Issyk-Kul Adventure through Nature and Heritage 2026

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Tour Type: auto/trekking

Total Duration:  6 days

Best Season:  mid-June – end of September

Level of Difficulty:  medium

Maximum Altitude on the Trip:  3 000 meters ASL

Start and End Point:  Bishkek

Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group

Best group size:  4- 12 persons

OVERVIEW

This journey begins with a blend of history and hospitality, visiting the 10th-century Burana Tower before heading into the lush Chon-Kemin Valley for a night in a traditional village. You will then travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol, where you’ll discover the city’s unique Dungan and Russian architectural heritage.

The highlight of the trip is a two-day trek into the Altyn-Arashan Gorge, where you can soak in natural thermal baths under the gaze of the majestic Peak Palatka (5,260m). After descending, the route continues along the southern shore, featuring the iconic red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and the otherworldly formations of Skazka Canyon. The adventure concludes in Bokonbaevo with a panoramic hike over the lake and a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, providing a deep dive into ancient Kyrgyz traditions before returning to Bishkek.

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors and families who want to experience the best of Kyrgyzstan’s highlights without extreme physical demands. It is designed for those who appreciate cultural variety, moving from Silk Road ruins and wooden churches to local family homestays and unique Dungan cuisine. While it includes a beautiful two-day trek and light hiking, the pace remains accessible for anyone with a moderate fitness level who enjoys nature, photography, and authentic interactions with nomadic heritage.

TRIP ITINERARY

Bishkek – Burana tower – Chong-Kemin valley – Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Jety-Oguz gorge – Bokonbaevo village – Bishkek

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 hours

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 hours

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

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  

DATES & PRICING 2026

Looking for different dates? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg