- Stay in a traditional yurt at the stunning Song-Kol Lake and experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality.
- Discover the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, with Fairy-tale canyons, the Barskoon Waterfall, and the striking Jety-Oguz Valley.
- Enjoy traditional Dungan Muslim Chinese cuisine and learn their history.
Day 1. Visit Ysyk-Kol Lake
• Today you’ll visit Ysyk-Kol Lake, the “pearl of Central Asia.” Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the historic Burana Tower, exploring its ancient minaret and learning about the region’s fascinating history.
• You’ll then continue to Iskra Village for a traditional lunch with a local Dungan family, where you’ll enjoy the famous Central Asian dish, Lagman. After lunch, you’ll continue east along the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol lake, enjoying panoramic views of the water and the mountains across the way.
• In the evening, you’ll explore the famous Fairy-Tale (Skazka) Canyons, perfect for a walk and photo opportunities. Finally, you’ll arrive at Bokonbaev Village for an overnight stay at a guesthouse, where you can rest and enjoy dinner.
Transfer:
Total: 310 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 300 km
Dirt road: 10 km
Meals:
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse
WC: Shared / Private
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Visit Song-Kol Lake
• Start your day with a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration by a local Kyrgyz eagle hunter, experiencing this unique tradition firsthand.
• Your journey then continues to Kochkor Village, where you’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant and take a short rest. Afterwards, you’ll drive over the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m), enjoying breathtaking mountain views and an alpine lake as you approach Song-Kol Lake.
• In the evening, arrive at the lake, take a leisurely walk along its pristine shores, and immerse yourself in nomadic life by spending the night in a traditional yurt, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the high-altitude landscape.
Transfer:
Total: 220 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 160 km
Dirt road: 60 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: On request
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.
– You’ll stay at a tourist yurt camp with modern comforts. If you prefer a more authentic experience with basic conditions for a deeper immersion into traditional daily life let us know your preference.
Day 3. Horse riding by Song-Kol Lake. Way back to Bishkek
• Wake up at your yurt and start the day with an easy horse ride around Song-Kol Lake, passing local yurts and grazing animals. For those who want a bit more adventure, you can ride into the nearby mountains for panoramic views of the lake.
• After a morning of horse riding, you’ll enjoy lunch at a yurt and say goodbye to the welcoming family before beginning your journey back to Bishkek. The drive takes you via the scenic Tuz-Ashuu Pass. You’ll stop to bid farewell to the lake and admire views of the Kilemche pastures and surrounding mountains.
• Once you reach the highway, you’ll continue your drive back to Bishkek, which takes approximately 3–4 hours, completing your Kyrgyzstan adventure.
Transfer:
Total: 300 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 270 km
Dirt road: 30 km
Horse riding: optional
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Horse riding is optional, and the duration and route will be discussed and confirmed with your guide before you begin Tuz-Ashuu is a high mountain pass.
– If you have a fear of heights or feel uncomfortable with steep roads, we recommend taking the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass instead, which is gentler and easier to navigate.
