A week around Issyk-Kul that takes in both shores of the lake and two short mountain journeys: a trek to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs and a horseback ride up to the Ashuu-Tor jailoo for a panorama of the lake. Along the way you see the Burana Tower, Karakol, the Jeti-Oguz Gorge and Skazka Canyon, and spend the nights in guesthouses, yurts and mountain huts. The program joins our two-day Altyn-Arashan trek and our two-day Panorama of Issyk-Kul tour with transfers, starting and ending in Bishkek. It suits active travelers of average fitness who are happy to spend two days on foot and two in the saddle.
Highlights
Burana Tower and the open-air petroglyph gallery near Cholpon-Ata · Trek to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs with views of Peak Palatka (5260 m) · Jeti-Oguz Gorge, the Seven Bulls rocks and Skazka Canyon · Horseback ride to the Ashuu-Tor jailoo for sunset over Issyk-Kul · Eagle-hunting demonstration at the Boz-Salkyn jailoo · Two nights in a lakeshore yurt camp near Bokonbaevo
Route at a glance
- Day 1 Bishkek → Burana Tower → Cholpon-Ata → Karakol · ≈460 km by car
- Days 2–3 Altyn-Arashan 2 days trek — one of our tours, full program on its page
- Day 4 Karakol → Jeti-Oguz → Skazka Canyon (Fairytale) → Beltam Yurt Camp · ≈190 km by car
- Days 5–6 Panorama of Issyk-Kul 2d — one of our tours, full program on its page
- Day 7 Beltam Yurt Camp → Bishkek · ≈330 km by car
Drives between the tours: about 980 km. Distances are approximate, from our own route map; exact drive times come with your route.
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: Bishkek – Karakol
Drive from Bishkek along the north shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol. On the way, stop at the Burana Tower, a 10th–11th century landmark of the Great Silk Road, and at the open-air petroglyph gallery near Cholpon-Ata. Lunch is at a café along the way (not included). In the afternoon, take a walk around Karakol to see the Dungan Mosque and the Russian Orthodox church. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse in Karakol.
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Day 2: Karakol – Altyn-Arashan
A short drive from Karakol brings you to Ak-Suu village, where the trail climbs over three hills to the Altyn-Arashan valley, with a picnic lunch on the way. On arrival, soak in the natural hot springs of Altyn-Arashan, the "Golden Spa", with mountain peaks all around. Overnight in a yurt or mountain hut.
Part of the tour Altyn-Arashan 2 days trek
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Day 3: Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
Spend the morning at Altyn-Arashan with views of Peak Palatka (5260 m), then follow the river down the Arashan Gorge. At the end of the trail, a car takes you back to Karakol, where dinner is at a café (not included). Overnight in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Part of the tour Altyn-Arashan 2 days trek
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Day 4: Karakol – Bokonbaevo
Today the road follows the south shore of Issyk-Kul from Karakol towards Bokonbaevo. The first stop is the Jeti-Oguz Gorge with its Seven Bulls rocks; the next is Skazka Canyon, whose name means "fairytale". The day ends at Beltam, a yurt camp right on the lakeshore near Bokonbaevo, with modern washrooms and hot showers. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
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Day 5: Bokonbaevo – Ashuu-Tor Jailoo
In Bokonbaevo village, meet the guide and the horses, then ride up through the jailoos, the summer pastures above the lake, with a picnic lunch on the way. In the afternoon you reach the Ashuu-Tor jailoo, a wide balcony over Issyk-Kul and a perfect spot to watch the sunset (the same route can also be done on foot). Overnight in a mountain hut or yurt.
Part of the tour Panorama of Issyk-Kul 2d
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Day 6: Ashuu-Tor – Boz-Salkyn – Bokonbaevo
Cross the Tashtarata Pass on horseback and stop for lunch with Issyk-Kul spread out below, then descend to the Boz-Salkyn jailoo. Here an eagle hunter gives a demonstration and shows how he trains his eagles, followed by a short drive back to the lake. Dinner and overnight in the Beltam yurt camp.
Part of the tour Panorama of Issyk-Kul 2d
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Day 7: Bokonbaevo – Bishkek
Leave the yurt camp near Bokonbaevo and head back to Bishkek. The road runs along Issyk-Kul, a last chance to take in the lake and the mountains around it. The tour ends on arrival in Bishkek.
Included
- Accommodation for 6 nights in guesthouses, yurts and mountain huts (twin sharing in guesthouses and yurt camps; mountain huts and shepherds' yurts may be shared)
- Meals on the route, except the café meals noted in the program
- Transport for the whole route by car, minivan or minibus, depending on group size
- Local guides on the trekking and riding days
- Horses for the riding days
- Entrance fees for the sights in the program
- Eagle-hunting demonstration
Not included
- Accommodation and meals in Bishkek
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- English-speaking guide for the whole trip (available on request)
- Single supplement (guesthouses only)
- Personal expenses and tips