- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
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His majesty Issyk Kul. A short but stunning 3 day version of the longer 5 day tour around the second largest alpine lake in the world. A perfect choice for those who want to see the best of our beautiful country but don’t have much time or are not accustomed to long trips. Take the best of Kyrgyzstan in the shortest period of time!
Tour details
Start time: 8 AM or coordinated
Availability: all year round
Duration: 3 days / 2 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 “3 day group tour”
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) – 1315 USD (see what’s included in “Trip Includes” section)
2 people – 780 USD p/person
3 people and up – 585 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; 5 day tour; 4 day tour; 2 day tour; 1 day tour
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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 Tower - Kok Moinok canyon - Cholpon Ata
On the way, stop at the famous 11th century Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 30 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. On the way, we're visiting the picturesque Kok Moinok canyon for a light but awesome hike (1 hour both ways). Lunch in a restaurant.
Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s north coast), 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 120 meters. 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. Check-in to a hotel (Olimp; or similar). Dinner in a restaurant and personal free time.
2 day
Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev Gorge - Semyonov gorge - Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley
In the morning, we’re starting to move towards the south coast of the lake. On the way, we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes: hike to a hidden alpine lake Suttuu Bulak (2,5 hours both ways). Lunch in a village cafe.
Arrival in Karakol town that is located on the line between the north and south coasts. Short city excursion: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895).
Resuming our way along the south coast towards the famous 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 the forests and up the mountains to the lovely "Maiden Braids" waterfall. Check-in to a yurt camp and free time for walking on meadows. Dinner. Bonfire time outside and stargazing. Overnight in yurts (traditional Kyrgyz dwelling).
3 day
Jeti Oguz - Skazka canyon - Ak Sai village - Bishkek
Today is the last day of our lovely journey and it offers you several more exciting activities to experience!
In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll spend some more time for enjoying the Jeti Oguz red rocks (panoramic viewpoint).
Resuming our way along the south coast and visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for a charming hike (1 hour).
Moving on and visiting Ak Sai village where we are going to witness a spectacular Eagle Hunting process (an eagle hunting for its prey [artificial]). The Berkutchi (eagle’s owner) will tell you more precisely about this traditional way of hunting and after that you’ll participate in the archery part yourself. Next, we're doing a delicious picnic on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake: eating, swimming and sunbathing. Short hike up to the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers (1 hour both ways).
Now it's time to be heading back to Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the capital city you'll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). This is the end of our intense but awesome tour, thank you very much!
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
English-speaking guide
Accommodation for 2 nights – Hotel or guest house, yurt (private)
Meals: full board (B, L, D)
All activities according to the itinerary
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Flight tickets
Accommodation on the 3th night
Travel and health insurance
Other personal expenses
