2-Day Issyk-Kul Round Trip

A two-day loop around the best natural highlights of Issyk-Kul — southern and northern shores, canyons, gorges, waterfalls, alpine valleys and hot springs.

Over two days you'll explore Fairytale Canyon with its crimson rock formations, the legendary Barskoon Gorge with two waterfalls, Jeti-Oguz Gorge with the red Seven Bulls rocks and the Broken Heart cliff, the lush Kok-Zhaiyк valley, Maiden's Braids waterfall, Semenovsky Gorge with its mountain lake Suttuu-Bulak, a panoramic stop at Grigoryevsky Gorge and the Kyrchyn jailloo. The tour wraps up with a dip in natural hot springs and dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz ethno-café in Karakol.

The route is moderate — easy walks alternate with short climbs at Barskoon waterfalls and in Semenovsky Gorge.

What to Expect

• Fairytale Canyon — red sandstone formations on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul
• Barskoon Gorge: Manas Bowl and Tears of the Snow Leopard waterfalls
• Jeti-Oguz Gorge: Seven Bulls rocks and the Broken Heart cliff
• Kok-Zhaiyk valley and Maiden's Braids waterfall
• Semenovsky Gorge and Suttuu-Bulak mountain lake
• Panoramic views at Grigoryevsky Gorge and Kyrchyn jailloo
• Hot springs
• Dinner at a Kyrgyz ethno-café in Karakol
• Both the northern and southern shores of Issyk-Kul

Included

• Transfer throughout the tour
• Guide
• Eco fees at all sites
• 1 night hotel accommodation
• Breakfast on day 2

Not Included

• Meals (except day 2 breakfast)
• Hot springs entry fee
• Personal expenses

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sturdy sports shoes with a firm sole
• Rain jacket
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Personal hygiene items
• Personal first aid kit
• Food and water for day 1 (snacks available en route)