Sights visited on this tour
Why you will love this tour
Itinerary

This morning, you will start explore the country with a drive towards Karakol city in the eastern part of Ysyk-Kol Lake. The first stop on the map is archaeological and architectural complex “Burana Tower” registered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Founded in the 11th century, the Burana tower was the minaret of a mosque in the city of Balasagun, the capital of the once largest empire – Khara-Khanid Khanate of local Turkic-speaking tribes in Central Asia. While except of the tower none of the original city stands above ground today, there is a museum onsite that explains the history of this important site and showcases some of the archaeological discoveries. Take a tour of the ruins in the surrounding hills and then visit the top of the tower with a view of Chui Valley. Next, you will have a lunch at the local authentic café with a local famous food “kattama” and continue your trip driving along the main coastal road with Ysyk-Kol Lake on one side and the Kungey Ala-Too mountain range on the other. Along the way, you will stop to visit the famous Kyrchyn (Grigorievka) valley, where the World Nomad Games were hold. You will be able to hike around the area and there will be many opportunities for you to snap some great photos. Later, continue your trip on to Karakol. Founded in 1869 by the Russian settlers, now Karakol is the main tourist city of the country. At the end of the day, you will head to restaurant for dinner.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

NOTES:

Early in the morning, leave Karakol behind as you travel to the west along the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Your destination for today is village of Bokonbaevo which is located on the south shore of the lake. On your way, you’ll discover some of beautiful and popular sites on the southern shore, starting with a transfer west to Jety-Oguz mountains. Jety-Oguz is one of the most gorgeous sites in Kyrgyzstan, a rich valley home to many impressive waterfalls and canyons. It is also a national zoological reserve, where many species of animals and birds live. Then it’s on to Barskoon gorge. Barskoon Gorge (also Barskaun) is one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol, famous for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. Here, you will go for a short hike to the first waterfall. In the gorge you will have a lunch at yurt with outstanding views of the valley. Continue to canyons Fairy-Tale. The red and yellow cliffs here, towering above a lunar-like landscape, are immense, and the area is perfect for some easy hiking. Once arrival at the yurt camp by the lake, you can rest until dinner walking by sparkling the water of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Enjoy a supper at yurt under a starry night sky in this beautifully landscape and get ready to spend your first night at boz-ui – a traditional yurt of the Kyrgyz people.

Fast facts: Transfer: 180 km – 4-5h..

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

Fast facts: Transfer: 460km – 7-8 h.

NOTES:

This morning you’ll drive to Boz-Salkyn valley for short hiking tour to Shatyly panorama with a majestic view of Ysyk-Kol Lake. The hike is smooth, easy and offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes often coming into direct view. As you will reach the top of the panorama enjoy the breathtaking view, for photography enthusiasts the panorama is the right place, so snap some great photos against the background of the stunning lake and mountains. Finish up hiking and drive Bokonbaev village for lunch. Fuel up with a lunch and you’ll meet the local hunter with eagle. After some explanations about golden eagles and hunting with them, he will demonstrate hunting to fox and rabbit. If you don’t want to see how the eagle hunts the wild animals, then the hunter will use the skin of a fox. After the demonstration, there’ll be many opportunities for camera shoots with the eagle on your wrist. Finish up your 3-days Kyrgyzstan experience with a drive back to Bishkek.

Fast facts: 

Transfer: 13 km – 4 h.

Trekking: 25 km.

NOTES:

Map

Additional information

Month

All year round

Destination

, ,

Start from

Bishkek

Duration

3 days

What to pack?

Clothing:
• Moisture-wicking t-shirts & long-sleeve shirts (base layer)
• Warm jacket or fleece (mid-layer)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket (outer layer)
• Comfortable trekking pants
• Warm sweater for cold nights in the mountains
• Thermal underwear (for chilly nights)
• Comfortable shoes for walking and horse riding
• Sun hat or cap for daytime. Warm hat for colder evenings

Before you go

• Meals provided are traditional Central Asian cuisine. Vegetarian options are available. Please inform the tour manager of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Credit cards are widely accepted in most towns across the country. However, we recommend
carrying some cash in local currency (Kyrgyz Som) for purchases from local vendors. An amount of 10 USD per
day should be sufficient for most personal expenses.
• Internet access is generally available in cities and towns, but may be limited or slower in remote
mountain areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage during your trip. Recommended operator: MEGACOM

YSYK-KOL LAKE ROAD TRIP

Start / Finish: Bishkek / Bishkek
Tour type: Road trip
Tour speed: Fast-paced
Places to visit: Ysyk-Kol, FairyTale, Jety-Oguz, Barskoon,
Burana
Total drive: 950 km
Time of year: All year round
Accommodations: 1 night at
yurt, 1 night at hotel
Activities: Horse riding – 3
hours (optional), Trekking – 3
hours (optionsl)

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