Popular Issyk - Kul And Son - Kul Tour Kyrgyzstan

Day 1: Bishkek City Tour

The popular Issyk-Kul and Son-Kul tour starts in Bishkek.

Meeting at the airport.

15:00 Bishkek city tour: We will visit the central part of Bishkek, including Osh Bazaar, Victory Square, Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and monuments dedicated to Kyrgyz heroes such as Manas, the main character of the Kyrgyz national epic.

After exploring the city, we will have dinner and return to the hotel.

Accommodation – 3★ Hotel Alpinist or similar in Bishkek
Meal: Dinner

Day 2: Nomadic Yurt Assembly, Jeti-Oguz Valley

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by departure to Issyk-Kul Lake.

We will travel to Kyzyl-Tuu Village, known as the “felt world,” located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Here, you will help assemble a traditional nomadic yurt with a local family and enjoy lunch with them.

We will then visit the Golden Eagle House on the way to the “Fairy Tale” (Skazka) Canyon.

Next, we will explore the canyon, famous for its unique sand formations that resemble giant figures, as if guarding the land. Afterward, we will depart for Jeti-Oguz. Enjoy a hike to the “Maiden’s Braid” Waterfall, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and admire the natural beauty.

You will also see the “Seven Bulls” rock formation and hear the story behind the name Jeti-Oguz.

Accommodation – Golden Yurt Camp in Jeti-Oguz (4 people per yurt, shared bathroom outside)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Altyn Arashan Mineral Hot Springs

Early breakfast.

Departure to Altyn Arashan hot springs by a Soviet-era vehicle. Upon arrival, we will have lunch in a guesthouse and enjoy a relaxing swim in the Ak-Suu Kench mineral hot springs.

In the evening, we will travel to Karakol, where we will have dinner with a local Dungan family. Optionally, you may enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz folklore show performed by a local music group.

Accommodation – 3★ Hotel Muras in Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Karakol City Tour, Issyk-Kul Lake Beach, Kochkor Village

After breakfast, we will take a two-hour city tour of Karakol, visiting the Dungan Mosque (built in Chinese architectural style without nails), the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Bugu Bazaar.

We will then travel to Kochkor Village along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, we will have lunch at a local guesthouse, stop at the lake beach for relaxation, and visit the open-air Petroglyphs Museum.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kochkor.

Accommodation – Guesthouse Baitur in Kochkor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Moldo-Ashuu Pass, Son-Kul Lake

After breakfast, we will visit a local felt workshop.

Then we will travel to the high-altitude Son-Kul Lake, located at 3,000 meters above sea level. There are several routes to the lake; today, we will take the scenic Moldo-Ashuu Pass, known for its winding serpentine roads.

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by the hosts and offered a taste of the traditional drink kumys.

After lunch in the yurts, enjoy a walk along the lake, optional horseback riding, and return for dinner.

Accommodation – Yurt Camp Mirlan at Son-Kul Lake (4 people per yurt, shared bathroom outside)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Son-Kul Lake, Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, Burana Tower, Bishkek

After breakfast in the yurts, we will say goodbye to the hosts and depart for Bishkek. We will travel via the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, offering stunning snowy mountain views.

On the way, we will have lunch with a local Dungan family.

Later, we will visit the Burana Tower, located in the ancient capital of the Karakhanid state.

Upon arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation – 3★ Hotel Alpinist in Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to the Airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Meal: Breakfast

Price Includes:

Double/twin accommodation in hotels

Yurt camp accommodation (4–5 persons per yurt)

Transport (18-seater Sprinter, 4WD car, or 7-seater minivan)

Meals as mentioned each day

Soviet-era vehicle to Altyn Arashan

Drinking water

Local English-speaking guide

Entrance fees (Burana Tower, Golden Eagle House, Skazka Canyon, Ak-Suu hot springs, Karakol city tour, Petroglyphs)

Nomadic yurt setup masterclass

Airport transfers

Price Does Not Include:

Visa

Flight tickets

Insurance

Laundry services

Horseback riding

Alcoholic beverages

Personal expenses

Single supplement

Early check-in and late check-out

Folklore show in Karakol (Optional)

Eagle hunting show (Optional)