Winter on Issyk Kul
This scenic 3-day adventure packed with incredible mountain views, some outdoor activities and cultural immersion is ideal for those with a limited time. Starting in the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek, you'll set out for road trip alongside the Lake of Ysyk-Kol. Then it's off into the lush landscapes of Terskey-Ala-Too mountains for horse riding with eagle.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
- Experience nomadic life in a traditional Kyrgyz boz-ui (yurt)
- Visit Fairy-Tale (Skazka) canyons, Barskoon Waterfalls and Jety-Oguz mountains
- Horse riding with eagle
- Visit Burana-Tower
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day | Highlights | Overnight at |
Day 1 | Drive to Ysyk-Kol Lake. Horse riding with eagle | Yurt |
Day 2 | Explore the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake | Hotel |
Day 3 | Drive back to Bishkek. Visit Burana Tower. |
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1. Bishkek – Bokonbaevo village / 300 km 4-5 hours of driving
This morning, you will start explore the country with a drive towards Bokonbaevo village in the southern part of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Upon your arrival, you’ll have a lunch in the local guesthouse.
Today we will feel like real Kyrgyz nomadic hunters. That's because Salbuurun is on the agenda. Salbuurun is the oldest entertainment and sport of the Kyrgyz nomads and includes hunting with eagles and hunting dogs in the mountains on horseback. The special day will finish with a special overnight – you’ll sleep at boz-ui, the traditional dwelling of the Kyrgyz people.
Day 2. Drive Bokonbaevo – Karakol / 170 km – 3-4 hours
Leave Bokonbaevo behind as you travel to the east along the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Your destination is a city of Karakol – the most touristic city of the country. On your way, you will discover some of beautiful and popular sites on the southern shore: Skazka canyons, Barskoon waterfalls and Jety-Oguz mountains
In the early evening, you will arrive in the city of Karakol. Founded in 1869 by Russian settlers, now Karakol is the most popular tourist city. Following the tour, you will visit popular and interesting sites including Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Church among other sites of interest. Finish up your day with a dinner at top-ranked restaurant of Karakol.
Day 3. Drive to Bishkek. / 410 km – 7h.
Finish up your Kyrgyzstan experience with a driving day back to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek city. You will drive on the main coastal road with Ysyk-Kol Lake on one side and the Kungey Ala-Too mountain range on the other. On the way, you'll have a lunch at the local authentic café with a local famous food “kattama”.
The last stop on your travel map is an archaeological and architectural complex "Burana Tower", registered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Founded in the 11th century, the Burana tower was the minaret of a mosque in the city of Balasagun, the capital of the once largest empire – Khara-Khanid Khanate of local Turkic-speaking tribes in Central Asia. While except of the tower none of the original city stands above ground today, there is a museum onsite that explains the history of this important site and showcases some of the archaeological discoveries. Take a tour of the ruins in the surrounding hills and then visit the top of the tower with a view of Chui Valley.
Top off the day at restaurant with the farewell dinner in Bishkek with your guide team.
Map of the trip
Price for the trip
Number of people | Total price | Price per person |
1 pax. | 640 USD | 640 USD |
2 pax | 730 USD | 365 USD |
3 pax. | 900 USD | 300 USD |
4 pax | 1120 USD | 280 USD |
Price includes
- English speaking guide
- Transfers
- Accommodations and meals
- Horse riding with eagle
Price does not include
- Airport transfer
- Hotel and foods in Bishkek
- Water