# Issyk-Kul & Song-Kul Weekend - 3 Days

Three days, two lakes: the south shore of Issyk-Kul, a visit to an eagle hunter, then the climb to Song-Kul for a night in a yurt and an optional ride before the drive back to Bishkek.

- Duration: 3 days
- Type: Road trip
- Best season: May to October
- Starts and ends in: Bishkek
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: Horse riding - optional
- Accommodation: 1 night at guesthouse, 1 night at hotel
- Total driving: 780 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-song-kul-weekend-3-days/

## Highlights

- The south shore of Issyk-Kul
- A visit to an eagle hunter
- A night in a yurt at Song-Kul and an optional ride

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Bishkek to Issyk-Kul's south shore

You head out from Bishkek toward the lakes, stopping first at the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret standing alone on the steppe, all that's left of a Silk Road town, with old stone carvings dotted around it. Lunch is with a Dungan family in Iskra Village, whose food mixes Chinese and Central Asian traditions in a way you won't taste anywhere else.

From there the road follows the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, the huge lake at the heart of the region. In the late afternoon you stop at the Fairy-Tale canyons, where wind and water have shaped the rock into odd, castle-like forms, before settling into a guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village.

- Transfer: 310 km · 4-5 h
- Meals: lunch & dinner at guesthouse
- Overnight: Guesthouse

### Day 2: Eagle hunter & the climb to Song-Kul

The day starts with a local eagle hunter, who shows how these golden eagles are trained and flown, a skill handed down through the family for generations. From Bokonbaev you drive on to Kochkor Village for lunch and a short break.

The road then climbs into the mountains over the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass at 3400 m and brings you down to Song-Kul, a high lake ringed by summer pastures. There's time for a walk along the shore before dinner, and you spend the night in a traditional yurt; pack warm layers, as it gets cold once the sun drops.

- Transfer: 220 km · 4-5 h
- Meals: breakfast & lunch at guesthouse, dinner at yurt
- Overnight: Yurt (3100 m)

### Day 3: Song-Kul ride & return to Bishkek

After breakfast there's the option of an easy ride around the lake, passing yurts and grazing herds at a gentle pace, relaxed enough for anyone new to the saddle. Lunch is back at the yurt before you set off home.

The drive back to Bishkek crosses the Tuz-Ashuu Pass and runs down through the Kilemche pastures, with mountain views the whole way. It's a long day on the road, but a fitting last look at the high country before you reach the city.

- Transfer: 300 km · 5-6 h
- Activity: Horse riding · optional
- Meals: breakfast & lunch at yurt

## 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 May to October. 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 hotel.

## 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-song-kul-weekend-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