Issyk-Kul and Kok-Moinok Canyons: One-Day Jeep Tour to the Heart of Kyrgyzstan

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.

View from Lake Issyk-Kul to the city beach, mountain peaks and clouds

Tour Program

09:00 — Departure from Bishkek
11:00 — Breakfast: hot kattama
11:30 — Drive through Boom Gorge
12:00 — Walk in the Kok-Moynok Canyons
13:30 — Photo stop at Orto-Tokoy Reservoir
14:30 — Lunch in Balykchy: kebab, trout
15:30 — Relax and swim at Issyk-Kul beach
16:30 — Departure to Bishkek
18:30 — Arrival in Bishkek

Logistics

- The tour is conducted in a comfortable Toyota Sequoia SUV. Child seats are available.
- Lunch is not included in the tour price. Average check – 15$ per person.
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing warm clothes, hats, and sunscreen (as the weather can be unpredictable). Optional – swimwear.

Meeting Point

As agreed with the organizer. You can discuss it in the booking before prepayment.

What to Expect

Kattama for Breakfast

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.

Boom Gorge – The Road into the Heart of the Mountains

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.

Kok-Moynok Canyons

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.

Orto-Tokoy Reservoir

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.

Lunch in Balykchy

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.

Issyk-Kul City Beach

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.