5-day Ultimate Issyk-kul & Son-kul 4x4 Expedition
About this tour
Experience the true spirit of Kyrgyzstan on a 5-day 4x4 expedition through mountain lakes and high alpine pastures. Your journey spans from ancient Silk Road landmarks to the fiery red clay formations of Konorchek and Skazka Canyons. You will take a cable car up 3,040 meters into the Tian Shan peaks, ride horses to hidden waterfalls in Jety-Oguz, and unwind in natural thermal hot springs. The highlight awaits at 3,000 meters above sea level at Lake Son-Kul. Here, you will step into authentic nomadic life, stay in cozy yurt camps, ride horses across endless mountain meadows, and watch golden sunsets over quiet waters. Traveling in a prepped 4WD Delica, this is a real overland freedom
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Бишкек, Кыргызстан to Каракол, Кыргызстан
Day 1: Bishkek to Karakol (North Shore) - Burana Tower & Konorchek Canyons: Depart from Bishkek, visit the ancient Silk Road minaret of Burana, and hike among the red rock formations of Konorchek Canyon. - Cholpon-Ata & Alpine Lake Hike: Lunch in Cholpon-Ata, optional petroglyph museum visit, followed by a scenic drive through Grigorievskoye and Semyonovskoye Gorges to trek to a mountain lake. - Hot Springs & Karakol: Unwind in natural thermal hot springs in the evening before checking into your hotel in Karakol.
Day 2: Каракол, Кыргызстан to Каджи-Сай, Кыргызстан
Day 2: Karakol to Kadzhi-Say (South Shore) - Panoramic Mountain Views: Ride a cable car up to 3,040 meters for breathtaking views of the Tian Shan mountain range. - Jety-Oguz & Barskoon Gorges: Marvel at the famous Seven Bulls red rocks, enjoy a horseback ride to a waterfall, and drive up high-altitude mountain serpentines in Barskoon. - Overnight in Glamping: Relax and spend the night in a cozy glamping camp on the south shore in Kadzhi-Say.
Day 3: Каджи-Сай, Кыргызстан to Бишкек, Кыргызстан
Day 3: Skazka Canyon & South Shore Exploration| - Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon: Explore surreal, multi-colored clay ridges and unique rock formations. - Lake Activities & Rest: Swim in the clear waters of Issyk-Kul, relax on the beach, or try SUP boarding before preparing for the high-altitude journey.
Day 4: Каджи-Сай, Кыргызстан to Ozero Sonkel', Кыргызстан
Day 4: Kadzhi-Say to Lake Son-Kul (~3,000m) - Drive via Kochkor: Travel through the town of Kochkor for lunch and local craft exploration. - Ascend to Son-Kul & Yurt Camp: Drive up scenic mountain passes to Lake Son-Kul at 3,000 meters altitude and check into an authentic nomadic yurt camp. - Sunset & Horseback Riding: Enjoy horseback riding across high alpine pastures and watch a memorable sunset over the lake.
Day 5: Ozero Sonkel', Кыргызстан to Бишкек, Кыргызстан
Day 5: Lake Son-Kul to Bishkek - Morning by the Lake: Take a morning walk along the peaceful shores of Son-Kul. - Scenic Pass Return: Drive back to Bishkek through breathtaking high-altitude mountain passes, arriving in the evening.
What's included
What's Included - Comfortable 4x4 Vehicle: Private Mitsubishi Delica minivan, specially prepped for off-road mountain passes and high-altitude terrain - Experienced Driver-Guide: Full trip guidance, local culture insights, and photo assistance at the best viewpoints. - All Fuel & Transport Costs: Parking, toll fees, fuel, and all vehicle expenses for the entire 5 days. - Entrance Tickets: Burana Tower, canyons, national parks, cable car, and thermal hot springs - Drinks & Snacks: Fresh coffee, tea, drinking water, and light snacks during road stops - Custom & Private Experience: Tailored itinerary, zero large tour groups, and complete flexibility to pause whenever you like
Languages spoken
What to know
Bring your excitement for adventure! Bring your friends, and let's hit the road!
Route & locations
Бишкек, Кыргызстан to Каракол, Кыргызстан