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Kyrgyzstan

Issyk Kul Full Circuit: Into the Valleys & Mountains of the Tian Shan

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Price
$1,700
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Kyrgyzstan Tour Overview

Issyk Kul Full Circuit: Into the Valleys & Mountains of the Tian Shan

Silk Road Ruins, Red Rock Canyons & Eagle Hunters on the World's Second-Largest Alpine Lake

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Price
$1,700
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
Year Round

This 8-day expedition circles Kyrgyzstan’s great alpine lake through landscapes most travelers never reach. From the Silk Road ruins of Burana Tower and a home-cooked Dungan lunch, the route pushes into the Chon Kemin Valley by 4WD, climbs into the Semyonov Gorge on horseback to sleep in a shepherd’s jailoo, and descends into the ecotourism village of Jyrgalan before spending a night in the Altyn Arashan valley soaking in natural hot springs. The southern shore brings the Seven Bulls of Jeti Oguz, Barskoon waterfall, Skazka Canyon, and a private eagle hunting demonstration with a fourth-generation berkutchi, before a farewell dinner in the mountains south of Bishkek.

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Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Issyk Kul Full Circuit: Into the Valleys & Mountains of the Tian Shan

Your Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 8 Days · Kyrgyzstan
1
Day 1
Arrival in Bishkek – Central Asia’s Greenest Capital
Arrive at Manas Airport and take a 30 km transfer to Bishkek. After checking into your accommodation, embark on a guided city tour of the capital. Start with Ala-Too Square, the ceremonial heart of the nation, before strolling through Oak Park, where towering oaks and lush greenery define one of Bishkek’s many green spaces, earning it the title of the leafiest city in Central Asia. After lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Osh Bazaar, where the air is filled with the aromas of spices, handcrafted felt textiles, and fresh produce, offering a glimpse into everyday Kyrgyz life. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at one of Bishkek’s top restaurants, sampling traditional Kyrgyz dishes such as beshbarmak, manti, and more.
Your Accommodation
Orion Hotel Bishkek
A 5-star boutique hotel on Erkindik Boulevard, steps from Ala-Too Square, with an indoor pool, spa, and rooftop terrace.
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2
Day 2
Burana Tower & Dungan Hospitality to Chon Kemin Valley
Drive east through the Chuy Valley to the Burana Tower, an 11th-century Silk Road minaret. Climb the tower for panoramic views and explore nearby balbals, ancient Turkic grave markers. Continue to Iskra village for a home-hosted lunch with a Dungan family, learning about their 140-year-old culinary traditions. Then, venture off the paved road into the Chon Kemin Valley, a protected wilderness between two mountain ranges. Travel by 4WD through forests, river crossings, and alpine meadows, ascending from 1,400 to 2,800 meters. Overnight at Etno Kompleks Ala Kush in the valley.
Your Accommodation
Etno Kompleks Ala Kush
A yurt glamping complex at the foot of Ala-Kush mountain, with 20 fully equipped yurts, a large restaurant, and direct access to the upper valley dirt track.
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3
Day 3
Petroglyphs, Horseback & the Semyonov Jailoo
Drive west along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Cholpon-Ata for a walk through its open-air petroglyph museum, where thousands of Bronze Age carvings lie scattered across glacial boulders with views over the lake. Continue to Semyonovka village, then set out on horseback into Semyonov Gorge, following the Chon Ak-Suu River through dense Tien Shan spruce forest. After several hours, emerge into a wide alpine jailoo at 2,010 meters, where a seasonal yurt camp sits beneath the glaciated peaks of the Kungei Ala-Too. Overnight with local herder families.
4
Day 4
Jyrgalan Valley & the Eki-Chat Jailoo
Leave the jailoo as your vehicle arrives and drive east past Karakol into the mountains to Jyrgalan, a remote village emerging as a quiet ecotourism destination. After lunch at a local homestay, head out on horseback along the Jyrgalan River valley, passing Tulpar Tash, the legendary Horse Rock from the Manas epic. Continue to the shepherd camp at Eki-Chat jailoo at 2,610 meters, where you can spend time with herding families before riding back to the village. Dinner and overnight in a Jyrgalan homestay.
5
Day 5
Karakol & the Altyn Arashan Valley
Drive west from Jyrgalan to Karakol to explore two of the city’s most distinctive landmarks: the Dungan Mosque, built without nails in 1910, and the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Cossack-era church dating to 1869. Enjoy lunch at Ashlan-fu Alley in Bugu Bazaar, known for its signature cold Dungan noodle soup. In the afternoon, switch to a rugged Soviet-era truck for the ascent into the Altyn Arashan valley, climbing along a rough mountain track to 3,000 meters beneath glaciated peaks. Arrive at a traditional yurt camp, then walk to the nearby hot springs for a soak before dinner. Overnight in yurts surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Your Accommodation
Ethno Yurt Camp Argymak
Traditional yurt camp in the Altyn Arashan valley at 3,000m, with an open-air bath, bar, and direct access to the natural radon hot springs.
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6
Day 6
Jeti Oguz, Barskoon & Skazka Canyon
Drive down from Altyn Arashan and continue west along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Stop at Jeti Oguz Gorge for a short hike among its striking red sandstone formations, known as the Seven Bulls in Kyrgyz folklore. Continue to Barskoon Gorge and walk along the river to the Tears of the Leopard waterfall, set within dense spruce forest. Further west, explore Skazka Canyon, where a hike through wind-shaped sandstone ridges leads to views over the lake. Arrive by evening at Feel Nomad Yurt Camp in Ak-Sai, a small lakeside camp tucked beneath canyon walls. Dinner and overnight in yurts.
Your Accommodation
Feel Nomad Yurt Camp
A remote yurt camp on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, tucked between the Ak-Sai Canyon and the lake, 200 meters from the beach.
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7
Day 7
Eagle Hunting, Kok Moinok & Farewell Dinner
Head to Bokonbaevo for a private demonstration with Salavat, a fourth-generation eagle hunter and regional champion. Watch his golden eagle in action alongside taigan dogs, try traditional archery, and experience handling the bird. Continue west to Balykchy for lunch at a local restaurant known for its plov and Kyrgyz specialties, then drive through the Boom Gorge with a stop at the Kok Moinok Canyons for a hike among striking red and orange clay formations. Climb to a panoramic viewpoint before continuing to Supara Chunkurchak, a mountain ethno-resort set in a scenic gorge south of Bishkek. Gather for a farewell dinner of traditional cuisine cooked over an open fire.
Your Accommodation
Supara Chunkurchak
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8
Day 8
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Manas International Airport, carrying with you eight days of high passes, open steppe, and Kyrgyz hospitality.

