Issyk Kul Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Issyk Kul Tour Highlights
A private 7-day tour from Bishkek around Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s great alpine lake, with canyons, gorges and nomadic culture.
Issyk-Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world and the Pearl of Kyrgyzstan and all of Central Asia. On the way you learn about Kyrgyz culture through yurts, food and music, as Kyrgyz culture still relies heavily on its nomadic past and present. Expect high mountains, long and narrow valleys, cold rivers, waterfalls, deserts, the mountain forests of the Tien Shan and herds of horses and sheep in wild pastures between the high peaks, with yurts dotting the scenery around the lake.
From Bishkek, with its Osh Bazaar and the Ala-Archa national park, the route passes the 11th-century Burana Tower to a yurt camp near Bokonbaevo on the south shore, with a walk or horse ride above the lake and a folklore concert in the evening. Along the south shore you continue to Skazka Canyon and the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, spend two nights in Karakol with its Dungan mosque, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and a spa nearby, and return along the north shore through the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges to Cholpon-Ata and a beach on the lake before the last evening in Bishkek.
All meals are included, from a Chinese-style Dungan dinner in Karakol to picnic lunches in the canyons and a farewell dinner with a local cultural event in Bishkek.
Difficulty: Easy Normal physical condition is enough: some walking on easy and moderate terrain (a 2–3 hour walk in Ala-Archa on an easy trail, short walks in the canyons and gorges) and an optional horse ride. Drives of about 200–300 km on days 2, 3, 5 and 6.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Manas International Airport, where your guide meets you and brings you to your hotel in Bishkek to rest after the long journey. After breakfast you visit the lively Osh Bazaar. After lunch you visit the Ala-Archa National Park, 40 km south of Bishkek. The walk in the mountain valley takes 2–3 hours on easy terrain. Return to the hotel and dinner at a café in Bishkek. Overnight in a hotel.
Osh Bazaar (Bishkek), Ala Archa, Bishkek
- Manas International Airport → Bishkek (30 km)
- Bishkek → Ala Archa (40 km)
- Ala Archa → Bishkek (40 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Restaurant)
After breakfast you drive to Bokonbaevo village on the south shore of Issyk-Kul (about 300 km). On the way you visit the Burana Tower, an 11th-century architectural complex of the Silk Road. Arrival at a yurt camp and lunch. Afterwards you go for a walk or a horse ride with panoramic views of Issyk-Kul. In the evening, dinner and a folklore concert by local musicians playing traditional Kyrgyz songs on traditional instruments. Overnight in a yurt camp.
Burana Tower, Bokonbaevo, Issyk Kul Guide
- Bishkek → Burana Tower (80 km)
- Burana Tower → Bokonbaevo (220 km)
Overnight: Bokonbaevo (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Yurt village), Dinner (Yurt village)
After breakfast you travel along the south shore towards Karakol (about 200 km). On the way you visit Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon and the Jeti-Oguz gorge, with a coffee stop at the gorge. Lunch in Karakol. In the afternoon a city tour takes you to the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque. In the evening you have a local Chinese-style Dungan dinner (the Dungans are a minority originating from China). Overnight in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Skazka Canyon, Jeti Oguz, Karakol, Karakol Orthodox cathedral, Karakol Dungan Mosque
- Bokonbaevo → Skazka Canyon (40 km)
- Skazka Canyon → Jeti Oguz (130 km)
- Jeti Oguz → Karakol (30 km)
Overnight: Karakol (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Restaurant), Dinner (Restaurant)
After breakfast you visit a local bazaar, followed by lunch at a café. In the afternoon you travel to a spa close to the city for wellness activities, with the possibility of local health treatments, followed by a traditional Kyrgyz dinner. Overnight in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Karakol
Overnight: Karakol (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Restaurant), Dinner
After breakfast you travel to Cholpon-Ata on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. On the way you visit the Grigoriev (Grigorievka) gorge, with a picnic lunch in the gorge. After lunch you visit the Semenov gorge, another beautiful place to explore the Kyrgyz mountain nature and to take photos. Arrival in Cholpon-Ata and dinner. Overnight in a guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata.
Grigoriev Gorge, Semenov Gorge, Cholpon Ata
- Karakol → Grigoriev Gorge (125 km)
- Grigoriev Gorge → Semenov Gorge (30 km)
- Semenov Gorge → Cholpon Ata (50 km)
Overnight: Cholpon Ata (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner
After breakfast you transfer to Bishkek (about 255 km). On the way you stop at a beach on Issyk-Kul for a picnic lunch, then continue towards Bishkek. In the late afternoon a city tour of Bishkek takes you to the main square, Ala-Too, the Arts Museum and other sights, with time to buy souvenirs. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant with a local cultural event. Overnight in a hotel in Bishkek.
