Ski tour to Karakol around Issyk-Kul: 2 days of skiing and a day of excursions

In 3 days we will travel around Lake Issyk-Kul. We will spend two days in the city of Karakol, devoting them to skiing at the ski resort. And we will also relax in the thermal springs!

Ski resort Karakol, elevation 3040 meters

Tour Program

Day 1
08:00 Departure from Bishkek
10:00 Drive through Boom Gorge
12:00 Lunch in Bokonbayevo (average check 20$ per person)
13:00 Head to Skazka Canyons
14:00 Guided tour and photo session in Skazka Canyon
14:30 Proceed to Jeti-Ögüz
17:30 Departure to Karakol
18:30 Hotel check-in
19:15 Dinner at an ethnic restaurant (average check 20$ per person)
You can choose your own hotel on Booking or Airbnb.
Alternatively, our manager can assist you in choosing a hotel.
Day 2
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Depart for Karakol ski base
09:30 Arrive at ski base, purchase skipass, rent equipment (if needed)
10:00 Start skiing
16:00 End of skiing, cable car closes
16:15 Depart for Jyrgalan resort
16:40 Arrive at Jyrgalan, visit thermal springs, dinner
18:30 Depart for Karakol
19:00 Arrive at the hotel
Day 3
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Depart for Karakol ski base
09:30 Arrive at ski base, purchase skipass, rent equipment (if needed)
10:00 Start skiing
16:00 End of skiing, cable car closes
16:30 Dinner in Karakol
17:30 Departure to Bishkek
00:00 Arrival in Bishkek

Logistical Details

- The tour is conducted in a comfortable Toyota Sequoia SUV. Child seats available.
- Meals and accommodation are not included in the tour price. Average lunch cost: 20$ per person, lodging 35$ per person.
- Equipment rental and skipass purchase are not included. Our manager is always ready to assist and advise on the best places to rent equipment.
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing warm clothing, headwear, and sunscreen (even in winter at high altitude). Optional: swimwear for thermal springs.

Meeting Point

By agreement with the organizer. You can discuss this when booking before prepayment.

What to Expect

Boom Gorge – the Road into the Heart of the Mountains

On the way to Issyk-Kul we’ll travel through Boom Gorge – a narrow mountain pass with a winding road along the Chu River, framed by sheer cliffs. The contrast of nature—granite walls, rushing water, and twisting tunnels—is striking. Even a brief drive leaves a strong impression, especially if it’s your first time. It’s a kind of gateway into eastern Kyrgyzstan, where nature begins to set its own rules.

Bokonbayevo

Bokonbayevo is a picturesque village on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul and a center of ecological tourism in Kyrgyzstan. Set in a paradise corner amid mountain scenery and the blue, sunlit lake, it draws hundreds of tourists each year who seek immersion in nature, simple rural life, and authentic Kyrgyz traditions.

Skazka Canyon

Skazka Canyon is one of the most vibrant and unusual spots on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, just a few kilometers from Kaji-Say. Its red, yellow, and orange eroded cliffs evoke castles, dragons, and ancient fortresses—nature itself has created a fairytale landscape.

The canyon walk requires no special preparations—just comfortable shoes and a camera. It’s an ideal spot for a short trek, especially at sunset when the rocks glow with fiery hues. It’s popular not only with tourists but also with artists, photographers, and seekers of inspiration—each bend hides true magic.

Jeti-Ögüz

Jeti-Ögüz Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, a few kilometers from Karakol. Nestled on the northern side of the Terskey Ala-Too range, it’s a popular tourist route. The “Seven Bulls” rock formations are a specially protected natural monument.

The gorge stretches 37km and sits at 2,200m above sea level. Nearby lie lush alpine and subalpine meadows. The area is home to snow leopards, mountain goats, bears, deer, pheasants, chukars, vultures, capercaillie, and eagles.

Its name comes from the seven rock formations resembling bulls lying on the ground—“Jeti Ögüz” means “Seven Bulls.” Legend tells that a khan stole his neighbor’s wife, and when the husband sought to reclaim her, the khan exacted a gruesome revenge: for each day of the week he slaughtered one bull, then killed the woman. Where her blood fell, seven red-rock spires appeared.

The City of Karakol

Karakol is the largest city on Issyk-Kul’s eastern shore, founded in 1869. Today it’s a regional tourist hub thanks to its proximity to one of Central Asia’s largest ski resorts and numerous hiking routes.

When visiting Karakol, you must try the famous local dish Ashlyam-Fu. Locals say the best Ashlyam-Fu is at the central bazaar. There you can also buy mountain honey, various dried fruits, and souvenirs.

If you have free time, we highly recommend visiting the Nikolaus Przhevalsky Museum, the Dungan Mosque built without a single nail, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral—one of the region’s oldest Orthodox churches.

Karakol Ski Base

The Karakol ski base is situated 18 km from the city at altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 m. It features several lifts and groomed slopes of varying difficulty: from gentle ones for beginners to steep runs for advanced skiers (with both blue and black trails). Equipment can be rented on-site, and instructors are available to help ski or snowboard beginners.

The pistes offer breathtaking views of the snow-capped Tien Shan peaks and coniferous forests—a perfect setting for high-mountain nature lovers and active recreation. It’s especially loved by freeride enthusiasts, with descents through mountain forests that leave everyone awestruck.

Jyrgalan Resort

Jyrgalan Resort lies in a narrow valley at the foot of the Tien Shan, 28km from Karakol. Natural thermal springs with soft mineral water are set in open pools on the slope—surrounded by mountain scenery. The hot springs help relieve fatigue after skiing or trekking.

After a full day on the slopes, I recommend relaxing at a local café serving hot soups and herbal drinks from the Altai region. Soaking in warm outdoor springs gives a profound sense of unity with nature and energy for the next day’s adventures.