5 Days tour Son Kul Alpine lake, Issyk Kul Lake & AltynArashan

Embark on a 5-day journey to Lakes Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, and Altyn-Arashan and enjoy a combination of stunning natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Visit picturesque Lake Son-Kul, healing Lake Issyk-Kul, and the beautiful Altyn-Arashan Valley.

Duration:
5D / 3N days

Tour:
All inclusive

Complexity:
easy

Season:
All year round

Tour program

Day 1

Bishkek to Song-Kul (300 km)

Leave Bishkek and begin a spectacular mountain journey toward the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic landscape.

• Drive through the dramatic Boom Gorge
• Stop at the picturesque Orto-Tokoy Water Reservoir
• Cross the breathtaking Kalmak-Ashu Pass (3,400 m), with sweeping views of alpine scenery
• Arrive at the stunning Song-Kul Alpine Lake (3,000 m above sea level), surrounded by wide-open highland pastures

Afternoon activities:
• Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride around the lake, or
• Take a scenic hike to nearby hills for panoramic views

Overnight: Stay in a traditional nomadic yurt camp beside Song-Kul Lake, experiencing authentic Kyrgyz hospitality and star-filled mountain skies

Day 2

Song-Kul to the South Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (220 km)

Leave the high-altitude meadows of Song-Kul and travel toward the shores of Issyk-Kul, one of Central Asia’s most beautiful alpine lakes.

• Cross the scenic Kalmak-Ashu Pass (3,200 m)
• Photo stop at the picturesque Orto-Tokoy Water Reservoir
• Arrive at the crystal-clear Issyk-Kul Alpine Lake and stop at a quiet wild beach
• Continue over the scenic Kesken-Bel Pass with sweeping views of Issyk-Kul’s southern landscapes
• Continue to Bokonbaevo, the village famous for its traditional eagle breeders
• isit the site of traditional eagle hunters.Live Eagle Hunting Show & Taigan Show

Experience an authentic demonstration of eagle hunting traditions and see the famous Taigan hunting dogs in action. Followed by archery session.

Overnight:Stay in a cozy guesthouse with mountain views in Bokonbaevo

Day 3

South Shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol (200 km)

After breakfast, begin a full day of exploring the dramatic landscapes along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.

• Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka Canyon).Explore the surreal red rock formations of Fairy Tale Canyon—one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region.
• Stop at a Issyk Kul lake wild sandy beach for swimming or chilling out.
• Continue to Barskoon Gorge and follow the beautiful Barskoon River
• Enjoy a short hike to the waterfalls (1–2 km) and visit the Gagarin Statue
• Explore the stunning Jeti-Ögüz Valley, known for its red rock cliffs and the famous “Broken Heart” formation. Stop at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the alpine river and wide valley landscapes

Overnight:Stay at a comfortable boutique hotel in Karakol

Day 4

Karakol to Altyn Arashan (Ak-Suu Gorge) to Karakol (70 km)

After breakfast, travel toward the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Ak-Suu Valley.

• Drive to Ak-Suu Valley and begin a full-day off-road adventure to Altyn Arashan by special rugged 4×4 vehicle
• Enjoy a scenic hike through the Arashan Valley, following a crystal-clear mountain river and walking through dense alpine forest
• Free time exploring the AltynArashan - One of the most stunning valleys.
• Lunch at a guesthouse in the valley
• Return transfer back to Ak-Suu
• Relax in the natural hot mineral springs in Ak-Suu Gorge

Overnight:Stay in a comfortable boutique hotel in Karakol

Day 5

Karakol to Bishkek via the North Shore of Issyk-Kul (420 km)

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive along the beautiful northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

• Drive along the North Shore of Issyk-Kul with photo stops en route
• Stop by the lake for swimming or relaxing by the beach
• Optional: Private boat ride at the Cholpon-Ata Yacht Club
• Visit Balykchy’s new pier and enjoy time at the public beach
• Continue the drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Boom Gorge
• Arrive in Bishkek in the evening, around 6:00 PM
• Drop off at hotel in Bishkek

What’s is included in the tour:

Accommodation

Twin/Double rooms or a private yurt for 2-3 guests

Meals – Set Menu

Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation & Staff

Air-conditioned vehicle
Petrol surcharge included
English-speaking driver–guide

Activities & Experiences

Guided horse riding (1 hour)
Eagle hunting show, Taigan dog show, and archery
Entrance tickets to all parks, canyons, and museums
Tickets to natural hot springs

Additional Services:

Airport pick-up

Notes:

Guesthouse rooms are modern and equipped with en-suite bathrooms.
Traditional handmade yurts have external shared bathrooms.
All meals are organic ‘halal’, fresh, and diverse, offering different local dishes each day to make the journey a rich culinary experience as well.

Optional activities: