# Issyk-Kul & Altyn-Arashan - 4 Days

Four days around Issyk-Kul. The Burana tower and Kok-Moinok on the way out, an eagle hunter, the canyons and Jety-Oguz on the south shore, then off-road up to Altyn-Arashan for a night in a yurt. Runs from April to November.

- Duration: 4 days
- Type: Road trip
- Best season: April to November
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: Horse riding - optional
- Accommodation: 1 night at guesthouse, 1 night at yurt
- Total driving: 920 km
- Price: on request (depends on group size, season and options). Free quote, no prepayment to enquire.
- Group: small group or fully private, with a local English-speaking guide
- Page: https://azattours.com/tours/issyk-kul-altyn-arashan-4-days/

## Highlights

- The Burana tower and Kok-Moinok on the way out
- Eagle hunter, canyons and Jety-Oguz on the south shore
- Off-road up to Altyn-Arashan and a night in a yurt
- Runs from April to November

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Drive to Issyk-Kul via Burana & Kok-Moinok

You leave Bishkek for Issyk-Kul, the Pearl of Central Asia, starting with the ancient Burana Tower and then a homemade Dungan lunch with a local family in Iskra Village, a warm introduction to the country's mix of cultures.

Along the way you stop at the Kok-Moinok canyons for a short walk, then follow the southern shore of the lake to Bokonbaev, where a guesthouse welcomes you for the night.

- Transfer: 280 km · 4-5 h
- Meals: Lunch & dinner at guesthouse
- Overnight: Guesthouse

### Day 2: South shore: eagle hunter, canyons & Jety-Oguz

The morning begins with an eagle-hunter demonstration by a local Kyrgyz hunter, a close look at a tradition kept alive for generations. From there you explore the colour-streaked Fairy-Tale Canyons.

Lunch is at the home of mountaineer Lyubov Danichkina in Tamga Village, and the afternoon takes in the Barskoon Waterfalls and the red rock of the Jety-Oguz Valley before you reach Karakol for the night.

- Transfer: 150 km · 3-4 h
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch at guesthouse, dinner at restaurant
- Overnight: Hotel

### Day 3: Off-road to Altyn-Arashan

Today you climb into the mountains aboard a sturdy Soviet UAZ truck, following a river through pine forest up to the Altyn-Arashan gorge. Lunch waits at a guesthouse on arrival.

The afternoon is for soaking in the natural hot springs, walking the trails, or simply resting with Peak Palatka rising to 5200 m above the valley. There's an optional ride if you'd like one, and dinner is served in a traditional yurt where you spend the night.

- Transfer: 30 km · 2-3 h
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at guesthouse
- Overnight: Yurt

### Day 4: Drive back to Bishkek

A last quiet morning in Altyn-Arashan, with the mountains all around, before the UAZ carries you back down to Karakol for lunch at a local restaurant.

The road home runs along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the Pearl of Central Asia, with long lake views before you reach Bishkek in the evening.

- Transfer: 440 km · 6-7 h
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at restaurant

## Common questions

**How long is this tour?** It runs 4 days, starting and ending in Bishkek.

**When is the best time to go?** The season runs April to November. 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 Horse riding - optional. Good general fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing.

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

## How to book

Send your dates and group size and we confirm availability and a tailored price within 24 hours: https://azattours.com/tours/issyk-kul-altyn-arashan-4-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