Kyrgyzstan Vacation around Issyk-Kul Lake
7 Days Private Tour of Bishkek - Burana Tower - Cholpon Ata - Karakol - Jeti-Oguz - Karakol - Skazka Canyon - Bokonbayevo - Bishkek
Tour Type: Private guided tour, flexible and customizable
Transportation: Air-conditioned private car with experienced driver
Hotels: 3 or 4 stars well-selected hotels & yurt camps, open to your choice
Meals: 6 breakfasts
Code: TKG102
Transportation: Air-conditioned private car with experienced driver
Hotels: 3 or 4 stars well-selected hotels & yurt camps, open to your choice
Meals: 6 breakfasts
Code: TKG102
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
From USD1289USD1134Free Inquiry

- Itinerary
- Prices
- Reviews
Trip Highlights
- Watch the traditional golden eagle hunting at Bokonbayevo and learn about training techniques passed down through generations.
- Explore the Dungan Mosque in Karakol, a unique Islamic wooden mosque with distinct Chinese influences.
- Immerse yourself in the endless, azure waters of Issyk-Kul Lake and unwind at its sun-kissed beaches.
- Visit the Burana Tower to gain insights into the ancient Sogdian city of Balasagun along the Silk Road.
- Hike through canyons to enjoy rock formations in different hues and explore changing vegetation from meadows to spruces.
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Day 1 Bishkek Airport Pick-up; Visit Old Square, Oak Park, Ala-Too Square
The Open-Air Petroglyphs Museum
We’ll first visit the Old Square, the most important square during the Soviet era, now home to several government offices and a venue for cultural festivals. During events like the Islamic Festival of Breaking the Fast and the Festival of Sacrifice, the square hosts large communal prayers that attract over 10,000 worshippers. Following this, our journey takes you to Oak Park (Dubovy Park), a serene oasis adorned with flower beds, fountains, and sculptures, offering many photo opportunities. Continue our exploration to Ala-Too Square, the bustling heart of Bishkek. At its center stands the statue of Manas, the revered national hero, whose legendary endeavors to unite disparate tribes and forge a homeland have been sung in an epic, even longer than Homer’s Epics. Before returning to the hotel, we’ll admire the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Abdylas Maldybayev from outside, an elegant neoclassical building with harmonious proportions.
► Important Tips:
1. Currency: Kyrgyzstan mainly relies on cash, so credit cards are not always accepted. Due to fluctuating exchange rates, it’s wise to exchange your USD cash for local Som (USD 1 ≈ KGS 90) downtown, as exchange bureaus are scarce in mountainous areas.
2. APPs: For your fluent free-time exploration, you can download Yandex Go for taxi hailing, Google Translate for ordering food and bargaining at bazaars, and Maps.me for offline maps.
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar
Day 2 Bishkek - Burana Tower - Issyk-Kul Lake (Cholpon Ata) - Museum of Petroglyphs
After breakfast, our guide and driver will escort you to the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower, once used to summon Islamic worshippers for prayers and served as a beacon for Silk Road traders. It stands in the heart of Balasagun, a 10th-century city built by Sogdians from ancient Iran. The height of the tower was reduced from 48 meters (157 feet) to 25 meters (82 feet) after the 13th-century Mongol Invasion and subsequent catastrophic earthquakes. Climbing the inner staircase to the top offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fertile farmland and looming mountains in the distance, as well as cattle traversing plains. Visiting the nearby museum will also be arranged, where you can peruse ceramic and metal products and ancient coins from China.
Next, we’ll drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Cholpon Ata. Issyk-Kul Lake is Kyrgyzstan’s largest alpine lake, fed by over 80 rivers flowing from the Heavenly Mountains. It remains unfrozen throughout the year. Thanks to its sheer size and crystal-clear waters, the Kyrgyz people could enjoy seaside escapes on its white sandy beaches. En route, we’ll stop at the Nomad Museum to delve into the country’s long-rooted nomadic traditions, showcasing ethnic costumes like Chapan (long gowns for men), Beldemchi (embroidered skirts), and Kalpak (felt hats), and some equestrian gear.
Upon arriving in Cholpon Ata and checking into the local hotel, let’s head to the adjacent Museum of Petroglyphs. This open-air museum displays thousands of giant granite stones engraved with wild goats, deer, camels, and snow leopards. Some carvings of the sun and racing chariots highlight the sun worship rituals once held there, made twice a year to pray for abundant hunting in spring and thriving animal generations in autumn.
Afterwards, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel in Cholpon Ata, and enjoy the remaining hours as you wish. The lake’s mirror-like surface invites you to dive in. You can also leisurely cycle or cruise around the lake, or take an adventurous paraglider at your own expense.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kapriz Issyk Kul Resort, Cholpon Ata (3 stars) or similar


