# Issyk-Kul Full Circle & Boat Ride - 4 Days

A private four-day loop around Issyk-Kul with your own guide. You climb Burana Tower, watch a golden eagle fly to its hunter near Bokonbayevo and sleep in a yurt by the lake. Then come Skazka Canyon, the Barskoon waterfalls, the red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz and an army off-roader up to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs. A boat ride from Cholpon-Ata closes the trip.

- Duration: 4 days
- Type: Road trip
- Best season: All year round
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: sightseeing - 4 days
- Accommodation: 1 night at yurt, 2 nights at hotel
- Total driving: 960 km
- Price: from $1400 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/issyk-kul-full-circle-boat-ride-4-days/

## Highlights

- Golden eagle show on the south shore near Bokonbayevo
- A night in a lakeside yurt camp on Issyk-Kul
- Off-road truck ride up to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs
- Boat ride on Issyk-Kul from Cholpon-Ata

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Bishkek to Bokonbayevo via Burana Tower

We collect you from your hotel in Bishkek and head east. First stop is Burana Tower, an old Silk Road minaret. Your guide tells its story, then you climb up for a wide view of the Chuy Valley and the Tien Shan.

Further on, Konorchek Canyon is an optional stop. If you like a short walk, we explore its red rock walls on foot. If not, we drive straight on to the lake.

In the afternoon we reach the south shore of Issyk-Kul near Bokonbayevo. A local hunter shows how he trains and flies his golden eagle. You can hold the bird for a photo.

The night is in a yurt camp by the lake. Dinner looks out over the water, and the evening ends around a bonfire.

- Transfer: Bishkek to Bokonbayevo · 280 km · 5-6 h
- Activity: Sightseeing · eagle hunting show
- Meals: Lunch & dinner
- Overnight: Yurt camp, Bokonbayevo

### Day 2: Skazka Canyon, Barskoon and Jeti-Oguz to Karakol

After breakfast we walk into Skazka Canyon, also called Fairytale Canyon. Wind and rain have cut the red sandstone into walls, towers and shapes like dragons. The walk is easy, and your guide knows the best photo spots.

Next is Barskoon Gorge, with pine forest and peaks on both sides. You hike up to the Barskoon waterfalls, where glacier water drops down a steep cliff.

After lunch we drive into Jeti-Oguz Gorge to see the red cliffs called the Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart. You can walk the valley at an easy pace. A horse ride up to Kok-Jaiyk Valley can be added if you want more.

In the evening we reach Karakol. If you like, we stop at a hot spring for a soak before dinner.

- Transfer: Bokonbayevo to Karakol · 180 km · 4-5 h
- Activity: Canyon walk · waterfall hike
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Overnight: Hotel, Karakol

### Day 3: Karakol to Altyn-Arashan and back

Today we swap the car for a Russian army off-roader. The track into Altyn-Arashan fords rivers and climbs over rocky ground, and the ride itself is half the fun. It takes around two hours.

The valley sits among snowy peaks, pine forest and green meadows. You set the plan with your guide: an easy walk, a longer hike, a horse ride or a long soak in the natural hot springs. Lunch is in the valley.

Strong walkers can ask for an early start and a hike toward Ala-Kul Lake. This option has to be agreed before the tour.

In the afternoon we drive back down to Karakol. Dinner is our farewell meal, and a massage can be arranged if you want one.

- Transfer: Karakol to Altyn-Arashan and back · 80 km · 5-6 h with off-road
- Activity: Walking, hiking or riding · hot springs
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Overnight: Hotel, Karakol

### Day 4: Karakol to Bishkek via Semenov Gorge and Cholpon-Ata

In the morning your guide shows you Karakol. You visit the Dungan Mosque, built without a single nail, and the wooden Russian Orthodox church. Both tell the story of the many peoples who settled this town.

Then we drive into the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges. Pine forest, rivers and flower meadows fill these valleys, and there is time for a walk.

In Cholpon-Ata you take a boat out onto Issyk-Kul, with snowy ranges all around. It makes a good last look at the lake.

We return to Bishkek along the north shore and drop you at your hotel in the evening.

- Transfer: Karakol to Bishkek · 420 km · 7-8 h
- Activity: Town tour · gorge walk · boat ride
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch

## 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 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 4 days sightseeing. Good general fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing.

**Where will I stay?** A mix over the trip: 1 night at yurt, 2 nights at hotel.

**How much does it cost?** From $1400 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/issyk-kul-full-circle-boat-ride-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