Tour program: Day 1
“Where there’s no signal, but your soul connects. We are the tour operator of the Tian Shan.”
Issyk-Kul and Tian Shan: Nature in Two Chords
Period: June – September
Days: 7 | Nights: 6
Tour Route: Bishkek – Issyk-Kul Lake (Ak-Say Valley) – Skazka Canyon – Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek
In this relaxing tour, you will visit attractions nestled between the majestic Tian Shan mountain ranges – Kungey and Terskey Ala-Too: mountain gorges, waterfalls, hot springs, canyons, and museums. You will also enjoy three days of relaxation on the welcoming beaches of the southern and northern shores of the azure Issyk-Kul Lake.
Day 1
Bishkek – Ak-Say
Distance: 268 km
Elevation Gain: +820 m
Overnight: Yurt Camp
Arrival in Bishkek. Meeting at the airport with the driver.
After breakfast, we head to the Ak-Say Canyons, where we will disconnect from civilization and enjoy harmony with nature. Here, we will witness an eagle hunting show and try archery, immersing ourselves in the nomadic culture and traditions.
After lunch, we will experience exciting emotions from horseback riding (optional) and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul Lake.
We conclude the day with a traditional dinner. Spending the night in a yurt on the lakeshore will bring peace to the soul and provide a sense of warmth and security.
Day 2
Day 2
Ak-Say – Skazka Canyon – Barskoon Gorge – Karakol
Distance: 192 km
Elevation Gain: +900 m
Overnight: Guesthouse or Hotel
After breakfast, we head to Skazka Canyon, a place of narrow passages among high walls and fantastic formations resembling castles, towers, and mythical creatures.
Next, we continue to the hidden Barskoon Gorge, where waterfalls create a serene yet powerful melody that touches the soul.
Upon arrival in Karakol, a city known for its unique architecture blending various historical and cultural traditions, we explore its famous wooden churches, historic buildings, and picturesque landscapes.
Accommodation in a guesthouse or hotel, followed by dinner at “Altyn-Kumara” café.
Day 3
Day 3
Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
Distance: 50 km
Elevation Gain: +630 m
Overnight: Guesthouse or Hotel
Early breakfast before heading to the Altyn-Arashan Gorge, where nature reveals its most intimate beauty. Green valleys filled with fresh pine forests surround rushing rivers and natural mineral springs with healing properties.
We will enjoy a national-style lunch and relax in the natural hot springs.
Returning to Karakol, we will have dinner at “Saymaluu” café before heading back to our hotel for the night.
Day 4
Day 4
Karakol – Cholpon-Ata
Distance: 180 km
Elevation Gain: +430 m
Overnight: Resort
After breakfast, we visit the cultural and architectural sites of Karakol, including a souvenir shop, the Orthodox Church, the Dungan Mosque, and the N. M. Przhevalsky Museum.
Next, we depart for Semenov Gorge, where you will lose yourself in the fresh mountain air, the sounds of nature, and the breathtaking scenery. We will have lunch in yurts while listening to a folklore performance by local artists.
Afterward, we cross a small pass and arrive at Grigoryev Gorge, a masterpiece of nature that captivates from the first glance.
We then continue to our resort on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, where we will enjoy an evening swim, dinner, and a peaceful night.
Day 5
Day 5
Cholpon-Ata
After breakfast, we will take a boat trip with swimming in the lake.
Lunch. Free time for sunbathing and beach relaxation.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.
Day 6
Day 6
Cholpon-Ata
After breakfast, we visit the “Rukh-Ordo” Cultural Center named after Ch. Aitmatov, where the spirit and history of Kyrgyzstan come to life through a unique blend of culture, art, and philosophy.
Lunch. Free time for swimming in Issyk-Kul Lake.
Overnight stay.
Day 7
Day 7
Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek
Distance: 260 km
Elevation Drop: -820 m
After breakfast, we enjoy the last moments of sunbathing at Issyk-Kul. After lunch, we depart for Bishkek, stopping to visit the magnificent Burana Tower, an ancient symbol of wisdom and resilience. This tall and elegant tower, built over a thousand years ago, was part of the ancient city of Balasagun, a major cultural and trade center of its time.
Farewell dinner in Bishkek.
Transfer to the airport.
Tour Price (USD)
Tour Price (USD):
Number of People | Standard | Comfort | VIP |
2 | 1497 | 1626 | 1569 |
3-4 | 1197 | 1302 | 1304 |
5-6 | 957 | 1043 | 1093 |
7-8 | 854 | 932 | 1002 |
9-10 | 797 | 870 | 952 |
11-12 | 761 | 831 | 920 |
Price Differences: The differences between standard, comfort, and VIP categories are based on accommodation comfort in Bishkek, Karakol, and Cholpon-Ata, as well as the class of transportation. All other services (overnights in guesthouses and yurts) are the same across all categories.
Included in the Tour Price:
- Transfers according to the itinerary
- Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, yurts)
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and packed lunches for the entire tour
- Guide services
- Entrance fees to museums and protected natural areas
- National games shows and workshops
- Hot springs visit
- Souvenirs
Not Included in the Tour Price:
- International airfare
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
- Travel insurance
- Visa support and visa costs
- Meals not specified in the program
Important to Know:
90% of Kyrgyzstan’s territory consists of mountains, with half being rugged highlands over 3,000 meters above sea level. Be prepared for altitude changes ranging from 300 to 1,000 meters. Temperatures vary from +38°C to +5°C.
Recommended Packing List
- Raincoat or waterproof jacket
- Windbreaker or light jacket
- Hat or cap
- Insect repellent
- Short- and long-sleeved shirts
- Comfortable shorts
- Jeans or pants
- Sweater
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Light footwear for city excursions
- Small backpack and crossbody bag for documents
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal hygiene items
- Swimwear
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera
- Light hiking backpack