Quick Details:
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Departure Location: Bishkek
- Arrival Location: Bishkek
- Ages: 12+ recommended
- Availability: Seasonal — generally May/June to September/October; Altyn Arashan access is most reliable during the warmer months
- Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, nature exploration, photography, cultural experiences, hot springs, optional horse riding
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highest Point: Approximately 3,000 m above sea level
- Locations: Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul Lake, Grigorievsky Gorge, Semenovsky Gorge, Karakol, Altyn Arashan, Jyrgalan, Jeti-Oguz, Skazka Canyon, Bokonbaevo, Ak-Sai Canyons, Balykchy
Itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata
Day 1: Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata
Depart Bishkek in the morning and begin your journey toward the spectacular Issyk-Kul region.
Drive through the scenic Boom Gorge and continue toward the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Upon arrival in Cholpon-Ata, visit the famous Open-Air Museum of Petroglyphs, where ancient rock drawings provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Enjoy views of Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding Tian Shan mountains.
Overnight: Cholpon-Ata
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Cholpon-Ata to Grigorievsky Gorge & Semenovsky Gorge to Karakol
Day 2: Cholpon-Ata to Grigorievsky Gorge to Semenovsky Gorge to Karakol
After breakfast, continue east along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Visit Grigorievsky Gorge (Chon-Ak-Suu), a beautiful mountain valley surrounded by forests and alpine landscapes.
Continue to Semenovsky Gorge, another spectacular valley with mountain scenery, rivers, forests and summer pastures. Depending on conditions, there is an opportunity for a short walk or photo stops.
Continue to Karakol, the cultural and adventure center of the eastern Issyk-Kul region.
In Karakol, visit the city’s highlights, such as the historic Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church.
Overnight: Karakol
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Karakol to Altyn Arashan to Karakol
Day 3: Karakol to Altyn Arashan to Karakol
Today is dedicated to the spectacular Altyn Arashan Gorge.
Travel by 4×4 vehicle into the Terskey Ala-Too mountains toward the Altyn Arashan Valley.
The valley is famous for its dramatic mountain scenery, alpine meadows and natural hot springs.
Enjoy a hike through the valley and relax in the natural thermal pools.
Return to Karakol in the afternoon/evening.
Overnight: Karakol
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Note: Access to Altyn Arashan can be affected by road, weather and seasonal conditions. A 4×4 transfer is normally required for the mountain road.
Day 4: Karakol to Jyrgalan to Jeti-Oguz
Day 4: Karakol to Jyrgalan to Jeti-Oguz
After breakfast, travel toward Jyrgalan Valley, a remote mountain destination surrounded by forests, meadows and high peaks.
Enjoy a short hike and explore the peaceful mountain landscape.
Continue toward Jeti-Oguz Gorge, one of the most recognizable natural attractions of the Issyk-Kul region.
See the famous red sandstone formations known as the Seven Bulls (Jeti-Oguz) and the Broken Heart rock.
Depending on weather and group conditions, enjoy a short hike into the valley.
Overnight: Jeti-Oguz / Karakol area
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5 : Jeti-Oguz to Skazka Canyon to Bokonbaevo (South Shore)
Day 5: Jeti-Oguz to Skazka Canyon to Bokonbaevo
Today the route moves to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Drive along the lake toward Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, famous for its colorful red and orange rock formations shaped by wind and erosion.
Explore the canyon on foot and enjoy panoramic views toward Issyk-Kul Lake.
Continue to Bokonbaevo, a traditional village on the southern shore.
Here you can experience Kyrgyz nomadic culture, with optional activities such as a yurt visit, traditional dinner, horse riding or an eagle-hunting demonstration, depending on availability.
Overnight: Bokonbaevo / yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Bokonbaevo to Ak-Sai Canyons to Issyk-Kul Southern Shore
Day 6: Bokonbaevo to Ak-Sai Canyons to Issyk-Kul Southern Shore
After breakfast, continue along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul toward the spectacular Ak-Sai Canyons.
Explore the dramatic canyon landscape and enjoy a short hike and photography stops.
The area offers impressive views of the dry mountain valleys, colorful rock formations and surrounding Tian Shan landscapes.
Continue along the southern shore with stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking Issyk-Kul.
Return toward Balykchy in the evening.
Overnight: Balykchy / Issyk-Kul region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Balykchy to Bishkek
Day 7: Balykchy to Bishkek
Enjoy breakfast before beginning the return journey to Bishkek.
Travel through the Boom Gorge and continue toward the capital.
Depending on the departure time and road conditions, there may be time for a final photo stop along the route.
Arrive in Bishkek, where the tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Tour ends in Bishkek.
✅ Tour Inclusions:
- 7-day private/group tour according to the itinerary
- Transportation throughout the tour
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver
- Airport or hotel pickup in Bishkek
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- Breakfasts throughout the tour
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions listed in the program
- 4×4 transportation to Altyn Arashan
- Guided hikes and nature excursions
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
- Assistance during the entire trip
❌Tour Exclusions:
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Horse riding unless specifically included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra meals or drinks not listed under inclusions
- Souvenirs
- Additional accommodation before or after the tour
- Any expenses caused by weather, road closures or other circumstances beyond the organizer’s control
The tour map
Why Choose This Adventure?
This itinerary combines lake scenery, mountain valleys, hiking, cultural experiences and nomadic traditions into one 7-day loop around Issyk-Kul.
The itinerary and travel times may be adjusted depending on weather, road conditions, local conditions and the physical ability of the group.
Some mountain roads, particularly the route to Altyn Arashan, require suitable 4×4 transportation. Mountain access can be affected by seasonal conditions, so the exact route may be modified when necessary.
The tour is best suited to travelers who are comfortable with several hours of driving, uneven mountain terrain and moderate walking/hiking.
Recommended season: June-September for the full mountain experience. The wider Issyk-Kul road circuit can have a longer operating season, but higher mountain sections are more seasonal.
Get your tour with us
Ready to experience the beauty of Kyrgyzstan? Secure your spot today and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
