5-Day Tour Around Issyk-Kul Lake with Altyn-Arashan, Fairy Tale Canyon & Eagle Hunting Show

Airport Manas pickup or meeting in central Bishkek. Transfer to Chon-Kemin Valley along a scenic mountain road with several photo stops for panoramic views. First stop: popular Kegety Gorge with its beautiful waterfall — easy 1–2 hour walk to stretch your legs. Next: visit to Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret from the Karakhanid Empire (80 km from Bishkek). One of the oldest structures in Central Asia, part of a protected archaeological complex with an open-air museum. Arrival in Chon-Kemin village — check-in at a cozy guesthouse. Change clothes and go for a 2–3 hour horseback ride through the surrounding valleys. Evening free.

Overnight at the guesthouse.

Included: lunch, dinner, horseback riding.

Breakfast, then depart for Karakol. En route: stop at the colorful and unique Kok-Moinok Canyons — named after the nearby village, these formations feature striking relief and vivid colors. Continue through two classic Kyrgyz gorges: Grigoriev Gorge and Semenov Gorge. Enjoy alpine meadows, forested slopes, fast-flowing rivers, and a beautiful mountain lake in Grigoriev Gorge — perfect for photos and short walks. Evening arrival in Karakol. Check-in at the best hotel in town. Dinner at a local Dungan family: taste traditional Dungan cuisine (lagman, manty, etc.) and learn about their culture.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Hearty breakfast to fuel the day. Meet at the hotel where a rugged military 4×4 vehicle (UAZ or GAZ-66) awaits for an exciting ride along winding mountain tracks. Destination: breathtaking Altyn-Arashan Gorge — vibrant nature, stunning views, and pure tranquility. Highlight: soak in the famous hot springs with healing mineral water (1–2 hours for bathing and relaxation). Return to Karakol in the evening. Dinner at one of the city’s top cafés, sharing stories from the day.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, 4×4 ride.

Relaxed breakfast, then head toward Bokonbaevo village. First stop: famous Jeti-Ögüz Gorge (“Seven Bulls”). Climb to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire valley. If time allows, drive deeper to Kok-Jaiyk plateau and walk to the “Braids of the Young Girl” waterfall. Next: picturesque Barskoon Gorge with two beautiful waterfalls — “Champagne Splashes” and “Ak-Sakal’s Beard”. Then: Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka), one of the most visited spots on Issyk-Kul’s southern shore. Thousands of years of erosion created bizarre rock and clay formations, including the famous “Chinese Wall” — multicolored cliffs resembling the Great Wall. Arrival in Bokonbaevo.

Accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse or yurt camp.

Dinner and overnight. Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Breakfast, then start the return journey to Bishkek with several memorable stops. First: climb to Shatyly viewpoint for an incredible panorama of Issyk-Kul Lake. Next: traditional eagle hunting demonstration — meet a real Kyrgyz eagle hunter and watch the golden eagle (berkut) show. Then: atmospheric stop at Ak-Sai Canyons — easy walk to stunning viewpoints and (weather permitting) a refreshing swim in Issyk-Kul Lake. In Boom Gorge: taste fresh Kyrgyz flatbread “katama” straight from the tandoor. Arrival in Bishkek. Check-in at the hotel. Farewell dinner.

Overnight in Bishkek.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, eagle hunting show, accommodation in Bishkek.

Breakfast at the hotel (depending on flight time). Transfer to Manas International Airport. Goodbye, Kyrgyzstan! Included: airport drop-off.