Discover the ancient tradition of eagle hunting and the living spirit of nomadic culture on this immersive 6-day journey through the Tian Shan Mountains along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. This experience combines remote mountain scenery, tent camping near local shepherd families, and a rare opportunity to witness real golden eagle hunting with Kyrgyz berkutchi (Eagleman).
Far from a staged tourist performance, this tour offers a rare and authentic insight into the living traditions of Kyrgyz nomads. Ride on horseback through high mountain pastures, camp in remote alpine landscapes, discover the rhythms of daily nomadic life, and accompany local eagle hunters in their natural environment. Blending culture, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, this journey is an unforgettable way to experience the true spirit of Kyrgyzstan.
Tour highlights:
> Authentic eagle hunting experience with real berkutchi(eagleman)
> Horseback riding across scenic mountain landscapes in the Tian Shan Mountains
> First-hand experience of daily nomadic life, traditions, and seasonal mountain living
> Burana Tower, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important Silk Road monuments
> Kok-Moinok and Aksai Canyon with dramatic rock formations and beautiful hiking scenery
Destination: Tien-Shan Mountains, northern Kyrgyzstan, Southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake
Tour Type: Horse trek
Accommodation: Yurt 2 night / Tent 3 nights
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Riding distance: 98 km
Service Level: Standard
Max elevation: 3557 m
Min elevation:1654 m
Months Possible: June – September
Start / End Point: Bishkek city
Physical Rating: Light to Moderate – a prior horseback riding experience is necessary.
Note: For private bookings, the length of the tour can be changed according to your time and desire.
DAY 1. BISHKEK – BURANA TOWER – KOK-MOINOK CANYON – BOKONBAEVO
Driving distance/time: 200 km, 6 hours (excluding stops)
Your journey begins in Bishkek with a drive towards the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, visit Burana Tower, one of the most famous historical and architectural landmarks in Kyrgyzstan and an important legacy of the Silk Road era. Continue to Kok-Moinok Canyon, where you will enjoy a hike of around 1.5 hours through red-rock formations, winding paths, and beautiful natural scenery. After the excursion, continue the drive to Bokonbaevo. Lunch on the way. Upon arrival, settle in at Beltam Yurt Camp. Enjoy a walk along the lakeshore before dinner. In the evening, experience a traditional dinner accompanied by a live folklore performance by a local Kyrgyz musician family, with a chance to join in the dancing. Overnight at the yurt camp in a peaceful lakeside setting.
Accommodation: shared yurts in Bel-Tam yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets
Kok-Moinok Canyon
DAY 2. BOKONBAEVO – BOZ-SALKYN – KOL-BEL – TON-ASHUU – UCH-EMCHEK
Distance: around 23 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1695 m / -580 m
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the route and meet your local guide. Today your horseback adventure begins through scenic jailoos, wide valleys, and mountain slopes along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. A picnic lunch will be arranged along the way. In the afternoon, ride up to Ton-Ashuu Pass at 4,023 m, where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and Issyk-Kul Lake. After descending towards Uch-Emchek, you will choose a suitable place set up camp and spend the night in this quiet and scenic place, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Kyrgyz highlands. Tonight, you will camp near a shepherd family, giving you a wonderful opportunity to meet local people, observe their daily life in the mountains, and learn more about their traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Kyrgyz nomads have lived in these mountains for centuries, moving with their livestock between seasonal pastures. During the summer months, families bring their sheep, horses, cows, and yaks to high-altitude jailoos, where they live close to nature and follow the rhythm of the land. You may see them milking mares and cows, preparing fresh dairy products such as kymyz, kurut, and butter, or gathering around the fire in the evening after a long day with the animals.
This simple but meaningful experience gives you a deeper insight into Kyrgyz mountain life, where hospitality, horses, livestock, and open landscapes are still at the heart of everyday culture.
Accommodation: shared tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: no Wi-Fi, no shower, toilet tent
Kol-Bel Valley
DAY 3. UCH-EMCHEK – TOSOR-ASHUU
Distance: around 26 km
Elevation gain/loss: +860 m / -300 m
Horse riding: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, continue your horseback journey through the beautiful Uch-Emchek Valley. This day offers a real sense of freedom as you travel across alpine pastures, green slopes, and untouched mountain landscapes. Throughout the day, enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nomadic travel and the beauty of the highlands. By evening, you will reach the area near Tosor-Ashuu Pass at 3,893 m, where you will set up camp in the heart of the mountains. Tonight, you will again camp near a Kyrgyz nomadic family and have another chance to experience their daily lifestyle. Depending on the season and timing, you may see or take part in traditional activities such as milking cows or mares, preparing dairy products, or churning butter. Enjoy your dinner and night in a tent.
