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From Bishkek to Son-Kol, Issyk-Kul and the wild heart of the Tien Shan
During the tour, travelers experience different sides of Kyrgyzstan: the peaceful life of yurt camps, the silence of Son-Kol at 3,016 meters, the craft traditions of Kyzyl-Tuu, the legends of Jeti-Oguz, the waterfalls of Barskoon, the adventure road to Altyn-Arashan and the resort atmosphere of Cholpon-Ata.
This is not a difficult expedition, but it still feels like a real journey. Every day brings a new landscape, a new story and a new experience: horses, yurts, golden eagles, mountain roads, hot springs, traditional food and the wide open feeling of the Tien Shan mountains.
This is not a difficult expedition, but it still feels like a real journey. Every day brings a new landscape, a new story and a new experience: horses, yurts, golden eagles, mountain roads, hot springs, traditional food and the wide open feeling of the Tien Shan mountains.
This tour is created for travelers who want to see Kyrgyzstan in a comfortable but deeply authentic way.
The journey begins in Bishkek, where guests get their first taste of local culture through bazaars, national food, ornaments and city stories. Then the route moves into the mountains: Chon-Kemin National Park, Son-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Tuu village, Karakol, Altyn-Arashan Gorge and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul.
The journey begins in Bishkek, where guests get their first taste of local culture through bazaars, national food, ornaments and city stories. Then the route moves into the mountains: Chon-Kemin National Park, Son-Kol Lake, Kyzyl-Tuu village, Karakol, Altyn-Arashan Gorge and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Day 1
Airport — Bishkek
Arrival at the airport and meeting with the guide holding a sign and a warm smile.
After arrival, guests meet the guide, receive help with luggage and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and rest after the journey.
Lunch is served at Mubarak restaurant.
After lunch, the group begins a sightseeing tour of Bishkek with the new seasonal audio tour “Connections.”
The program continues with a visit to a jewelry show, where guests learn about the history of Kyrgyz ornaments and handmade jewelry. There is also an option to purchase items.
Lunch is served at Mubarak restaurant.
After lunch, the group begins a sightseeing tour of Bishkek with the new seasonal audio tour “Connections.”
The program continues with a visit to a jewelry show, where guests learn about the history of Kyrgyz ornaments and handmade jewelry. There is also an option to purchase items.
Next, the group visits the colorful Osh Bazaar — one of the best places to feel the local atmosphere, see national products and experience the rhythm of the city.
Dinner is organized in the evening, followed by a meeting with partners.
Return to the hotel and free time for rest and acclimatization.
Dinner is organized in the evening, followed by a meeting with partners.
Return to the hotel and free time for rest and acclimatization.
Route: Airport — Bishkek
Distance: 35 km
Accommodation: BHotel 4-star / similar
Meals: lunch / dinner
Distance: 35 km
Accommodation: BHotel 4-star / similar
Meals: lunch / dinner
Day 2
Bishkek — Chon-Kemin
After breakfast, transfer to Chon-Kemin.
On the way, the group stops at Appamdy Kattamasy to taste traditional layered flatbread with sour cream and milk tea.
Upon arrival at Alakush yurt village, guests have lunch and check in.
Upon arrival at Alakush yurt village, guests have lunch and check in.
In the afternoon, horseback riding is organized in Chon-Kemin National Park. This is a soft introduction to Kyrgyz mountain landscapes, horse culture and the calm rhythm of life outside the city.
After the ride, dinner is served at the yurt village.
Free time in the evening.
After the ride, dinner is served at the yurt village.
Free time in the evening.
Route: Bishkek — Chon-Kemin
Accommodation: Alakush Yurt Village
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Included experience: horse riding in Chon-Kemin National Park
Accommodation: Alakush Yurt Village
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Included experience: horse riding in Chon-Kemin National Park
Day 3
Chon-Kemin — Son-Kol Lake
After breakfast, departure from Chon-Kemin toward Son-Kol Lake.
