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Private road trip · 8 days

Issyk-Kul & Altyn-Arashan hot springs, 8 days

An active route with valley walks, a two-day Altyn-Arashan hike and the south shore of Issyk-Kul.

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Still water and distant mountains at a Kyrgyz lake

Duration

8 days

Start / finish

Bishkek → Bishkek

Season

Mid-May–late September

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

Group

2–4 people

Stays

Family homestay, guesthouses, eco-lodge and yurt camp

Day by day

The route

Driving and walking times are practical estimates. Weather and road conditions can change the rhythm of a mountain day.

  1. Day 1

    Burana and the Chon-Kemin valley

    Meet your driver-guide at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, then travel east to the Burana Tower and share lunch with a family nearby. In Chon-Kemin, stretch your legs on a walk through the Konorchek canyons before reaching the village of Karool-Dobo.

    Drive: about 3 h · Hike: about 3 hOvernight: Family homestay in Chon-Kemin
  2. Day 2

    Across the north shore to Karakol

    Drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, stopping at the Cholpon-Ata petroglyph field. In Karakol, visit the wooden Orthodox cathedral and the Dungan mosque.

    Drive: 5–6 hOvernight: Guesthouse in Karakol
  3. Day 3

    Hike into Altyn-Arashan

    Start from Ak-Suu and follow the mountain valley towards Altyn-Arashan. The trail gains height steadily and finishes near the hot springs, where the evening is kept simple and quiet.

    Hike: 5–6 hOvernight: Yurt camp in Altyn-Arashan
  4. Day 4

    Hot springs and descent

    Begin with time in Altyn-Arashan, then walk back down the gorge. After lunch in Karakol, continue by car to Jeti-Oguz.

    Hike: about 4 hOvernight: Eco-lodge in Jeti-Oguz
  5. Day 5

    Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon and Skazka

    See the red-rock formations of Jeti-Oguz, walk to a waterfall in Barskoon and explore the sculpted landscape of Skazka Canyon. End the day in a yurt camp by Issyk-Kul.

    Drive: 2–3 h · Walks: 3–4 h totalOvernight: Yurt camp at Bel-Tam
  6. Day 6

    Ak-Sai canyons and eagle traditions

    Walk through the Ak-Sai canyons to viewpoints above the lake. Later, visit a yurt camp for lunch and a demonstration with a trained golden eagle before driving to Kochkor.

    Hike: 2–3 hOvernight: Guesthouse in Kochkor
  7. Day 7

    Kol-Ukok and return to Bishkek

    Hike from the Kochkor area towards Kol-Ukok, with mountain scenery and a picnic break on the route. Return to the car and drive back to Bishkek.

    Hike: 2–3 h each wayOvernight: Bishkek hotel (not included)
  8. Day 8

    Ala-Archa day hike

    Finish with a day in Ala-Archa National Park. Depending on the group and conditions, walk towards the waterfall or continue higher in the direction of the Ratsek hut.

    Hike: 5–6 hOvernight: Tour ends in Bishkek
A waterfall dropping through a forested gorgeA tall waterfall on a forested mountain pathA local eagle hunter with a golden eagle

The practical details

Included and not included

The final quote lists every stay, meal and activity agreed for your version of the tour.

Included

  • Private car with an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Fuel and all driving described in the program
  • Help booking guesthouses and yurt camps

Not included

  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities unless they are added to your quote
  • Anything not listed in your confirmed itinerary and quote

Private tour price

Price on request

Tell us your dates and group size for a tailored quote.

Ask about Issyk-Kul & Altyn-Arashan