2-Day Tour: Horse Riding in Chon Kemin and the Best of Issyk-Kul Lake
This fully private 2-day tour takes you from a 1,000-year-old Silk Road tower to mountain horse riding in Chon Kemin Valley, dramatic canyon hikes, and the beautiful north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Join us and see Kyrgyzstan at its best.
Price from:
275 USD
/ per person
Category:
Cultural/Multi-Day
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/1 night
2 Days
Saddle up in the mountains. Relax by the lake.
This tour was designed for travellers who want to experience the real Kyrgyzstan without spending weeks on the road. In just two days, you will pass through three completely different landscapes — the green meadows of Chon Kemin Valley, the red rock walls of the Kok-Moynok Canyons, and the wide blue shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Chon Kemin is one of the most beautiful valleys in northern Kyrgyzstan. Tucked between forested ridges and snow-capped peaks, it sits just two hours from Bishkek yet feels like a different world. You spend the night here in a warm family-run guesthouse, waking up to mountain views and fresh air.
On day two, you visit Cholpon-Ata — an ancient town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul that has been a place of human settlement for thousands of years. The petroglyphs here date back more than 3,000 years, and the Ruh Ordo cultural complex sits right on the water's edge with views that are hard to forget.
Your guide leads every moment of this trip. The tour is fully private and can be shaped around your group.
Chon Kemin is one of the most beautiful valleys in northern Kyrgyzstan. Tucked between forested ridges and snow-capped peaks, it sits just two hours from Bishkek yet feels like a different world. You spend the night here in a warm family-run guesthouse, waking up to mountain views and fresh air.
On day two, you visit Cholpon-Ata — an ancient town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul that has been a place of human settlement for thousands of years. The petroglyphs here date back more than 3,000 years, and the Ruh Ordo cultural complex sits right on the water's edge with views that are hard to forget.
Your guide leads every moment of this trip. The tour is fully private and can be shaped around your group.
Highlights
Climb the 1,000-year-old Burana Tower — a legendary Silk Road minaret — and look out across the Tien-Shan Mountains from the top.
Ride horses through the open meadows of Chon Kemin Valley, one of the most peaceful and beautiful mountain valleys in northern Kyrgyzstan.
Relax in natural hot springs on the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and enjoy a boat ride across the waters of the world's second-largest alpine lake.
Discover ancient petroglyphs carved more than 3,000 years ago and explore the stunning Ruh Ordo cultural complex on the shores of Issyk-Kul.
Hike through the Kok-Moynok Canyons — wild red and orange rock formations carved by wind and water over millions of years.
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 in the morning, explains the plan for the day, and answers any questions before you set off. You travel in a private, comfortable, 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 and most important Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks with you through the small archaeology museum on site, explaining who built this place, what life was like here in the 9th–10th century, and why it still matters today. Outside, you will see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries. Then you climb the tower itself. At the top, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains stretching across the horizon.
After Burana, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon. When you step out of the vehicle, the landscape changes completely — tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour hike through the narrow canyon paths. The trail is moderate — no special fitness needed. Your guide sets the pace, points out the best spots for photos, and is always there to help if you need a hand on the trail. The hike ends at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the beautiful south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The scenery along this road — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — is stunning on its own. You arrive at the yurt camp in the early evening, right on the shore of the lake, where your guide helps you settle into your traditional yurt.
Now for the highlight of the entire trip — the eagle hunting show. This is the moment that every single traveller remembers most. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who has dedicated his life to this ancient 4,000-year-old tradition. He shows you how the eagle hunts, how it is trained, and what it takes to build this incredible bond between a human and a wild bird. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself. With the snow-capped Tien-Shan mountains in the background and a magnificent eagle sitting on your arm, your guide helps you get the perfect shot — one of the most stunning travel photos you will ever take.
After the show, dinner is ready — a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal of fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat dishes. After dinner, sit around the fire, enjoy the silence of the lake, and look up at a sky full of stars.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
Your first stop is the Burana Tower — one of the oldest and most important Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks with you through the small archaeology museum on site, explaining who built this place, what life was like here in the 9th–10th century, and why it still matters today. Outside, you will see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries. Then you climb the tower itself. At the top, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains stretching across the horizon.
After Burana, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon. When you step out of the vehicle, the landscape changes completely — tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour hike through the narrow canyon paths. The trail is moderate — no special fitness needed. Your guide sets the pace, points out the best spots for photos, and is always there to help if you need a hand on the trail. The hike ends at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the beautiful south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The scenery along this road — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — is stunning on its own. You arrive at the yurt camp in the early evening, right on the shore of the lake, where your guide helps you settle into your traditional yurt.
Now for the highlight of the entire trip — the eagle hunting show. This is the moment that every single traveller remembers most. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who has dedicated his life to this ancient 4,000-year-old tradition. He shows you how the eagle hunts, how it is trained, and what it takes to build this incredible bond between a human and a wild bird. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself. With the snow-capped Tien-Shan mountains in the background and a magnificent eagle sitting on your arm, your guide helps you get the perfect shot — one of the most stunning travel photos you will ever take.
