Set out on a vibrant 2-day journey to Issyk-Kul — a perfect choice for travelers who want to experience Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes, nomadic culture, and lakeside yurt life in a short time.
This tour brings together colorful canyons, horseback riding, a traditional eagle hunting show, local Kyrgyz cuisine, and historic Silk Road heritage. In just two days, you will hike through the red sandstone cliffs of Konorchek Canyon, explore the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, ride on horseback to Shatyly Panorama, walk through Ak-Sai Canyon, and visit the ancient Burana Tower.
It is a great trip for families, friends, couples, photographers, and anyone looking for a rich cultural and nature experience without long trekking days or difficult routes.
Issyk-Kul Adventure: Canyons, Eagle Hunting & Horse Riding includes:
>Konorchek Canyon — Hike through red sandstone cliffs, narrow passages, and open valleys. One of the most photogenic canyon landscapes in northern Kyrgyzstan.
>Eagle hunting show — See one of Kyrgyzstan’s ancient nomadic traditions performed by local eagle hunters and learn about the special bond between the hunter and the golden eagle.
>Bel-Tam Yurt Camp — Spend the night in a cozy yurt camp on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoy local cuisine, and relax by the lake in a peaceful nomadic atmosphere.
>Shatyly Panorama horseback ride — Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through open foothills to a panoramic viewpoint with wide views of Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountains.
>Ak-Sai Canyon — Take a short walk through a beautiful canyon with unusual rock formations and atmospheric landscapes of the southern shore.
>Burana Tower — Visit one of Kyrgyzstan’s key historical monuments and an important Silk Road heritage site.
Destination: Issyk Kul region
Travel Style: horse trek – сultural – hiking
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Driving distance: 600 km
Service Level: Standard
Max elevation: 2300 m
Min elevation: 1600 m
Season: All year round
Start / End: Bishkek city
Itinerary: Bishkek city – Konorchek Canyon – Issyk Kul Lake – Shatyly Panorama – Ak Say Canyon – Bishkek city
DAY 1: BISHKEK – KONORCHEK – BOKONBAEVO
Driving time/distance: approx. 4–5 hours drive/280 km
Hiking time: 2.5 hours
In the morning, the group will meet at the Visit Alay office at 571 Frunze Street. After meeting your guide, you will start the journey towards Issyk-Kul Lake. The route passes through the scenic Boom Gorge, where one of the most beautiful canyon landscapes in northern Kyrgyzstan is located — Konorchek Canyon.
Upon arrival at the starting point, you will begin a hike through the canyon. The trail passes between impressive red sandstone cliffs, narrow passages, and open valleys. The unusual shapes and bright colors of the rocks create a beautiful and memorable landscape. As you continue deeper into the canyon, you will reach a viewpoint with panoramic views of the surrounding rock formations — a great spot for photos.
After descending from Konorchek Canyon, you will drive for lunch. The lunch stop will be in Boom Gorge, where you can rest after the hike and recharge before continuing the journey.
After lunch, you will continue to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and arrive in Bokonbayevo. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a traditional eagle hunting show, where local eagle hunters will demonstrate the ancient nomadic art of hunting with a golden eagle. You will learn about the special bond between the hunter and the eagle, and how this unique tradition has been passed down through generations.
In the evening, you will settle into a cozy Bel-Tam yurt camp by Issyk-Kul Lake. Dinner will be served in the dining yurt, where you can enjoy local Kyrgyz cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After dinner, you can relax by the lake or gather around the bonfire, enjoying the peaceful evening under the stars.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: shared yurts in Bel-Tam yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Konorchek canyon
DAY 2: BOKONBAEVO – SHATYLY – AKSAY CANYON – BURANA TOWER – BISHKEK
Driving time/distance: approx. 6 hours drive/300 km
Riding time: 2.5-3 hours
Hiking time: 1.5 hours
After breakfast, you will transfer to the starting point, where your 3-hour horseback ride to Shatyly Panorama will begin. The route passes through beautiful foothills and open landscapes along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. During the ride, you will ascend to a scenic panoramic viewpoint with wide views of Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountains. This is one of the best places in the Bokonbayevo area for panoramic photos and a peaceful introduction to the region’s nature.
After returning from the horseback tour, you will drive back to Bokonbayevo to recharge and have lunch before continuing the program.
After lunch, you will head to Ak-Sai Canyon. Here, you will enjoy an easy hike of around 40 minutes in total, both ways. You will also have about 30 minutes to walk inside the canyon, admire its unusual rock formations, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful natural site.
After visiting Ak-Sai Canyon, you will continue the journey back towards Bishkek. On the way, you will stop at Burana Tower, part of the ancient city of Balasagun, and one of the important historical monuments of Kyrgyzstan. You will visit the small archaeology museum and the open-air collection of balbals — ancient stone figures with carved images and inscriptions. You may also climb the tower for views over the Chui Valley and the surrounding mountains.
After visiting Burana Tower, you will continue to Bishkek. Arrival in the city is expected in the evening, around 8:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
End of tour: drop-off at your hotel in Bishkek
Ak-Say canyon
Price for the Song Kul & Kel Suu Horse Expedition
| Group Tour Prices* from | 250 USD per person |
*Our group tours run with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 11 travelers.
Included:
– Comfortable transport with AC from/to Bishkek
– Experienced English-speaking guide
– All the accommodations
– Meals: B, L, D except Bishkek
– Horses
– Horseman
– Meals of personal
– Entrance fee to Burana Tower
Not included:
– Meals and hotels in Bishkek city before and after the tour
– Alcoholic drinks
– Services out of the program
– Tips
– Bottled water
– Insurance
– Helmet (available for rent 4 USD per day/person)
*Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or if you have food allergies.
