3 Days Issyk Kul lake & Chon Kemin: Eagle show, horse riding
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- 3 days (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience Kyrgyz hospitality and the highlights of Issyk-Kul during this private, multi-day tour from Bishkek. Hike through canyon-filled valleys, past waterfalls and gorges, feast on traditional Kyrgyz dishes, and spend two nights in a yurt and guesthouse near the lake. Meals and accommodation are provided except on the last day. Enjoy a golden eagle live demonstration.
- Tick off many of Kyrgyzstan’s top attractions in just a few days
- Relax with yurt and guesthouse stays near Issyk-Kul lake
- Tours include door-to-door transfers by air-conditioned vehicle
- Watch a live golden eagle presentation.
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Breakfast (2)Breakfast
- Lunch (3)Lunch
- Dinner (2)Dinner
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pick up from allocations within Bishkek city. Preferable locations are downtown and east side of Bishkek as Issyk Kul located towards east of the city, thus to avoid traffic in the beginning of the tour and end
Itinerary
Day 1
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Boom Gorge- Bokonbaevo
4 Stops
1
Burana Tower
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Bokonbayevo
15 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Boom Gorge
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Canyon Fairy Tale
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Overnight at Yurt Camp on shore of Issyk Kul Lake
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Bokonbaevo - Barskoon Waterfalls- Jeti Oguz - Chon Kemin
2 Stops
1
Barskoon Waterfall
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Barskoon Gorge
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight in a family owned guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 3
Chon Kemin valley - Tokmok - Bishkek
2 Stops
1
Bishkek-City
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Chon-Kemin National Park
10 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 42 reviews
Michael_W, Jan 2025
My guide was Maksat from Atlas.kg who was very polite, friendly, helpful and considerate (as he altered the timing and sometimes the order of activities to suit me). He explained the features and history of many places and discussed the changes in traditions as a result of the country's independence. As my visit was during winter, Maksat made sure I was warm enough in the 4WD, the hotels and during the walks/horse ride. Due to roadworks, I had been told that certain locations were inaccessible so Maksat/Atlas substituted similar scenery for those I could not visit (canyon, river and hot springs). The accommodation was very good with wifi included. I was asked my preferences for all meals - something I am seldom asked during any other tours - thank you. The locations we visited were very good - especially being able to climb Burana tower, hold an eagle (without being scratched), see the huge Issyl-Kul lake, stand on a frozen waterfall, see the different rock formations/colours at the Fairy-Tale canyon, swim in the hot springs pool and see the small town (Chon Kemin) on horseback (-20oC in some places mid-morning).
Thank you very much Maksat & Atlas.kg.
PS: I understand the weather was too cold to stay in a traditional Yurt tent so I appreciated being able to see them.
David_G, Oct 2023
This was a great trip to see the highlights of Issyk Kul lake. This tour covers a lot of ground in three days, but you will have plenty of time to see the sights listed in the tour description. Ulan was an excellent guide, ensuring things went smoothly, very understanding and responding to requests, very personable and accommodating.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear David,
Your are such a good planner. Thank you for your kind words. Ulan was extremely happy to be your host. Hope to see you back!
Judy_L, Sep 2023
Meeting the eagle hunter. Riding horseback and herding sheep. Climbing the mountain to the waterfalls. Having tea by the glacial river. Listening to the sound of lake waves at Issuy Kul. Sleeping in a yurt.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Judy,
It was tour of learning from such experienced travelers as you and Mr. Hawaiian. I saw your happiness when you touched the eagle. Thank you!
Taylor_M, Jul 2023
The guide was very accommodating to our needs and knowledgeable of the area with a friendly demeanor. The tour is organized well, especially the yurt visit which was the highlight.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Taylor,
Cheers! Much appreciated and look forward to host you in Kyrgyzstan!
JunJye_S, Apr 2023
It was a wonderfully organized trip with a private guide cruising around the beautiful Issyk Kul Lake and fascinating lectures on the region and history. Maksat was such an excellent guide, he was incredibly knowledgeable, provide great information about different places, history, art, culture, and much more. He was also extremely friendly, showing the Kyrgyz best hospitality. 3 days short trip with him had never felt a little boring. The whole trip was beyond my expectations. If you are looking for a short getaway with beautiful scenery, peaceful environment and the cultural touch of Central Asia, this trip would be the best fit for you. Last but not least, the thermal bath at the end was a great way to end the tour. Strongly recommended!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dera JunJye,
We have selected guide Maksat, who actually worked in UAE in aviation hospitality and it seems you have found a lot in common. It was pleasure to have you as guest. Hope to see you back in Kyrgyzstan!
Robert_H, Oct 2022
I picked this tour based on reviews. I was wrong to choose this tour and would like to report the many issues I faced. Take my review at your own discretion but I would never wish our experience from our guide Mr. Mars on anyone.
Although this guide started off pleasantly and seemed friendly, even all the communication through whatsapp was nice, it ended up seeming to be a cover-up for his ill behavior and horrid service to us during our 3 day trip. Be warned what you will get into if your guide is Mr. Mars and be prepared to ask for a new guide.