Accommodation: shared tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: no Wi-Fi, no shower, toilet tent
Tosor-Ashuu
DAY 4. TOSOR-ASHUU – JAZUU-KECHUU
Distance: around 22 km
Elevation gain/loss: +860 m / -300 m
Horse riding: 6 hours
Today you will cross the impressive Tosor-Ashuu Pass, with wide views over mountain ridges, alpine pastures, and open highland landscapes. After the pass, descend into the peaceful Jazuu-Kechuu Valley, known for its soft rolling hills and beautiful evening light. Upon arrival, you will set up camp and spend the night in this quiet and scenic place, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Kyrgyz highlands.
Accommodation: shared tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: no Wi-Fi, no shower, toilet tent
Jazuu-Kechuu
DAY 5. GOLDEN EAGLE HUNTING EXPERIENCE
Activities: around 7 hours of golden eagle hunting experience and horse riding
Distance: depending on how the hunt goes
Horse riding: depending on how the hunt goes
This day is dedicated to one of the most remarkable traditions of Kyrgyz nomadic culture — hunting with golden eagle. In ancient times, nomadic warriors rode on horseback with their golden eagles and taigan dogs, hunting for days on end across the mountains and steppe. This tradition lies at the heart of Salbuurun, the ancient Kyrgyz art of hunting, which for centuries played an important role in nomadic life. Golden eagles were traditionally used to hunt foxes, hares, deer, and even wolves, providing valuable pelts to help families survive the harsh winter months.
During the Soviet period, this ancient practice was discouraged and nearly disappeared. Thanks to the dedication of local eagle hunters and the Salbuurun Federation based in Bokonbaevo, this unique cultural heritage has been carefully preserved and revived. Today, you will have the rare opportunity to spend time with the new generation of berkutchi and experience this living tradition in the magnificent natural landscapes surrounding Bokonbaevo.
In the morning, you will meet a local eagle hunter and his majestic bird. He will show you how he trains and cares for the eagle, and you will have the chance to interact with the bird while learning more about the history and meaning of eagle hunting in Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
After the introduction, you will join the hunter for a real hunting outing. Together with the berkutchi and his eagle, you will help spot potential prey such as foxes and hares. As this takes place in natural conditions, a successful hunt cannot be guaranteed. However, in around 70% of cases, the hunting experience is very rewarding and gives visitors a good chance to witness the eagle in action. If you are lucky, you may see the unforgettable moment when the golden eagle swoops down on its prey.
After the activity, finish the horse riding and transfer to Beltam Yurt Camp. Dinner, and overnight stay at the camp.
Accommodation: shared yurts in Bel-Tam yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets
Eagle Hunting
DAY 6. BOKONBAEVO – AKSAI CANYON – BISHKEK
Driving time: around 5-6 hours, excluding stops and excursions.
In the morning after breakfast, depart for Bishkek. On the way, visit Aksai Canyon, known for its unusual rock formations, striking natural shapes, and wild beauty. After a walk through the canyon, continue the drive back to Bishkek.
Ak-Say Canyon
Price for the Ride with the Eagle Hunters Tour
| Group Tour Prices* from | 850 USD per person |
*Our group tours run with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12 travelers.
If the group size is smaller, we’ll contact you to offer alternative options — such as joining another group or confirming the tour at a different rate.
Private tours are available upon request at a different cost.
Included:
– Comfortable transport with AC from/to Bishkek
– Experinced english-speaking guide
– All the accommodations
– Meals: B, L, D (full board)
– Horses
– Horseman
– Meals of personnel
– Equipment: Tent, mats, gas, cooking dish
– Kyrgyz Folklore music preformance
– Demonstration of Eagle hunting one full day
– 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
– Sleeping bags (available for rent 6 USD per day/person)
– 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.
Summer 2026 Group Tours are now open for booking!
