Issyk-Kul Adventure through Nature and Heritage, 2026

Day 1

Bishkek – Chong-Kemin village

Morning transfer to Chong-Kemin valley, on the way make a stop to visit Burana tower, architectural complex of 10-11 century, important point on the Great Silk Road. Have a lunch at Kyrgyz family near Burana tower. Continue your way to Chong-Kemin valley to Karool-Dobo village. Upon arrival to home stay, free time. Optional, you can do short trek or horse riding. Dinner and B&B at home stay.

Transfer time: 3 hours

Burana visit: 1 hour

Optional in Chong-Kemin: horse riding

Day 2

Chong-Kemin – Karakol

Morning transfer to Karakol by northern lake shore of Issyk-Kul lake, on the way make a stop to visit open-air museum in Cholpon-Ata and have a lunch. Upon arrival to Karakol, visit Dungan Mosque and Russian Ortodox Church. Dinner will be at café, overnight at guest house.

Transfer time: 5-6 hours

Petroglyphs visit: 1 hour

Day 3

Karakol – Altyn-Arashan

Morning after breakfast transfer from Karakol town to Ak-Suu. Meet your guide team and start trekking up to the river Ak-Suu. Ascent the hot spring first day. At the Altyn-Arashan resort is possible to take a thermal water bath. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Overnight in tent.

Transfer time: 40 min

Trek time: 4-5 hours up

Distance: 14-15 km

Elevation gain: 600+

Difficulty: moderate easy

Day 4

Altyn-Arashan – Karakol

After breakfast in Altyn-Arashan gorge. At the Altyn-Arashan resort is possible to take a thermal water bath. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Afternoon walk from Altyn Arashan resort down by Arashan Gorge (4 hours). Drive to Karakol (30 minutes). Dinner at Dungan family (Dungans are Chinese muslims escaped from China 1 century ago. The food is very delicious and absolutely unique – mixture of Chinese and Central Asian cuisines). B&B at guest house.

Transfer time: 40 min

Trek time: 3,5-4 hours down

Distance: 14-15 km

Day 5

Karakol – Bokonbaevo

Morning transfer to Bokonbaevo village, on the way we will make 2 stops, 1^st stop will be at Jety-Oguz gorge (Seven bulls gorge). Then you will have a lunch at Kyrgyz family. 2^nd stop will be at Skazka Canyons (Fairy Tale canyons). Dinner and B&B will be at Bel-Tam yurt camp/home stay at Bokonbaevo village.

Transfer time: 3 hours

Visit to Skazka Canyon: 1 hour

Day 6

Bokonbaevo – Bishkek

After a late breakfast, transfer to the Shatyly Gorge, from where you will take an easy hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Lake Issyk-Kul. Afterwards, continue to the Jaychi yurt camp, where you will enjoy lunch with a local Kyrgyz family and then experience an authentic eagle hunting demonstration with a live prey.

Later, drive back to Bishkek. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

This will conclude your tour!

Transfer time: 4-5 hours

Hike time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: easy