After the show, dinner is ready — a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal of fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat dishes. After dinner, sit around the fire, enjoy the silence of the lake, and look up at a sky full of stars.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
You wake up at the lake. Breakfast is ready in the dining yurt. Your guide joins you and walks you through the plan for the day.
After breakfast, the horses are ready. A local horse handler shows you how to sit and how to guide the horse before you start. No experience is needed — the handler rides alongside you the whole time. You choose how you want to ride — along the shore of Issyk-Kul with the deep blue water right beside you, or up into the mountains for wider views of the lake and the valley. Both are beautiful — your guide helps you decide on the morning based on how you feel. The ride lasts 1 to 2 hours. Sitting on a horse with the lake and the mountain range behind you — this is another picture you will not forget.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall — one of the most beautiful natural spots on the south shore. You have two options. If you prefer something easy, your guide takes you on a short 30-minute walk to enjoy the waterfall and the scenery. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can do a moderate 3-hour hike all the way to the biggest waterfall — a truly rewarding experience with incredible views along the way. Your guide helps you choose and stays with you throughout.
After Barskoon, you drive directly to Skazka Canyon where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Skazka means "fairy tale" in Russian, and once you see it, you will understand why. The canyon is full of rock shapes in shades of red, gold, and orange, all carved slowly by wind and time. After lunch, your guide walks with you through the canyon, explains the geology, and shares the local stories behind the name. You have about one hour to explore freely and take photos.
Then you begin the drive back to Bishkek. Your guide stays with you the whole way — happy to talk, answer questions, or simply let you rest and enjoy the scenery. You arrive at your hotel in Bishkek at around 9:00 to 10:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
After breakfast, the horses are ready. A local horse handler shows you how to sit and how to guide the horse before you start. No experience is needed — the handler rides alongside you the whole time. You choose how you want to ride — along the shore of Issyk-Kul with the deep blue water right beside you, or up into the mountains for wider views of the lake and the valley. Both are beautiful — your guide helps you decide on the morning based on how you feel. The ride lasts 1 to 2 hours. Sitting on a horse with the lake and the mountain range behind you — this is another picture you will not forget.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall — one of the most beautiful natural spots on the south shore. You have two options. If you prefer something easy, your guide takes you on a short 30-minute walk to enjoy the waterfall and the scenery. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can do a moderate 3-hour hike all the way to the biggest waterfall — a truly rewarding experience with incredible views along the way. Your guide helps you choose and stays with you throughout.
After Barskoon, you drive directly to Skazka Canyon where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Skazka means "fairy tale" in Russian, and once you see it, you will understand why. The canyon is full of rock shapes in shades of red, gold, and orange, all carved slowly by wind and time. After lunch, your guide walks with you through the canyon, explains the geology, and shares the local stories behind the name. You have about one hour to explore freely and take photos.
Then you begin the drive back to Bishkek. Your guide stays with you the whole way — happy to talk, answer questions, or simply let you rest and enjoy the scenery. You arrive at your hotel in Bishkek at around 9:00 to 10:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Bishkek
Bottled water during the tour
Osh Bazaar Excursion
Admission to National History Museum
Comfortable vehicle with air-conditioning
Professional English-speaking guide
Inclusions
Lunch(can be covered on the spot)
Personal expenses
Health Insurance
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Bishkek
Bottled water during the tour
Osh Bazaar Excursion
Admission to National History Museum
Comfortable vehicle with air-conditioning
Professional English-speaking guide
Inclusions
Lunch(can be covered on the spot)
Personal expenses
Health Insurance
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Day 1
Bishkek → Burana Tower → Konorchek Canyon → Eagle Hunting → Bokonbayevo
Approx. 280 km — 4 to 5 hours of driving
Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby in Bishkek in the morning, explains the plan for the day, and answers any questions before you set off. You travel in a private, comfortable, 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 and most important Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks with you through the small archaeology museum on site, explaining who built this place, what life was like here in the 9th–10th century, and why it still matters today. Outside, you will see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries. Then you climb the tower itself. At the top, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains stretching across the horizon.
After Burana, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon. When you step out of the vehicle, the landscape changes completely — tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour hike through the narrow canyon paths. The trail is moderate — no special fitness needed. Your guide sets the pace, points out the best spots for photos, and is always there to help if you need a hand on the trail. The hike ends at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the beautiful south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The scenery along this road — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — is stunning on its own. You arrive at the yurt camp in the early evening, right on the shore of the lake, where your guide helps you settle into your traditional yurt.
Now for the highlight of the entire trip — the eagle hunting show. This is the moment that every single traveller remembers most. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who has dedicated his life to this ancient 4,000-year-old tradition. He shows you how the eagle hunts, how it is trained, and what it takes to build this incredible bond between a human and a wild bird. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself. With the snow-capped Tien-Shan mountains in the background and a magnificent eagle sitting on your arm, your guide helps you get the perfect shot — one of the most stunning travel photos you will ever take.