On the way to Kubaky Pass, the group stops at Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, a scenic place with wide views and mountain atmosphere.
The route then continues toward Son-Kol, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Kyrgyzstan. The lake is located at 3,016 meters above sea level in a basin between the inner spurs of the Tien Shan, between the Son-Kol Too and Moldo Too ranges.
The route then continues toward Son-Kol, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Kyrgyzstan. The lake is located at 3,016 meters above sea level in a basin between the inner spurs of the Tien Shan, between the Son-Kol Too and Moldo Too ranges.
Upon arrival, guests are accommodated in a yurt camp.
The afternoon is free for walks around the area. Horse riding is available for an additional charge.
The day ends with dinner and overnight in a yurt.
The afternoon is free for walks around the area. Horse riding is available for an additional charge.
The day ends with dinner and overnight in a yurt.
Route: Chon-Kemin — Orto-Tokoy Reservoir — Kubaky Pass — Son-Kol
Lake altitude: 3,016 m
Accommodation: yurt camp at Son-Kol
Meals: breakfast / dinner
Optional experience: horse riding
Lake altitude: 3,016 m
Accommodation: yurt camp at Son-Kol
Meals: breakfast / dinner
Optional experience: horse riding
Day 4
Son-Kol — Kyzyl-Tuu — Bokonbaevo Village
The day begins with breakfast and preparation for departure toward the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
After breakfast, departure to Kyzyl-Tuu village, known as one of the centers of traditional Kyrgyz yurt craftsmanship.
On the way, the group stops at the “33 Parrots” Pass, a panoramic viewpoint with beautiful views of the mountains and valley.
The route continues to Kyzhyrty Waterfall. Guests take a short walk through nature to the waterfall, enjoy fresh mountain air and take photos.
The program also includes a Berkut show — a demonstration of the ancient art of hunting with birds of prey. An experienced berkutchi shows how the golden eagle hunts on command, including elements of traditional hunting on horseback.
On the way, the group stops at the “33 Parrots” Pass, a panoramic viewpoint with beautiful views of the mountains and valley.
The route continues to Kyzhyrty Waterfall. Guests take a short walk through nature to the waterfall, enjoy fresh mountain air and take photos.
The program also includes a Berkut show — a demonstration of the ancient art of hunting with birds of prey. An experienced berkutchi shows how the golden eagle hunts on command, including elements of traditional hunting on horseback.
Upon arrival in Kyzyl-Tuu, guests are welcomed with traditional hospitality and lunch with national dishes in a local family house or guesthouse.
After lunch, the group takes part in a folklore and craft program:
Yurt Show — demonstration of traditional yurt assembly.
Chiy Show — introduction to ornamental reed mats used in the yurt interior.
Ala-Kiyiz Show — demonstration of traditional felt carpet making.
By evening, rest in the Bokonbaevo / Kyzyl-Tuu area.
After lunch, the group takes part in a folklore and craft program:
Yurt Show — demonstration of traditional yurt assembly.
Chiy Show — introduction to ornamental reed mats used in the yurt interior.
Ala-Kiyiz Show — demonstration of traditional felt carpet making.
By evening, rest in the Bokonbaevo / Kyzyl-Tuu area.
Route: Son-Kol — 33 Parrots Pass — Kyzhyrty Waterfall — Kyzyl-Tuu — Bokonbaevo
Accommodation: Ton Lazure 4-star / local accommodation
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Included experiences: Berkut show / Yurt Show / Chiy Show / Ala-Kiyiz Show
Accommodation: Ton Lazure 4-star / local accommodation
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Included experiences: Berkut show / Yurt Show / Chiy Show / Ala-Kiyiz Show
Day 5
Bokonbaevo Village — Karakol
After breakfast, departure to Karakol, the cultural and tourist center of the eastern part of Issyk-Kul.
On the way, the group stops at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red rock formations known as “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart.” Guests take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint, hear local legends and take photos.
