This route combines the picturesque mountain canyons of Kok-Moinok, Lake Issyk-Kul, the taste of national cuisine and a trip along one of the most beautiful roads in the country – the Boom Gorge.
As agreed with the organizer. You can discuss it in the booking before prepayment.
A few hours after leaving Bishkek, we’ll stop at a traditional teahouse to try kattama - a crispy and aromatic flatbread baked in a tandoor. It’s served hot with homemade cream or freshly brewed tea. This is more than just a snack - it's a dive into Kyrgyzstan’s culinary tradition, a source of pride in every household.
On our way to Issyk-Kul, we’ll pass through Boom Gorge - a narrow serpentine road winding between steep cliffs, following the Chu River. Here, nature’s contrast is especially striking: granite walls, turbulent water, and winding tunnels. Even a short drive through the gorge leaves a strong impression - especially if it’s your first time. It’s a symbolic gateway to eastern Kyrgyzstan, where nature sets its own rules.
The central highlight of the route is the Kok-Moynok Canyons, considered one of the most photogenic and unique places in Kyrgyzstan. You’ll find yourself among sand formations shaped over millions of years by wind, water, and time.
The earth’s colors range from ochre to deep crimson, and the terrain resembles otherworldly landscapes: arches, towers, castles, and rocky labyrinths carved by nature. These landscapes are often compared to Mars for their alien appearance and to the Grand Canyon for their scale and energy.
The walk takes about an hour and suits all fitness levels: you can stay in the lower area or climb to viewing points for breathtaking photos with a Martian backdrop.
This is not just a “stop along the way” - it’s a true open-air natural gallery you’ll remember for a long time.
After the canyons, we’ll make a short stop at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir. This place seems made for peace, reflection, and photography.
The mountains are reflected in the still waters, the air is fresh, and the views are perfect for a brief rest. You’ll take Instagram-worthy photos and enjoy a moment of calm.
We’ll have lunch in Balykchy - the first major town on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. We’ll choose a local teahouse where you can try:
Fried trout, kebabs, pilaf, beshbarmak, kattama - all homemade style
Lunch is paid separately.
The final stop of the tour is a beach on the shore of Issyk-Kul. Clean pebbles, cool water, mountains on the horizon, and thirty minutes of real relaxation.
If the weather allows - you can swim. In summer, the water warms up to +24°C. In spring and autumn, it’s a perfect place to walk barefoot and take photos.
You can also walk along the old pier with views of barges and boats - a reminder that Issyk-Kul is not just a resort, but part of the region’s history and everyday life.
