Things to do in Issyk Kul Region

Explore Kyrgyzstan’s fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, and the serene beauty of Issyk-Kul on this unforgettable day tour. Visit the ancient Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can climb the historic minaret and explore its balbals (stone carvings). Continue to the stunning Konorchek Canyons for a scenic hike through vibrant red rock formations. Learn about the region’s unique geology and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of nature. In Balykchy, savor a delicious Kyrgyz lunch featuring traditional dishes, then take a relaxing stroll along Issyk-Kul Lake’s picturesque western shore. Enjoy the views of the majestic mountains and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Need a break from the city? Join us for an easygoing adventure from Bishkek to two of Kyrgyzstan’s must-see spots - the stunning Ala-Archa National Park and the legendary Issyk-Kul Lake. We’ll kick things off just outside the capital with a breath of fresh mountain air in Ala-Archa — a paradise of tall peaks, rivers, and pine forests. Whether you’re up for a short hike or just want to relax with a view, it’s the perfect way to start your day. Then we’re off to Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s crown jewel. Think: crystal-clear water, mountain backdrops, golden beaches, and that laid-back lakeside vibe you didn’t know you needed. It’s nature, chill, and good company - all packed into one unforgettable day. Let’s hit the road!

You will Experience the stunning scenery of Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s lake in the Tian Shan mountain range, during this full-day private excursion from Bishkek. You will experience a visit to Rukh Ordo which is a cultural complex and open-air museum. Take some swimming clothes with you if want to experience a crystal clear water, however the best months for swimming is available from May through September. Issyk-Kul is an endorheic lake in the Northern Tian Shan mountains in Eastern Kyrgyzstan. It is the seventh-deepest lake in the world, the tenth-largest lake in the world by volume and the second-largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. You will experience to see the main spots of the connected small cities and can taste the local cuisines of the area. Have lunch and get ready to experience Natural Hot spring for an Hour. there are many pools to experience different natural temperatures of lake. The landscapes and mountains during your travel will be incredible and you will feel the fresh nature of the area. You can see the snowcapped mountains during winters across the lake. The lake is immense and has scenery view which can make some of your best shots of the memory. Capture it or share ,you have choices.

Embark on a 5-day tour to Son Kol Lake, Issyk Kul Lake, and Altyn Arashan, and enjoy a blend of stunning natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Visit the picturesque Son Kul Lake, the therapeutic Issyk Kul Lake, and the beautiful Altyn Arashan Valley. Day 1: Bishkek - Son Kul Lake Depart from Bishkek to Son Kul Lake, which is about a 5-hour drive from Bishkek. The scenic route will take you through the beautiful mountain pass Kalmak Ashuu (3400 meters altitude) and picturesque villages. Stop for lunch at a roadside café or a local restaurant along the way. Check into your Kyrgyz traditional yurt at the lakeside yurt camp. Day 2: Son Kul - Issyk Kul Lake Head to Issyk Kul Lake via Kalmak Ashuu pass. The route will take you along Orto Tokoi lake to Bokonbaevo. The village is famous for golden eagle breeders - an ancient practice passed down through generations. Enjoy an eagle hunting show followed by bow and arrow shooting. Overnight stay at a traditional guest house with panoramic views of mountains and the lake. Day 3. Bokonbaevo - Karakol Continue your journey along the South shore of the lake. Visit Fairy Tale Canyons, Barskoon Gorge, and take an easy hike to waterfalls. Head to Jeti Oguz Valley with a climb to the panorama of the valley. Spend time enjoying various water activities such as swimming in the warm waters of Issyk Kul Lake, known for its therapeutic properties. Overnights stay on hotel in Karakol Day 4: Day Off-Road Trip to Altyn Arashan Have an early breakfast at your accommodation. Depart for Altyn Arashan, a beautiful alpine valley known for its hot springs. The journey takes about 1.5 hours by special car, followed by a short hike. Upon arrival, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. Enjoy a soak in the natural hot springs, which are known for their healing properties. After a day of exploration and relaxation, head back to Karakol for overnight stay in a hotel Day 5: Karakol - Bishkek After breakfast, head to Kyrchyn valley - home of World Nomad games. Route will take via Semenov Gorge. Then continue to the town of Cholpon-Ata, where you can visit the petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings). You will then visit new deck and the public beach at Balykchi city to bid farewell to the Issyk Kul Lake. Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Kyrgyz cuisine. Followed by drive via Boom Gorge back to to Bishkek

Issyk Lake is a stunningly beautiful alpine lake located in the Tian Shan Mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan.The lake is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and the surrounding snow-capped peaks that create a breathtaking backdrop.Besides its natural beauty, Issyk Lake is also famous for its archaeological significance, as ancient artifacts have been found in the area dating back to the Bronze Age. We will also have chance to visit Bear Waterfall, a picturesque waterfall located in the mountains of Kazakhstan, not far from Almaty. The waterfall is situated in a scenic mountain valley and is a popular spot for picnics and excursions among locals and tourists 8.00 am | Departure from Almaty | 1.5 hour drive to Issyk lake 09:30 am | Arrival to Issyl Lake | 1.5 hour of trekking around the lake 11:00 pm | Departure to Bear Waterfalls | 1 hour drive 12:00 pm | Arrival to Bear Waterfalls | 1.5 hour trekking (Tourists can have a lunch at the local cafes) 2:00 pm | Departure to Almaty | 3:30 pm | Arrival to Almaty

