Forgotten Rivers and Mountain Peaks: A Journey Along the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul

Day One:

Bishkek – Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul

We’ll depart from Bishkek and head toward the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, with our first stop at the Kok-Moynok Canyons. These picturesque sand and clay formations shaped by the wind are believed to be the former bed of ancient Lake Issyk-Kul, as evidenced by salt deposits. This is a great spot for stunning photos. We’ll then cross the Kubaky Pass (2,160 m) and descend to the Orto-Tokoi Reservoir — a vital irrigation source for the Chuy Valley and a place of striking natural beauty.

Ak-Sai Canyons, or “Valley of Forgotten Rivers”

Following winding paths, we’ll reach the shore of Issyk-Kul, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and mountains.

After a stop at a local café to taste traditional dishes, we’ll arrive in the town of Kadji-Sai by evening, where we’ll spend the night in a cozy guesthouse.

Day Two:

Kadji-Sai – Skazka – Barskoon – Arabel Plateau

After breakfast, we’ll visit Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, famous for its surreal landscapes. Over centuries, erosion has sculpted bizarre shapes from clay and rock. You'll witness colorful scenes formed from minerals, clay, and sedimentary layers.

Next, we’ll travel to Barskoon Gorge — one of the most beautiful spots on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. You’ll be impressed by the tall waterfalls and dense spruce forests. This place is known not only for its natural beauty but also because it is near the Kumtor gold mine — the largest in Kyrgyzstan. It’s also where Yuri Gagarin came to relax after his spaceflight.

We’ll visit two waterfalls and ascend to the Arabel Plateau at 3,900 meters. This unique tundra valley, surrounded by mountain peaks, rarely exceeds +8°C in summer. While vegetation is sparse, the area is rich in rivers and over 50 lakes, creating spectacular landscapes. It's a place where nature’s grandeur will stay with you for a long time.

By evening, we’ll return to our hotel for dinner.

Day Three:

Kadji-Sai – Shatyly Panorama – Bishkek

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Shatyly Panorama — a scenic spot in the Boz-Salkyn Valley. Among pastures and spruce forests, a short hike leads to a viewpoint with stunning vistas of Lake Issyk-Kul, mountain ranges, and the Mars Canyons. It’s a true gem for nature lovers and landscape photographers.

After enjoying the panorama, we’ll move to our next location, where more breathtaking views await, offering yet another chance to absorb the region’s natural beauty.

Then, we’ll witness an eagle hunting show — a rare performance showcasing the ancient Kyrgyz tradition of hunting with golden eagles. You’ll also have the chance to try archery.

After completing the program, we’ll head back to Bishkek. On the way, we’ll stop to savor some of the finest dishes of Kyrgyz national cuisine at a local café.

Related Tours

• Climbing to the Peaks and Discovering Tastes: An Adventure in the Mountains near Bishkek
• Panoramas of Issyk-Kul and Canyons of the Tien Shan