Issyk-Kul
Five relaxed days around the world's second-largest alpine lake and the red cliffs above it.
The south shore of Issyk-Kul is where Kyrgyz families go on holiday, and there is a reason. The lake is warm enough to swim in from June, the mountain wall behind it tops 4,000 metres, and the canyons between the villages are as photogenic as anything higher up.
This route stays low. Nothing here is above 2,500 metres, every night is in a comfortable guesthouse with a proper shower, and the longest walk is three hours on a good path. It suits families, mixed-fitness groups and anyone travelling early or late in the season.
It also pairs well as an extension. If you have already done a jailoo trip, five days here is the soft landing — and Karakol has the best food in the country.
Open any day to see where you sleep, how far you travel and what the day actually feels like.
Pickup in Bishkek and east through the Boom canyon, reaching the northern shore by lunchtime. Afternoon at the Cholpon-Ata petroglyph field and open-air museum, then on to a south-shore guesthouse for dinner.
A morning swim, then the Skazka fairytale canyon — a short walk through eroded red sandstone that looks different every hour of the day. Afternoon free on the beach or on the water.
The Seven Bulls and Broken Heart formations, then a gentle three-hour walk up the valley through spruce forest to the Valley of Flowers. Hot springs in the village afterwards, and a guesthouse night in Karakol.
Morning in Karakol: the Dungan mosque, the wooden Orthodox cathedral and the bazaar. Afternoon in the Barskoon valley with its waterfalls and the mountain road towards the Kumtor plateau.
A last swim, then the drive west along the northern shore with a stop at the Burana tower and its Karakhanid minaret. Bishkek by late afternoon, with airport transfers as needed.
This route runs from early May to late October. The lake is warm enough for comfortable swimming from mid-June, though locals start much earlier.
The easiest tour we offer. The longest walk is three hours on a good path with 250 m of ascent, and there is no altitude to speak of.
This is the route we recommend with children over six. Let us know ages at booking and we will adjust the walking days.
Send us a note and we will reply within one working day with availability and the exact plan.
Other routes that cover similar ground or pair well as an extension.
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
Bishkek, Song-Kol and Kel-Suu in one loop — horse riding, two nights in yurts and two of the most striking lakes in Central Asia.
From
€890€1,040
per person
The short version of the classic Kyrgyz trip: over the Too-Ashuu pass, two nights in yurts at Song-Kol, and back with time for an evening in Bishkek.
From
€560
per person