Issyk-Kul Region
Karakol sits at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul, in the shadow of the Tian Shan's highest peaks. Founded as a Russian garrison town in the 19th century, it still has a scattering of wooden Russian-style houses and a striking Dungan mosque built without a single nail, alongside a lively bazaar. Most travelers use Karakol as a base for trekking into the surrounding valleys Altyn-Arashan, Ala-Kol and Jeti-Oguz are all within reach and for skiing at the nearby ski base in winter.
Best season: June–September for trekking; December–March for skiing
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.