1) At the first stop in Burana, as wonderful as this place is, we were instructed not to use the souvenir shop even though we were very interested. Mr. Mars said sternly not to use it and there were going to be many more on the tour. (There wasn't even one and we were never able to get the postcards or booklets we wanted for the rest of the trip)
2) Every time we stopped for a meal he would always say we could eat what we wanted as long as it was what he wanted. When we mentioned we wanted a certain food he would say no and that he would order only the local foods we wanted. Be careful as he can get visably upset and confrontational if you disagree with his choice.
3) He will not stop for photo taking. He is supposed to be the driver and guide, but no information about the country or places you visit will be provided. He will only drive and say when you arrive at a destination. He will try to provide tea at destination and give you a seat but this is his way of preventing you from exploring or moving away from his car so he can leave when he wants. If you wonder away slightly he gets upset.
4) Even though you are on schedule or even early, he is always rushing you and saying, "lets go, lets go" all the time.
5) BIGGEST and scary thing, he has a weapon in his car. He wasn't shy to share a large 14 inch homemade knife that he hides in his driver side door. He told me that it is illegal in Kyrgyzstan and that if the police found it he would be in trouble. (Why on Earth would he show/share this with me?!) I felt that he did this to maintain control over us.
6) At dinner in Karakol he only wanted to talk to us about prostitutes. He shared with me and my wife that he used prostitutes in Macau with his friends and that he wanted to know other country prices. We were stunned that he was talking to us about this so openly.
7) The last day he gave us an option to visit the gorge or hot springs. He pushed us REALLY hard to go to the hot springs but we didn't want to go there. When we chose the gorge he was so angry. He wouldn't stop pushing the hot springs even though we had no interest in it. We were scared to say no, but it was the last day and we just wanted to get back to Bishkek to be honest. I almost told him to stop and I was going to get a Yandex car to take us back to Bishkek.
8) When I asked if I could take a photo he berated us and told us to google the photos online.
9) Since he would nit provide any information we asked questions to get to know the country/ culture more. He would take a deep breath and say, "You come here and don't know these things already?"
10) He only shared stories about himself and how many places he traveled to. However, he only talked about all the groups of people he really hates. He would be very derogatory toward some nationalities and say he would make life difficult for them if he had them on a tour.
11) He hates Christians and although he took us to a church in Karakol he was very negative in his views and refused to even go inside.
12) His car had gum on the window where he made my wife sit. We asked if it could be cleaned but for the three days he did nothing.
13) He repeatedly tried to get us to cancel the Viator booking and pay him in cash before the tour started. The amount he wanted us to pay in cash was the same price as Viator. Be very careful as this is a VERY bad idea.
14) Make sure you know your itinerary if you still use Mr. Mars as he will try to avoid some parts. He will even ask for extra money to stop at some places even though they are included in the tour. He tried this with us and I had to argue with him and show him our booking to show that we already paid and that it was included.
Needless to say this was a nightmare of a trip and there were so many horrible parts it really ruined our trip. I am forgiving and try to understand new cultures but based on other tours I had after this one I realise this is not a good representation of Kyrgyzstan culture/people and service. In my opinion I am warning you to avoid this agency at all costs. I can not understand the other reviews for this agency and Mr. Mars. Be very careful.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Dear Mr. Robert it’s surprising you took time to write all these incorrect information and trying to mislead potential travelers. Common sense and unbiased review is what people believe in and value. We are really not sure what is motive behind your destructive review, but we know how important the service and guest satisfaction for us, its paramount of our business. Hence we have many honest feedbacks from our guests.
Anyways thank you for your feedback, we always work to improve our services. We wish you best of luck!
Michel_B, Sep 2022
The whole tour was an amazing experience. We had a wonderful time driving around the "Issyk Kul Lake", stopping by many stunning places. We had the feeling that we were really in touch with the Kyrgyz culture. Very Recommended.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Michel,
Its late but still appreciate your kind review!
And its reminder to come to visit us again!
As you saw Kyrgyzstan nature has a lot in common with Switzerland!
SALEH_A, Jul 2022
Maksat did everything, he was the guide, the photographer, he took care of us, where we eat and where we would enjoy the most. He was punctual and flexible when we wanted to stop somewhere or do something different.
He taught us alot about Kyrgyz culture. Driving with him for hours was never boring.
I would definitely recommend this tour with him
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Its late reply! Many thanks for you!
Its kind a reminder to come back to Kyrgyzstan!
Lucy_G, Jun 2022
Maks made this 3 day tour a very enjoyable adventure. Not only I got to see the best areas around the lake but I had great traditional food, peaceful stay in the Yurt camp, beautiful hikes and interesting conversation (and few naps) during the drive from one place to another.
I did this tour as a female traveling solo and I felt very comfortable all the time.
I recommend this tour 100%
Harry_S, May 2022
Amazing experience circling around Issyk Kul lake where we are visiting so many valleys all have very good views. The experience of road trip also outstanding. Mars as the tour guide tailored made for us. Having seep of tea and BBQ near the river is so memorable. Recommended.
From $800.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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