Bishkek

We will pick you up in Bishkek and drive to Burana Tower, located near Tokmok city. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of mountains, wide fields, and small villages along the way. It’s a relaxing start to the journey with plenty of chances to enjoy Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty from the road.

Burana Tower

At Burana Tower, we will explore the ancient minaret and walk around the historical site. You can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the Chuy Valley. We will also visit the open-air field of balbals—stone warrior statues—and take time to see the small museum with local archaeological finds. It’s a short but rich cultural stop on our way to the mountains.

Boom Gorge

We will drive through Boom Gorge, a narrow canyon that connects the Chuy and Issyk-Kul regions. The gorge features stunning rock formations and follows the Chu River, offering impressive views as we pass through. It’s a dramatic change in landscape, showing the shift from open valleys to mountain terrain. Before entering the Naryn region, we’ll stop for lunch at a local kattama place in Chon-Kemin village.

Orto-Tokoy Water Reservoir

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey and pass by the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, a peaceful body of water surrounded by rolling hills. It’s a great spot for a short stop to stretch, take photos, and enjoy the calm scenery. The reservoir is the first artificial lake built in Kyrgyzstan and adds a beautiful contrast to the rugged landscapes of the region.

Song Kol Lake

We’ll drive over the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m), offering stunning mountain views as we ascend to the high plateau. From there, we arrive at Song-Kol Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by wide pastures. You’ll have free time to relax or enjoy optional horse riding. In the evening, we’ll have dinner at a yurt camp and spend the night there, experiencing true nomadic hospitality.

Song Kol Lake

After breakfast, we will leave Song-Kol Lake and begin our journey toward Issyk-Kul Lake. The road takes us through breathtaking high-mountain landscapes, open valleys, and winding passes. Along the way, you’ll see remote villages, herds of animals grazing freely, and endless views of untouched nature. As we descend from the highlands, the scenery gradually shifts toward the wide, blue expanse of Issyk-Kul.

In the Issyk-Kul Lake region, we will visit Balykchy city, located on the western shore of the lake. When we arrive in Balykchy, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we’ll head to a public beach area where you can relax, take photos, enjoy the fresh air, or optionally go for a swim in the clear waters of Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world.

Bishkek

After our time at Issyk-Kul Lake, we will continue the journey back to Bishkek, passing through the beautiful Boom Gorge. This part of the road winds through dramatic rocky canyons alongside the Chu River, offering scenic views of steep cliffs and rugged landscapes. The drive takes around 3 hours, giving you one last chance to enjoy Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty before arriving in the capital.