Issyk-Kul South Shore 3d trek

Highlights

Trekking through the gorges of the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, Shor-Kul Lake

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1: Bokonbaevo – Ak-Sai Gorge – Kyzyl-Tuu Village

   After breakfast, transfer from Bokonbaevo Village to the Ak-Sai Gorge. From the gorge, hit the trail on foot — with the guide, follow the sheep paths up to the red canyon hills that open to a spectacular view of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, pass ancient petroglyphs with the Tian-Shan peaks as backdrop. Picnic lunch outdoors. In the afternoon, descend to Kyzyl-Tuu Village — the unique yurt-making village whose craftsmen supply yurts across Kyrgyzstan and into Kazakhstan. Home-stay overnight with dinner served by the host family.

2. Day 2: Kyzyl-Tuu – Ak-Terek Gorge – Shor-Kul Lake

   After a home-cooked breakfast, continue trekking into the small dry gorge of Ak-Terek towards the lakeside. Stop for another picnic-style lunch on the path. Afterwards, reach Shor-Kul — one of the saltiest lakes in the region, popular in summer for swimming and therapeutic mud bathing. Spend the night in a mountain hut near the lake, with dinner provided.

3. Day 3: Shor-Kul – Issyk-Kul Shore – Bokonbaevo

   After breakfast, the last trekking day follows the Issyk-Kul lakeshore eastward and then turns south through a series of dry red-earth canyons that lead back to the road. At the finish point, the local driver picks the group up and transfers them back to Bokonbaevo Village. End of the tour.

Places on this route

• Bokonbaevo