Issyk-Kul Region
Issyk-Kul is Kyrgyzstan's inland sea, a vast, slightly saline lake so large it never fully freezes, even in the depths of winter. Ringed by the Tian Shan and Kungei Alatau ranges, its northern shore is lined with resort towns and beaches popular with Kyrgyz and Kazakh holidaymakers each summer, while the quieter southern shore leads into orchards, gorges and ancient petroglyph fields. It's often the first stop on a Kyrgyzstan itinerary, a place to swim, relax and adjust before heading into the high mountains. Nearby highlights include the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs, Skazka Canyon and the gateway town of Karakol at the lake's eastern end.
Best season: June to September for swimming; scenic year-round
Nine days through Son-Kul, Kel-Suu and Issyk-Kul, with yurt stays, horseback riding, a lake hike, canyons, a waterfall and an eagle hunting demonstration.
A five-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore, with canyon walks, an eagle hunting demonstration, horseback riding to a waterfall and a mountain stay at Altyn-Arashan.
A five-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure featuring Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, Altyn-Arashan, an eagle hunting demonstration and a horseback journey toward Ala-Kul Pass.
A 7-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure featuring Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, Kok-Jaiyk and Altyn-Arashan, with horseback riding, canyon visits and an adaptable Ala-Kul mountain excursion.
A 10-day group adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s alpine lakes, remote valleys and nomadic regions, with horseback excursions, a high-altitude hike and yurt stays.
A 7-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure featuring Ala-Archa, Chon-Kemin, Issyk-Kul, Kok-Jaiyk and Altyn-Arashan, with horseback activities and an eagle hunting demonstration.
A five-day winter journey from Bishkek through Chon-Kemin and the southern shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol, combining horseback riding, an eagle-hunting demonstration, winter scenery and a day for skiing or snowboarding.
An 8-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure combining horseback journeys to Song-Kol, a trek to Kel-Suu, village hospitality, canyon walks and the Altyn-Arashan mountains.
