- Discover nomadic life of the Kyrgyz people
- Explore two of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic lakes: Ysyk-Kol and Song-Kol
- Experience a night sleeping in a traditional yurt
- Ride a horse along the scenic shores of Song-Kul Lake
- Meet a traditional eagle hunter and learn about this ancient craft
- Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a Dungan family
- Visit the Fairy Tale Canyon, one of the most famous and picturesque canyons in the country
Day 1. Visit Ysyk-Kol Lake
Begin your journey early in the morning from Bishkek. The first stop is the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret dating back to the 11th century, located near the town of Tokmok. The tower is part of the ruins of the Balasagun city, once a major center along the Silk Road. Explore the site, climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views, and admire the nearby ancient balbals (stone statues).
– Continue your drive to Iskra village, home to a Dungan community, a Muslim Chinese ethnic group. A Dungan family will welcome you into their home for an authentic, homemade lunch. Enjoy the warmth of hospitality, learn about Dungan traditions, and experience the fusion of Chinese and Central Asian flavors.
– After lunch, continue your journey to the legendary Lake Ysyk-Kol. In the town of Balykchy, you’ll catch your first stunning view of the lake. As you drive toward Bokonbaev, enjoy panoramic views of Issyk-Kul on one side and the majestic Tien Shan Mountains on the other.
– Close to the evening, you’ll take a short visit to another canyons Fairy-Tale Canyons (also known as “Skazka” Canyon), located on the south shore of Ysyk-Kol lake. This unique canyon is famous for its vibrant red, orange, and pink rock formations, which have been eroded into fantastical shapes that resemble castles, towers, and creatures from a fairy tale.
– After exploring the Fairy-Tale Canyons, you’ll continue to your guesthouse in Bokonbaev for a relaxing evening. Upon arrival, you can unwind and enjoy a hearty dinner at the guesthouse.
Transfer:
Total: 330 km – 6-7 h.
Asphalt: 300 km
Dirt road: 30 km
Meals:
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: Guesthouse
WC: Sharing / Private
Shower: Available
Internet: Wi-Fi
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Visit Song-Kol Lake
– Start your day with meeting a local eagle hunter who will introduce you to the ancient tradition of eagle hunting. Watch a fascinating demonstration of how trained golden eagles hunt a practice passed down through generations of Kyrgyz nomads.
– Afterward, enjoy a lunch at a restaurant in Kochkor Village before continuing your journey toward Song-Kol Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake famous for its natural beauty and nomadic culture.
– The drive takes you through dramatic landscapes and over the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,400 meters), offering panoramic views of mountain ranges and open valleys. In the evening, you’ll arrive at Song-Kol Lake, where wide open spaces and untouched nature await.
– Take a peaceful walk along the lake’s edge before settling into your yurt, a traditional nomadic dwelling. Enjoy a homemade dinner in the yurt and, if the skies are clear, spend time stargazing under the vast, unpolluted sky.
– Overnight in the yurt, experiencing the calm and simplicity of Kyrgyz nomadic life.
Transfer:
Total: 220 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 160 km
Dirt road: 60 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse
lunch at restaurant,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt
WC: Sharing outside
Shower: Available on request
Internet: Wi-Fi
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– You’ll stay at a tourist yurt camp with modern comforts. If you prefer a more authentic experience with basic conditions, we can arrange a stay with a local nomadic family for a deeper immersion into traditional daily life, just let us know your preference
Day 3. Horse riding by Song-Kol Lake. Way back to Bishkek
– Begin your day with a peaceful morning at Song-Kol Lake, where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
– After breakfast at yurt, embark on a gentle horse ride along the lake’s edge. The ride is easy, allowing you to take in the scenic surroundings, including grassy meadows, clear waters, and views of the mountains. Along the way, you will spot herders with their livestock, adding to the charm of the experience.
– After lunch, say goodbye to your hosts and begin your journey back to Bishkek, traveling through the stunning Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3400m), which offers sweeping views of the valleys below as you descend from the highlands.
– By late afternoon or early evening, arrive in Bishkek, concluding your 3-day tour through the mountains, lakes, canyons, and cultural heart of Kyrgyzstan.
Transfer:
Total: 300 km – 4 h.
Asphalt: 240 km
Dirt road: 60 km
Horse riding:
Optional
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt
lunch at yurt
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– No prior horse riding experience is required.
– Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy a gentle ride along the lake or a longer trek into the mountains with panoramic views over Song-Kol Lake.
– Horse riding is optional — you’re free to skip it or choose a shorter ride. If you prefer, you can spend more time in Bishkek exploring the city or souvenir shopping with your guide.
