5th night
Travel and health insurance
Other personal expenses
Itinerary
In the morning, youu2019ll be picked up from your hotel and weu2019ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. Weu2019ll spend about 40 minutes here: climb onto the 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. Here, weu2019re going to have a fascinating horseback ride through the picturesque fields, forest and uphill to a panoramic spot overlooking the whole valley. Lunch in the loveliest restaurant with a 360 view.
Moving further on, to Issyk Kul. On the way, weu2019re visiting the fabulous Konorchek canyon for a light but awesome hike.
Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lakeu2019s north coast) we're checking in to a hotel. Free time for relaxing and dinner at a restaurant. Overnight.
In the morning, weu2019re visiting an open air spiritual center called Rukh Ordo.
Next, weu2019re heading to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on the second largest alpine lake in the world. 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 other seasons, you will have no less a beautiful time on the ship, enjoying the lakeu2019s splendor and mountains all around. Lunch in a restaurant.
Next, weu2019re moving towards Karakol town that is located on the line between the north and south coasts. On the way, weu2019re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes.
Arrival in Karakol. Check-in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Next, weu2019re driving shortly, to the neighboring village Ak Suu to have a relaxing swim in hot spring pools near a forest - this will be a great touch after such an active day! Return to Karakol and dinner at a restaurant. Overnight.
Today, weu2019re exploring the beauties around Karakol. Short city excursion in the morning: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895), local handmade souvenir shop (if you're interested).nnNext, weu2019re 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 coniferous forests, snow capped mountain peaks, glaciers and the entire lake in the background - itu2019s all about this Ski resort. The chair lift will take us up to the height of 3040 meters and back down. Return to Karakol and lunch.
Next, weu2019re leaving this nice small town and heading towards the southern coast. Todayu2019s final point is the gorgeous Jeti Oguz valley (Seven Bulls). Driving deeper into the valley of flowers weu2019ll arrive at u201cJailoou201d (green summer pasture) where yurt camps are located. Now, itu2019s 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).
In the morning, after breakfast, weu2019re resuming our way along the south coast of Issyk Kul. Visiting the Jeti Oguz panorama for taking some nice photos.
Moving on and visiting the atmospheric Barskoon valley to do some hiking and explore its 3 waterfalls. Lunch.
Next, we're visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming walk.
Resuming the road and arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp that's located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. This yurt camp has all necessary facilities like: showers, toilets, water sinks, laundry and a bar. Sleeping in a cozy and warm yurt with a murmur of the immense lakeu2019s waves will be one of the loveliest highlights of your trip! Free time for chilling. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Overnight in yurts.
Today is the last day of our incredible journey but it doesnu2019t mean that the adventure is over!nIn the morning, after breakfast at the yurt camp, weu2019ll have some time for relaxing. Explore the beach, evaluate the lakeu2019s scale and chill around. Next, weu2019re getting on the main road of the south coast and moving towards Ak Sai village, where weu2019re 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. Donu2019t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal's carcass as a prey. After this experience, weu2019re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore its hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers: otherworldly views are insured! Next, weu2019re driving down from the canyon and moving towards the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake: eating, swimming and sunbathing.
Now it's time to leave this fairy region and move towards Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the capital city, youu2019ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). End of the tour. Thank you very much!
Good to know
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.