# Karakol, Cholpon-Ata & Chong-Kemin - 4 Days Four private days that circle Issyk-Kul and end in the green Chong-Kemin valley. You see Burana Tower, an eagle show and a yurt camp on the south shore, then Skazka, Barskoon, Jeti-Oguz and Karakol. The last night is at a family guesthouse, where you bake boorsok in the morning and ride before heading home. A softer pace, with choices built into every day. - Duration: 4 days - Type: Road trip - Best season: All year round - Starts and ends in: Bishkek - Pace: Moderately paced - Activities: sightseeing - 3 days, horse riding - 1 day - Accommodation: 1 night at yurt, 1 night at hotel, 1 night at guesthouse - Total driving: 880 km - Price: from $1200 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/karakol-cholpon-ata-chong-kemin-4-days/ ## Highlights - Bake boorsok for breakfast at a Chong-Kemin guesthouse - Eagle show and a yurt night on the south shore - Skazka, Barskoon waterfalls and Jeti-Oguz in one day - 2-3 hour ride through Chong-Kemin on the last day ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Bishkek to the south shore via Burana Tower Your guide picks you up at your Bishkek hotel and we set off for Issyk-Kul. At Burana Tower you walk among the balbal stones and climb up for a wide view of the Tien Shan. Further east there is an optional stop at Konorchek Canyon. The easy hike through red rock takes about 2 to 3 hours. Skip it if you would rather reach the lake earlier. In the afternoon, on the south shore, you meet a golden eagle and its hunter. You learn how the old tradition works and get your photos with the bird. In the evening you check in at a yurt camp by the lake. After dinner there is a bonfire. - Transfer: Bishkek to Bokonbayevo · 240 km · 5-6 h - Activity: Hiking · 2-3 h (optional) · Eagle show - Meals: Lunch and dinner - Overnight: Yurt camp, Bokonbayevo ### Day 2: South shore canyons and gorges to Karakol After breakfast we follow the south shore east. First is Fairy Tale Canyon, also known as Skazka, where wind shaped red sandstone into castles, animals and walls. Your guide walks you to the best photo spots. In Barskoon Gorge, among pine forest and peaks, a short hike takes you to the waterfalls fed by glacier water. We go at your pace. After lunch we reach Jeti-Oguz and its famous red rocks, the Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart. Take a relaxed walk, or add a horse ride toward Kok-Jaiyk Valley. In the evening you check in at a hotel in Karakol. On request we stop at natural hot springs before dinner. - Transfer: Bokonbayevo to Karakol · 180 km · 4-5 h - Activity: Short hikes - Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner - Overnight: Hotel, Karakol ### Day 3: Karakol to Chong-Kemin via Cholpon-Ata The morning is a short tour of Karakol. You see the Dungan Mosque, built in Chinese style without nails, and the wooden Russian Orthodox church. If you like, we add the local museum and its story of the town's Russian and Chinese communities. We then drive along the north shore and stop in the Semenov and Grigoriev gorges for short walks and photos. Lunch is at a lakeside restaurant in Cholpon-Ata. Then you visit Ruh Ordo and the open-air petroglyphs, and take a boat out on the lake, with life jackets for a swim. Hot springs can be added too. In the afternoon we drive on to Chong-Kemin and a family-run guesthouse. Dinner is home-style and the evening is quiet. - Transfer: Karakol to Chong-Kemin · 290 km · 5-6 h - Activity: Sightseeing · Boat ride - Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner - Overnight: Family guesthouse, Chong-Kemin ### Day 4: Chong-Kemin to Bishkek The day starts with a boorsok class. You make this traditional Kyrgyz bread with your hosts and eat it warm at breakfast. Then pick one activity: a hike into the forest, a 2-3 hour guided ride through the valley or by the river, or a horse carriage ride. Traditional horse games such as Kok-Boru, horse wrestling, Tyin Enmei or Kyz Kuumai can be arranged at extra cost. Rafting is possible as well. In the afternoon we drive back to Bishkek and drop you at your hotel or the airport. - Transfer: Chong-Kemin to Bishkek · 170 km · 3-4 h - Activity: Horse riding · 2-3 h - Meals: Breakfast and 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 3 days sightseeing and 1 days horse riding. 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, 1 night at guesthouse. **How much does it cost?** From $1200 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/karakol-cholpon-ata-chong-kemin-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