Private Tour
2 Days Issyk Kul Lake Canyons Horse Riding and Yurt Stay
Overview
Available languages
2 days
Mobile ticket
This private 2-day tour of the Issyk-Kul Lake region is tailored for those seeking both adventure and culture. Your journey will uncover the secrets of the ancient Burana Tower, navigate the majestic Konorchek and Skazka Canyons, ride horseback for captivating views of the lake, and rest in the traditional comfort of a yurt. With personalized transport and a dedicated guide, this journey promises to showcase the best of Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty and ancient traditions.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The travel is included in the total duration of the experience.
We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Konorchek Canyons - Bokonbayevo(280km - 4 hours drive)
Accommodations
Overnight in a yurt camp on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Bishkek
In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you'll immediately head towards Issyk-Kul Lake. En route, you'll stop at Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyons—two key highlights before reaching the lake.
Burana Tower
Upon arriving at Burana Tower, part of the ancient city of Balasagun, you'll get an immediate sense of history. Your guide will take you straight to the local archaeology museum, where the artifacts on display paint a vivid picture of the Silk Road's legacy. Afterward, step outside to encounter the balbals, intriguing stone markers bearing ancient inscriptions and depictions, standing as a silent testament to the area's past. Climbing the tower rewards you with sprawling views of the Chui Valley and Tien-Shan mountains—a perfect spot for reflection and photos.
Konorchek Canyons
After exploring Burana Tower, you'll drive towards the striking landscapes of the Konorchek Canyons. In the heart of the Boom Gorge, these red sandstone formations stand like nature's own monuments. Your hike takes you through the canyons' dramatic passageways, where each step brings you to yet another stunning view. The path culminates at a viewpoint offering a panoramic spectacle of the canyon's grandeur—a highlight for any camera or memory.
Bokonbayevo
The day's journey culminates as you arrive at the yurt camp by Issyk-Kul Lake. The traditional yurts welcome you with their cozy interiors, offering a blend of comfort and authenticity. A delicious Kyrgyz dinner awaits inside the dining yurt, where you'll savor the local cuisine in a warm, communal atmosphere. Post dinner, gather around the bonfire to share stories and reflections of the day's experiences, the flames flickering against the backdrop of a starry sky, rounding off the perfect adventure day.
Bokonbayevo - Skazka Cayons - Bishkek(350KM - 5 hours)
Accommodations
Not provided on the last day of the tour
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Bokonbayevo
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast in the yurt camp, preparing you for the day's adventure. Soon after, you'll set off on a horseback ride into the surrounding mountains. This 1-2 hour trek will lead you to a spectacular viewpoint where you can look out over the vast expanse of Issyk-Kul Lake, a perfect opportunity for panoramic photos and unforgettable memories.
Canyon Skazka
After your horseback excursion, a 1 hour drive takes you to the otherworldly Skazka Canyons, also known as Fairy Tale Canyons. These natural wonders, with their stunning formations and vivid colors, provide a dramatic contrast to the morning's serene mountain landscapes. You'll have an hour to explore this Martian-like terrain, wander among its unique rock structures, and take photos to capture the surreal beauty of the canyons before we head back to the yurt camp for lunch.
Bishkek
After lunch at the yurt camp, you'll say goodbye to Issyk-Kul and begin the drive back to Bishkek. The 230 km journey will provide time to unwind as you reflect on the past two days' adventures. You'll be dropped off at your hotel or a preferred location in Bishkek by 8-9PM, ending your memorable excursion.
