Day 1: Bishkek → Karool-Dobo, trek to Bai-Kishi. Day 2: trek to Kol-Konur and Kol-Tor lakes (camping). Day 3: descent to Tamchy village on Issyk-Kul, drive back to Bishkek.
Highlights
Camping trek through two alpine lakes to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: Bishkek – Chong-Kemin – Bai-Kishi Jailoo
Morning transfer from Bishkek to the Chong-Kemin valley (3-4 hours). On the way, visit the Burana Tower architectural complex (10th-11th century, a Silk Road landmark). On arrival at the trailhead, lunch in a local family home-stay, then transfer to the Bai-Kishi Jailoo along the Chong-Kemin river. The slopes are covered with fir forest. Continue the trek through the forest to Toru-Aigyr. Set up camp, dinner and overnight in a tent.
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Day 2: Bai-Kishi – Kol-Konur Lake
After breakfast, continue trekking upwards through fir-covered slopes to Kol-Konur Lake at 2500 m — a mountain lake known for its unique trapezoidal shape. Set up camp on the lakeshore. Dinner and overnight in a tent.
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Day 3: Kol-Konur – Tamchy Pass – Issyk-Kul Lake
Breakfast at camp. Start the last trekking day from Kol-Konur Lake up to the Tamchy Pass (3400 m). The pass offers views of Kol-Tor Lake. Short break for lunch. Continue down to the Achyk-Tash jailoo, where a vehicle from Tamchy Village picks the group up and transfers them to the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Swim in the refreshing waters after the trek. Dinner and B&B in a local home-stay. End of the tour.
Route and transfers
| Day | From → to | km | Time | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bishkek → Burana Tower | 90 | 1.8 h | by car |
| 1 | Burana Tower → Karool-Dobo | 120 | 2.4 h | by car |
About 210 km in total. Distances and drive times come from our road map of Kyrgyzstan.