Best of Song Kul and Issyk Kul Lakes Tour in 4 Days
This fully private 4-day tour connects Kyrgyzstan's two most iconic lakes — Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul — with horse riding, canyon hikes, waterfalls, and a live eagle hunting show along the way.
Price from:
600 USD
/ per person
Category:
Cultural/Multi-Day

Season:
May-September
Duration:
/3 night
4 Days
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Best of Song Kul and Issyk Kul Lakes Tour in 4 Days
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One Journey, Two Lakes, Endless Memories
Discover the very best of Kyrgyzstan on this unforgettable 4-day private journey through the country’s two most famous lakes. Travel from the peaceful alpine shores of Song-Kul Lake high in the mountains to the sparkling waters of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world.

Along the way, experience the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and nature. Ride horses through wide mountain meadows, sleep in traditional yurts under star-filled skies, explore dramatic red rock canyons, relax in natural hot springs, and witness the ancient tradition of eagle hunting. You will also visit waterfalls, scenic mountain gorges, and charming local villages while learning about Kyrgyzstan’s rich nomadic heritage.

Designed for travellers who want to experience the country’s top highlights in a short time, this private tour offers the perfect balance of comfort, adventure, and authentic local experiences. Throughout the journey, your guide adapts the pace to your group and ensures a smooth and personalised experience from start to finish.
Highlights
Explore the 9–10th century Burana Tower and discover Silk Road history.
Visit the highlights of Issyk-Kul Lake, including Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall, and Jeti-Oguz
Spend the night in traditional yurts at Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes.
In Bokonbaevo, experience an eagle hunting show and take memorable photos.
Enjoy horseback riding at
Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes.
Itinerary
380 km — 7-8 hrs driving
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Boom Gorge — Orto-Tokoy — Song-Kul Lake
Song-Kul Lake — Kochkor — Bokonbaevo
Day 2
300 km — 6-7 hrs driving
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Bishkek in the morning, and your journey begins as you leave the city behind for the mountains. The first stop is the ancient Burana Tower, a key Silk Road landmark, where you climb for panoramic views and explore archaeological remains and artifacts preserved in the small museum.

Continuing onward, you pass through the dramatic Boom Gorge before stopping at the beautiful Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, where bright blue waters contrast with the surrounding dry mountains — a perfect photo opportunity.

You then arrive in Kochkor village, where you enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family and visit a traditional felt workshop, where skilled women craft handmade carpets using centuries-old techniques.

In the afternoon, ascend the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, where landscapes transform into lush pastures dotted with grazing animals and wildflowers. After a short photo stop at the summit, descend toward Song-Kul Lake.

By late afternoon, arrive at your yurt camp. After settling in, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore before a dinner. In the evening, step outside to admire one of Kyrgyzstan’s clearest night skies, filled with brilliant stars.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
Wake up to the fresh mountain air and peaceful silence of Song-Kul Lake. After breakfast, enjoy a gentle horseback ride across wide open meadows — a beautiful and authentic way to experience Kyrgyz nomadic life, with endless views of the lake around you.

Around 11:00, begin your descent along the famous 33 Parrots Pass, a winding road with stunning mountain scenery at every turn. At the bottom, take a short and easy walk to a hidden waterfall — a refreshing stop in nature. Continue to Kochkor village for a relaxed lunch, where you enjoy local dishes and warm Kyrgyz hospitality.

In the afternoon, arrive in Bokonbaevo for one of the most memorable experiences of your journey — traditional eagle hunting. Watch skilled hunters work closely with their powerful golden eagles and learn about this unique cultural tradition. You will also have the chance to hold the eagle and take truly special photos.

Later, arrive at Bel-Tam Yurt Camp by Issyk-Kul Lake. Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner in a peaceful lakeside setting. In the evening, gather around a cozy bonfire and enjoy the calm atmosphere under the open sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel-Tam Yurt Camp
Bokonbaevo — Fairytale Canyon — Barskoon Waterfall — Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
Day 3
180 km — 4-5 hrs of driving
Karakol — Semenov Gorge — Grigoriev Gorge — Cholpon-Ata — Bishkek
Day 4
420 km — 7-8 hrs driving
After breakfast, your journey continues east along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, revealing some of the region’s most diverse natural landscapes.

Your first stop is Skazka Canyon (also known as Fairytale Canyon), where red sandstone formations create a surreal landscape shaped by wind and time. As you walk through the canyon, you’ll discover formations resembling castles, animals, and dramatic walls, with panoramic viewpoints offering incredible photo opportunities.

Next, travel to Barskoon Gorge, a lush mountain valley known for its waterfalls and alpine scenery. Enjoy a short, easy walk through pine forest to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. The cool air, sound of flowing water, and peaceful setting make this a refreshing highlight.

Continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red rock formations called the Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart. These natural landmarks are rich in local legend, and your guide will share the stories behind them as you take in one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic views.

In the late afternoon, unwind at natural hot springs, where you can relax in warm mineral water surrounded by mountains — a perfect way to end an active day.

By evening, arrive in Karakol and check into your comfortable hotel, with time to relax and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Karakol
After breakfast, begin the day with a short exploration of Karakol, visiting the unique Dungan Mosque and the beautiful Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. The mosque, built entirely of wood without nails, reflects Chinese and Dungan architectural style, while the Orthodox church shows Russian influence in the region. Your guide explains how different cultures and religions have lived together here, giving you a deeper understanding of Kyrgyzstan’s diverse history. You also visit the lively local bazaar.

You then continue toward the scenic Grigoriev Gorge and Semenov Gorge, where peaceful alpine landscapes, forests, and rivers create the perfect setting for a gentle walk or optional horseback ride(not included).

