The Spring Breath of Tien Shan: 8-Day May Holiday Adventure in Kyrgyzstan

Upon arrival at Manas International Airport (FRU), you will be met by your guide. Our journey immediately heads toward the mountains. Our first historical stop is the Burana Tower, a striking 11th-century minaret and the last standing relic of the ancient city of Balasagun on the Silk Road.

Next, we visit the serene Kegety Gorge to hike to its stunning waterfall, instantly breathing in the crisp mountain air. We continue to the Chon Kemin Valley, a protected nature park.

After settling into our cozy guesthouse, we embark on an introductory horseback riding experience. Enjoying the sunset over the valley from the back of a horse is the perfect introduction to nomadic life. Dinner featuring local cuisine follows.

Included: Lunch, Dinner, Burana entrance, Horseback riding.

After breakfast, we drive towards the legendary Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Our first photo stop is the little-known Kok-Moynok Canyons. The sandstone and red clay formations here create a strikingly Mars-like landscape, unique in the region.

We continue along the northern shore, driving through the classic alpine scenery of the Grigorievskoe and Semenovskoe Gorges—imagine towering Tien Shan spruce, rushing rivers, and vast alpine meadows.

In the evening, we arrive in the historic city of Karakol. Check-in at the best available hotel in the city. For dinner, we immerse ourselves in the local culture with an authentic dinner hosted by a Dungan family, allowing you to taste their unique Sino-Muslim fusion cuisine.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Authentic Dungan Dinner.

Route: Karakol – Altyn Arashan Gorge – Karakol

Today is the ultimate adventure day! We swap our regular transport for a rugged Soviet-era military 4x4 (UAZ or GAZ-66) to tackle the challenging but spectacular road to the Altyn Arashan Gorge ("Golden Spring").

This high-altitude drive is a thrill, rewarded by a stunning valley at 2600m with views of the snow-capped Peak Palatka (4260m). The main attraction is the natural thermal hot springs. These radon- and sulfur-enriched waters are perfect for a relaxing soak after the bumpy ride.

💡 Insider Fact: These hot springs were famously used by Soviet cosmonauts for rehabilitation after space missions due to their therapeutic properties.

We enjoy a scenic mountain picnic before descending back to Karakol for the evening.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 4x4 Off-road transfer, Hot Spring entrance.

Route: Karakol – Jyrgalan (70 km)

A leisurely morning leads to a short transfer to the Jyrgalan Valley. Once a coal mining town, it's now known internationally as a premier freeride skiing destination in winter and a haven of peace in spring and summer. The locals visit for Kymyz (fermented mare's milk) healing—a traditional cure.

We check into the cozy Peak Lodge. In the afternoon, you can choose a gentle trek or a horseback ride to the picturesque Kok-Bel Waterfall or the high-altitude Turaluu Kol Lake. This corner of Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its quiet, untouched nature.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch Box, Dinner, Horseback Riding/Trekking.

Route: Jyrgalan – Jeti-Oguz – Barskoon – Skazka Canyon – Bokonbaevo (250 km)

Today, we traverse the famed South Shore of Issyk-Kul.

1. Jeti-Oguz Gorge: We witness the iconic red sandstone cliffs known as the "Seven Bulls" and the romantic "Broken Heart" formation.

2. Barskoon Waterfalls: We visit two beautiful waterfalls.

   💡 Historic Fact: There is a memorial stone dedicated to cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who spent his holidays in this area after his historic orbit.

3. Skazka Canyon ("Fairy Tale"): A short, mesmerizing hike through a labyrinth of multi-colored clay formations that resemble castles, dragons, and beasts.

We continue to Bokonbaevo for an authentic experience: an overnight stay in a traditional Yurt Camp right on the lake shore. In the evening, we are treated to a live Folklore Music performance featuring the Komuz (three-stringed instrument) and throat singing.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Folklore show, Yurt accommodation.

Route: Bokonbaevo – Eagle Show – Ak-Sai Canyons – Song Kul Pass – Kyzyl Oi (approx. 270 km)

We start the day with an awe-inspiring spectacle: a demonstration of Eagle Hunting (Berkutchi). You will see the immense power and skill of a golden eagle and its hunter, a tradition recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

We make a quick stop at the Ak-Sai Canyons and, weather permitting, take a quick swim in the refreshing waters of Issyk-Kul. After lunch in the craft center of Kochkor, we begin our high-altitude ascent.

We drive up towards Song Kul Lake (3016m), crossing a high pass to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the vast jailoo (summer pasture) below. Due to the May weather, we descend for the night to the picturesque village of Kyzyl-Oi ("Red Bowl"), nestled in a canyon of striking red clay and green poplars.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Eagle Hunting Show.

We begin our scenic drive back to the capital through some of Central Asia's most spectacular landscapes. We traverse the vast, high-altitude Suusamyr Valley, a sprawling plateau used for summer grazing, surrounded by 4,000-meter peaks.

The highlight is conquering the Too Ashuu Pass (3400m / 11,155 ft). We drive through the famous mountain tunnel that cuts through the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range. On the northern side, we stop for a final, jaw-dropping panoramic view of the road dramatically descending into the Chui Valley—a truly epic moment for any photographer.

We arrive back in Bishkek for some free time (souvenir shopping, relaxing). In the evening, we gather for a Farewell Gala Dinner at a high-end national restaurant to toast our incredible journey through the heart of the Tien Shan.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Gala Dinner.