Experience the stunning scenery of Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular lake nestled in the Tian Shan mountain range, during this full-day private excursion from Bishkek. Begin your adventure by boarding a boat and heading out onto the pristine waters, where you can enjoy swimming from May through September. Dive into the cultural richness of the region with a visit to the open-air museum and spiritual center of Rukh Ordo, showcasing the diverse heritage of Kyrgyzstan. Indulge in a traditional Kyrgyz lunch, savoring local flavors and hospitality. The tour also includes a stop at the ancient Burana Tower, an important historical site offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. With door-to-door hotel transfers provided, this excursion combines natural beauty, cultural exploration, and historical insights, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience. Enjoy the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation on this unforgettable journey to Issyk Kul.

You are able to visit the Beautiful building Burana Tower which is a historical part of the 11th Century. The tops of the Burana Tower stands tall, ancient and impressive, still surviving as one of Kyrgyzstan’s most outstanding historical sites. 70km from Bishkek, and 12km from the town of Tokmok, the Burana Tower is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. Once part of the Kalahandi khaganate that existed between the 9th- 11th centuries, Balasagun was ransacked by the Mongols in 1218. By the 14th century the city was destroyed and left in disrepair. Kok Moinkok Canyons: The Perfect Stop Between Bishkek and Issyk-Kul are unique rocks in the middle of mountains with amazing stones and rocks designs. It was made after the thousands of year old ocean washed away.

Journey will start by visiting ancient 11th century Burana minaret and museum. Followed by tasting Kyrgyz kattama treat. Eagle presentation will be waiting in south shore of the lake. First night will be in yurt camp in traditional Kyrgyz yurt complemented by modern amenities. Variety of traditional local food will be served during the tour. Second day starts with visit to Fairly tale canyon with easy to moderate hiking amidst unreal red formations. We will stop at the wild beach to see natural beauty of the alpine lake. Followed by visit to Barskoon gorge, where we will do easy hiking to two alpine waterfalls at elevation of 2400 mtrs. Afternoon we drive to Chon Kemin National Park via Boom Gorge. Overnight stay in natural wooden guest house with modern amenities and traditional elements in Kyrgyz village with views if majestic mountains. Third day will be easy strolling in nearby alpine forest or guided horse riding to the village or mountains panorama. Within 3 days you will experience essence of kyrgyz nature, culture, history, local food and activities. This is as authentic experience as it can be. Welcome to Kyrgyzstan where long lasting memories are created!

Meeting with Your Guide: Upon arrival at the airport or border, you will be greeted by our friendly guide, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and care from the very start. Preparation of Comfortable Transportation: Our guide-drivers have already prepared comfortable transportation, ranging from sedans to spacious buses, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable journey. Exciting Tours: Experienced guide-drivers will not only transport you but also share captivating stories, introduce you to cultural nuances, and showcase the most breathtaking locations. Unforgettable Moments: Every stage of your exciting journey will be filled with unforgettable moments—whether it's witnessing mountain sunsets, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, or enjoying meals in traditional settings. Carefree Greetings and Farewells: Our guides will happily organize greetings and farewells at the border, airport, so you don't have to worry about the details—simply savor the moment. Comfortable Travel: With attention to every detail, we guarantee you a comfortable journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the amazing experiences from every corner of the country. Get ready for an incredible journey where each moment becomes a part of your unique adventure story!

Hello Greetings ! We welcome you to breath in the nature of the Kyrgyzstan. You will able to feel the nomadic life style and taste the best local dishes and discover the diverse culture of the Kyrgyz people. Our This tour will able to give you the quality of time to enjoy your vacation in the natural spots of the country. Here we have the best spots which we will able to cover in two days. -Burana Tower -Fairy Tale Canyon -Southern Part of the Issyk Kul lake -Barskoon City (Barskoon Gorge’s waterfalls) We will start our journey early morning and will able to reach our First Point which is historical spot known as " Burana Tower ". Here, I will tell you about old Balasagun city features and you will able to see petroglyphs, Grinding stones, balbals and sculptures in museum and out in feild. Than , we will move to our Next Destination which will be quite far but before that we will have a nice meal our 1st lunch and than we will move toward our second spot Fairy Tales Canyons where we will spend our time till evening and later we will able to move to get relax at our Yurts. We will decide our Dinner time and the Yurts will be in front of the Beautiful immense southern shore of the Issyk Kul Lake , where you will enjoy your company with best people. Next Morning we will able to experience the green valley of Barskoon Waterfalls and there we will spend our Good time up to some Basic Hikes of the place and later we will move toward our next place for having lunch. After having Meals in the place we will pack our thing to reach back to our Bishkek Capital. Reaching Back to Bishkek will be quite late night so make sure you will make your own arrangements before reaching back to the city. We can make arrangements for the persons after Booking done and we will manage accordingly are more than 5 Number of persons.