Arriving in Cholpon-Ata, visit the open-air Rukh Ordo Cultural Center, where different cultures and traditions come together by the lake. Nearby, explore the ancient Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs, with stone carvings dating back over 2,000 years.

From May to September, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Issyk-Kul Lake (included), where you can swim directly from the boat in clear, refreshing water — a perfect highlight of the day.
By evening, return to Bishkek, where your guide drops you at your hotel, marking the end of your journey.

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
Book now
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Book a private tour
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 3B, 4L, 3D
All accomondation as per itinerary
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(1-2 hours) at Song Kul lake
Bathing in natural hot springs
Boat Tour in Issyk Kul lake
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
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
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Book now
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Book a private tour
Day 1
Bishkek — Burana Tower — Boom Gorge — Orto-Tokoy — Song-Kul Lake
380 km — 7-8 hrs driving
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Bishkek in the morning, and your journey begins as you leave the city behind for the mountains. The first stop is the ancient Burana Tower, a key Silk Road landmark, where you climb for panoramic views and explore archaeological remains and artifacts preserved in the small museum.

Continuing onward, you pass through the dramatic Boom Gorge before stopping at the beautiful Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, where bright blue waters contrast with the surrounding dry mountains — a perfect photo opportunity.

You then arrive in Kochkor village, where you enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family and visit a traditional felt workshop, where skilled women craft handmade carpets using centuries-old techniques.

In the afternoon, ascend the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, where landscapes transform into lush pastures dotted with grazing animals and wildflowers. After a short photo stop at the summit, descend toward Song-Kul Lake.

By late afternoon, arrive at your yurt camp. After settling in, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore before a dinner. In the evening, step outside to admire one of Kyrgyzstan’s clearest night skies, filled with brilliant stars.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Song-Kul Yurt Camp
Song-Kul Lake — Kochkor — Bokonbaevo
Day 2
300 km — 6-7 hrs driving
Wake up to the fresh mountain air and peaceful silence of Song-Kul Lake. After breakfast, enjoy a gentle horseback ride across wide open meadows — a beautiful and authentic way to experience Kyrgyz nomadic life, with endless views of the lake around you.

Around 11:00, begin your descent along the famous 33 Parrots Pass, a winding road with stunning mountain scenery at every turn. At the bottom, take a short and easy walk to a hidden waterfall — a refreshing stop in nature. Continue to Kochkor village for a relaxed lunch, where you enjoy local dishes and warm Kyrgyz hospitality.

In the afternoon, arrive in Bokonbaevo for one of the most memorable experiences of your journey — traditional eagle hunting. Watch skilled hunters work closely with their powerful golden eagles and learn about this unique cultural tradition. You will also have the chance to hold the eagle and take truly special photos.

Later, arrive at Bel-Tam Yurt Camp by Issyk-Kul Lake. Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner in a peaceful lakeside setting. In the evening, gather around a cozy bonfire and enjoy the calm atmosphere under the open sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bel-Tam Yurt Camp
Bokonbaevo — Fairytale Canyon — Barskoon Waterfall — Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
Day 3
180 km — 4-5 hrs of driving
After breakfast, your journey continues east along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, revealing some of the region’s most diverse natural landscapes.

Your first stop is Skazka Canyon (also known as Fairytale Canyon), where red sandstone formations create a surreal landscape shaped by wind and time. As you walk through the canyon, you’ll discover formations resembling castles, animals, and dramatic walls, with panoramic viewpoints offering incredible photo opportunities.

Next, travel to Barskoon Gorge, a lush mountain valley known for its waterfalls and alpine scenery. Enjoy a short, easy walk through pine forest to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. The cool air, sound of flowing water, and peaceful setting make this a refreshing highlight.

Continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red rock formations called the Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart. These natural landmarks are rich in local legend, and your guide will share the stories behind them as you take in one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic views.

In the late afternoon, unwind at natural hot springs, where you can relax in warm mineral water surrounded by mountains — a perfect way to end an active day.

By evening, arrive in Karakol and check into your comfortable hotel, with time to relax and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Karakol
Karakol — Semenov Gorge — Grigoriev Gorge — Cholpon-Ata — Bishkek
Day 4
Approx. 420 km — 7 to 8 hours of driving
After breakfast, begin the day with a short exploration of Karakol, visiting the unique Dungan Mosque and the beautiful Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. The mosque, built entirely of wood without nails, reflects Chinese and Dungan architectural style, while the Orthodox church shows Russian influence in the region. Your guide explains how different cultures and religions have lived together here, giving you a deeper understanding of Kyrgyzstan’s diverse history. You also visit the lively local bazaar.

You then continue toward the scenic Grigoriev Gorge and Semenov Gorge, where peaceful alpine landscapes, forests, and rivers create the perfect setting for a gentle walk or optional horseback ride(not included).

Arriving in Cholpon-Ata, visit the open-air Rukh Ordo Cultural Center, where different cultures and traditions come together by the lake. Nearby, explore the ancient Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs, with stone carvings dating back over 2,000 years.

From May to September, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Issyk-Kul Lake (included), where you can swim directly from the boat in clear, refreshing water — a perfect highlight of the day.

By evening, return to Bishkek, where your guide drops you at your hotel, marking the end of your journey.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Not Included
Professional English-speaking guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Meals: 3B, 4L, 3D
All accomondation as per itinerary
All entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Horseback riding(1-2 hours) at Song Kul lake
Bathing in natural hot springs
Boat Tour in Issyk Kul lake
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
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

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