2 Days Issyk Kul Lake Canyons Horse Riding and Yurt Stay
Most people never get this close to real Kyrgyz life. In just two days, hike red rock canyons, ride horses above a legendary mountain lake, witness a live eagle hunting show, and sleep in a real yurt. This is the one trip people come back for.
Price from:
275 USD
/ per person
Category:
Cultural/Multi-Day
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/1 night
2 Days
The real Kyrgyzstan
in just two days.
in just two days.
Explore the untouched beauty of the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake on this 2-day journey filled with dramatic landscapes and peaceful nature. Travel from Bishkek through Boom Gorge to the striking red formations of Konorchek Canyons, then continue to the lake to discover the colorful Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon and the fresh alpine scenery of Barskoon Gorge with its waterfalls. Along the way, enjoy wide views of the lake, quiet beaches, and authentic rural life far from busy tourist areas.
This experience is not only about nature, but also about culture. Meet a local eagle hunter and learn about this ancient tradition, enjoy a gentle horse riding experience along the lake or in the hills, and spend the night in a traditional yurt. Taste homemade Kyrgyz food and feel the warm hospitality of local families.
This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a short but meaningful escape. Join us to experience real Kyrgyzstan in a simple, comfortable, and unforgettable way.
This experience is not only about nature, but also about culture. Meet a local eagle hunter and learn about this ancient tradition, enjoy a gentle horse riding experience along the lake or in the hills, and spend the night in a traditional yurt. Taste homemade Kyrgyz food and feel the warm hospitality of local families.
This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a short but meaningful escape. Join us to experience real Kyrgyzstan in a simple, comfortable, and unforgettable way.
Highlights
Visit Burana Tower — a 9th century Silk Road landmark with fascinating stories.
Hike dramatic Konorchek Canyon, magical Skazka Canyon, and visit Barskoon Waterfall.
Eat home-cooked Kyrgyz food and sleep in a real lakeside yurt.
Hold a golden eagle on your arm and take stunning photos in Bokonbayevo.
Ride horses through the mountains or along the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Itinerary
Approx. 280 km — 4 to 5 hours of driving
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Konorchek Canyon — Eagle Hunting — Bokonbayevo
Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby in Bishkek, explains the plan for the day, and answers any questions before you set off. You travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle — just your group and your guide, who drives you the whole way.
Your first stop is the Burana Tower — one of the oldest Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks you through the on-site archaeology museum, explaining who built this place and what life was like here in the 9th–10th century. Outside, you'll see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries — before climbing the tower itself for a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains.
Next, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon, where tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour moderate hike through narrow canyon paths — no special fitness needed — ending at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — arriving at your traditional yurt camp on the shore by early evening.
The highlight of the day is the eagle hunting show. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who demonstrates this ancient tradition, showing how the eagle hunts and how the bond between hunter and bird is built. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself, with the Tien-Shan mountains as your backdrop.
Dinner is a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal — fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat. The evening ends with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
Your first stop is the Burana Tower — one of the oldest Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks you through the on-site archaeology museum, explaining who built this place and what life was like here in the 9th–10th century. Outside, you'll see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries — before climbing the tower itself for a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains.
Next, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon, where tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour moderate hike through narrow canyon paths — no special fitness needed — ending at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — arriving at your traditional yurt camp on the shore by early evening.
The highlight of the day is the eagle hunting show. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who demonstrates this ancient tradition, showing how the eagle hunts and how the bond between hunter and bird is built. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself, with the Tien-Shan mountains as your backdrop.
Dinner is a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal — fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat. The evening ends with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
Bokonbayevo — Horse Riding — Barskoon Waterfall — Skazka Canyon — Bishkek
Day 2
Approx. 350 km — 5 to 6 hours of driving
You wake up by the peaceful shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, where breakfast is served in the dining yurt. Your guide joins you to outline the day ahead and make sure everything feels comfortable and clear.