What‘s Included
Dinner
Breakfast
Professional English speaking guide
Horseback Riding
Accommodation at traditional Kyrgyz yurt
Guided hike through Konorchek and Skazka Canyons
Comfortable, Air-conditioned vehicle
Personal expenses and health insurance
Eagle Hunting Show (optional add-on available 70USD)
Accommodation on the 2nd night
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
2-Day Issyk-Kul Lake: Canyons, Horse Riding & Yurt Stay
Pickup included
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highlight of our trip to Kyrgyztan
GNS333,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a 2-day tour to Lake Issyk-Kul and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide, Anvar, was excellent. He is a biologist (currently completing his PhD), and his depth of knowledge really showed throughout the trip. Whether it was Kyrgyz culture, the lake ecosystem, or even fish farming, he explained everything clearly and with genuine passion. He was always happy to answer our questions, and you could tell he truly enjoys what he does. The absolute highlight of the tour was the eagle hunting show by Salavat. It was an incredible experience to witness this traditional practice up close. The demonstration included hunting techniques using eagles and dogs, as well as an archery display. We especially appreciated that no live rabbits were used during the demonstration, as we had read that some tours do this. We even had the chance to sit on a horse and hold the eagle ourselves, which made it even more memorable. One practical tip: if you are planning to visit the south side of Issyk-Kul, definitely opt for an SUV. We saw some people attempting the journey in sedans, but there is a lot of construction and rough roads in that area, so the extra cost is absolutely worth it for comfort and safety. Overall, a fantastic experience combining nature, culture, and unique local traditions. Highly recommended.
Best and satisfied tour ever
Voyager20746935743,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had very memoriable time with this tour. Our guide, programs, accomodation and vehicle all components satisfied us.
2 Days Issyk Kul Lake Canyons Horse Riding and Yurt Stay
llollaz,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing 2 days and 1 night tour with Datka Travel! From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable. Everything was well-organized, and the team made us feel so welcome throughout the trip. A special thanks to our tour guide, Mr. Azamat, for being so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and enjoyed every part of the journey. His friendly attitude and professionalism truly made our experience even better. Highly recommend Datka Travel for anyone looking for a memorable and well-planned adventure
Amazing experience
544katalint,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So thrilling, authentic, and beautiful. What a beautiful country and a very special time. The guide was excellent too.
Incredible visit to Lake Issyk Kul & Yurt Stay!
lizmac05,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful overnight trip out to Lake Issyk kul. Gorgeous scenery, a couple of stops along the way . . The amazing Burana Tower! Our Yurt stay was warm and comfortable and accompanying dinner and breakfast the next morning absolutely delicious! We shortened our horse back ride to one hour, which suited my husband and I (both 68 yrs old!), since it had been several years since we’d gotten on horses! A lovely, morning ride along the lake and up into the surrounding area. Perfect! A short visit and walk into Fairytale Canyon coming back made the trip! Great stop for lunch, too! A fantastic adventure and I highly recommend! Added so much to our 4 week adventure seeing Central Asia & The Stans! Book it Now!
2 days Issyk Kul Lake with horse riding and yurt stay
Sunshine56074296647,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We found the tour great. Our highlights were horseback riding and the yurt. also big thanks to our tour guide Andrei. We don't have anything negative to complain about.
Perfect tour in Kyrgyzstan
DM0303,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Datka travel are the perfect companions and organisation to work with for travels in Central Asia, no question too big or too small and their organisation is incredible. Talgat and Izat are wonderful to liaise with. We organised 3 seperate items through them, including an overnight trip in Kyrgyzstan with the truly spectacular guide, Anvar, and are so glad we did. His knowledge, generosity and kindness made for a unique experience, along with a amazing itinerary of 2 days. We were very lucky to have Anvar as our guide. The eagle hunting and horse riding gives a unique insight into the Kyrgyz culture and their admiration and respect for their wildlife, and the yurt was a unique way to round out the night.
Wonderful short trip in Kyrgyzstan
waileukoscarc,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a two-day trip with Andrei to Issyk Kul Lake. Andrei is an excellent guide who shares a lot about the history and background of Kyrgyzstan with us along the way. We were able to explore the places at our own pace. He also brought us up to various excellent viewing points of fairy tale canyons, which offers breathtaking bird eye view of the whole canyon. Communication with Datka Travel is always easy - everything was well arranged in advance so we could just go directly as planned.
Kyrgyzstan 2 Day Amazing Tour
Nadine1986,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a 2 day Kyrgyzstan small tour with Anvar as our guide. It was a great tour, the highlights being the stay in a yurt and the eagle show! The country is simply stunning and Anvar provided a lot of pertinent information.
Fun tour to Issy Kul
Stephen C,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour. Anna’s, our guide was very friendly and accommodating. We learned a lot about Kyrgyzstan and saw some beautiful scenery. The Konorchek canyon hike was a bit more challenging than we expected but with Anvar’s help we made it just fine. The yurt stay was a lot of fun with a good meal and nice restroom and shower facilities. We would definitely go this tour.
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