The program continues with a Talkan Show — a demonstration of preparing a traditional Kyrgyz product made from roasted and ground wheat, historically used by nomads as nutritious food.
Next, the group visits Barskoon Gorge and takes a short walk to the waterfall “Tears of the Snow Leopard,” one of the most famous waterfalls in the area.
The program continues with a Talkan Show — a demonstration of preparing a traditional Kyrgyz product made from roasted and ground wheat, historically used by nomads as nutritious food.
Next, the group visits Barskoon Gorge and takes a short walk to the waterfall “Tears of the Snow Leopard,” one of the most famous waterfalls in the area.
Lunch is served at a local café or restaurant.
In Karakol, the city tour includes:
Dungan Mosque — a unique Chinese-style building constructed without nails.
Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum — dedicated to the famous explorer of Central Asia.
After the program, check-in at the hotel and rest.
Dinner with a Dungan family and Lagman Show can be arranged optionally. Guests may watch how traditional Dungan noodles are stretched by hand.
Free time in the evening.
In Karakol, the city tour includes:
Dungan Mosque — a unique Chinese-style building constructed without nails.
Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum — dedicated to the famous explorer of Central Asia.
After the program, check-in at the hotel and rest.
Dinner with a Dungan family and Lagman Show can be arranged optionally. Guests may watch how traditional Dungan noodles are stretched by hand.
Free time in the evening.
Route: Bokonbaevo — Jeti-Oguz — Barskoon — Karakol
Accommodation: Macunoki 4-star / similar
Meals: breakfast / lunch
Optional experiences: Dungan family dinner / Lagman Show
Accommodation: Macunoki 4-star / similar
Meals: breakfast / lunch
Optional experiences: Dungan family dinner / Lagman Show
Day 6
Karakol — Altyn-Arashan — Karakol
After breakfast, departure to Altyn-Arashan Gorge, one of the most beautiful mountain areas near Karakol.
The group transfers from Karakol to the starting point of the gorge. From there, guests change to special mountain vehicles adapted for rough terrain — UAZ cars or a Ural truck.
The road follows a mountain trail along the river, passing through forests and wild landscapes. The ride itself becomes part of the adventure.
The road follows a mountain trail along the river, passing through forests and wild landscapes. The ride itself becomes part of the adventure.
Upon arrival in Altyn-Arashan, guests enjoy a walk through the scenic area. The gorge is known for alpine meadows, coniferous forests, panoramic views of the Tien Shan mountains and natural hot springs.
Optional activities include horseback riding, easy walks and photo sessions with mountain views.
In the afternoon, return by mountain transport to the starting point, then transfer back to Karakol.
Hot springs bathing can be arranged optionally.
Free time in the evening.
Optional activities include horseback riding, easy walks and photo sessions with mountain views.
In the afternoon, return by mountain transport to the starting point, then transfer back to Karakol.
Hot springs bathing can be arranged optionally.
Free time in the evening.
Route: Karakol — Altyn-Arashan — Karakol
Mountain transport: UAZ / Ural truck
Travel time inside gorge: about 1.5 hours
Accommodation: hotel in Karakol
Meals: breakfast
Optional experiences: horse riding / hot springs bathing
Mountain transport: UAZ / Ural truck
Travel time inside gorge: about 1.5 hours
Accommodation: hotel in Karakol
Meals: breakfast
Optional experiences: horse riding / hot springs bathing
Day 7
Karakol — Cholpon-Ata
After breakfast, departure to Cholpon-Ata, located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
On the way, the group visits the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a wooden Orthodox church from the late 19th century and one of Karakol’s main historical landmarks.
The journey continues to Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges. These places are known for green valleys, mountain rivers and panoramic views of the Northern Tien Shan.
The journey continues to Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges. These places are known for green valleys, mountain rivers and panoramic views of the Northern Tien Shan.
The program also includes a stop at Kyrchyn Jailoo, a spacious high-mountain pasture where yurt camps are set up in summer. This location has hosted the international cultural and sports festival, the World Nomad Games.