Lock in your trip with a $400 deposit now. Terms and conditions
| Tour Name | Dates | Available Spots | Price and Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 01 - 06 June 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 2 | 08 - 13 June 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 3 | 15 - 20 June 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 4 | 22 - 27 June 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 5 | 29 - 04 June-July 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 6 | 06 - 11 July 2026 | 2 booked, 8 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 7 | 13 - 18 July 2026 | 5 booked, 5 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 8 | 22 - 27 July 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 9 | 27 July - 01 August 2026 | 1 booked, 9 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 10 | 03 - 08 August 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 11 | 10 - 15 August 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 12 | 17 - 22 August 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 13 | 24 - 29 August 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 14 | 31 - 05 August-September 2026 | 2 booked, 8 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 15 | 07 - 12 September 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 16 | 14 - 19 September 2026 | 5 booked, 5 spots available | Book with $400 |
| Group 17 | 21 - 26 September 2026 | 10 spots available | Book with $400 |
Photo Galery
Eagle Hunting Show 
Practical Information for Horse trek with the Eagle Hunters
Sleeping in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt is one of the most memorable parts of the journey. In this yurt camp, guests can enjoy an authentic nomadic atmosphere with added comfort. The camp has electricity, and the outdoor toilet is equipped with a seated toilet. There is also an outdoor shower with hot water, and clean towels are provided for guests.
Most of the meals on this tour are home-cooked and provided by a yurt camp and by our trained guides during the camping part of the route. These traditional Kyrgyz meals usually include some sort of meat (often beef) served with potatoes, rice, or home-made noodles. Fresh bread rounds are also a must at every meal and you’ll often find homemade jams and traditional sour cream to go with this.
Yurt stays is able to cook vegetarian food. You should inform the company and guide in advance. In general, let us know if you have any specific preferences about food.
There are clean mountain springs along the trail where we can refill water bottles. You can take cleaning powders as well to clean river/spring waters. Yurt stays will provide boiled water if needed. Drink as much water as possible to avoid dehydration
The route passes through mountain pastures, scenic valleys, and high passes, but overall it is not considered too difficult. This tour is suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders, making it a great choice for those who would like to enjoy a horseback journey in the mountains while taking in the beautiful landscapes of the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake
You always have a guide and horsemen at this trek. Guides will provide you with all the necessary information and be with you to make sure everything is OK and safe. All the guides speak good English and little bit of Russian. They have at least three year’s guiding experience.
The best season for this horseback tour is from June to September. During this period, the weather in the mountainous part of the southern shore of Issyk-Kul is generally most favorable for travel, with daytime temperatures usually ranging from +10 to +25°C. However, weather in the highlands can change quickly, and it may be windy and cool on the passes and in exposed mountain areas. We therefore recommend bringing warm clothing and being prepared for changing mountain conditions.
We ask all to leave all the unnecessary luggage in Bishkek or in the Yurt camp (Bel-Tam) and take the items needed for trek. You can take two bags: small day backpack carried by you where you put your bottled water, wallet and other personals items and a bigger backpack carried by luggage horses where you can put your clothes, pants, sleeping bag and other items. The bigger backpacks carried by horse should weigh 10 to 15 kilos. Horses have special bags designed for the trek. Each horse carries about 60 to 70 kilos.
The itinerary is designed to help with acclimatization. The first day is easier and allows your body to begin adapting to the mountain conditions, while the altitude increases gradually over the following days, making the journey more comfortable.
Blankets are provided in the yurt camp, so a sleeping bag is not needed for those nights. However, for the camping nights during the mountain part of the route, a warm sleeping bag will be necessary. If you do not have your own, you can rent one from us.
Recommended packing list for the horsetrek:
• Warm clothes and layers as it gets warm during the day, but can go below freezing at night and when it rains
• Good trekking shoes • Day pack to carry camera, water, sunscreen, etc.
• Sun protection as the sun is very strong at altitude: Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), and a sun hat /cap
• Water and windproof jacket and pants. It gets especially windy on the mountain passes
• Medical kit for treating blisters, traveler’s diarrhea and other minor illnesses.
• Water purification tablets or drops if you want to clean the spring water
• Refillable water bottle • Lip balm: your lips get chapped very easily in the mountains
• Wet wipes and/or anti-bacterial gel to clean hands
• Hat and gloves to wear at night for warmth
• Head lamp
• Warm sleeping bag (we provide you with this if you don’t have one). Yurts and homestays provide blankets.