- Overview
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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!
(Explore our 4 day and 3 day versions of the same tour as well)
Tour details
Start time: 8 AM or coordinated
Availability: all year round
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Level of difficulty: easy – moderate
This is a private tour – only your group will participate
Group departures are also available: see the all-year-round schedule here “5 day group tour to Issyk Kul”
What we suggest to have with you: Summer clothes, warm clothes, baseball cap/panama, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, umbrella, camera
Prices: all inclusive package
1 person (solo private tour) – 2300 USD (see what’s included in “Trip Includes” section)
2 people – 1300 USD p/person
3 people and up – 990 USD p/person
for larger groups please make an inquiry
Limited availability. Book today on our website!
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Explore other tours of Issyk Kul lake: 6 day Ala Kol + Issyk Kul tour; 4 day tour; 3 day tour; 2 day tour; 1 day tour
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We’ll see you on tour!
2026, 2027, 2028
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
Itinerary
1 day
Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin - Konorchek canyon - Cholpon Ata
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 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, we’re 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, we’re visiting the fabulous Konorchek canyon for a light but awesome hike. Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s north coast) we're checking in to a hotel (Olimp; or similar). Free time for relaxing and dinner at a restaurant. Overnight.
2 day
Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov Gorge - Karakol
In the morning, we’re visiting an open air spiritual center called Rukh Ordo. Next, we’re 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 lake’s splendor and mountains all around. Lunch in a restaurant.
Next, 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 Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes.
Arrival in Karakol. Check-in to a hotel (78; Green Yard; or similar). Free time for rest. Next, we’re 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.
3 day
Karakol - Ski Base - Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley
Today, we’re 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).
Next, 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 coniferous 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 and lunch.
Next, we’re leaving this nice small town and heading towards the southern coast. Today’s final point is the gorgeous Jeti Oguz valley (Seven Bulls). 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).
4 day
Jeti Oguz - Barskoon - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp
In the morning, after breakfast, we’re 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 lake’s waves will be one of the loveliest highlights of your trip! Free time for chilling. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Overnight in yurts.
5 day
Bel Tam - Ak Sai village - Bishkek
Today is the last day of our incredible journey but it doesn’t mean that the adventure is over!
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. Next, 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! Next, we’re 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, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). End of the tour. Thank you very much!
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
English-speaking guide
Accommodation for 4 nights – hotels, yurts (private)
Meals: full board (B, L, D)
All activities according to the program
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Flight tickets
Accommodation on the 5th night
Travel and health insurance
Other personal expenses
