Snowy valleys, nomadic traditions and a day at Karakol Ski Resort
About this trip
Travel through Kyrgyzstan in winter, from the Chon-Kemin valley to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul and the mountain town of Karakol. Along the way, experience horseback riding in the snow, watch an eagle-hunting demonstration and visit Skazka Canyon and the Seven Bulls rock formations.
Spend the fourth day at Karakol Ski Resort. Ski passes, equipment rental and lessons are not included in the tour price. Resort access and activities depend on operating conditions and weather.
Where you'll stay
| Days | Stay |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Chon-Kemin guesthouse |
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 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.
From
USD 750
| Day 2 | Bokonbaevo accommodation |
| Days 3–4 | Karakol hotel |
| Day 5 | Tour ends in Bishkek |
Day by day
Open each day for the route, experiences and overnight details.
Day 1
Travel from Bishkek through Boom Gorge to Chon-Kemin. Enjoy horseback riding in the snow. Proposed departure from a Bishkek hotel at 08:00; confirm with the operator.
Day 2
Travel to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul and Bokonbaevo. Watch an eagle-hunting demonstration, subject to weather and local availability.
Day 3
Visit Skazka Canyon and the Seven Bulls rock formations at Jeti-Oguz before continuing to Karakol. Stops may change with road and weather conditions.
Day 4
Transfer to Karakol Ski Resort for a day of skiing or snowboarding, then return to Karakol. Ski pass, rental equipment and lessons are extra; resort operation is weather and schedule dependent.
Day 5
Return to Bishkek via the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, with photo or rest stops depending on conditions. The brochure estimates arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon or evening.
The essentials
Before you go
Questions, answered
The brochure lists private transport with driver and fuel, an English-speaking guide/driver, four nights of accommodation, meals listed for each day, horseback riding in Chon-Kemin, an eagle-hunting demonstration, visits to Skazka Canyon and the Seven Bulls, and transfers to and from Karakol Ski Resort. The brochure does not clarify whether entrance fees are included; including standard site fees is a proposal to confirm.
No. The brochure says the ski pass is not included. Ski or snowboard rental and instructor lessons are available at extra cost on request.
The maximum group size is 12. The brochure does not state a minimum group size.
Proposed rating: moderate, because the tour includes winter travel, horseback riding and an optional day of skiing or snowboarding. The skiing itself depends on each traveler’s experience and chosen activity.
The brochure does not give an exact start time or describe an airport arrival transfer. Proposed start time is 08:00 from a Bishkek hotel on Day 1. Arrange airport pickup separately with the operator unless confirmed otherwise.
Proposed terms for operator confirmation: pay a 30% deposit ($225 per person) to reserve, with the remaining $525 due 30 days before departure. For cancellations more than 30 days before departure, retain the deposit; 15–30 days before departure, charge 50% of the tour price; fewer than 15 days before departure or for a no-show, charge 100%. These terms are not stated in the brochure.
The brochure gives a per-person price but does not state a minimum group size, room-sharing basis or single-room supplement. Proposed assumption: $750 per person with shared accommodation; confirm the basis and any supplements with the operator.
Plan this trip
From
USD 750 / person
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