After breakfast, you meet a local horse handler who gives a short introduction before the ride. No prior experience is needed — the handler accompanies you throughout. You can choose between a relaxed ride along the lakeshore, with the deep blue water beside you, or a route into the nearby hills for elevated views over the lake and valley. The ride lasts around 1–2 hours, offering a calm and memorable way to experience the landscape.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall, one of the highlights of the south shore. Here, you can choose between an easy 30-minute walk to a lower viewpoint or a more active 3-hour hike to the upper waterfall. Both options are rewarding, and your guide helps you decide based on your energy level while accompanying you throughout.
Continuing along the lake, you arrive at Skazka Canyon, where you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, your guide leads a walk through the canyon’s striking red and golden rock formations, shaped over time by wind and erosion. You have about an hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the unique scenery.
In the afternoon, you begin the return drive to Bishkek, followed by arrival at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
After breakfast, you meet a local horse handler who gives a short introduction before the ride. No prior experience is needed — the handler accompanies you throughout. You can choose between a relaxed ride along the lakeshore, with the deep blue water beside you, or a route into the nearby hills for elevated views over the lake and valley. The ride lasts around 1–2 hours, offering a calm and memorable way to experience the landscape.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall, one of the highlights of the south shore. Here, you can choose between an easy 30-minute walk to a lower viewpoint or a more active 3-hour hike to the upper waterfall. Both options are rewarding, and your guide helps you decide based on your energy level while accompanying you throughout.
Continuing along the lake, you arrive at Skazka Canyon, where you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, your guide leads a walk through the canyon’s striking red and golden rock formations, shaped over time by wind and erosion. You have about an hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the unique scenery.
In the afternoon, you begin the return drive to Bishkek, followed by arrival at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
1 night in a traditional yurt camp
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(1-2 hours)
Live eagle hunting demonstration
Bottled water throughout the tour
All fuel, road tolls, and parking
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
Inclusions
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Travel and health insurance (Recomended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Dinner on the last day
Accommodation on the last day
Tips for the guide (not required)
Any activities not listed in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 1B, 2L, 1D
1 night in a traditional yurt camp
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(1-2 hours)
Live eagle hunting demonstration
Bottled water throughout the tour
All fuel, road tolls, and parking
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bishkek
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Inclusions
Not included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Konorchek Canyon — EagleHunting — Bokonbayevo
Approx. 280 km - 4 to 5 hours of driving
Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby in Bishkek, explains the plan for the day, and answers any questions before you set off. You travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle — just your group and your guide, who drives you the whole way.
Your first stop is the Burana Tower — one of the oldest Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks you through the on-site archaeology museum, explaining who built this place and what life was like here in the 9th–10th century. Outside, you'll see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries — before climbing the tower itself for a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains.
Next, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon, where tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour moderate hike through narrow canyon paths — no special fitness needed — ending at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — arriving at your traditional yurt camp on the shore by early evening.
The highlight of the day is the eagle hunting show. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who demonstrates this ancient tradition, showing how the eagle hunts and how the bond between hunter and bird is built. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself, with the Tien-Shan mountains as your backdrop.
Dinner is a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal — fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat. The evening ends with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
Your first stop is the Burana Tower — one of the oldest Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks you through the on-site archaeology museum, explaining who built this place and what life was like here in the 9th–10th century. Outside, you'll see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries — before climbing the tower itself for a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains.
Next, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon, where tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour moderate hike through narrow canyon paths — no special fitness needed — ending at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — arriving at your traditional yurt camp on the shore by early evening.
The highlight of the day is the eagle hunting show. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who demonstrates this ancient tradition, showing how the eagle hunts and how the bond between hunter and bird is built. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself, with the Tien-Shan mountains as your backdrop.
Dinner is a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal — fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat. The evening ends with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
Bokonbayevo — Horse Riding — Barskoon Waterfall — Skazka Canyon — Bishkek
Day 2
Approx. 350 km - 5 to 6 hours of driving
You wake up by the peaceful shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, where breakfast is served in the dining yurt. Your guide joins you to outline the day ahead and make sure everything feels comfortable and clear.
