Tour program: Day 1
“Tian Shan is our route. Quality, safety, adventure.”
Harmony of Tian Shan

Period: May-October
Days: 7 | Nights: 6
Tour Route: Bishkek – Son-Kul Lake – Issyk-Kul Lake (Ak-Sai Valley) – “Fairy Tale” Canyon – Barskoon Gorge – Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Karakol – Karkyra – Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek

In this unique tour, you will see a variety of landscapes: the towering mountains of the Boom Gorge, the shores of the azure Issyk-Kul Lake, and the high-altitude Son-Kul Lake—these are like two precious gems of the Tian Shan, leaving vivid impressions. The turbulent mountain rivers, ringing waterfalls, and other attractions of Kyrgyzstan will open up the purest and most inspiring moments for you.

Day 1
Bishkek – Son-Kul
Distance: 300 km
🔻 Elevation Change: +2200 m
🏕 Overnight: Yurt camp

Breakfast
We travel through the Boom Gorge, located in the foothills of the Tian Shan, which welcomes travelers like a gatekeeper, offering a passage into the world of stunning mountain landscapes.
After climbing the serpentine road of the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3446 m), we head towards the high-altitude Son-Kul Lake, which is located over 3000 meters above sea level. It is the most atmospheric high-altitude pasture in the Tian Shan. Here we immerse ourselves in the traditional lifestyle of local Kyrgyz nomadic tribes.
We settle in the yurt camp, where a master class will be held on cooking traditional small breads called “boorsoks.”
For those interested, there is the option of horseback riding or a walk along the picturesque slopes.
Dinner and overnight in yurts.

Day 2
Son-Kul – Ak-Sai
Distance: 268 km
🔻 Elevation Change: -1420 m
🏕 Overnight: Yurt camp

After breakfast, we head to the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, one of the largest in Kyrgyzstan. Then we continue to the Ak-Sai Canyons, where we will feel the connection with nature and enjoy the peacefulness away from the noise of the world. Here we will experience a falconry show and archery, immersing ourselves in the world of nomadic culture and daily life.
After lunch, we enjoy horseback riding (optional) and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul Lake.
We finish the day with a traditional dinner.
Overnight in yurts by the shore, offering tranquility and a sense of warmth and security.

Day 3
Ak-Sai – “Fairy Tale” Canyon – Barskoon Gorge – Karakol
Distance: 192 km
🔻 Elevation Change: +900 m
🏕 Overnight: Guesthouse or hotel

After breakfast, we head towards the “Fairy Tale” Canyon, which opens up a magical world with narrow passages between high walls, fantastic formations resembling castles, towers, and mythical creatures. We then continue our journey to the hidden Barskoon Gorge, where the waterfall streams create a gentle but powerful melody that penetrates the soul.
Arriving in Karakol, a city famous for its unique architecture that blends historical and cultural traditions of different peoples, we explore its wooden churches, ancient buildings, and picturesque landscapes.
We settle into a guesthouse or hotel and head to dinner at the “Altyn-Kumara” café.

Day 4
Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
Distance: 50 km
🔻 Elevation Change: +630 m
🏕 Overnight: Guesthouse or hotel

After an early breakfast, we head to the Altyn-Arashan Gorge, where nature reveals its most secret beauty. The green valleys, surrounded by coniferous forests, are framed by turbulent rivers and natural mineral springs with various temperatures, offering healing properties.
In the gorge, we will have lunch with a national touch and the option to bathe in the natural hot springs.
After returning to Karakol, we have dinner at the “Saymaluu” café and return to our hotel for the night.

Day 5
Karakol – Karkyra
Distance: 101 km
🔻 Elevation Change: +450 m
🏕 Overnight: Guesthouse

After a hearty breakfast, we visit the architectural and cultural landmarks of Karakol (souvenir shops, Orthodox church, Dungan mosque, N.M. Przhevalsky museum).
After lunch at the “Altyn-Kumara” café, we head to the Karkyra Valley, where every corner is filled with indescribable beauty. On the way, we visit the Tamerlane Kurgans (San-Tash).
We settle and have dinner in wooden cabins by the river.

Day 6
Karkyra – Cholpon-Ata
Distance: 235 km
🔻 Elevation Change: -650 m
🏕 Overnight: Health resort

After breakfast in the riverside cabins, we depart for Semenov Gorge. Here, you will forget about everything, breathing in the pure mountain air, listening to the sounds of nature, and enjoying every moment spent in this magical place.
We have lunch in yurts while listening to a folklore performance by local artists. After lunch, we cross a small pass and enter the Grigoriev Gorge, where nature has created an ideal picture that mesmerizes at first sight. After the walk through the gorges, we head to the recreation area by Issyk-Kul Lake.
In the evening, we indulge in swimming in Issyk-Kul Lake, followed by dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 7
Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek
Distance: 260 km
🔻 Elevation Change: +820 m

After breakfast, we visit the “Rukh-Ordo” cultural center named after Ch. Aitmatov, where the spirit and history of Kyrgyzstan take tangible form. The museum offers a unique atmosphere where culture, art, and philosophy intertwine.
After lunch, we head back to Bishkek, stopping to visit the majestic Burana Tower, a symbol of resilience and wisdom from the past. This tower, built more than a thousand years ago, was part of the ancient city of Balasagun, one of the largest centers of culture and trade at the time.
Farewell dinner in Bishkek.
Transfer to the airport.

Tour Cost:

Number of People

Standard

Comfort

VIP

2

1550

1650

1750

3-4

1220

1290

1370

5-6

990

1055

1110

7-8

900

950

1010

9-10

790

850

920

11-12

700

830

880

*Price differences between tour classes are based on the comfort level in hotels in Bishkek, Karakol, and Cholpon-Ata, as well as the type of transportation. Other services (overnights in guesthouses and yurt camps) are the same for all classes. *Maximum group size: 14 people. Prices are based on double occupancy.
The tour is designed for an early arrival in Bishkek. If arriving in the evening or after lunch, we can discuss and modify the itinerary.

The cost of the tour includes:

Service

Standard

Comfort

VIP

Transfers as per the program

✓

✓

✓

Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, yurts)

✓

✓

✓

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lunch boxes (for the entire tour period)

✓

✓

✓

Guide services

✓

✓

✓

Entrance fees to museums and protected natural sites

✓

✓

✓

National games show and masterclasses

✓

✓

✓

Hot spring bathing fees

✓

✓

✓

Souvenirs

✓

✓

✓

Border area permits

✓

✓

✓

*Before the start of the tour (minimum 20 days in advance), it is necessary to send a scan or a quality photo of your passport for the preparation of border area permits (Karkyra).

The cost of the tour does not include:

  • International flight ticket;
  • Early check-in or late check-out from hotels;
  • Insurance;
  • Visa support and visa fees;
  • Meals (except those mentioned in the program).
  • 90% of Kyrgyzstan’s territory is mountainous. Half of this is harsh highlands over 3000 meters above sea level. Therefore, during the journey, be prepared for elevation changes ranging from 300 to 1000 meters above sea level. Air temperature can vary from +38 to +5 degrees Celsius
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Windbreaker or light jacket
  • Hat (cap or wide-brimmed hat)
  • Insect repellent
  • T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
  • Loose shorts
  • Jeans or trousers
  • Sweater
  • Sunglasses (and sunscreen)
  • Sturdy, practical shoes for mountain treks
  • Light shoes for city excursions
  • Small backpack and shoulder bag for documents
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Swimwear for bathing
  • Flashlight (preferably headlamp)
  • Camera
  • Light backpack for hikes