Issyk-Kul Slow Travel: Valleys, Canyons and Hot Springs

An easy, comfortable eight-day loop around Issyk-Kul for families and first-time visitors: mountain valleys, red canyons, an eagle hunter and the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan.

Overview

A gentle way to see the best of northern Kyrgyzstan. Drives are kept short, nights are in comfortable guesthouses and modern yurts, and every day leaves time to sit by a river, take photos in the evening light or simply rest.

The route starts in the Chunkurchak and Chon-Kemin valleys close to Bishkek, crosses to the south shore of Issyk-Kul for an eagle hunter and the Skazka canyon, spends two days in Karakol, and climbs by 4×4 to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan before returning along the north shore.

Who it suits

Families with children, older travellers and anyone on a first visit who wants nature and culture without long days or high altitude. Everything stays between about 1,600 and 2,600 m. Autumn, when the valleys turn gold, is especially beautiful.

Day-by-day itinerary

D1 Bishkek – Osh bazaar – Chunkurchak valley

Arrive in Bishkek the day before: the transfer from Manas airport and your first hotel night are included, so you start rested.
Morning at the busy Osh bazaar: spices, dried fruit and bread from the tandoor oven. Lunch in a yurt-style restaurant, then an hour's drive to the Chunkurchak valley and a two-hour ride into the hills. Night at a mountain lodge.

D2 Burana tower – Chon-Kemin valley

Sunrise photos and a short walk, then the Burana tower, part of the Silk Road city of Balasagun. Lunch in a local home nearby and on to the Chon-Kemin valley. Night in a modern yurt with mountain views.

D3 Chon-Kemin – Bokonbaevo, the eagle hunter

A morning walk through meadows and forest, then the drive to the south shore of Issyk-Kul with regular stops. In the afternoon, meet a golden eagle hunter. Night in a guesthouse in Bokonbaevo.

D4 Skazka canyon – Barskoon waterfall – Jeti-Oguz – Karakol

The most varied day: the colourful rocks of Skazka above the blue lake, a two-hour forest walk to the Barskoon waterfall and the red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz. Dinner and hotel in Karakol.

D5 Karakol gorge and town

A walk of about two and a half hours along the river through spruce forest, with a picnic in the gorge. In the afternoon, the wooden cathedral and the Dungan mosque.

D6 Aksu hot springs – Altyn-Arashan

A soak at Aksu, then up the rough track by 4×4 to the alpine valley of Altyn-Arashan under snowy peaks, with its natural hot springs. Night in a mountain guesthouse.

D7 Altyn-Arashan – Cholpon-Ata

Walk down through the valley in the morning and drive along the north shore to Cholpon-Ata. Evening by the lake.

D8 Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek

A boat trip on Issyk-Kul and the petroglyph field, then back to Bishkek for your flight or an extra night.

Included and not included

Included

  • English-speaking local guide for the whole trip
  • Private car and driver (4×4 on mountain roads)
  • Hotel night in Bishkek before the tour
  • All accommodation listed in the itinerary
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Entrance fees and activities in the itinerary
  • Horse ride in Chunkurchak and the 4×4 to Altyn-Arashan
  • Hot spring entry at Aksu and Altyn-Arashan

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Drinks and snacks between meals
  • Tips for guides, drivers and hosts

What to bring

  • Walking shoes with good grip
  • Warm layers, hat and gloves: mountain nights are cold even in August
  • Rain jacket
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
  • Power bank: charging is limited in the mountains
  • Swimsuit for hot springs and the lake

Questions and answers

Can we travel outside summer?

Yes. This route stays at low and middle altitude and runs from May to November. May brings wild flowers, September and October gold colours and fewer visitors.

How long are the drives?

Most days have one to three hours of driving. The longest day, from Chon-Kemin to the south shore, is about four hours with stops every couple of hours.

Does this tour go to Song-Kul?

No. Song-Kul is at 3,000 m and needs longer drives. If you want it, look at our Song-Kul Classic or ask us to add it.

8 days

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Issyk-Kul Slow Travel: Valleys, Canyons and Hot Springs · 8 days

A private trip for your group, on your dates, with your own guide. Send a request and a manager will confirm the details and the final price by email. Nothing is paid on the website.

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