DESTINATION GUIDE
The world's second-largest alpine lake, warm enough to swim in and framed by the snow of the Tien Shan.
Issyk-Kul never freezes, which is what its name means, and it is salty enough to float in. The lake is 180 km long, so the two shores feel like different countries: the north is resorts and beaches, the south is canyons, hot springs and small villages.
We spend our time on the south shore. It puts you within an hour of Jeti-Oguz, Skazka canyon and the Barskoon valley, and the mountain wall behind the villages rises to over 4,000 m.
It is also the easiest region in the country to travel in. Roads are paved, guesthouses are comfortable, and it works from May through October — long before and after the high pastures open.
Every itinerary below spends at least one full day in this region.
Son-Kol, Kel-Suu, Issyk-Kul and Ala-Kul in one week — the most action-packed route we run, with hiking, horses and two nights in yurt camps.
From
€1,190
per person
Warm-water swimming, red sandstone canyons and easy forest walks — our gentlest route, and the one that works from May to October.
From
€740€820
per person
A private winter route: eagle hunting demonstrations on fresh snow, empty canyons and skiing above Karakol.
From
€820
per person