Song-Kul & Issyk-Kul

Begin your journey from Bishkek with a drive to Tokmok and the historic Burana Tower. Explore the ancient minaret, archaeological remains, museum, and open-air collection of balbals and stone carvings before continuing through Boom Gorge. Stop at Orto-Tokoy Reservoir for panoramic mountain views, then ascend toward Song-Kul through the dramatic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. Watch the landscape change from rocky terrain to expansive alpine meadows, with mountain yaks and seasonal wildflowers along the route. Arrive at your yurt camp around 5:00 p.m., settle in, and enjoy dinner beneath the mountain sky.
🏨Your stay at Song-Kul Yurt Camp (🍴L&D)

Start the morning with a gentle horseback ride along the shores of Song-Kul Lake or toward a nearby mountain viewpoint, taking in the vast alpine scenery. Continue toward Issyk-Kul over the high Terkey Torpok Pass, reaching elevations above 3,000 metres. Stop in Kochkor for lunch with a local family or at a village restaurant and sample traditional Kyrgyz cuisine. Continue to Bokonbaevo on the shores of Issyk-Kul, where you’ll experience an eagle hunting demonstration and learn about traditional dog hunting and archery. End the day relaxing at the Bel Tam yurt camp.
🏨Your stay at Bel Tam Yurt Camp (🍴B, L, D)

Leave Bokonbaevo after breakfast and head toward Skazka Canyon, where wind and erosion have shaped dramatic sandstone formations in shades of red and grey. Continue into the Barskoon Valley, surrounded by high mountains, spruce forests, and cascading waterfalls. Choose a waterfall walk according to your preference before continuing to Jeti-Oguz Canyon, famous for its Seven Bulls and Broken Heart formations. After exploring the surrounding landscapes, relax in natural hot springs before dinner and an overnight stay in Karakol.
🏨Your stay at 3-Star Hotel, Karakol (🍴B, L, D)

Discover Karakol with your English-speaking guide, visiting the distinctive Dungan Mosque, Russian Orthodox Church, and Bugu Bazaar while learning about the town’s history and local traditions. Continue into the Grigoriev and Semenov Gorges, where alpine meadows, spruce forests, mountain streams, and dramatic Tien-Shan peaks create a spectacular setting. Continue to Issyk-Kul for time beside the lake and optional swimming or boating. Before returning to Bishkek, visit the Ruh Ordo Cultural Complex and ancient petroglyphs near Cholpon-Ata, then continue to Bishkek for hotel drop-off and the end of your journey.
🏨Your stay at Bishkek Hotel (🍴B&L)