TRIP ESSENTIALS
- Tour Type: Soft Adventure Tour
- Total Duration: 6 Days
- Availability: June – September (Best for mountain pass accessibility)
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Includes high altitudes (up to 3,000m+), gravel mountain roads, and a mix of yurt stays and guesthouses.
- Start and End Point: Bishkek
- Transport: 4WD SUV
Overview
See the best of Kyrgyzstan in 6 days! This trip is perfect for those who love nature, culture, and a bit of adventure. You will see the famous Song-Kul Lake, where nomads live in yurts, and walk through the red towers of Ak-Say and Skazka canyons. You’ll relax in natural hot springs high in the mountains of Altyn-Arashan and see eagle hunting show. We travel in powerful 4×4 vehicles to reach the most beautiful spots easily. It’s a perfect mix of wild mountains, alpine lakes, and warm local hospitality.
Day 1. Bishkek — Burana Tower — Song-Kul Lake
Our journey begins with a departure from Bishkek toward the Chuy Valley. Our first stop is the Burana Tower, an 11th-century UNESCO-protected minaret. You can climb the narrow, dark spiral stairs to the top for a panoramic view of the valley and explore the nearby “balbals”—ancient stone warrior carvings. After a local lunch, we begin our ascent to Song-Kul Lake (3,016m) via the Kalmak-Ashuu pass (3,446m). As the asphalt ends, we enter the world of the nomad. Song-Kul is a vast alpine lake surrounded by lush pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds spend their summers. Upon arrival, we will settle into a yurt camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, and experience the silence of the high mountains.
- Meals: Lunch Dinner
- Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Special Information
Today involves approximately 6 hours of driving (280 km) via the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,446 m). Due to the high altitude, it can be quite cold in the evenings, so please have your warm clothes ready. At the lake, experience a true disconnect: there is no mobile signal and electricity is limited, so ensure your power banks are fully charged. Facilities tonight are basic, with shared outdoor bathrooms and no showers.
Day 2. Song-Kol Lake — Ak-Say Canyon — Bokonbaevo
In the morning, there is time for a short horse ride by the lake to explore the area. After breakfast, the drive down from the mountains begins. In the afternoon, you reach the south shore of Issyk-Kul. Stop at Ak-Say Canyon for a 1-hour walk. The ground is sandy and the red clay rocks are shaped like castles. Later, arrive 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. You will stay in a guesthouse in the village.
- Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
Special information
Today involves about 5 hours of driving (220 km). After the off-grid experience of Song-Kul, you will have access to electricity, hot showers, and Wi-Fi
Day 3. 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 4. Karakol – Altyn Arashan
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). We will spend the night in the valley, surrounded by wild nature and fresh mountain air.
- Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
Special information
Today involves a 2-hour drive to the valley. The road is extremely bumpy and rocky, so please be prepared for a rough mountain ride
Day 5. Altyn-Arashan — Chon-Kemin Valley
After breakfast in the peaceful Altyn-Arashan valley, you’ll descend back to Karakol by 4×4, enjoying one last rugged drive through the pine forests. After a relaxing lunch in town, you set off toward Chon-Kemin National Park, driving along the scenic northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The 3–4 hour
journey offers beautiful views of the water and the Kungey Ala-Too mountains. Upon arrival in Chon-Kemin, you’ll check into a local guesthouse for a homemade dinner and a quiet night’s rest surrounded by the fresh mountain air of the valley.
- Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
Special information
Today involves 6–hours of driving (around 350 km). This includes the slow 2-hour 4×4 descent from Altyn-Arashan to Karakol and the 4- hour scenic drive along the lake to Chon-Kemin.
Day 6. Chon-Kemin — Burana tower — Bishkek
After breakfast, depart for the Burana Tower, an 11th-century UNESCO-protected minaret. After exploring the ancient Silk Road site, we continue to Bishkek. We will visit Ala-Too Square and, if time allows, the vibrant Osh Bazaar for souvenirs. The tour concludes with a drop-off at hotel or the airport.
- Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
Special information
Today involves approximately 3 hours of driving (150 km)
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Kyrgyz Landscapes — See you in the mountains!