🧭 Route Overview: Day 1:Day 1: Bishkek → Kok-Moinok Canyon → Yurt Camp (Southern Shore) Day 2: Eagle Hunting Demonstration → Karakol Day 3: Jeti-Ögüz → Karakol City Tour → Ak-Suu Hot Springs → Jyrgalan → Tulpar-Tash Day 4: Horseback Tour in Jyrgalan → Yurt Camp Day 5: Grigoriev Gorge → Ruh Ordo Cultural Center → Bishkek
Day 1
Bishkek → Kok-Moinok Canyon → Yurt Camp (Southern Shore)
Morning departure from Bishkek in a private SUV with an English-speaking guide. On the way, visit the Kok-Moinok Canyon, a hidden gem of red sandstone and surreal “Martian” landscapes, and enjoy a guided walk and photo session. Continue with a scenic drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, stopping at wild beaches or cozy lakeside cafés. Arrival and check-in at a comfortable yurt camp by the lake, offering modern amenities and spectacular views, followed by a traditional Kyrgyz dinner by the water. Overnight: Yurt camp on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Day 2
Eagle Hunting Demonstration → Karakol
In the morning, experience an immersive eagle hunting demonstration with a local berkutchi (eagle master), learning about this ancient nomadic tradition and even holding the bird yourself. Then, drive along the southern lakeside to Karakol, enjoying scenic views en route. Upon arrival, check in at a boutique hotel or cozy guesthouse with local character. Enjoy free time to relax or take a short guided walk around the city center, followed by dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. Overnight: Boutique hotel in Karakol.
Day 3
Jeti-Ögüz → Karakol City Tour → Ak-Suu Hot Springs → Jyrgalan → Tulpar-Tash
Early transfer to the Jeti-Ögüz Gorge, home to the famous red cliffs “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart.” Return to Karakol for a city tour, including the historic wooden Orthodox Church and the unique Dungan Mosque. Continue to the Ak-Suu hot springs for a relaxing soak in a natural mountain setting. In the afternoon, transfer to the highland valley of Jyrgalan, a quiet retreat known for its clean air and peaceful landscapes, and check in at the guesthouse Yurt camp. Overnight: Jyrgalan
Day 4
Horseback Tour in Jyrgalan → Yurt Camp
Enjoy a full-day horseback riding adventure through the breathtaking scenery of Jyrgalan, including alpine meadows, rivers, and panoramic mountain trails. The ride is led by experienced local horsemen on well-trained horses. Stop for a picnic lunch in the mountains featuring local flavors and stunning views. Return to the valley and check in at a traditional yurt camp, then spend the evening around the campfire with storytelling, tea, and optionally live folk music. Overnight: Yurt camp in the Jyrgalan Valley.
Day 5
Grigoriev Gorge → Ruh Ordo Cultural Center → Bishkek
Morning departure to Grigoriev Gorge on the northern shore, followed by a peaceful walk through pine forests and alpine landscapes. Continue to the Ruh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata, an inspiring open-air complex blending world cultures and philosophies. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and some time to relax by the lake before returning to Bishkek via scenic mountain passes, with stops at panoramic viewpoints and souvenir markets.
I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long.
Gregory Tabot
from Israel
The principal element of Suprematism in painting, as in architecture, is its liberation from all social or materialist tendencies. Through Suprematism, art comes into its pure and unpolluted form.
Jess Simpson
from Turkey
I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long.