Week Tour Around Issyk-kul Lake
About this tour
The tour starts in Bishkek, where you can get acquainted with the history and culture of the capital. Next, you will head to the Chon Kemin Gorge, known for its beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding. After Chon Kemin, the route leads to Lake Issyk-Kul, where you will visit Tamchy, Konorchok and Cholpon Ata, enjoying the beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. Then you will find Karakol, a city on the eastern coast of Issyk-Kul, which is famous for its rich history and culture. Then you will go to the Jety-Oguz gorge, famous for its red cliffs and picturesque landscapes. We will also visit the Skazka Nature Park, where you will find bizarre rock formations and fascinating views. At the end, you will return to Bishkek.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan
Meeting and acquaintance with the guide at the hotel. After that we begin a city tour in Bishkek. It includes a visit to the central square of Ala-Too Oak Park, Victory Square and the Central Mosque. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast transfer to Chon Kemin gorge. On route to the gorge we visit Burana Tower (an 11th century minaret) and an open air museum of Balbals (stone warriors). Then we continue driving to Chon Kemin gorge. In the afternoon we have time for horse riding. The night and dinner are in a home stay.
Day 3: Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan to Tamchy, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast, departure to Lake Issyk-Kul, surrounded by celestial mountains. It is the second largest alpine lake in the world (1607-1609 m above sea level). Lake Issyk-Kul is known as the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan" due to its beauty, healing properties and historical monuments. It is one of the largest and deepest high-altitude lakes in the world, famous for its clear, brackish water and picturesque landscapes. We can walk along the shore of Issyk-Kul and swim in the lake. On the way we stop Konorchok canyon. Konarchok is famous for its picturesque canyons formed by many years of soil erosion. After hiking we have lunch in the café in Boom gorge. Overnight in guest house.
Day 4: Tamchy, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast we start our trip to Karakol city. On the way, we visit the petroglyphs. They are known as a large open-air museum, where stone carvings of various eras and cultures are collected. These petroglyphs, dating from 2000 B.C. to the 4th century A.D., depict animals, hunting scenes, war, and festivities. They are an important evidence of the history and culture of the nomadic peoples who lived on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Then we continue our way along the northern shore of the lake to the town Karakol. Upon arrival we visit the Dungan mosque. It is known as a unique architectural monument combining elements of Chinese and Dungan cultures. It is built in the style of Chinese Buddhist temples and is famous for being built without a single nail. Then we visit an old wooden Orthodox Church. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 5: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan
Today we drive to Jeti Oguz gorge. Jeti-Oguz is known for its picturesque gorge, rocks resembling seven bulls, a resort with healing springs and beautiful waterfalls. The gorge is a popular tourist route and a place where you can see natural attractions and enjoy the beauty of the nature of the Tien Shan. Dinner and night in guest house.
Day 6: Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Today we drive to Bishkek city along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. On the way we visit Skazka canon. It is known for its bizarre rock shapes, reminiscent of fairy-tale characters and animals, as well as colorful clay rocks. It got its name due to these unusual formations created by erosion. After that we meet a local eagle-hunter. We find out many interesting facts about eagle hunting. Lunch on the way. Dinner in a restaurant in Bishkek. Night is in a hotel.
Day 7: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
In the morning is transfer to airport.
What's included
1.Accommodation - during this tour you will have accommodation by 3-4 people in a Yurt. 2. All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner 3.Stay in hotel, B&B, yurt. 4.Entrances to all museums 5. English speaking tour guide 6.Transport for all transfers according the program
1. Single rooms 2. Early check-in 3. Insurances 4. Visa and visa support 5. Flights 6. Personal expenses 7. Tips 8. Alcoholic and other beverages 9. Porter fee 10.Activities not mentioned in the programme 11. Horse riding in Sonkul lake.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan