Mega Tour Tian-Shan Kyrgyzstan

A full-day tour to Jeti-Ögüz Gorge with a visit to Karakol and hot springs

Season: May – October
Route: Cholpon-Ata – Karakol – Jeti-Ögüz – Cholpon-Ata (350 km)
Duration: 1 day Start and Finish: Cholpon-Ata
Departure from Cholpon-Ata
Early morning departure from the city. On the way, enjoy scenic views of the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul while listening to fascinating stories from the guide about the region.
Nikolay Przhevalsky Museum The first stop is at a museum, dedicated to the great Russian explorer Nikolay Przhevalsky. Here you’ll learn about his expeditions across Central Asia and see personal items from his journeys.
Jeti-Ögüz Gorge. The journey continues to one of the most beautiful places in the Issyk-Kul region, the Jeti-Ögüz Gorge.
Highlights include:
— The Seven Bulls rock formation of majestic red cliffs and a symbol of the gorge
— The Broken Heart rock is a picturesque cliff, tied to a romantic legend
Kok-Jaiyk Valley and “Maiden’s Braids” Waterfall
Travel deeper into the gorge to reach the wide Kok-Jaiyk Valley, known for its alpine meadows and wildflower fields. Then head to the stunning Maiden’s Braids waterfall, which cascades down from a height of 28 meters.
Lunch in Yurts
Enjoy a delicious lunch in traditional Kyrgyz yurts in the valley. Try local dishes and aromatic tea in an authentic nomadic setting.
Karakol: Orthodox Church and Dungan Mosque.
After lunch, head to Karakol to visit two historical landmarks:
— The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, a 19th-century wooden structure built without nails
— The Dungan Mosque, a unique wooden building constructed in Chinese style, also without nails, by a Chinese architect
Hot Springs in Oruktu
On the way back, a stop in the village of Oruktu, where you can relax in natural thermal springs. The mineral-rich water helps ease fatigue and is great for your health after an active day.
Return to Cholpon-Ata
After soaking in the hot springs, return to Cholpon-Ata while enjoying the evening scenery of Lake Issyk-Kul.
This excursion is a perfect way to experience natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, explore its history, and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz cuisine in a yurt!