- Visit the historic Burana Tower and ancient Silk Road site.
- Explore Kyrchyn Valley, home of the World Nomad Games.
- Discover the South Shore: Jety-Oguz Gorge, Barskoon Valley, and Fairy-Tale Canyons.
- Overnight stay in a traditional yurt.
- Optional horse riding or trek to the majestic Shatyly viewpoint overlooking Ysyk-Kol Lake.
Day 1. Road trip to Karakol City
• Begin your journey early in the morning from Bishkek with a visit to the Burana Tower near Tokmok, an 11th-century minaret and a key site of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Explore the ruins, climb the tower for panoramic views, and see the historic stone balbals nearby.
• Continue to Iskra village, home to a Dungan community. Enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family while learning about Dungan culture and tasting a unique blend of Chinese and Central Asian cuisine.
• After lunch, travel east along the scenic shores of Issyk-Kul Lake toward Kyrchyn Gorge, the former venue of the World Nomad Games, known for its green meadows and yurts. Continue on to Karakol, where you’ll enjoy dinner and settle into a comfortable hotel for the night.
Transfer:
Total: 430 km – 6-7 h.
Asphalt: 410 km
Dirt road: 20 km
Meals:
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at restaurant
Overnight: hotel
WC: Private WC
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Explore the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake
• Start your day with a short city tour of Karakol, learning about its history and local culture. Afterward, drive along the scenic south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, stopping first at the striking red sandstone formations of Jety-Oguz Gorge. Continue to Tamga village for a traditional Russian lunch at the cozy home of famous Soviet alpinist Lyubov Danichkina, where warm hospitality and homemade dishes await.
• Later, head to Barskoon Gorge for a relaxing walk to its picturesque waterfalls surrounded by alpine scenery. In the afternoon, explore the unique rock formations of the Fairy-Tale Canyons.
• By early evening, drive to the high mountain pastures of Boz-Salkyn to experience authentic nomadic life. Enjoy fresh mountain air, a peaceful atmosphere, and spend the night in a traditional yurt under the stars.
Transfer:
Total: 150 km – 3-4 h.
Asphalt: 120 km
Dirt road: 30 km
Meals:
Breakfast at hotel,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt
WC: Shared
Internet: No
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The yurt in Boz-Salkyn belongs to a nomadic family and offers a more authentic experience. Alternatively, you can stay by Ysyk-Kol Lake in more comfortable yurt accommodations.
Day 3. Horse riding to Shatyly Viewpoint. Return back to Bishkek
• Wake up at a traditional yurt in the high-altitude Boz-Salkyn Pasture and begin a half-day horseback ride to the scenic Shatyly Panorama. The picturesque route leads through alpine forests, rolling hills, and wide open meadows, offering a true taste of nomadic life.
• From the viewpoint, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ysyk-Kol Lake, framed by dramatic mountains, deep canyons, and small lakeside villages. On the opposite side, admire the snow-capped peaks of the Kungey Ala-Too Range rising above the horizon. After time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, return to the trailhead and drive to Bokonbaev Village.
• Near the village, meet traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunters and witness an impressive eagle hunting demonstration. Enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse before driving back to Bishkek, concluding your unforgettable journey through Kyrgyzstan.
Transfer:
Total: 280 km – 4 h.
Asphalt: 260 km
Dirt road: 20 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at restaurant
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The eagle hunting experience is a demonstration with explanations and staged hunting on animal skins. Real hunting on horseback is only available in winter.
– The eagle hunting demonstration is optional – if you prefer, you can skip it.
– Instead of horse riding, you can choose to go trekking, or skip the activity altogether and travel directly to Bishkek for a guided city tour.