After breakfast, you meet a local horse handler who gives a short introduction before the ride. No prior experience is needed — the handler accompanies you throughout. You can choose between a relaxed ride along the lakeshore, with the deep blue water beside you, or a route into the nearby hills for elevated views over the lake and valley. The ride lasts around 1–2 hours, offering a calm and memorable way to experience the landscape.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall, one of the highlights of the south shore. Here, you can choose between an easy 30-minute walk to a lower viewpoint or a more active 3-hour hike to the upper waterfall. Both options are rewarding, and your guide helps you decide based on your energy level while accompanying you throughout.
Continuing along the lake, you arrive at Skazka Canyon, where you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, your guide leads a walk through the canyon’s striking red and golden rock formations, shaped over time by wind and erosion. You have about an hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the unique scenery.
In the afternoon, you begin the return drive to Bishkek, followed by arrival at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
After breakfast, you meet a local horse handler who gives a short introduction before the ride. No prior experience is needed — the handler accompanies you throughout. You can choose between a relaxed ride along the lakeshore, with the deep blue water beside you, or a route into the nearby hills for elevated views over the lake and valley. The ride lasts around 1–2 hours, offering a calm and memorable way to experience the landscape.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall, one of the highlights of the south shore. Here, you can choose between an easy 30-minute walk to a lower viewpoint or a more active 3-hour hike to the upper waterfall. Both options are rewarding, and your guide helps you decide based on your energy level while accompanying you throughout.
Continuing along the lake, you arrive at Skazka Canyon, where you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, your guide leads a walk through the canyon’s striking red and golden rock formations, shaped over time by wind and erosion. You have about an hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the unique scenery.
In the afternoon, you begin the return drive to Bishkek, followed by arrival at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Travel and health insurance (Recomended)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Dinner on the last day
Accommodation on the last day
Tips for the guide (not required)
Any activities not listed in the itinerary
MONEY&COSTS
The national currency is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS). In Bishkek and major towns, ATMs are widely available in shopping centers and on main streets, and you can pay by card in most restaurants and shops. Visa is the most widely accepted card, while MasterCard is less common and accepted only by specific banks. However, when traveling to the mountains or small villages, you must carry enough cash as ATMs are non-existent. We strongly recommend bringing new USD banknotes, as old or marked bills are often refused by exchange offices.
SAFETY
Kyrgyzstan is widely considered the safest and most open country in Central Asia, known for its stable political situation and hospitable locals. While the country is very safe, we recommend taking standard travel precautions just like anywhere else in the world: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid unlit streets at night, and always use official taxi services. Your safety is our top priority, and we work closely with trusted local partners to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
BEST TIME TO GO
Kyrgyzstan features a dry continental climate with a striking contrast between the valleys and the mountains. In major cities like Bishkek and the Ferghana Valley, summers can be intense, with daytime temperatures soaring between 30°C and 40°C (86°–104°F). However, since most of the country sits above 1,500 meters, the mountain air is much fresher and more comfortable, typically hovering around a pleasant 20°C–25°C (68°–77°F) during the day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
HEALTH
To ensure a healthy trip, avoid drinking tap water or using it for brushing teeth; rely on bottled or filtered water instead. When it comes to food, it is safer to stick to freshly cooked, hot meals and fruits that you can peel yourself. These simple habits are your best defense against common stomach issues and will help you stay energized.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour starts at 7:40 AM from the meeting place and lasts around 9-11 hours.
The best way to pay is cash (USD or local currency) directly to the guide on the day of the tour. We also accept card payments and can provide a payment link if needed.
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, we recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat. If the weather is extreme, the boat ride may not be possible, but the rest of the activities will continue as planned.
Yes! You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery at Issyk Kul Lake, Burana Tower, and cultural sites.
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Comfortable sedan/minibus during the day
- Small-group tour (min 3 and max 15 passengers)
- Admission tickets to Burana Tower, Boat Tour, and Petroglyphs
- Small bottled water
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hat/sunscreen in summer, warm layers in winter)
- Packed lunch (optional) if you’d like to have a meal during the boat ride
- Towel and swimsuit for the hot springs
Ready to explore Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan?
/ Let's plan your perfect Central Asia trip /
If you don’t see your perfect tour, let us hand-craft a custom plan for you. Our local specialists excel at turning your ideas into an authentic journey. Reach our dedicated team 24/7 for expert local advice