Tour around Issyk-Kul lake, trekking to Ala-Kol, Son-Kul lake in 7 days
Season: June-October
Tour is a private and to book a tour please write What's App +996702116582 or e-mail: soltoholidays@gmail.com
Аla-Archa Walking tour
Burana Tower
Chon-Kemin
Semenov and Grigorev gorge
Issyk-Kul lake
Ala-Kol lake
Karakol
Djetuu-Oguz gorge
Barscoon gorge
Skazka canyon
Bokonbaevo village
Son-Kul lake
Tour is a private and to book a tour please write What's App +996702116582 or e-mail: soltoholidays@gmail.com
Аla-Archa Walking tour
Burana Tower
Chon-Kemin
Semenov and Grigorev gorge
Issyk-Kul lake
Ala-Kol lake
Karakol
Djetuu-Oguz gorge
Barscoon gorge
Skazka canyon
Bokonbaevo village
Son-Kul lake
Photos of places that you are going to visit
Itinerary
Departure from Bishkek towards Chon-Kemin.
Distance — 152 km. Travel time — approximately 2.5 hours.
Visit to Ala-Archa National Park (40 minutes - 1 hour drive from Bishkek)
Excursion to the beautiful Ala-Archa National Park, located in a scenic mountain gorge.
Enjoy a short walk along mountain forest trails surrounded by fresh alpine air, a crystal-clear river with rapids, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
Lunch Break
Free time for lunch in Bishkek (not included in the tour price).
Visit to Burana Tower (1,5 hour drive from Bishkek)
Transfer to the historical monument — Burana Tower.
Explore the ancient architectural structure and the stone balbals with well-preserved expressive faces. The guide will share the history of the site and its fascinating legends. Visit to the on-site museum is included.
Accommodation & Dinner
Dinner is included in the tour price and will be in Kemin guest house.
Overnight stay in a cozy Kemin guesthouse. Each room is equipped with a private toilet and shower.
Distance — 152 km. Travel time — approximately 2.5 hours.
Visit to Ala-Archa National Park (40 minutes - 1 hour drive from Bishkek)
Excursion to the beautiful Ala-Archa National Park, located in a scenic mountain gorge.
Enjoy a short walk along mountain forest trails surrounded by fresh alpine air, a crystal-clear river with rapids, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
Lunch Break
Free time for lunch in Bishkek (not included in the tour price).
Visit to Burana Tower (1,5 hour drive from Bishkek)
Transfer to the historical monument — Burana Tower.
Explore the ancient architectural structure and the stone balbals with well-preserved expressive faces. The guide will share the history of the site and its fascinating legends. Visit to the on-site museum is included.
Accommodation & Dinner
Dinner is included in the tour price and will be in Kemin guest house.
Overnight stay in a cozy Kemin guesthouse. Each room is equipped with a private toilet and shower.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the guest house.
Departure:
Drive from Chon-Kemin to Karakol.
Distance — 280 km.
Travel time — approximately 4-5 hours.
Visit the picturesque Semenov Gorge. Enjoy an easy walk surrounded by lush greenery, mountain rivers, fragrant forests, and traditional yurt camps. Time for photos.
Explore the beautiful Grigorevka Gorge with its babbling rivers and scenic mountain landscapes.
Arrival in Karakol.
Accommodation at a guest house.
Overnight Stay
Overnight in a comfortable guest house of Karakol.
Each room is equipped with a private toilet and shower.
Breakfast at the guest house.
Departure:
Drive from Chon-Kemin to Karakol.
Distance — 280 km.
Travel time — approximately 4-5 hours.
Visit the picturesque Semenov Gorge. Enjoy an easy walk surrounded by lush greenery, mountain rivers, fragrant forests, and traditional yurt camps. Time for photos.
Explore the beautiful Grigorevka Gorge with its babbling rivers and scenic mountain landscapes.
Arrival in Karakol.
Accommodation at a guest house.
Overnight Stay
Overnight in a comfortable guest house of Karakol.
Each room is equipped with a private toilet and shower.
Karakol – Ak-Suu – Altyn-Arashan
Distance — approximately 15 km from Ak-Suu to Altyn-Arashan.
Trekking time — about 4–5 hours.
Begin a scenic hike through the beautiful Ak-Suu valley. The trail passes through fragrant pine forests, follows the rushing mountain river, and offers many picturesque viewpoints of the surrounding alpine landscape. Along the way, enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful nature.
Alternatively, if preferred, drive the journey by UAZ off-road vehicle from Karakol to Altyn-Arashan, driving along a rugged mountain road with impressive views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Arrival at Altyn-Arashan:
Spend a relaxing afternoon in this famous alpine valley known for its spectacular scenery and natural hot springs. Enjoy soaking in the thermal pools while admiring the dramatic mountain landscapes and the views of snow-covered peaks.
Accommodation:
Overnight stay in a guest house in Altyn-Arashan.
Distance — approximately 15 km from Ak-Suu to Altyn-Arashan.
Trekking time — about 4–5 hours.
Begin a scenic hike through the beautiful Ak-Suu valley. The trail passes through fragrant pine forests, follows the rushing mountain river, and offers many picturesque viewpoints of the surrounding alpine landscape. Along the way, enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful nature.
Alternatively, if preferred, drive the journey by UAZ off-road vehicle from Karakol to Altyn-Arashan, driving along a rugged mountain road with impressive views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Arrival at Altyn-Arashan:
Spend a relaxing afternoon in this famous alpine valley known for its spectacular scenery and natural hot springs. Enjoy soaking in the thermal pools while admiring the dramatic mountain landscapes and the views of snow-covered peaks.
Accommodation:
Overnight stay in a guest house in Altyn-Arashan.
Altyn-Arashan – Ala-Kol – Karakol
Breakfast
Breakfast in Altyn-Arashan.
Route: Altyn-Arashan – Ala-Kol North Pass – Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
Distance — 26 km (hiking)
Duration — approximately 7–8 hours
After breakfast, begin the hike by crossing the large bridge to the western side of the Ak-Suu River. Continue south for a little over 2 km until reaching the first major valley that branches off to the southwest. From there, start the steady 8 km ascent from 2,570 m up to Ala-Kol North Pass at 3,906 m.
The trail gradually climbs through alpine terrain before reaching the final section. The last 200 meters are the steepest part of the route, where the path ascends loose scree along two clearly visible trails leading to the pass.
At the top, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks rising above 5,000 meters and the breathtaking view of Ala-Kol Lake shimmering far below in vivid alpine colors — a perfect spot for photos and a short rest.
After enjoying the scenery, descend back to Altyn-Arashan. Relax in the famous natural hot springs surrounded by mountain landscapes.
Departure:
Transfer by vehicle to Karakol.
Accommodation:
Overnight stay in a guest house in Karakol.
Breakfast
Breakfast in Altyn-Arashan.
Route: Altyn-Arashan – Ala-Kol North Pass – Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
Distance — 26 km (hiking)
Duration — approximately 7–8 hours
After breakfast, begin the hike by crossing the large bridge to the western side of the Ak-Suu River. Continue south for a little over 2 km until reaching the first major valley that branches off to the southwest. From there, start the steady 8 km ascent from 2,570 m up to Ala-Kol North Pass at 3,906 m.
The trail gradually climbs through alpine terrain before reaching the final section. The last 200 meters are the steepest part of the route, where the path ascends loose scree along two clearly visible trails leading to the pass.
At the top, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks rising above 5,000 meters and the breathtaking view of Ala-Kol Lake shimmering far below in vivid alpine colors — a perfect spot for photos and a short rest.
After enjoying the scenery, descend back to Altyn-Arashan. Relax in the famous natural hot springs surrounded by mountain landscapes.
Departure:
Transfer by vehicle to Karakol.
Accommodation:
Overnight stay in a guest house in Karakol.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Karakol – South Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (Tong or Bokonbaevo)
Breakfast
Breakfast at the guest house in Karakol.
Departure:
Drive along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake toward the village of Bokonbaevo.
Distance — 144 km
Travel time — approximately 2–3 hours.
On the way, visit the famous Jety-Oguz Valley, known for its striking red sandstone formations. See the legendary rocks called “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart.” Your guide will share the fascinating local legends explaining how these dramatic formations received their names.
Continue to Barskoon Gorge, where you will visit one of its beautiful waterfalls surrounded by forested mountain slopes and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Next stop is the canyon “Skazka” (Fairytale Canyon). The canyon received its name because of its unusual rocky landscape, which over many years has been shaped by wind and erosion into fantastic sculptures, towers, and formations resembling castles and mythical creatures. Here you will take a short hike and enjoy the colorful scenery.
Arrival:
Continue to the village of Bokonbaevo.
Accommodation:
Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house.
Karakol – South Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (Tong or Bokonbaevo)
Breakfast
Breakfast at the guest house in Karakol.
Departure:
Drive along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake toward the village of Bokonbaevo.
Distance — 144 km
Travel time — approximately 2–3 hours.
On the way, visit the famous Jety-Oguz Valley, known for its striking red sandstone formations. See the legendary rocks called “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart.” Your guide will share the fascinating local legends explaining how these dramatic formations received their names.
Continue to Barskoon Gorge, where you will visit one of its beautiful waterfalls surrounded by forested mountain slopes and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Next stop is the canyon “Skazka” (Fairytale Canyon). The canyon received its name because of its unusual rocky landscape, which over many years has been shaped by wind and erosion into fantastic sculptures, towers, and formations resembling castles and mythical creatures. Here you will take a short hike and enjoy the colorful scenery.
Arrival:
Continue to the village of Bokonbaevo.
Accommodation:
Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house.
South Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake – Son-Kul Lake
Distance — approximately 250 km
Travel time — about 4–5 hours.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the guest house.
Morning Activity:
Attend a traditional eagle hunting show, where local hunters demonstrate the ancient Kyrgyz practice of hunting with trained golden eagles. Learn about the history of this unique nomadic tradition and see the impressive skills of the birds and their handlers.
Departure:
Drive from the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake toward Son-Kul Lake.
On the way, stop at the scenic Aksay Canyons, known for their colorful rock formations and impressive desert landscapes. Enjoy a short walk and take photos of the dramatic canyon scenery.
Arrival:
Arrive at the high-altitude alpine lake Son-Kul (3016 meters over sea level), surrounded by wide summer pastures and mountains. The lake is a traditional place where nomadic families spend the summer with their livestock.
Accommodation:
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp near Son-Kul Lake.
Distance — approximately 250 km
Travel time — about 4–5 hours.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the guest house.
Morning Activity:
Attend a traditional eagle hunting show, where local hunters demonstrate the ancient Kyrgyz practice of hunting with trained golden eagles. Learn about the history of this unique nomadic tradition and see the impressive skills of the birds and their handlers.
Departure:
Drive from the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake toward Son-Kul Lake.
On the way, stop at the scenic Aksay Canyons, known for their colorful rock formations and impressive desert landscapes. Enjoy a short walk and take photos of the dramatic canyon scenery.
Arrival:
Arrive at the high-altitude alpine lake Son-Kul (3016 meters over sea level), surrounded by wide summer pastures and mountains. The lake is a traditional place where nomadic families spend the summer with their livestock.
Accommodation:
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp near Son-Kul Lake.
Son-Kul Lake – Bishkek
Distance — approximately 320 km
Travel time — about 4–5 hours.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the yurt camp by Son-Kul Lake.
Free Time:
Enjoy free time at the lake. You may take a walk along the shore or experience optional horseback riding (extra fee) across the wide alpine pastures, a traditional way of exploring the nomadic landscapes of Son-Kul.
Departure:
Drive from Son-Kul Lake to Bishkek via the village of Kochkor.
On the way, pass through beautiful mountain landscapes and traditional rural villages. There will be a short stop in Kochkor, known as a center of Kyrgyz handicrafts.
Arrival in Bishkek.
Distance — approximately 320 km
Travel time — about 4–5 hours.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the yurt camp by Son-Kul Lake.
Free Time:
Enjoy free time at the lake. You may take a walk along the shore or experience optional horseback riding (extra fee) across the wide alpine pastures, a traditional way of exploring the nomadic landscapes of Son-Kul.
Departure:
Drive from Son-Kul Lake to Bishkek via the village of Kochkor.
On the way, pass through beautiful mountain landscapes and traditional rural villages. There will be a short stop in Kochkor, known as a center of Kyrgyz handicrafts.
Arrival in Bishkek.
Price per person in USD ($)
2 persons
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2050 USD per person
Without an English-speaking guide (Kyrgyz-speaking driver only): 1,590 USD per person.
3 persons
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1590 USD per person
Without an English-speaking guide (Kyrgyz-speaking driver only): 1,350 USD per person.
4 persons
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1490 USD per person
Without an English-speaking guide (Kyrgyz-speaking driver only): 1,250 USD per person.
- A/C Transportation
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation (from day 1 to day 6)
- Entrance fees to sites listed
- Ecological fee
- Mineral water 1l. per pax per day
- Eagle-hunting show
- Accommodation in Bishkek
- Lunch/dinner
- Horse-riding
- Single supplement
- International flights
- Camera/video at the sights
- Medical insurance
- Visa support
- Tips
- Personal insurance
20% of the tour price is non-refundable once the booking is confirmed.
- Tour payment can be made by transfer to bank account of company or through the link with a credit card
- Prepayment should be 20% from total cost of a tour
- Prepayment is not refundable
- If a place of visit is closed to visitors it will be replaced with an alternative. During major events, accommodation may be changed and replaced with a similar category
- Sequence of itinerary and hotels given is subject to changes without prior notice.
- Hotel accommodation is subject to availability. No reservations are made before confirmation received from client. If mentioned hotels are not available, we will substitute them with other hotels of similar class.
- Domestic flights are subject to change in timing and availability. If mentioned flight is not available, it will be changed to convenient one depending on tour program
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
- Travel insurance is required for this tour. You are free to choose any insurance company.
- We are happy to suggest flights to get to Kyrgyzstan and back home: please get in touch with us.
The meeting place is discussed individually with each client. Usually our guide picks up the guest at the hotel
Yes! The only thing to keep in mind is that weather, traffic, or other circumstances might cause some adjustments. We may swap the order of the days or change the sequence of locations as we go. But don’t worry — we’ll still visit everything on the itinerary (and maybe even add a little extra!), just in a different order.