MultiDayTourFinder

Issyk Kul Two Day Tour with Yurt Stay

5.0(2)2 daysBishkek✓ Free cancellation
1 / 12
From $260
Check availability

Length

2 days

Itinerary

2 days planned

Group

Max 12

Guides

Russian, English

Overview

This is the only 2-day Issyk-Kul tour where everything is truly included - all four meals, yurt accommodation, entrance fees, and hotel transfers - so there are no hidden costs along the way. You'll experience the real nomadic Kyrgyzstan, not just see it: watch an eagle hunting demonstration by a local berkutchi, try traditional archery, and fall asleep in an authentic felt yurt right on the shore of the world's second-largest alpine lake. The route covers the most spectacular natural sights of the south shore - the colorful Ak-Sai canyons, the fairy-tale rock formations of Skazka Canyon, and the "Tears of the Snow Leopard" waterfall in Barskoon Gorge - with short, easy hikes suitable for most fitness levels. Small groups, home-cooked Kyrgyz meals, and a guide who shares the history and culture of the region make this an immersive introduction to Kyrgyzstan in just two days.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1Boom Gorge, Ak-Sai Canyons & Eagle Show in Bokonbaev⌄

    Scenic drive through the dramatic Boom Gorge along the Chu River, with mountain views and a short rest stop for coffee and snacks on the way to Issyk-Kul

    Stop for a traditional Kyrgyz lunch at a local restaurant - your first taste of authentic local cuisine. Lunch is included.

    Short, easy hike to a hilltop viewpoint with sweeping views over the colorful Ak-Sai canyons on one side and the blue expanse of Issyk-Kul Lake on the other - a perfect photo spot.

    Free time in the lakeside: swim in Issyk-Kul Lake or stroll along the shoreline, depending on the season. Then meet a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) for an eagle hunting demonstration - learn about the ancient bond between hunter and bird, take photos with the eagle, and try traditional archery. The day ends with a homemade dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional felt yurt by the lake.

    Meals: Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: An overnight stay in a traditional felt yurt by the lake.

  2. 2Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall & Return to Bishkek⌄

    Guided walk through the famous Fairy Tale Canyon, where wind and water have sculpted red and orange sandstone into shapes resembling castles, animals, and dragons - one of the most photogenic places in Kyrgyzstan.

    Short hike through alpine forest to the waterfall, surrounded by mountain scenery and a crystal-clear river. In winter, the waterfall freezes into a spectacular wall of ice. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch served in a yurt or a local café, depending on the season (included).

    Final photo stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the turquoise Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, framed by mountains, before the drive back to Bishkek (hotel drop-off at approximately 21:00–22:00).

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

What's included

  • ✓D1: lunch, dinner at yurt camp. D2: breakfast, lunch. Tea & water with all...
  • ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bishkek
  • ✓Lunch
  • ✓Eagle hunting demonstration and archery
  • ✓Dinner
  • ✓English-speaking guide
  • ✓Breakfast
  • ✓Entrance fees to Skazka Canyon, Ak-Sai Canyon and Barskoon Waterfall
  • ✓Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • ✓1 night in a traditional yurt camp (shared yurt, bedding provided)

Not included

  • ✕Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • ✕Travel insurance

Good to know

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

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wear comfortable closed walking shoes; the walks in Skazka Canyon and Barskoon Gorge (about 1–1.5 km each, up to 100–150 m elevation gain, 40–60 minutes) are on uneven rocky ground.
  • Before departure check the weather forecast for Bokonbaevo, not Bishkek: the south shore of Issyk-Kul is cooler and windier, and evenings at the yurt camp are cold even in summer. Bring a warm jacket, layers and a rain jacket.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat and 1–2 liters of drinking water per person for the walks.
  • Seatbelts are provided in the vehicle and must be worn at all times.
  • Minimum age 7; children must be accompanied by an adult. Senior travelers are welcome if comfortable with 1–1.5 hours of easy walking per day.
  • Eagle demonstration: the eagle is handled only by an experienced local berkutchi (traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter) who owns and trains the bird. Guests may take a photo with the eagle on a protective glove provided by the berkutchi, who places the bird himself and stays beside the guest at all times; no feeding or unsupervised handling, children only together with a parent. Eagle hunting is a recognised part of Kyrgyz nomadic heritage and the demonstration is conducted in line with local regulations with the welfare of the bird as a priority.

Traveller reviews

5.0(2)

Loading reviews...

Read more reviews on Viator →

From

$260

Check availability