Highlights of Issyk-Kul & Altyn-Arashan

TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Tour Type: 4×4 Express Adventure
• Total duration: 4 Days
• Availability: Year-round (Altyn-Arashan is accessible by 4WD even in winter)
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Includes light walking and high altitudes)
• Start and End Point: Bishkek
• Transport: 4WD SUV / Minivan

Overview
Explore the highlights of Kyrgyzstan on this 4-day private tour around Issyk-Kul Lake. This route is the ultimate way to experience ancient history, nomadic traditions, and wild mountain landscapes in a short time. You will visit the historic Burana Tower, hike through the red Skazka Canyon, and watch a private eagle hunting show. The journey also features a traditional yurt stay by the lake and a rugged 4×4 adventure to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs

Day 1. Bishkek — Burana Tower — Bokonbaevo
Our journey begins with a departure from Bishkek toward the Chuy Valley. Our first stop is the Burana Tower, a UNESCO-protected minaret that once stood in the heart of the medieval city of Balasagun. You are welcome to climb the narrow stairs to the top for a panoramic view of the valley. Nearby, you will find an open-air museum of “balbals” — ancient stone carvings created by Turkic tribes.

After a local lunch, we drive to the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. In Bokonbaevo village, you will meet an Eagle Hunter (Berkutchi) for a private demonstration. You will see how the eagle flies to the hunter’s hand on command and learn about how these birds are trained and fed. You can take photos with the eagle and talk to the hunter about his work. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a yurt stay near the lake.

• Meals: Lunch Dinner
• Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Special information
Today involves about 4–5 hours of driving (280 km). You will stay in an authentic yurt camp. While cozy and decorated with handmade felt carpets, please note that showers and toilets are usually located in a separate building nearby (not inside the yurt)

Day 2. Bokonbaevo – Skazka – Barskoon – Jeti-Oguz – Karakol
After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the South Shore’s diverse landscapes. Our first destination is Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon, an area of striking red sandstone formations. Centuries of wind and water erosion have created a natural gallery of ridges and spires that offer some of the best photography opportunities in the country.

We then drive to the scenic Barskoon Gorge, famous for its ancient spruce forests and the cascading “Tears of a Leopard” waterfall. We will take a short hike to the falls and stop by the Yuri Gagarin monument, a tribute to the first man in space who often came here for rest. The final stop is Jeti-Oguz, where we view the iconic “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart” red rocks before arriving in Karakol.

• Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel

Special information
Today’s drive is about 4 hours (220 km) with multiple scenic stops. The hike to the waterfalls in Barskoon involves some uphill walking on forest paths

Day 3. Karakol — Altyn-Arashan (4×4 Adventure) — Karakol
Today is all about the high mountains. We switch to a specialized heavy-duty 4×4 vehicle for a thrilling and rugged climb to the Altyn-Arashan Valley (2,600m). The drive is bumpy but spectacular, passing through pine forests and along a rushing river. At the top, you will see a wide alpine valley surrounded by peaks over 4,000m. You can enjoy the views of the Palatka Peak, then relax in natural hot springs (indoor baths). In the late afternoon, we descend back to Karakol.’

• Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel

Special information
The round-trip drive takes about 3.5 hours. The road is extremely bumpy and rocky, so please be prepared for a rough mountain ride

Day 4. Karakol — North Shore of Issyk-Kul — Bishkek

After visiting the famous Dungan Mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church in Karakol, we begin our return journey to the capital along the North Shore of Issyk-Kul. This route offers a different perspective of the lake with the water on one side and the towering Kungey Alatau mountains on the other. We will pass through the scenic Boom Gorge and enjoy lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we will have a farewell dinner together to celebrate the end of our journey. Our team will then drop you off at your hotel or the airport in the evening

• Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel

Special information
Today involves about 400 km and 7–8 hours of driving. The journey is long but comfortable as the road is mostly paved. Arrival in the city is usually between 20:00 and 21:00, depending on traffic.