002 "February - Icy Issyk-kul"
About this tour
A lake that transforms into another world
In winter, Issyk-Kul is not a "summer resort," but a harsh, almost otherworldly landscape: frozen shores, steam over the water, icy cliffs, and a silence that enhances the scale of the mountains.
Route:
Bishkek → Boom Gorge → Issyk-Kul (north/south) → Karakol → Jety-Oguz → Barskoon
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Day 1 – Arrival in Bishkek. Gateway to winter Kyrgyzstan Location: Bishkek Meeting the group at the airport, transfer to the city. What awaits you: Checking into the hotel Welcome dinner with national cuisine Route introduction and winter conditions briefing A short walk around evening Bishkek (optional) 💡 Atmosphere of the day: soft adaptation, introduction of the group, first impressions of the country.
Day 2: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Чолпон-Ата, Кыргызстан
Day 2 — Bishkek → Boom Gorge → Issyk-Kul (northern shore) Locations: Bishkek → Boom Gorge → Bokonbaevo Transfer to the lake through one of the most dramatic gorges in the country, Boom. En route: Stop in Boom Gorge: cliffs, snow, frozen rivers Photo stops at key panoramas First glimpse of Issyk-Kul in winter — the steaming surface of the water On the shore: Check-in at a hotel by the lake Walk along the icy edge of the shore Sunset over the snow-capped Tien Shan ranges 💡 Highlight of the day: the contrast between the "desert of rocks" and the "sea of ice."
Day 3: Чолпон-Ата, Кыргызстан to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Day 3 — Eagle Hunting and Nomadic Ethnic Culture Location: Issyk-Kul (northern shore) Full immersion in the traditions of nomadic culture. Program: Golden eagle hunting demonstration (falconry) Ethnic show: yurt, traditional games, music Felt-making workshop Horseback ride along the snowy shore (optional) Lunch: National cuisine in a yurt: beshbarmak, kumyz, flatbreads 💡 Highlight of the day: a sense of "living history" and the nomadic world.
Day 4: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
День 4 — Каракол: горы, лыжи и зимний драйв Локация: Каракол (горнолыжная база) Переезд в Каракол — зимнюю столицу активного отдыха. Активности: Катание на горнолыжной базе Каракол (лыжи/сноуборд) Панорамные подъёмники с видами на Тянь-Шань Для некатающихся: прогулки, фотосессии, горячий чай в горах Вечером: Заселение в отель/гостевой дом Уютный вечер с камином 💡 Фишка дня: «альпийская атмосфера Центральной Азии».
Day 5: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Джеты́-Огу́з, Кыргызстан
День 5 — Джеты-Огуз: красные скалы и зимняя тишина Локация: Джеты-Огуз Один из самых фотогеничных регионов Кыргызстана. Программа: Скальные массивы «Семь Быков» и «Разбитое сердце» Прогулка по заснеженным хвойным лесам Фото-сессия в контрасте красных скал и белого снега По желанию — лёгкий треккинг Обед: Пикник или обед в гостевом доме 💡 Атмосфера: «марсианский пейзаж в снегу».
Day 6: Tamga, Kyrgyzstan to Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
Day 6 — Barskoon + Winter Waterfalls + Return to Issyk-Kul Location: Barskoon Gorge → Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul What we'll see: Frozen Barskoon waterfalls The gorge in its winter "icy" state Panoramic views of the mountains and lake En route: Drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul (less touristy and more wild) Evening: Accommodation at a guesthouse Bathhouse (optional) Farewell dinner by the lake 💡 Highlight of the day: the most "wild and untouched" part of the route.
Day 7: Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan to Tash-Rabat, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Day 7 — Return to Bishkek Itinerary: Issyk-Kul → Bishkek A quiet return along mountain roads. En route: Stops at viewpoints Souvenir shopping (felt, honey, horse meat, kumyz) Arrival in Bishkek Transfer to the airport or hotel 💡 Finale: the feeling of having completed a great journey through wintery Central Asia.
What's included
• Group transfers in air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle • Group airport transfer from 3 people (day 1 & 7) • Experienced driver • English-speaking guide throughout the trip • Accommodation mentioned in the program • Early check-in on day 1 after 06:00 • Full board • Visits mentioned in the program • Yurt production • Eagle hunting • Boat trip • Mineral water
• International flights • Private airport transfer – 20 USD one way • Personal expenses • Single room supplement • Insurance • Tips for guide, driver etc. • Optional activities • Late check-out** • Porters for baggage in hotels and airport • Alcohol • Services not mentioned as included
Languages spoken
What to know
What makes this tour unique Issyk-Kul in winter is a rare destination, with almost no mass tourism. Contrast: the lake's ice and the high Tien Shan mountains. Vibrant nomadic culture (golden eagle hunters, yurts, traditions). Powerful photo content every day. Balance: nature + activities + culture + comfort.
Route & locations
Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan