8-day Issyk-kul Adventure – Ala-kul Trek & Altyn-arashan
About this tour
Discover the best of Kyrgyzstan on an unforgettable 8-day private adventure around Issyk-Kul Lake, featuring the spectacular Ala-Kul mountain trek, Altyn-Arashan hot springs, breathtaking canyons, traditional Kyrgyz culture, and overnight stays surrounded by the beautiful Tian Shan Mountains.
Activities included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: город Бишкек, Кыргызстан to Чолпон-Ата, Кыргызстан
We start our journey from Bishkek and drive towards Issyk-Kul Lake. Along the way, we visit the historical Burana Tower, an important monument of the ancient Silk Road. After exploring the tower and its surroundings, we continue to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoying beautiful mountain scenery. Overnight in Cholpon-Ata.
Day 2: Чолпон-Ата, Кыргызстан to Каракол, Кыргызстан
After breakfast, we explore the beautiful northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and visit the scenic Grigoriev and Semenov Gorges. We will enjoy mountain landscapes, forests, rivers, and panoramic viewpoints. Later, we continue to Karakol, where we can visit the Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 3: Каракол, Кыргызстан to Sirota Camp, Altynarasan, Кыргызстан
Today our mountain trekking adventure begins. We travel to Karakol Gorge and start hiking through beautiful forests, rivers, alpine meadows, and mountain landscapes. Our destination is the Sirota camping area, where we prepare for the following day's hike to Ala-Kul Lake. Overnight in a mountain tent camp.
Day 4: Sirota Camp, Altynarasan, Кыргызстан to Altyn-Arashan, Altynarasan, Кыргызстан
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of our adventure. We hike up to the spectacular turquoise Ala-Kul Lake, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. After enjoying the breathtaking views, we continue across the high-altitude Ala-Kul Pass and descend into the beautiful Altyn-Arashan Valley. This is a long and physically demanding trekking day, requiring good fitness and suitable weather conditions. Overnight in an Altyn-Arashan guesthouse.
Day 5: Altyn-Arashan, Altynarasan, Кыргызстан to Каракол, Кыргызстан
After our mountain adventure, we enjoy a relaxing morning in Altyn-Arashan, famous for its natural hot springs and beautiful alpine scenery. We can soak in the hot springs and explore the valley before returning to Karakol by a traditional Soviet-style 4WD vehicle. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 6: Каракол, Кыргызстан to Барскоон, Кыргызстан
Today we explore the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Our first stop is Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its impressive red rock formations known as the Seven Bulls. We then continue to Barskoon Gorge, where we can enjoy beautiful waterfalls, forests, and mountain landscapes. Overnight on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Day 7: Барскоон, Кыргызстан to Боконбаево, Кыргызстан
We visit the colorful Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon, famous for its unusual red and orange rock formations. Later, we meet a local eagle hunter and watch a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, learning about this important part of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. In the evening, we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Issyk-Kul Lake and stay overnight in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. Overnight in a yurt camp.
Day 8: Боконбаево, Кыргызстан to Бишкек, Кыргызстан
After breakfast, we begin our scenic journey back to Bishkek along Issyk-Kul Lake. Along the way, we can make stops for photos, enjoy the mountain landscapes, and take breaks when needed. Arrival in Bishkek and the end of our unforgettable 8-day adventure in Kyrgyzstan.
What's included
The tour package includes private transportation, English-speaking guide services, 7 nights of accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, a mountain camp and a traditional yurt, meals as specified in the final itinerary, entrance fees, planned activities, and a traditional Russian 4x4 UAZ jeep transfer between Karakol and Altyn-Arashan. Camping equipment and trekking support will be arranged according to the group's needs. All included services will be clearly confirmed before booking.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, personal trekking clothing and footwear, optional activities not listed in the itinerary, and tips. Personal trekking equipment, such as a sleeping bag and trekking poles, is not included unless agreed in advance. Horse or porter services for carrying personal luggage can be arranged at an additional cost.
Languages spoken
What to know
This tour includes a challenging multi-day trek to Ala-Kul Lake and across Ala-Kul Pass at approximately 3,900 meters above sea level. Good physical fitness and previous mountain hiking experience are strongly recommended. The best trekking season is generally from July to September, depending on snow and weather conditions. Please bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a small backpack, sun protection, and personal medication. Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer. The itinerary may be adjusted for safety reasons. Please inform us in advance about any dietary requirements, relevant medical conditions, or special requests.
Route & locations
город Бишкек, Кыргызстан to Чолпон-Ата, Кыргызстан