# Issyk-Kul Shore Ride, Eagles & Boat - 3 Days

A full loop of Issyk-Kul in three private days. You start with Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyon, meet an eagle hunter in Bokonbayevo and sleep in a yurt near the shore. Then come a short beginner ride, Skazka Canyon, Barskoon, Jeti-Oguz and a night in Karakol, before Cholpon-Ata and a boat on the lake. For travellers who want the whole lake at a brisk pace.

- Duration: 3 days
- Type: Road trip
- Best season: All year round
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Fast-paced
- Activities: hiking - 1 day, horse riding - 1 day, sightseeing - 1 day
- Accommodation: 1 night at yurt, 1 night at hotel
- Total driving: 870 km
- 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/issyk-kul-shore-ride-eagles-boat-3-days/

## Highlights

- Optional 2-3 hour hike in Konorchek Canyon
- Eagle hunting show and a yurt night in Bokonbayevo
- Beginner ride in the hills or along the lakeshore
- Karakol's wooden Dungan Mosque and a lake boat ride

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Bishkek to Bokonbayevo via Burana and Konorchek

We pick you up in Bishkek in the morning and drive toward Issyk-Kul as the Tien Shan rises ahead. At Burana Tower, a Silk Road site from the 9th to 10th centuries, your guide tells the story of Balasagun among the balbal stones. Then you climb the tower for the view.

If you want some action, we stop at Konorchek Canyon for a 2-3 hour hike through red rock. It is scenic and not hard. If you would rather take it easy, we skip it and you get more time by the lake.

In the afternoon you reach Bokonbayevo. A local hunter explains why golden eagles mattered so much to nomads, then lets his bird fly across open ground.

In the evening you check in at a yurt camp near the lake. Dinner is homemade Kyrgyz food, and the day ends around a bonfire.

- Transfer: Bishkek to Bokonbayevo · 280 km · 4-5 h
- Activity: Hiking · 2-3 h (optional) · Eagle show
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Overnight: Yurt camp, Issyk-Kul

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

After breakfast at the yurt you go for a short ride, on mountain trails or by the water. It is gentle and fine for first-timers.

Next is Skazka Canyon, the Fairy Tale Canyon, all red and orange rock. An easy walk with your guide takes you to the best viewpoints. Then we turn into Barskoon Gorge and hike a forest trail to one of its waterfalls.

In the afternoon you see Jeti-Oguz, the Seven Bulls, and hear the legends behind its red cliffs. You can finish in natural hot springs before we reach Karakol for dinner and a hotel night.

- Transfer: Bokonbayevo to Karakol · 180 km · 4-5 h
- Activity: Horse riding · 1-2 h · Short hikes
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Overnight: Hotel, Karakol

### Day 3: Karakol to Bishkek via Grigoriev Gorge and Cholpon-Ata

We start with a short walk around Karakol. You visit the wooden Dungan Mosque, built in Chinese style without nails, and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. Your guide explains how different peoples shaped the town.

Then we drive to the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges, with pine forest, rivers and open meadows. There is time for an easy walk. A short ride can be added at extra cost.

In Cholpon-Ata you visit the Ruh Ordo cultural centre by the lake and the petroglyphs, carved more than 2,000 years ago. From May to September you also take a boat out on the lake and can swim.

Then we drive home along the north shore and drop you at your hotel in the evening.

- Transfer: Karakol to Bishkek · 410 km · 6-7 h
- Activity: Sightseeing · Boat ride
- Meals: Breakfast and 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 fast-paced, with 1 days hiking and 1 days horse riding and 1 days sightseeing. 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 yurt, 1 night at hotel.

**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/issyk-kul-shore-ride-eagles-boat-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