After the show, dinner is ready — a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal of fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat dishes. After dinner, sit around the fire, enjoy the silence of the lake, and look up at a sky full of stars.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
Your first stop is the Burana Tower — one of the oldest and most important Silk Road sites in Central Asia. Your guide walks with you through the small archaeology museum on site, explaining who built this place, what life was like here in the 9th–10th century, and why it still matters today. Outside, you will see the balbals — ancient stone figures that have stood in this field for centuries. Then you climb the tower itself. At the top, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the snow-covered Tien-Shan mountains stretching across the horizon.
After Burana, you drive into the Boom Gorge toward Konorchek Canyon. When you step out of the vehicle, the landscape changes completely — tall walls of red and orange sandstone rise up on both sides. Your guide leads a 2 to 3 hour hike through the narrow canyon paths. The trail is moderate — no special fitness needed. Your guide sets the pace, points out the best spots for photos, and is always there to help if you need a hand on the trail. The hike ends at a high viewpoint with a wide, open view of the entire canyon below.
After the hike, you drive along the beautiful south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The scenery along this road — deep blue water on one side, mountains on the other — is stunning on its own. You arrive at the yurt camp in the early evening, right on the shore of the lake, where your guide helps you settle into your traditional yurt.
Now for the highlight of the entire trip — the eagle hunting show. This is the moment that every single traveller remembers most. You meet a world champion eagle hunter who has dedicated his life to this ancient 4,000-year-old tradition. He shows you how the eagle hunts, how it is trained, and what it takes to build this incredible bond between a human and a wild bird. Then you hold the eagle on your arm yourself. With the snow-capped Tien-Shan mountains in the background and a magnificent eagle sitting on your arm, your guide helps you get the perfect shot — one of the most stunning travel photos you will ever take.
After the show, dinner is ready — a real home-cooked Kyrgyz meal of fresh bread, warm soup, and slow-cooked meat dishes. After dinner, sit around the fire, enjoy the silence of the lake, and look up at a sky full of stars.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp
You wake up at the lake. Breakfast is ready in the dining yurt. Your guide joins you and walks you through the plan for the day.
After breakfast, the horses are ready. A local horse handler shows you how to sit and how to guide the horse before you start. No experience is needed — the handler rides alongside you the whole time. You choose how you want to ride — along the shore of Issyk-Kul with the deep blue water right beside you, or up into the mountains for wider views of the lake and the valley. Both are beautiful — your guide helps you decide on the morning based on how you feel. The ride lasts 1 to 2 hours. Sitting on a horse with the lake and the mountain range behind you — this is another picture you will not forget.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall — one of the most beautiful natural spots on the south shore. You have two options. If you prefer something easy, your guide takes you on a short 30-minute walk to enjoy the waterfall and the scenery. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can do a moderate 3-hour hike all the way to the biggest waterfall — a truly rewarding experience with incredible views along the way. Your guide helps you choose and stays with you throughout.
After Barskoon, you drive directly to Skazka Canyon where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Skazka means "fairy tale" in Russian, and once you see it, you will understand why. The canyon is full of rock shapes in shades of red, gold, and orange, all carved slowly by wind and time. After lunch, your guide walks with you through the canyon, explains the geology, and shares the local stories behind the name. You have about one hour to explore freely and take photos.
Then you begin the drive back to Bishkek. Your guide stays with you the whole way — happy to talk, answer questions, or simply let you rest and enjoy the scenery. You arrive at your hotel in Bishkek at around 9:00 to 10:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
After breakfast, the horses are ready. A local horse handler shows you how to sit and how to guide the horse before you start. No experience is needed — the handler rides alongside you the whole time. You choose how you want to ride — along the shore of Issyk-Kul with the deep blue water right beside you, or up into the mountains for wider views of the lake and the valley. Both are beautiful — your guide helps you decide on the morning based on how you feel. The ride lasts 1 to 2 hours. Sitting on a horse with the lake and the mountain range behind you — this is another picture you will not forget.
Next, you drive to Barskoon Waterfall — one of the most beautiful natural spots on the south shore. You have two options. If you prefer something easy, your guide takes you on a short 30-minute walk to enjoy the waterfall and the scenery. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can do a moderate 3-hour hike all the way to the biggest waterfall — a truly rewarding experience with incredible views along the way. Your guide helps you choose and stays with you throughout.
After Barskoon, you drive directly to Skazka Canyon where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Skazka means "fairy tale" in Russian, and once you see it, you will understand why. The canyon is full of rock shapes in shades of red, gold, and orange, all carved slowly by wind and time. After lunch, your guide walks with you through the canyon, explains the geology, and shares the local stories behind the name. You have about one hour to explore freely and take photos.
Then you begin the drive back to Bishkek. Your guide stays with you the whole way — happy to talk, answer questions, or simply let you rest and enjoy the scenery. You arrive at your hotel in Bishkek at around 9:00 to 10:00 PM.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: not included
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.
ENTRY&EXIT
Citizens of many developed countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days. If you are unsure about your specific visa requirements, simply contact us for assistance. We also arrange all special border permits required for your specific itinerary free of charge.
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.
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.
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
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