Next, we’ll drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Cholpon Ata. Issyk-Kul Lake is Kyrgyzstan’s largest alpine lake, fed by over 80 rivers flowing from the Heavenly Mountains. It remains unfrozen throughout the year. Thanks to its sheer size and crystal-clear waters, the Kyrgyz people could enjoy seaside escapes on its white sandy beaches. En route, we’ll stop at the Nomad Museum to delve into the country’s long-rooted nomadic traditions, showcasing ethnic costumes like Chapan (long gowns for men), Beldemchi (embroidered skirts), and Kalpak (felt hats), and some equestrian gear.
Upon arriving in Cholpon Ata and checking into the local hotel, let’s head to the adjacent Museum of Petroglyphs. This open-air museum displays thousands of giant granite stones engraved with wild goats, deer, camels, and snow leopards. Some carvings of the sun and racing chariots highlight the sun worship rituals once held there, made twice a year to pray for abundant hunting in spring and thriving animal generations in autumn.
Afterwards, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel in Cholpon Ata, and enjoy the remaining hours as you wish. The lake’s mirror-like surface invites you to dive in. You can also leisurely cycle or cruise around the lake, or take an adventurous paraglider at your own expense.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kapriz Issyk Kul Resort, Cholpon Ata (3 stars) or similar

Burana Tower

Issyk-Kul Lake
Day 3 Drive to Karakol: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Dungan Mosque, Karakol National Park
This morning, buckle up for a 3.5-hour drive to Karakol, a military outpost built by the Russians in the late 19th century. After checking ino the hotel, let’s start our exploration at Holy Trinity Cathedral, whose golden onion-shaped domes and rustic wooden walls stand elegantly against the rose garden. Women are required to wear a headscarf during the visit, which can be rented for free at the entrance.
Later, we’ll wander to the Dungan Mosque. After emerging as a main trade hub in the 1870s, Karakol gradually attracted immigrants from adjacent countries, notably Muslims fleeing wars in northwestern China, who were the Dungans after settling in Karakol. To assert their religious and cultural identity, the Dungans commissioned a famous architect from Beijing to build this mosque in Chinese style, with upturned eaves and beams carved with mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, as well as plant motifs featuring grapes, pears, and pomegranates. Today, many Dungans maintain ties with China through trading. They import necessities such as electrical appliances, clothing, and shoes from neighboring Xinjiang region and then sell these goods in local markets.
Our next stop is the Karakol National Park, where bleached snowy mountains, sprawling glaciers, and meadows extending to the horizon are just a part of what you can expect during a relaxing hike. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds and wildlife, with some curious marmots sometimes peeking curiously from their burrows. For adventurers, you can soak up nature’s grandeur by joining activities like horse riding, kayaking, and drifting at your own expense. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.
► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense):
Dastorkon Restaurant serves a variety of multiethnic dishes that showcase Karakol’s Kyrgyz, Dungan, Uyghur, and Russian influences. With the emotional tunes of the Komuz instrument, you can savor Ashlyan-Fu, a Dungan specialty featuring handmade noodles topped with beef, vegetables, and eggs, all served in a refreshing cold soup. A selection of salads and vegetable soups is also provided to cater to vegetarian palates.
Average Cost per Person: KGS 1,000-1,500 (USD 11-17)
Address: 107 Prjevalskogo, Karakol, 722200, Kyrgyzstan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar


Later, we’ll wander to the Dungan Mosque. After emerging as a main trade hub in the 1870s, Karakol gradually attracted immigrants from adjacent countries, notably Muslims fleeing wars in northwestern China, who were the Dungans after settling in Karakol. To assert their religious and cultural identity, the Dungans commissioned a famous architect from Beijing to build this mosque in Chinese style, with upturned eaves and beams carved with mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, as well as plant motifs featuring grapes, pears, and pomegranates. Today, many Dungans maintain ties with China through trading. They import necessities such as electrical appliances, clothing, and shoes from neighboring Xinjiang region and then sell these goods in local markets.
Our next stop is the Karakol National Park, where bleached snowy mountains, sprawling glaciers, and meadows extending to the horizon are just a part of what you can expect during a relaxing hike. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds and wildlife, with some curious marmots sometimes peeking curiously from their burrows. For adventurers, you can soak up nature’s grandeur by joining activities like horse riding, kayaking, and drifting at your own expense. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.
► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense):
Dastorkon Restaurant serves a variety of multiethnic dishes that showcase Karakol’s Kyrgyz, Dungan, Uyghur, and Russian influences. With the emotional tunes of the Komuz instrument, you can savor Ashlyan-Fu, a Dungan specialty featuring handmade noodles topped with beef, vegetables, and eggs, all served in a refreshing cold soup. A selection of salads and vegetable soups is also provided to cater to vegetarian palates.
Average Cost per Person: KGS 1,000-1,500 (USD 11-17)
Address: 107 Prjevalskogo, Karakol, 722200, Kyrgyzstan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar

