Viaggio di 3 giorni nei dintorni di Issyk Kul

Begin your journey early in the morning with departure from Bishkek. Your first stop is the Burana Tower near Tokmok, an 11th-century minaret and an important monument of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Explore the surrounding ruins, climb the tower for panoramic views and see the historic stone balbals nearby. Continue to Iskra village, home to a Dungan community. Enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family while learning about Dungan culture and tasting a unique blend of Chinese and Central Asian cuisine. After lunch, travel east along the scenic shores of Issyk-Kul Lake toward Kyrchyn Gorge, the former venue of the World Nomad Games, known for its vast green meadows and traditional yurts. Continue onward to Karakol, where you enjoy dinner and settle into a comfortable hotel for the night. Total distance: 430 km, about 6–7 hours (410 km asphalt, 20 km dirt road).

Torre di Burana, Karakol

• Bishkek → Karakol (430 km)

Durante la notte: Karakol (Hotel)

Pasti: Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a short city tour of Karakol, discovering its history and local culture. Then drive along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, stopping at the striking red sandstone cliffs of Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Continue to Tamga village for a traditional Russian lunch at the home of renowned Soviet alpinist Lyubov Danichkina, where you can enjoy warm hospitality and homemade dishes. Later, visit Barskoon Gorge for a leisurely walk to its picturesque waterfalls, set against stunning alpine scenery. In the afternoon, explore the unique rock formations of the Fairy-Tale Canyon (Skazka). By early evening, journey to the high mountain pastures of Boz-Salkyn to experience authentic nomadic life. Breathe the fresh mountain air, soak in the peaceful surroundings and spend the night in a traditional yurt under the stars. The yurt in Boz-Salkyn belongs to a nomadic family and offers a more authentic experience (shared WC, no shower, no internet). Alternatively, you can stay in more comfortable yurt accommodation by Issyk-Kul Lake. Total distance: 150 km, about 3–4 hours (120 km asphalt, 30 km dirt road).

Karakol, Jeti Oguz, Valle di Barskoon, Canyon Skazka

• Karakol → Boz-Salkyn (150 km)

Durante la notte: Boz-Salkyn (Yurt camp)

Pasti: Colazione, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up in a traditional yurt at the high-altitude Boz-Salkyn pasture and begin a half-day hike to the scenic Shatyly Panorama (or ride there on horseback as an optional extra). The picturesque route passes through alpine forests, rolling hills and wide open meadows, offering a true taste of nomadic life. From the viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake, framed by dramatic mountains, deep canyons and small lakeside villages. On the opposite side, admire the snow-capped peaks of the Kungey Ala-Too Range rising above the horizon. After time to relax and take photos, return to the trailhead and continue by vehicle to Bokonbaevo village. Near the village, meet traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunters (optional) and enjoy an impressive eagle hunting demonstration. After lunch at a local guesthouse, drive back to Bishkek, concluding your journey. The eagle hunting experience is a demonstration with explanations and staged hunting on animal skins; real hunting on horseback is available only in winter. The demonstration is optional and can be skipped. The hike is included and horse riding is an optional extra; you may also skip the outdoor activities altogether and travel directly to Bishkek for a guided city tour. Total distance: 280 km, about 4 hours (260 km asphalt, 20 km dirt road).

Shatyly viewpoint, Issyk-Kul, Bokonbaevo

• Boz-Salkyn → Bishkek (280 km)

Pasti: Colazione, Lunch