4 Day Adventure around Issyk Kul lake

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Bishkek - Burana Tower - Chon Kemin - Kok Moinok - Cholpon Ata⌄

   In the morning, we’re heading towards the legendary Issyk Kul lake (230km). Visiting the 11th century Burana Tower on the way (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We’re gonna spend about 30 minutes here.

   Next visit is to the picturesque Chon Kemin valley where we’ll have a fascinating horseback ride up the mountains to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint (2 hours both ways). Lunch time in a beautiful panoramic restaurant.

   Moving on and visiting the otherworldly Kok Moinok canyon for a great light walk (1 hour both ways).

   Resuming the road and arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the Issyk Kul’s northern coast). Check-in to a hotel. Free time for rest and dinner in a restaurant.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Olimp Hotel; or similar

2. 2Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov gorge - Karakol⌄

   In the morning, we're visiting an open air spiritual center Rukh Ordo (world cultures and Kyrgyz heritage).

   Next, we’re gonna have a magnificent ship ride on the second largest alpine lake in the world - Issyk Kul (1 hour). 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.

   Afterwards, we’re starting to move along the north coast towards Karakol town. On the way, we’re visiting the two amazing gorges - Grigoriev and Semyonov - for exploring their wonderful landscapes: scenic hike to a hidden green lake (2,5 hours both ways; may be unavailable in winter). Lunch.

   Resuming the road and arrival in Karakol (central town between the north and south coasts). Check-in to a hotel (78; Green Yard; or similar): a bit of rest time. Next, we’re driving shortly to the nearby village Ak Suu to have a blissful relax time at hot springs (pools with natural hot water near the forest). Return to Karakol and dinner in a restaurant.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: 78 hotel; or similar

3. 3Karakol - Ski base - Jeti Oguz - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp⌄

   Today we’re exploring the beauties around Karakol and transitioning onto the south coast of Issyk Kul lake to continue discovering its wonders. In the morning, we’re heading to the best and biggest Ski Resort of Kyrgyzstan (note: may be unavailable in some months). The chair lift will take us to the height of 3040m above sea level. Here we’re gonna be contemplating some incredible views of the whole lake, glaciers and snowy mountains on the background.

   Return to Karakol and a short city excursion: Dungan Mosque 1910; Orthodox Church 1895; local handmade souvenir shop (if you're interested). Next, we’re driving shortly to visit the picturesque Jeti Oguz gorge (“Seven Bulls” rocks). Resuming the road and lunch in a restaurant.

   Visiting the famous Skazka canyon (Fairy Tale) for an easy but stunning hike.

   Next, we’re heading to the final point of today - Bel Tam yurt camp, that’s located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake, with mountains all around. Free time outside (walking, swimming, bonfire). Dinner and overnight in yurts.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Bel Tam yurt camp

4. 4Bel Tam - Ak Sai canyons - Bishkek⌄

   In the morning, after spending some more time at the yurt camp, we’re resuming the road. Visiting the nearby Ak Sai village to witness a breathtaking Eagle hunting process and archery (everyone will participate in this activity). Next, we’re driving deeper into the charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers to observe some great views: light walk to its panoramic viewpoint (1,5 hours both ways). Picnic on the wild beach: eating, swimming, sunbathing.

   Now it’s time to be returning back to Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the city you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included) Thank you so much for sharing this magnificent journey with us! We hope to see you again! End of the tour.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch