# Chong-Kemin & Issyk-Kul in Winter - 3 Days

Three winter days from Bishkek to Chong-Kemin and Issyk-Kul. Walk in snowy Ala-Archa, climb Burana Tower and spend a night with a local family in Chong-Kemin. Then ride a horse or take a horse-drawn carriage through the valley, see the Kok-Moinok canyons and an eagle hunting show, and sleep in a heated yurt by the lake. Easy routes, good for families.

- Duration: 3 days
- Type: Winter tours
- Best season: November to April
- 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 $1000 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-issyk-kul-in-winter-3-days/

## Highlights

- Horse ride or carriage in snowy Chong-Kemin
- Night with a local family in Chong-Kemin
- Private eagle hunting show and archery in Bokonbayevo
- Frozen waterfall in Barskoon Gorge

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Bishkek to Chong-Kemin via Ala-Archa and Burana

We pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive to Ala-Archa National Park. Snow sits on the trees and the river is frozen. On an easy forest walk you can feed the squirrels and birds.

Next is Burana Tower, a 9th-century minaret from Balasagun, a Silk Road city. Climb to the top for a winter view, look round the small museum and walk among the balbals, stone figures carved by nomads.

In the afternoon we drive to Chong-Kemin National Park. You stay with a local family in a warm guesthouse with private rooms and hot showers. Dinner is homemade.

- Activity: Easy walk · sightseeing
- Meals: Lunch, dinner
- Overnight: Family guesthouse in Chong-Kemin

### Day 2: Chong-Kemin to Issyk-Kul via Kok-Moinok and Bokonbayevo

After breakfast, choose how to see the snowy valley. A 2 to 3 hour horse ride suits active travellers. A traditional horse-drawn carriage is the calmer choice, good for families and anyone who would rather not ride. Both follow easy routes.

Then we drive to the Kok-Moinok canyons. The walk is short and takes almost no effort, and the coloured rock looks sharp under snow.

In the afternoon we reach Bokonbayevo for a private eagle hunting show. The golden eagle flies, lands and shows the old hunting techniques. You can take photos and try a short archery session.

In the evening we arrive at a yurt camp by the lake. Dinner is in a big yurt, and you sleep in your own heated yurt beside the quiet winter shore.

- Activity: Horse riding · 2-3 h
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight: Heated yurt by Issyk-Kul

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

After breakfast we walk for about an hour in Skazka Canyon, among red rock shapes. Snow sets them off well for photos.

We continue to Barskoon Gorge and its frozen waterfall. A short walk brings you to the viewpoint, with fresh air and mountain views around you.

We stop for lunch on the road back and reach Bishkek in the evening.

- Activity: Canyon walk · 1 h
- Meals: Breakfast, 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 November to April. 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 $1000 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-issyk-kul-in-winter-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