Route: Bishkek → Cholpon-Ata → Karakol → Jeti-Oguz → Skazka canyon → Bishkek
Three days are enough to see the most beautiful sides of Issyk-Kul. You travel along the north shore to Cholpon-Ata, where hundreds of boulders carved with ancient petroglyphs lie in an open field between the lake and the mountains, and spend the evening by the water.
On day two you explore Karakol at the eastern end of the lake – its wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral and the colourful Dungan mosque, built without metal nails – and drive into the Jeti-Oguz valley with its famous red sandstone cliffs, the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart”. On the way back to Bishkek along the quieter south shore you walk through the bizarre formations of Skazka, the “Fairy Tale” canyon. A relaxed tour for any traveller, and easily extended with Son-Kul or a trek near Karakol.
Morning pick-up in Bishkek and drive east through the Chuy valley and the Boom Gorge to the north shore of Issyk-Kul (about 4 hours). Lunch on the way. In Cholpon-Ata visit the open-air petroglyph field with its carved boulders and views of the lake. Free time on the shore, dinner and overnight.
Drive of about 2.5 hours to Karakol. Visit the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan mosque, then continue to the Jeti-Oguz valley to see the red cliffs of the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart” and take a short walk in the valley. Lunch with a local family or in a café, return to Karakol for dinner and the night.
Drive along the quieter south shore of the lake to Skazka canyon near Tosor and walk among its colourful clay formations with views over Issyk-Kul. Lunch on the way, then continue via Balykchy to Bishkek, arriving in the evening (7–8 hours in total with stops).
Prices per person in USD. The final price is confirmed with your booking. Child (2–11 years): −20%.
The cancellation terms for this tour are confirmed in writing together with your booking, before you pay anything.
Read our cancellation & refund policyYes. The walks are short and easy, and the pace can be adjusted. The main challenge is the long driving days – we plan regular stops.
Yes, for example if you continue trekking from Karakol. The programme and price will be adjusted – please mention it in your request.
Accommodation around Issyk-Kul ranges from family guesthouses to resort hotels. Tell us your preferences and we will send an adjusted offer.
Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Kochkor and Son-Kul
Eight days around Issyk-Kul and up to the high-altitude lake Song-Kul – with nights in yurts, an eagle hunter show and genuine nomadic hospitality.
Ala-Archa National Park and the Karakol valleys (Ala-Kul, Altyn-Arashan)
A compact but demanding mountain trip: acclimatisation in Ala-Archa, then the classic trek over the Ala-Kul pass to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
Ala-Archa National Park, Chuy region (about 40 km from Bishkek)
A guided day in the mountains just an hour from Bishkek: spruce forests, a glacier river and the Ak-Sai waterfall trail, with lunch in the park.
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