Issyk Kul Guide, Bishkek, Ala Too Square
- Cholpon Ata → Bishkek (255 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner (Restaurant)
Transfer to Manas International Airport for your return flight.
- Bishkek → Manas International Airport (30 km)
Share this tour privately
Travelling alone or as a couple? Join other travellers who want to take this tour privately, or post your own request. The private price per person drops as the group grows.
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What's included
Included
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary: hotel in Bishkek (2 nights), yurt camp near Bokonbaevo (1 night), guesthouse in Karakol (2 nights) and guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata (1 night)
- All transportation inside Kyrgyzstan, including the transfers from and to Manas International Airport
- Local English-speaking guide
- Programme activities as described in the itinerary
- 3 meals per day, local alcoholic drinks (vodka and beer), drinking water, tea and juice
Not included
- International travel (air tickets etc.)
- Travel insurance
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
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Night 1
Bishkek
Hotel in Bishkek or similar
-
Night 2
Bokonbaevo
Yurt camp in Bokonbaevo or similar
-
Nights 3–4
Karakol
Guesthouse in Karakol or similar
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Night 5
Cholpon Ata
Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata or similar
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Night 6
Bishkek
Hotel in Bishkek or similar
What to bring
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Rain clothes
- Sunscreen
- A cap for the sun and sunglasses
- Personal medication
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kyrgyzstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan before booking.
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Bishkek has plenty of ATMs, but outside the larger towns and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul cash is how almost everything is paid.
ATMs and cards
Some ATMs in Bishkek dispense US dollars as well as som. Beyond the capital, ATMs are found in the few largest towns but mostly not in smaller ones, except on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Mastercard works in all ATMs, but Visa is still the more widely accepted card. Demirbank's red ATMs have lately been the best option for foreign cards, with moderate fees.
Exchanging money
Exchange offices in the major cities change US dollars, euros and roubles into som. Notes must be clean, fresh and without any signs of wear. Exchange offices prefer larger notes from 50 USD and 50 EUR, and sometimes give a better rate for them.
Paying by card
Cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, large supermarkets and some museums in Bishkek and Osh, and occasionally even in taxis. Elsewhere, apart from the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, paying by card is not practical.
Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for travellers and tourism is growing fast, but the usual precautions matter.
Documents
Always carry your passport or a notarised copy. Without proper identification you can be detained by the police.
In towns
- Robberies, some of them violent, and thefts happen especially in crowded places such as the bazaars. Take care after dark.
- Sexual harassment has been reported on public transport. Avoid walking or travelling alone, especially at night.
- Book taxis in advance from established services.
- Stay away from crowds and demonstrations.
- Watch where you step: some streets have large holes and pavements are often uneven.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices.
- Possessing or using narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Do not photograph anything related to the armed forces or security services.
- Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely discussed or publicly recognised.
Border areas
Smuggling makes the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan unstable and best avoided.
Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for travellers from many countries. Others can apply for an electronic visa or through an embassy.
Visas
For a tourist visa, most passport holders need an invitation letter from a tourism company. Kyrgyzstan has had an electronic visa system since 1 September 2017.
Border regions
Visiting border regions requires a special permit.
The best times to visit Kyrgyzstan's lower areas are May–June and September. In the high mountains, July and August are best.
Lower areas: May–June and September
In late spring and early autumn the valleys, Issyk-Kul's shores and the towns are green or golden, days are pleasant rather than hot and there are fewer visitors.
High mountains: July and August
This is when the high pastures, yurt camps and mountain passes are open, and trekking and horse-riding routes that are under snow the rest of the year can be reached. Days in the valleys can reach about 30°C, and nights at altitude can still be close to freezing. Summer is also the time of festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
Winter
Winters in the highlands are long and close the high passes, but it is still a captivating season. Hiking, horse riding and skiing are all possible, and yurt stays are available too.
Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is basic and medical facilities are scarce, so comprehensive medical and travel insurance is essential.
Medicines
If you rely on regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip: it can be hard or expensive to find locally.
Insurance
Arrange comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you arrive. A serious accident or illness may mean emergency air evacuation to a neighbouring country.
Food and water
Treat tap water and other local water as contaminated and boil it before drinking; bottled water is the safest choice throughout your stay. Be careful with unpasteurised dairy and other animal products.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis are recommended before entering the country, and others may also be advisable. Ask your doctor or travel clinic.
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