How many days : 5 days
Type of tour : Road Trip
Season : June – October
Introduction
Embark on a 5-day adventure through the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Kyrgyzstan. Begin your journey with a visit to the historic Burana Tower, then venture to the serene Song Kol Lake where you’ll immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life while staying in a traditional yurt. Experience the ancient tradition of eagle hunting in Bokonbaevo, and explore the natural wonders of Fairytale Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall, and the iconic Djeti Oguz rocks. Take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan Gorge, and wrap up your tour with a scenic drive back to Bishkek, passing along the breathtaking views of Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Highlights of the tour include:
- Burana Tower
- Song Kol Lake
- Issyk-Kul Lake
- Fairytale Canyon
- Barskoon Waterfall
- Djeti-Oguz Rocks
- Altyn Arashan Gorge
- Kyrchyn Valley
Requirements: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, waterproof warm clothes
What Makes This Trip Special
- Discover the ancient Burana Tower and dive into its rich Silk Road history.
- Drive through the breathtaking Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
- Experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle by staying in a traditional yurt at Song-Kol Lake.
- Witness a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, showcasing a centuries-old Kyrgyz tradition.
Itinerary
Bishkek-Song Kol-Bokonbaevo-Karakol-Altyn Arashan-Bishkek
Drive: 302 km – 5 h
Begin your journey early in the morning with a drive from Bishkek to Burana Tower, where you’ll explore the historical ruins and minaret, an important Silk Road landmark. Afterward, continue your scenic drive through Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, taking in the stunning panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. Upon arrival at Song Kol Lake, settle into a traditional yurt camp by the serene lakeside. Spend the afternoon discovering the area, engaging with local nomadic shepherds, and learning about their way of life. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner and relax under the stars before spending the night in your yurt, fully immersed in the peaceful atmosphere of this high-altitude lake.
Accommodation: Yurt
Drive 230 km-4 h
Start your day by leaving Song-Kol Lake in the morning, taking in the serene beauty of the high-altitude landscape. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the lake’s shores or take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch, drive to Bokonbaevo, a town by Issyk-Kul Lake. In the evening, attend an eagle hunting demonstration, where skilled falconers will showcase the ancient Kyrgyz tradition of hunting with golden eagles. After this captivating experience, enjoy a delicious Kyrgyz dinner before resting for the night
Accommodation: Guest house
Drive: 180 km – 4 h
Start your day in Bokonbaevo and head to Fairytale Canyon, where you’ll be amazed by vibrant red and orange sandstone formations that resemble figures and animals. Take time to wander the winding paths and enjoy the surreal landscape. Next, travel to Barskoon, where you’ll have the chance to hike to the stunning Barskoon Waterfall and soak in the area’s natural beauty. From Barskoon, continue to Djeti Oguz, home to the iconic Seven Bulls rock formation. The valley offers a peaceful setting, perfect for a short hike or simply relaxing by the river. Finally, arrive in Karakol, where you can explore the Russian Orthodox Church, local markets, or the Przewalski’s Horse Museum. End the day with a traditional Kyrgyz dinner, savoring dishes like beshbarmak or shashlik.
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive: 60 km – 3 h
Depart from Karakol in the morning and head toward Altyn Arashan, a stunning valley known for its natural hot springs and breathtaking mountain views. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Tian Shan mountains and the Ak-Suu River. Upon arrival, relax in the rejuvenating hot springs, surrounded by lush meadows and towering peaks. You can also take a short hike to further explore the area’s natural beauty. After enjoying the hot springs, have a light lunch or picnic before starting your return journey to Karakol, which will take another 1.5 to 2 hours. Once back in Karakol, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and check into your accommodation for a restful night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive: 420 km – 6 h
Begin your drive from Karakol to Bishkek, enjoying the stunning views of Issyk-Kul Lake and the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains along the way. Stop at Kyrchyn Valley, famous for hosting the World Nomad Games, and capture some photos of the picturesque surroundings. Continue your journey with a stop in Cholpon-Ata, where you can enjoy a lakeside lunch, soaking in the beautiful scenery. Afterward, continue your drive to Bishkek. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the last tastes of Kyrgyz cuisine, before checking into your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Included / Excluded
Price for groups of 2 people or more
Price for 1 person - 670$
- Professional tour guide services;
- Comfortable transportation services;
- Accommodation, double occupancy 5 nights
- 2 dinners,2 lunches
- Drinking water during the tour;
- Ecological fees;
- Special transport UAZ to Altyn arashan gorge
- Eagle hunting show
- Entrance fees to museums and nature parks;
- Accommodation in a single room;
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages;
- Tickets for international and domestic flights;
- Visa processing to Kyrgyzstan;
- Personal expenses;