Kyrgyzstan Tour Details

Pricing & What's Included

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

Per Person
$1,700
Based on group of 4
CurrencyUSD

Group Rates

Group SizePer PersonNotes
Solo traveler$3,800
2 travelers$2,400Double occupancy
3 travelers$1,950Group rate
4 travelers$1,700Group rate
5 travelers$1,575Group rate
6 travelers$1,475Group rate
7 travelers$1,400Group rate
8 travelers$1,350Group rate
9 travelers$1,315Group rate
10 travelers$1,285Best value

What's Included

  • Accommodation as per program (7 nights: 1 night hotel, 2 nights guesthouse, 4 nights yurt camp)
  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • English-speaking driver/guide and private 4WD transportation throughout
  • All meals included throughout the tour (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees: Bishkek city tour, Burana Tower, Grigoriev & Semyonov gorges, Karakol city tour, Jeti Oguz, Barskoon waterfalls, Skazka & Ak Sai canyons
  • Dungan family home-hosted lunch in Iskra village
  • 1 liter of mineral water per person per day
  • Airport transfers

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • Single room supplement ($350)
  • Personal expenses and personal travel insurance
  • Extra night upon arrival in Bishkek ($125 per double/twin room; $100 per single room)
  • Lunches and dinners not indicated in the tour program
  • Services not mentioned as included
*
Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.
†
Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this expedition? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.

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Total: 2 travelers

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Maria R. · Family Adventure, July 2024
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Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

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Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

James C. · Salt Flats Adventure, March 2024
Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Won C. · Kyrgyzstan
Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Diana P. · Japan
Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Jerry R. · Cuba
Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

James C. · Salt Flats Adventure, March 2024
Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Won C. · Kyrgyzstan
Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Diana P. · Japan
Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
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We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for remote destinations like Greenland or Madagascar. This allows time for permit processing, securing the best local guides, and ensuring accommodation availability in these pristine, limited-access locations.
Each adventure includes expert local guides, unique accommodations, all transportation within the destination, most meals featuring local cuisine, and exclusive access to experiences unavailable to mass tourism. International flights and personal travel insurance are typically separate.
We design adventures for various fitness levels and always discuss physical requirements during planning. Many of our destinations offer different activity intensities, and we can customize experiences to match your capabilities while still providing authentic wilderness encounters.
We partner exclusively with local operators who share our conservation values, ensure tourism revenue supports local communities, limit group sizes to minimize environmental impact, and contribute directly to conservation projects in each destination we visit.
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation policy varies by destination and timing, but we always work to minimize fees and maximize flexibility. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and will provide guidance on the best policies for adventure travel.
While we specialize in our core destinations, we can create custom adventures to other remote, wild places that align with our mission of authentic, sustainable travel. Contact us to discuss your dream destination and we'll explore possibilities.
We focus exclusively on authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations that most travelers never reach. Our deep partnerships with local communities, commitment to conservation, and rejection of mass tourism create truly transformative experiences that benefit both travelers and destinations.
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