Guests can walk through the valley, take photos and feel the atmosphere of nomadic culture.
By evening, arrival in Cholpon-Ata, check-in at the hotel and free time to relax near Lake Issyk-Kul.
Guests can walk through the valley, take photos and feel the atmosphere of nomadic culture.
By evening, arrival in Cholpon-Ata, check-in at the hotel and free time to relax near Lake Issyk-Kul.
Route: Karakol — Holy Trinity Cathedral — Semenovskoye Gorge — Grigorievskoye Gorge — Kyrchyn — Cholpon-Ata
Distance: 230 km
Accommodation: Silence 4-star / similar
Meals: breakfast
Distance: 230 km
Accommodation: Silence 4-star / similar
Meals: breakfast
Day 8
Cholpon-Ata — Burana Tower — Bishkek
After breakfast, departure to Bishkek.
Along the way, the group enjoys scenic stops and views of the Chuy Valley.
Along the way, the group enjoys scenic stops and views of the Chuy Valley.
The main cultural stop of the day is Burana Tower — a historical monument of the 9th–11th centuries and the minaret of the ancient city of Balasagun, once the capital of the Karakhanid State.
During the visit, guests can walk around the archaeological site, see ancient stone sculptures called balbals and climb the tower for panoramic views.
During the visit, guests can walk around the archaeological site, see ancient stone sculptures called balbals and climb the tower for panoramic views.
Lunch is served at Hawaii Recreation Center. Here, guests can feed fish and swans, visit a small mini-zoo, take photos and rest before continuing the road.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, check-in at the hotel and free time.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, check-in at the hotel and free time.
Route: Cholpon-Ata — Burana Tower — Bishkek
Distance: 270 km
Accommodation: BHotel 4-star / similar
Meals: breakfast / lunch
Distance: 270 km
Accommodation: BHotel 4-star / similar
Meals: breakfast / lunch
Day 9
Bishkek — Airport
Breakfast at the hotel, depending on flight time.
Transfer to the airport.
End of the tour.
Route: Bishkek — Airport
Meals: breakfast, depending on flight time
Meals: breakfast, depending on flight time
$1208 per pax
$1099 per pax
$1005 per pax
Tour price
Not included in the tour price:
- International and domestic airfare
- Medical insurance
- Tour cancellation fees
- Any services not listed in the program above
- Lunches and dinners (except those specifically mentioned)
- Ride Horse
20 pax 1043 $ per pax
25 pax 985 $ per pax
6+1 pax 1465 $ per pax
8+1 pax 1265 $ per pax
10+1 pax 1234 $ per pax
25 pax 985 $ per pax
6+1 pax 1465 $ per pax
8+1 pax 1265 $ per pax
10+1 pax 1234 $ per pax
2 pax 1795 $ per pax
4 рах 1460 $ per pax
6 рах 1300 $ per pax
8 pax 1220 $ per pax
10 pax 1200 $ per pax
15 pax 1167 $ per pax
4 рах 1460 $ per pax
6 рах 1300 $ per pax
8 pax 1220 $ per pax
10 pax 1200 $ per pax
15 pax 1167 $ per pax
The tour price includes:
- Private transportation throughout the itinerary by minivan, jeep, or minibus
- Breakfasts at hotels
- Accommodation in 3*–4* hotels or guesthouses
- Services of an English- or Russian-speaking guide
- Eco-fees for visiting national parks
- Audio tour connection
- Jewelry show
- Lunch and dinner at Alakush
- UAZ rental
- Shyrdak (felt carpet) show
- Golden eagle (Berkut) show
- Lunch and dinner in Kyzyl-Tuu
- Entrance fees to Altyn-Arashan
- Entrance fees to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon
- Entrance fees to the Przhevalsky Museum
- Entrance fees to the Orthodox church
- Entrance fees to Semenovskoye Gorge
- Entrance fees to Burana Tower