Issyk-Kul Circle
Duration_3 days
Route_Choplon Ata, Karakol, Jeti Oguz, Skazka Canyon
Accomodation_guesthouse, yurt
Type_by car, by foot
Recommended_May to September
Min. Number of People_2
Embark on a remarkable three-day tour, tailored to explore the captivating Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. Experience the essence of this stunning destination as you immerse yourself in multiple exhilarating canyon hikes, unwind in a cosy traditional felted yurt for a night, embark on a scenic horseback journey into the mountains, and delve into the rich history of the area with visits to a 19th-century mosque and church. Indulge in delicious meals, enjoy hassle-free door-to-door transportation, and benefit from the expertise of your dedicated driver and guide throughout the entire adventure.
The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
day_1
Burana Tower and Cholpon Ata
Begin your adventure as our driver and guide pick you up from your hotel or designated location in Bishkek, ensuring a convenient start to your journey. Check the hotel list on our checkout page for pickup points. Leaving Bishkek, we make our first stop at the famous 11th-century Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site of historical significance. Spend around 30 minutes here, climbing to the tower's top, exploring the archaeology museum, and observing the ancient depictions on the balbals (stone markers). Arriving in Cholpon Ata, the central town on the lake's northern coast, we check into a comfortable hotel. Head to the local dock for a scenic ship ride on Issyk-Kul. During the cruise, we venture approximately 4 kilometres from the shore, reaching a depth of 120 meters. In the hot season (May-September), you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake with provided life jackets. In other seasons, appreciate the stunning lake and mountain views from the ship. Take some free time to relax and explore. In the evening, savour a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
day_2
Karakol and Jeti Oguz
Our first stops today are the breathtaking Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges, where we'll immerse ourselves in their stunning landscapes and discover hidden alpine lakes. After a good hike, we'll enjoy a satisfying lunch. Continuing our adventure, we reach the town of Karakol, located between the north and south coasts. Take a brief city tour, visiting the Dungan mosque, a striking architectural marvel built in 1910, and the Russian Orthodox Church, a historic landmark dating back to 1895. Resuming our route along the enchanting south coast, we make our way towards the Jeti Oguz valley. As we venture deeper into the valley, we reach a vibrant summer pasture dotted with traditional yurt camps. Prepare for a memorable horseback ride through the lush forests and up the mountains. Take some free time to explore the surrounding meadows and soak in the natural beauty. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a cosy bonfire outside, where you can unwind and marvel at the starry sky. We’ll spend the night in yurts.
day_3
Skazka Canyon and Bishkek
As we embark on the final day of our delightful journey, prepare for more thrilling activities and memorable experiences. After a satisfying breakfast, we'll take a leisurely walk through the charming landscapes of Jeti Oguz. Continuing along the captivating south coast, our next stop is the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. This natural wonder, sculpted over thousands of years by the forces of ice, water, and wind, showcases mesmerizing red rock formations that emerge from the ground, creating a truly enchanting spectacle. Next, we'll visit Ak Sai village, where you'll have the extraordinary opportunity to witness the captivating art of Eagle Hunting. Learn about this traditional hunting practice from the Berkutchi, the eagle's skilled handler, and even participate in the archery aspect yourself. Enjoy a delightful picnic on the pristine shores of Issyk Kul, where you can indulge in swimming and sunbathing. We'll also embark on a short hike to the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers, immersing ourselves in the beauty of this hidden gem. As our journey nears its end, we'll make our way back to Bishkek. Upon arrival in the capital city, you will be dropped off at your hotel (not included).
Skazka Canyon
Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon, is a captivating desert-like landscape located on Issyk Kul Lake's south shore. Formed through thousands of years of erosion by ice, water, and wind, this remarkable canyon boasts red rock formations that rise from the earth, creating a truly enchanting sight.
In contrast to the green meadows, snow-capped peaks, and alpine lakes that characterize much of Kyrgyzstan, Skazka Canyon stands out with its dry and rocky panorama. Legend has it that a dragon cursed the valley after a beautiful woman rejected his advances. The valley would flood on every full moon until the woman agreed to marry the dragon. The local people prevented flooding by covering the wells with golden lids, but one day, the beautiful woman herself forgot to do so. The resulting flood transformed the area into the present-day Issyk Kul Lake, and the dragon turned to stone, giving rise to the rock formations that make up the canyon.
Visitors experience Skazka Canyon differently, with some likening it to Mars and others appreciating the vibrant and predominantly red rocks. The canyon's appearance can vary depending on the weather, offering unique perspectives. Climbing one of the rocks provides a stunning panorama of Lake Issyk Kul.
Overnights?
Accommodation during the tour will vary between guesthouses, yurt camps, and tents. The detailed description for each day will specify the type of accommodation. If you prefer, you can bring your own tents and sleeping bags, but we are also able to provide them for you. We can also provide inflatable mats for an extra price. Please let us know in advance if you have any special accommodation needs.
Water?
While trekking, the importance of water cannot be overstated. We provide boiled water or tea/coffee during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but please note that the availability of boiled water is limited and may not be sufficient for refilling your bottles for the next day. Fortunately, we’ll find running streams in the mountains. They have a low risk of carrying pathogens and contain fewer particulate materials compared to stagnant water. Natural springs are the best option for refilling water as they act as natural filters. Locals and tourists drink water directly from the source without issues, but if you are uncertain, bring water purification tablets from your home country as they have limited availability in Kyrgyzstan.
Book and pay?
Contact us and let us know your preferred dates using the form below. We offer flexible scheduling options and can customize the itineraries to suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, we are delighted to create personalized tours based on your specific requests. Please note that certain tours require a minimum number of participants to proceed (check the description). Once all the details and arrangements have been finalized, we will provide you with an invoice. You can conveniently make the payment through a bank transfer in USD.
Prices differ based on
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group size
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season
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special needs
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custom elements