The Open-air Museum of Petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata

Karakol National Park
Day 4 Day Trip from Karakol: Trek in Jeti-Oguz Canyon
Our destination for today is the Jeti-Oguz Canyon, a 30-minute drive away from Karakol. An opening cliff resembling a split heart will greet us at the entrance, aptly named ‘Broken Heart’, and is the source of many local sad love stories. Walk a few minutes ahead to the main spot, ‘Seven Bulls Rocks’, where seven undulating red sandstone cliffs rise from lush greenery. Follow our guide to trek along the trail to the platform for a panoramic view of this landmark while observing local villagers grazing their livestock in the pastureland. At the trail’s end lies the Maiden Braids Waterfall, so named because water falling down the rocks converges into two main streams, which look like a maiden’s braids, perfect for Instagram photos. After our hiking, we’ll drive back to your hotel in Karakol, and the rest of the day will be left to you.
► Activity Suggestion (at your own expense):
A great option is to visit the Karakol Historical Museum, converted from a villa, which houses artifacts like giant bronze pots unearthed from Issyk-Kul Lake, intricate perforated leather goods, felt curtain materials, and exquisite ethnic silver jewelry. A highlight is a series of photographs taken by a Swiss traveler during her expedition through Central Asia in the 1930s, offering insights into the social lifestyle of that time. The museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00, with an entrance fee of KGS 100 (USD 1) and a free online English audio guide.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar
► Activity Suggestion (at your own expense):
A great option is to visit the Karakol Historical Museum, converted from a villa, which houses artifacts like giant bronze pots unearthed from Issyk-Kul Lake, intricate perforated leather goods, felt curtain materials, and exquisite ethnic silver jewelry. A highlight is a series of photographs taken by a Swiss traveler during her expedition through Central Asia in the 1930s, offering insights into the social lifestyle of that time. The museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00, with an entrance fee of KGS 100 (USD 1) and a free online English audio guide.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar
Day 5 Karakol - Juuku Valley - Skazka Canyon
Leaving Karakol, we’ll drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and reach Juuku Valley in about an hour. The valley stretches over 50 kilometers (30 miles), extending east to Xinjiang, China, once visited by great Silk Road travelers like Xuanzang, a respected Buddhist monk. You’ll be guided to hike among red rock formations and ancient glacial deposits, discovering scattered Christian settlements from the 7th century, and petroglyphs from the 6th to 1st century BC, as well as some Turkic tombs and stone carvings. The valley is also rich in fauna, so we may encounter herds of wild goats, stone martens, and snow cocks. Radon-rich hot springs are another highlight, believed to boost cardiovascular health, hidden in yurt-shaped concrete buildings, and you can experience them at your own expense if interested.
Afterward, we’ll head to the yurt camp in the Skazka Canyon for check-in. Our carefully selected campsite seamlessly blends traditional style with modern amenities, including private bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and underfloor heating. The prime feature is its location, overlooking Issyk-Kul Lake and with Skazka Canyon in the backdrop. After a brief rest, you can relax on the camp’s swing or climb a small hill to admire the striking contrast between the orange-red canyon and the azure lake. Tonight, the soothing sounds of nature and a starry sky will lull you into a restful slumber in this wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Royal Gate Yurt Hotel at Skazka Canyon or similar
Afterward, we’ll head to the yurt camp in the Skazka Canyon for check-in. Our carefully selected campsite seamlessly blends traditional style with modern amenities, including private bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and underfloor heating. The prime feature is its location, overlooking Issyk-Kul Lake and with Skazka Canyon in the backdrop. After a brief rest, you can relax on the camp’s swing or climb a small hill to admire the striking contrast between the orange-red canyon and the azure lake. Tonight, the soothing sounds of nature and a starry sky will lull you into a restful slumber in this wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Royal Gate Yurt Hotel at Skazka Canyon or similar
Day 6 Visit Skazka Canyon & Watch Golden Eagle Hunting in Bokonbayevo; Drive back to Bishkek
After breakfast, follow the guide to go for one of Kyrgyzstan’s best hikes through Skazka Canyon, once submerged under shallow seas and lakes. Over time, tectonic movements lifted these sediment layers above sea level, and relentless rain and wind then sculpted them into various bizarre rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for those rocks evoking the magic of fairy tales, which resemble castles, stegosaurs, the Great Wall of China, and other mysterious creatures, earning the canyon the nickname ‘Canyon Fairy Tale’. Follow our guide to traverse rugged ridges and watch their shades range from earthy brown to deep crimson and blood orange as the light changes. For a safe and enjoyable experience, please wear anti-slip shoes and bring sun protection gear.
Next, let’s stroll through the local bazaar and browse fresh produce, local delicacies like Kumis (fermented mare’s milk), traditional costumes, and handmade souvenirs. After that, we’ll drive 4.5 hours back to Bishkek.
► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense):
As the night descends, consider dining at Café Faiza, a beloved spot among locals known for its authentic Kyrgyz cuisine. Don’t miss the signature dish, Lagman, served in three variations: the traditional version features hand-stretched noodles topped with fried onions, tomatoes, peppers, and lamb; and the other two special versions diverge into one with crispy fried noodles and the other with a heartier broth. You can also try other Central Asian classics like Plov (fried meat and vegetables with rice), Manti (steamed dumplings), and Samsa (crunchy pastries).
Average Cost per Person: KGS 500-800 (USD 6-9)
Address: Jibek-Jolu Avenue, 555, Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar


