The Tien-Shan Classic: 5 Days of Mountains, Nomads & Issyk-Kul
⭐ Go beyond the lake and dive deep into the pristine Chon-Kemin National Park. Experience horseback riding through alpine forests, witness the legendary Eagle Hunters, and sleep under the stars in a traditional yurt.
Starting point:
Bishkek
Bishkek
Duration:
5 Days / 4 Nights
5 Days / 4 Nights
Price:
From $470 per person
From $470 per person
Pace:
Relaxed
Relaxed
Group:
100% Private
100% Private
Season:
All Year Round
All Year Round
⭐ Trip Highlights
🗓️ Travel all year round: Accessible in every season, offering stunning contrasts from winter snowscapes to summer blooming meadows.
🐎 Ride a horse through the lush, fragrant pine forests of Chon-Kemin National Park.
🦅 Witness a private, awe-inspiring Golden Eagle Hunting demonstration.
⛺ Experience authentic nomadic life with a night in a traditional Yurt on the lake's shore.
🏛️ Climb the 11th-century Burana Tower, a masterwork of the ancient Silk Road.
⛰️ Marvel at the dramatic red rocks of Jeti-Oguz (The Seven Bulls) and the Martian-like Skazka Canyon.
♨️ Relax your muscles in natural, open-air thermal hot springs.
📍 Destinations
Bishkek • Issyk Kul • Сhon Kemin Valley • Burana Tower • Kok-Moynok • Bokonbaevo • Skazka Canyon • Barskoon • Jeti-Oguz • Karakol • North Shore • Cholpon-Ata
Великолепие Иссык Куля: Все лучшее без спешки
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Tour program
Bishkek ➔ Burana Tower ➔ Chon-Kemin
Your adventure begins right from your hotel. We travel back in time at the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret where ancient Silk Road merchants once rested. Next, we leave the plains behind and enter the protected Chon-Kemin National Park. After a hearty local lunch, saddle up for a scenic horseback ride through pine forests to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint. Don't worry if you've never ridden before—our horses are gentle and perfect for beginners!
Overnight: Cozy Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin.
Your adventure begins right from your hotel. We travel back in time at the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret where ancient Silk Road merchants once rested. Next, we leave the plains behind and enter the protected Chon-Kemin National Park. After a hearty local lunch, saddle up for a scenic horseback ride through pine forests to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint. Don't worry if you've never ridden before—our horses are gentle and perfect for beginners!
Overnight: Cozy Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin.
Chon-Kemin ➔ Cholpon-Ata ➔ Alpine Gorges ➔ Karakol
Today we head to the resort-style North Shore of Issyk-Kul. We visit the unique Ruh-Ordo Cultural Center, where five major world religions stand in harmony. We then drive through the magnificent Grigorievskoe and Semenovskoe gorges. Optional: Take a short hike to a hidden mountain lake. We arrive in Karakol by evening, just in time to wash away your fatigue in natural, open-air thermal hot springs.
Overnight: Hotel in Karakol (My Hotel or similar).
Today we head to the resort-style North Shore of Issyk-Kul. We visit the unique Ruh-Ordo Cultural Center, where five major world religions stand in harmony. We then drive through the magnificent Grigorievskoe and Semenovskoe gorges. Optional: Take a short hike to a hidden mountain lake. We arrive in Karakol by evening, just in time to wash away your fatigue in natural, open-air thermal hot springs.
Overnight: Hotel in Karakol (My Hotel or similar).
Karakol ➔ Jeti-Oguz ➔ Barskoon ➔ South Shore
Discover Karakol’s rich history: visit the Dungan Mosque (built entirely of wood without a single nail) and the majestic Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. We then cross to the wild South Shore. Marvel at the massive, deep-red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz ("Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart"). Later, breathe in the crisp mountain air as we hike to the roaring waterfalls of Barskoon Gorge (where Yuri Gagarin famously vacationed).
Overnight: Guesthouse in Tamga or Kaji-Say.
Discover Karakol’s rich history: visit the Dungan Mosque (built entirely of wood without a single nail) and the majestic Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. We then cross to the wild South Shore. Marvel at the massive, deep-red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz ("Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart"). Later, breathe in the crisp mountain air as we hike to the roaring waterfalls of Barskoon Gorge (where Yuri Gagarin famously vacationed).
Overnight: Guesthouse in Tamga or Kaji-Say.
South Shore ➔ Skazka Canyon ➔ Ak-Say ➔ Bokonbaevo
Prepare for striking contrasts. Wander through Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where wind has sculpted clay into surreal castles. We then visit the white-and-red cliffs of Ak-Say Canyon, offering panoramic views of the lake. The highlight of the day: an exclusive meeting with a local Eagle Hunter. Watch a thrilling Golden Eagle Hunting demonstration and hold this magnificent bird on your own arm!
Overnight: Authentic Yurt Camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Prepare for striking contrasts. Wander through Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where wind has sculpted clay into surreal castles. We then visit the white-and-red cliffs of Ak-Say Canyon, offering panoramic views of the lake. The highlight of the day: an exclusive meeting with a local Eagle Hunter. Watch a thrilling Golden Eagle Hunting demonstration and hold this magnificent bird on your own arm!
Overnight: Authentic Yurt Camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Bokonbaevo ➔ Orto-Tokoy ➔ Kok-Moynok ➔ Bishkek
Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy breakfast in your yurt. As we begin our journey back, we stop at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, a stunning turquoise oasis hidden in the mountains. Next, we step onto another planet at the Kok-Moynok Canyons — a mesmerizing maze of orange sandstone perfect for final photos. We drop you off at your Bishkek hotel by evening.
Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy breakfast in your yurt. As we begin our journey back, we stop at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, a stunning turquoise oasis hidden in the mountains. Next, we step onto another planet at the Kok-Moynok Canyons — a mesmerizing maze of orange sandstone perfect for final photos. We drop you off at your Bishkek hotel by evening.
Additional information
- Price per group
- 1 person — USD 1,080 (USD 1,080 per person)
- 2 people — USD 1,280 (USD 640 per person)
- 3 people — USD 1,530 (USD 510 per person)
- 4 people — USD 1,880 (USD 470 per person)
✅ The price will be calculated automatically upon booking based on the number of people. - What’s Included:✅ Comfortable car/minivan
✅ Experienced driver-guide
✅ Accommodation in cozy hotels and guesthouses
✅ Breakfasts
✅ Entrance fees
✅ Traditional tea with kattama
✅ Golden eagle show - What’s Excluded:❌ Lunches and dinners (~$10 per meal)
❌ Shyrdak show (~$60 per group)
❌ International airfare
❌ Medical insurance
❌ Souvenirs and personal purchases
❌ Alcoholic beverages - How to book
- Submit Request: Fill out the quick form below.
- Confirm Details: Our expert will contact you via WhatsApp/Email to finalize the itinerary.
- Secure Your Spot: Pay a secure 20% deposit online (USD, EUR, KGS).
- Pay on Arrival: The remaining 80% is paid in cash (USD, EUR, KGS) to your guide on Day 1.
