4-Day Winter Tour Around Issyk-Kul with Full-Day Skiing in Karakol

Phone

+996 556 078880
DatkaTravel@gmail.com

ABOUT TOUR

Experience the magic of winter in Kyrgyzstan on this unforgettable 4-day journey around Issyk-Kul Lake — a perfect mix of culture, snowy landscapes, and adventure. This tour brings together the best winter highlights of the region: ancient Silk Road history, a real eagle hunting show, colorful canyons covered in snow, frozen waterfalls, cozy yurt stays, and a full day of skiing at the famous Karakol Ski Resort.

Travel from the peaceful southern shore to the scenic northern side of the lake, stopping at red-sandstone canyons, pine-filled gorges, and charming mountain towns. Discover winter versions of Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Gorge, Jeti-Oguz’s legendary “Seven Bulls,” and the Grigoriev and Semyonov Valleys — all transformed by fresh snow and crisp mountain air.

Spend one full day skiing in Karakol, ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers. Beginners can learn with professional instructors, while advanced riders enjoy long slopes and incredible panoramic views.

With comfortable winter accommodations, delicious homemade food, and warm hospitality everywhere you go, this trip is a perfect way to explore Issyk-Kul in winter — active, cultural, and truly unforgettable.

What to expect

DAY 1

Bishkek - Burana Tower - Canyons - Bokonbaevo

Your winter adventure begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Bishkek. As we leave the city, the snowy mountains slowly appear in the distance, creating a beautiful start to the day.

Our first stop is the Burana Tower, an 11th-century Silk Road landmark. Explore the ancient balbals, visit the small museum, and climb the tower for a panoramic winter view of the Chui Valley. Your guide will share stories and explain the rich history of this important site.

Next, we continue into Boom Gorge, driving between dramatic cliffs. Along the road, we stop at a cozy local tea place to warm up with traditional samovar tea and fresh katama bread — simple, warm, and perfect for the winter atmosphere.

After the tea break, you can enjoy a winter hike in one of the region’s beautiful canyons. Konorchek Canyon offers a longer, moderate-level 3-hour hike through impressive red sandstone formations, while Kok Moinok Canyon is a much easier 1-hour walk, ideal for travelers who prefer a lighter route. Both canyons are stunning in winter, and your guide will help you choose based on your comfort and the weather conditions.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Bokonbaevo, home to the famous eagle hunters. Meet a local Berkutchi, learn about the bond between hunter and eagle, and watch an exciting winter demonstration. You can also try archery and take photos with the majestic Golden Eagle.

DAY 2

Bokonbaevao - Skazka Canyon - Barskoon waterall -
Jeti Oguz - Karakol
Wake up to the peaceful winter atmosphere of Issyk-Kul Lake and enjoy a warm breakfast in your cozy yurt.

We begin the day with a visit to Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon). In winter, the red and orange sandstone formations look even more dramatic against the snow. Your guide will lead a gentle walk to the best viewpoints and share the legends behind the canyon’s magical shapes.

Next, we continue to Barskoon Gorge, known for its beautiful frozen waterfalls during winter. A short, scenic hike takes you through spruce forests and snowy paths to the icy cascades — a perfect place for winter photos and fresh mountain air.

Our day continues at the legendary Jeti-Oguz Gorge, home to the famous Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart rock. The bright red cliffs covered with snow create some of the most iconic winter landscapes in the region. Here, you can walk deeper into the gorge and enjoy the scenery, and if you wish, you may also try horseback riding(not included) along the snowy trails — a beautiful and safe experience suitable even for beginners.

By evening, arrive in Karakol, check into your warm hotel, and enjoy a relaxing dinner before your skiing day tomorrow.

DAY 3

Skiing in Karakol

After breakfast, we head to Karakol Ski Resort, one of the best winter destinations in Central Asia. Surrounded by pine forests and high mountain peaks, the resort offers excellent slopes for all levels.

You will spend the full day enjoying the ski area. The chairlifts operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore different routes. If you are a beginner, you can rent equipment and take an optional lesson with a professional ski instructor. If you are experienced, you can enjoy longer slopes, higher viewpoints, and more challenging routes with spectacular views of the Tien Shan mountains.

Families with children will also find plenty of fun — the resort offers snow activities for kids, including tubing, sledding, and safe beginner slopes. For a more relaxed experience, you can also take the panoramic cable car ride that reaches above 3,000 meters, giving you breathtaking views over the snow-covered valley and mountains.

After a full and active day in the cold, we will take you to one of Karakol’s cozy natural hot springs, where you can relax your muscles in warm mineral water. It’s the perfect way to end the day — peaceful, healing, and very refreshing in winter.

Return to your hotel in Karakol for a comfortable night’s rest.

DAY 4

Karakol - Semenov/Grigoriev Gorges - Cholpon Ata -Bishkek
After breakfast, we begin the day by exploring the cultural highlights of Karakol, a charming mountain town rich in history and architecture. Your guide will take you to the beautiful Dungan Mosque, built entirely without nails and famous for its colorful Chinese-style design. Next, visit the Russian Orthodox Church, a wooden structure with bright green roofs and intricate carvings — one of Karakol’s most iconic landmarks. Both places offer a fascinating look into the multicultural heritage of the region.

After the city tour, we continue toward the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to visit the peaceful winter valleys of Grigoriev and Semyonov Gorges. These gorges are magical in winter, with snow-covered meadows, tall spruce trees, and frozen rivers surrounded by white mountain peaks. Enjoy an easy winter walk with your guide, take photos of the frozen lakes, and breathe in the fresh alpine air.

Following the visit, we begin our scenic drive back to Bishkek. The winter road along the northern shore is calm and beautiful, with plenty of opportunities for short photo stops if you’d like. In the evening, your guide and driver will drop you off at your hotel in Bishkek, marking the end of your memorable 4-day winter adventure around Issyk-Kul.