# Chong-Kemin, Eagle Show & Lake Yurt - 3 Days

Three private days from Bishkek to the south shore of Issyk-Kul. You ride in Chong-Kemin, hike a canyon of your choice, meet an eagle hunter in Bokonbayevo and sleep in a yurt by the lake. On the way home you walk through Skazka Canyon and picnic by the Barskoon waterfall. A good fit if you want riding, culture and canyons in a short trip.

- Duration: 3 days
- Type: Combined
- Best season: All year round
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: horse riding - 1 day, hiking - 2 days
- Accommodation: 1 night at guesthouse, 1 night at yurt
- Price: from $800 per person (the exact price depends on group size and season). No prepayment to enquire.
- Group: small group or fully private, with a local English-speaking guide
- Page: https://azattours.com/tours/chong-kemin-eagle-show-lake-yurt-3-days/

## Highlights

- Ride, hike or take a horse carriage in Chong-Kemin
- Hold a golden eagle and try archery in Bokonbayevo
- Night in a yurt camp on the Issyk-Kul shore
- Picnic lunch by the Barskoon waterfall

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin via Burana Tower

Your guide picks you up in Bishkek and we drive east to Burana Tower. It dates from the 9th to 10th centuries and stands among old balbal stone figures. Climb the steps for a wide view of the Tien Shan.

We continue to Kegety Gorge and walk a short way to its waterfall. Forest, a clear river and cool air make it a good first stop in the mountains.

In the early afternoon you check in at a family guesthouse in Chong-Kemin National Park and sit down to a home-cooked lunch. Later you choose: 2-3 hours on horseback through meadows and easy trails, a horse carriage ride, or a walk.

Dinner is homemade. You can add the sauna or pool for a fee.

- Transfer: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin · 170 km · 4-5 h
- Activity: Horse riding · 2-3 h
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Overnight: Family guesthouse, Chong-Kemin

### Day 2: Chong-Kemin to Bokonbayevo via the canyons

After breakfast we drive toward Issyk-Kul with mountains on both sides. The first stop is a canyon, and you pick which one.

Kok-Moynok is a gentle one-hour walk through pink and red rock with views of the lake. Konorchek is a 2 to 3 hour hike into deep red gorges with steep walls. Your guide helps you choose based on how much you want to walk.

Lunch is in Balykchy, a quiet town at the western end of the lake. In the afternoon we reach Bokonbayevo for a private show with a burkutchi, a Kyrgyz eagle hunter.

His golden eagle flies out over open ground and comes back to his glove. Your guide translates as he explains how the birds are trained and what they mean to his family. You can hold the eagle, then try a traditional archery lesson, which is harder than it looks. At sunset you reach the yurt camp on the lake, with dinner in the main yurt.

- Transfer: Chong-Kemin to Bokonbayevo · 210 km · 4-5 h
- Activity: Canyon hike · 1-3 h · Eagle show
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Overnight: Yurt camp, Issyk-Kul

### Day 3: Bokonbayevo to Bishkek via Skazka and Barskoon

After breakfast in the yurt we head east along the south shore. Skazka Canyon, also called Fairy Tale Canyon, is a short drive from camp.

Its red, orange and yellow rock has worn into towers that look like castles and animals. A one-hour walk on an easy path takes you through the middle of it, with no steep parts.

Further east we follow a river into Barskoon Gorge, between forest and high cliffs. A short walk brings you to the foot of the waterfall, and lunch is a picnic by the river.

After lunch we start the long drive back to Bishkek, partly along the north shore. You are at your hotel in the evening.

- Activity: Canyon walk · 1 h · Waterfall walk
- Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch

## Common questions

**How long is this tour?** It runs 3 days, starting and ending in Bishkek.

**When is the best time to go?** The season runs All year round. June to September brings the warmest days, and the high-pasture yurt camps are open.

**How fit do I need to be?** It's moderately paced, with 1 days horse riding and 2 days hiking. Good general fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing.

**Do I need horse-riding experience?** No. Our guides match each horse to your level and keep the first day gentle, so complete beginners ride this route every season.

**Where will I stay?** A mix over the trip: 1 night at guesthouse, 1 night at yurt.

**How much does it cost?** From $800 per person. The exact price depends on group size and season, and we confirm it for your group within 24 hours.

## How to book

Send your dates and group size and we confirm availability and a tailored price within 24 hours: https://azattours.com/tours/chong-kemin-eagle-show-lake-yurt-3-days/#book

- WhatsApp and phone: +996 502 888 001 (https://wa.me/996502888001)
- Email: azatbeyshenaliev1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azattourskg/
- Enquiry form: https://azattours.com/#plan
- Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan