Pearls of the Silk Road: Song-Kol and Issyk-Kul Lakes 2026

OVERVIEW

Discover the breathtaking highlights of Kyrgyzstan on this 7-day cultural and adventure tour, designed for travelers who want a mix of scenic drives, easy to moderate trekking, and authentic local experiences. The journey begins and ends in Bishkek and takes you through lush valleys, high mountain passes, historic sites and two of the country’s most iconic alpine lakes.

During the journey, visitors explore key cultural and historical landmarks, including Burana Tower, the scenic Chong-Kemin Valley, the red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz Gorge, and the charming town of Karakol, known for its Dungan Mosque and Orthodox Church. The itinerary includes light to moderate trekking, panoramic mountain passes, and opportunities to experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality.

The trip combines cultural insights, outdoor adventure, authentic local experiences, and meals with local families, and stunning views of the Tien Shan Mountains, making it a great introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty and nomadic heritage.

A highlight of the tour is the stay at Song-Kol Lake, where guests sleep in traditional yurts, enjoy homemade local cuisine, and meet nomadic families who preserve centuries-old pastoral traditions. The journey combines nature, culture, adventure, and, making it ideal for travelers seeking an immersive introduction to Kyrgyzstan.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, cultural travelers, and adventure seekers looking for a balanced and memorable experience in Central Asia

TRIP ESSENTIALS
Tour Type: auto/trekking
Total Duration: 7 days
Best Season: early June – end of September
Level of Difficulty: from easy to medium
Maximum Altitude on the Trip: 3 400 meters ASL
Start and End Point: Bishkek
Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group
Best group size: 4 – 12 persons

TRIP ITINERARY

Bishkek – Chong-Kemin Valley – Karakol Town – Jety-Oguz gorge – Bokonbaevo Village – Kochkor – 2 days trekking tour to Song-Kul Lake – Bishkek

Day 1
Bishkek – Chong-Kemin
Today, we head to the beautiful Chong-Kemin Valley, with a fascinating stop at the Burana Tower, an ancient structure from the 10th-11th century. Once an important point on the Great Silk Road, we’ll explore the tower and its surroundings for about an hour.
Afterward, we continue to Chong-Kemin, where you’ll enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch at a local homestay. In the afternoon, you can relax, take a walk around the village, or opt for a horseback ride through the scenic valley.
Your accommodation for the night will be in a local guesthouse, offering an authentic Kyrgyz experience. It’s going to be a day of history, culture, and natural beauty!

Transfer time: 3 hours
Burana visit: 2 hours
Optional in Chong-Kemin: horse riding

Day 2
Chong-Kemin – Karakol
After breakfast, we’ll head to Karakol, a 6 hour drive through beautiful scenery. Along the way, we’ll stop in Cholpon-Ata to visit the open-air petroglyph gallery, where ancient rock carvings tell stories of the past.
After a lunch break at a local café, we’ll continue to Karakol. Once there, we’ll visit the unique Dungan Mosque, built without nails, and the charming Russian Orthodox Church.
The day ends with dinner with a Dungan cuisine and a relaxing stay at a guesthouse. Overnight at guest house.
In Karakol, travelers experience an authentic Dungan dinner, offering a unique insight into Kyrgyzstan’s rich multicultural heritage. Karakol is home to one of the country’s largest Dungan communities, known for their warm hospitality and flavorful cuisine rooted in Chinese Muslim traditions. The dinner includes freshly prepared dishes such as hand-pulled lagman noodles, steamed dumplings, spicy vegetable salads, and aromatic stir-fried meats, made using traditional recipes and local ingredients.

This Dungan dinner is more than just a meal — it is a cultural experience, often enjoyed in a family-run restaurant or local home, where guests learn about Dungan history, customs, and everyday life. It is a memorable highlight of this trip, adding an unforgettable rich gastronomic experience.

Transfer time: 6 hours

Day 3
Karakol – Jeti-Oguz – Bokonbaevo

After breakfast, we drive to Jeti-Oguz (Seven Bulls) Gorge, where you will have time to explore the red rock formations and climb to viewpoints for panoramic photos of the surrounding mountains.

Next, we continue to Kok-Jayik, where a picnic lunch awaits in a scenic natural setting. After lunch, we drive to Bokonbaevo, stopping along the way to visit Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon, famous for its colorful and uniquely shaped rock formations.

Upon arrival at the lakeshore yurt camp, you can relax and swim in Issyk-Kul Lake. Dinner and overnight are at the yurt camp.

Transfer time: 3 hours
Hike time Jeti-Oguz: 1 hour
Visit to Skazka Canyon: 1 hour

Trek time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 3 km
Elevation gain: 200 m

Day 4
Bokonbaevo – Kochkor
After breakfast, you’ll have free time to relax by the lake or take a swim.
In the afternoon, we transfer to the Jaychi yurt camp for an impressive eagle hunting demonstration – a traditional Kyrgyz art passed down through generations. After the show, enjoy a delicious lunch with a local Kyrgyz family.
We then continue to Kochkor village, where a warm dinner will be served. Afterward, check in to your guesthouse and rest for the next day’s trek.

Transfer time: 3 hours
Eagle hunting: 2 hours

Day 5
Kochkor – Kyzart pass – Chaar-Archa pass – Kilemche jailoo
We’ll begin the day with a transfer from Kochkor to Kyzart Pass. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide team and start the adventure.
As we begin our trek, we’ll cross Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, a vast, flat sea of grass stretching before us. Continuing over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3,061 m), we’ll enter the beautiful Chaar-Archa Valley, where we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch by the rushing river, with stunning views of the sacred 4,400-meter Baba-Ata Mountain.
After lunch, we’ll ford the river and follow a trail over lush, green hills to Kilemche Jailoo. This area, known for its carpet-like appearance, covers entire mountain ranges, with grassy patterns as intricate and beautiful as a Kyrgyz shyrdak (felt carpet).
We’ll end the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy yurt, enjoying the peaceful Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle.

Transfer time: 1 hour
Trek time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 17 km
Elevation gain: 740 m

Day 6
Kilemche – Jalgyz-Karagai pass – Song-Kul lake
After breakfast at Kilemche, we’ll spend the morning climbing to the Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m), crossing the Song-Kol Mountains and heading into the lake’s basin. The ascent offers breathtaking views of Kilemche jailoo, and the rocky pass itself is an exciting challenge.
As we descend from the pass, Song-Kol Lake gradually comes into view, growing larger with every step. The towering southern mountains rise above the lake, creating a dramatic and beautiful landscape.
After lunch at Jaman Echki, we’ll transfer to the lakeshore, heading east to the yurt camp at Batai-Aral. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a Kyrgyz shepherd family. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm meal and stay overnight in a traditional yurt.

Trek time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain: 880 m

Day 7
Song-Kul lake – Bishkek
After late breakfast, say good bye to the Song-Kol Lake and we’ll begin our transfer back to Bishkek, traveling through the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. Enjoy the stunning views as we make our way through the mountains.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, the tour concludes. We hope you’ve enjoyed the adventure and experienced the beauty and culture of Kyrgyzstan!

Transfer time: 6 hours

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