★ Enjoy a Golden Eagle Hunting Show
Following the hike, we’ll proceed to Bokonbayevo for a golden eagle hunting show, during which you’ll be amazed by the eagle’s impressive wingspan when hovering to scan the target and astonishing speed at 300 km/h when diving to capture it. Even the most skilled photographers find it hard to trace its dynamic changes with a telephoto lens! You may also get the chance to feel the bird’s weight on your arm. Also, interact with the hunter to learn more background stories about the tradition. Actually, hunting with golden eagles originated in the 12th century, sustaining entire communities in harsh winters. Everything begins with capturing a baby golden eagle, which is then hooded and trained by a series of whistles at varying decibels and pitches, teaching the bird to respond to its owner’s commands.Next, let’s stroll through the local bazaar and browse fresh produce, local delicacies like Kumis (fermented mare’s milk), traditional costumes, and handmade souvenirs. After that, we’ll drive 4.5 hours back to Bishkek.
► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense):
As the night descends, consider dining at Café Faiza, a beloved spot among locals known for its authentic Kyrgyz cuisine. Don’t miss the signature dish, Lagman, served in three variations: the traditional version features hand-stretched noodles topped with fried onions, tomatoes, peppers, and lamb; and the other two special versions diverge into one with crispy fried noodles and the other with a heartier broth. You can also try other Central Asian classics like Plov (fried meat and vegetables with rice), Manti (steamed dumplings), and Samsa (crunchy pastries).
Average Cost per Person: KGS 500-800 (USD 6-9)
Address: Jibek-Jolu Avenue, 555, Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Eagle Hunter in Kyrgyzstan

Skazka Canyon
Day 7 Departure from Bishkek, Airport See-off
Today marks the end of your 7-day Kyrgyzstan vacation packages, and you’ll be escorted to the Bishkek International Airport for your homeward flight. Wish you a happy journey home!
► For Your Information: If your flight home is still some time away, you can head to Victory Park to watch local families’ interesting interactions or cycle for KGS 100 (USD 1) per hour in this lush heaven. Or visit the Holy Resurrection Cathedral, whose azure onion-shaped domes and intricate decorations, including giant icons, golden doors, and brass candlesticks, are a truly visual feast. Best of all, entry to the cathedral is free.
If you want to extend your trip to other Central Asian countries or the starting point of the great Silk Road, China, don’t hesitate to contact our travel consultants to customize your itinerary.
Meals: Breakfast
► For Your Information: If your flight home is still some time away, you can head to Victory Park to watch local families’ interesting interactions or cycle for KGS 100 (USD 1) per hour in this lush heaven. Or visit the Holy Resurrection Cathedral, whose azure onion-shaped domes and intricate decorations, including giant icons, golden doors, and brass candlesticks, are a truly visual feast. Best of all, entry to the cathedral is free.
If you want to extend your trip to other Central Asian countries or the starting point of the great Silk Road, China, don’t hesitate to contact our travel consultants to customize your itinerary.
Meals: Breakfast
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This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
Tour Prices
Christmas & 2026 Specials: 12% off - Book before October 31, 2025
Travelers | 2-3 travelers | 4-5 travelers |
---|---|---|
Year Round | USD1789 USD1574 | USD1289 USD1134 |
- Prices are per person on twin sharing.
- The prices in red reflect 12% discount.
- If you are a group of 6 people or more, we will offer a more favorable price by your group size.
Price Includes
- Hotel/yurt accommodation with daily breakfast.
- English speaking guide service per itinerary.
- Private driver and air-conditioned vehicle service.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees for mentioned sights visited.
- Eagle hunting demonstration at Bokonbayevo village.
- Airport pick-up and see-off service.
- Road taxes.
Price Excludes
- International flights into and out Kyrgyzstan.
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.).
- Tips for guide and driver.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Kyrgyzstan visa fees.
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