4-Day Tour Around Issyk-Kul: Petroglyphs, Gorges, and Local Culture

Private Tour

This 4-day tour takes you on a beautiful loop around Issyk-Kul Lake with stops at ancient monuments, mountain gorges, and charming local villages. From historic minarets to eagle shows and felt-making, you’ll experience Kyrgyzstan’s nature, culture, and warm hospitality all in one trip.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek – Cholpon Ata (280 km / 4 hrs)
Meet your guide in the morning and start your journey toward the famous Issyk-Kul Lake.

First stop: Burana Tower, a well-preserved 11th-century minaret in Tokmok.
(Optional: Horseback riding games – $200/group, Traditional lunch – $15/person)
Continue to Cholpon Ata and visit the Open-Air Petroglyph Museum and local History Museum.
(Optional: Lake cruise – $150)
Relax and overnight at a resort by the lake.

Day 2: Cholpon Ata – Karakol (150 km / 3.5 hrs)
Drive to Karakol on the eastern tip of Issyk-Kul.

Stop by the Przhevalsky Museum to learn about the famous Russian explorer.
A city tour in Karakol includes the Dungan Mosque (built without nails) and an old wooden Orthodox Church.
(Optional: Dinner and cooking class in a Dungan/Uighur family – $30/person)
Overnight in a hotel in Karakol.

Day 3: Karakol – Jeti Oguz Gorge – Fairy Tale Canyon – Kochkor (260 km / 4–5 hrs)
Head to the south shore and enjoy two scenic highlights:

Jeti Oguz Gorge – famous for the “Seven Bulls” rock formation and short panoramic hike
Fairy Tale Canyon – colorful rock formations perfect for photography and exploration
(Optional: Eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaev – $70)
Arrive in Kochkor and stay with a local family in a cozy guesthouse. Dinner included.

Day 4: Kochkor – Bishkek (200 km / 3 hrs)
Start the day with a cultural visit:

Tour the local women’s cooperative and learn how traditional felt carpets are made.
(Optional: Felt-making demo – $70)
Continue your drive back to Bishkek through Boom Gorge and Kuvaky Pass.
Drop off at your agreed location in Bishkek.

Pricing

Price Includes

3 nights’ accommodation (DBL/TWN room)
Meals: 3x breakfast, 1x dinner
Private transfers and transportation
English-speaking guide
All entrance fees to listed attractions
1 liter of mineral water per person per day

Price Excludes

Optional activities stated in the itinerary above

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Contact Information

Suymbaeva street 143, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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+996 550 545 477