Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
5-day tour to Son-Kul Lake, Issyk-Kul Lake, and Altyn Arashan offers a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences, making it a truly unique journey.
1. Remote Beauty of Son-Kul Lake
Experience the untouched wilderness of Son-Kul Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by rolling green meadows and dramatic mountains.
2. Stay in a traditional yurt, immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle, and enjoy homemade Kyrgyz cuisine prepared by local shepherd families.
3. The Jewel – Issyk-Kul Lake
Discover the world’s second-largest alpine lake, often called the "Pearl of Central Asia" due to its stunning blue waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
4. Wild Beauty of Altyn Arashan
Trek or take a rugged 4x4 ride through the stunning Altyn Arashan Gorge, known for its lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and alpine forests.
This 5-day journey will give you an unforgettable taste of country’s wild beauty, traditions, and adventure!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Bishkek to Son Kol
Accommodations
Overnight stay at Nomadic Yurt Camp by the Lake with views of surrounding mountains and vast pastures
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
Local lunch at Kattama Cafe
DINNER
Dinner
Orto-Tokoy Water Reservoir
We will stop at scenic point to enjoy views of Orto Tokyo lake and surrounding mountains. Its filled from the various rivers including the one from mountain pass to Son Kol Lake.
Kalmak-Ashuu
Kalmak Ashu Pass in along the way to Son Kul Lake and it sits at elevation of 3450 meters above sea level. The Pass is known for its stunning natural beauty with rugged mountain landscapes, alpine meadows and glacier features. The pass serves as crucial route for local herders and travelers to reach Son Kul Lake.
Song Kol Lake
Is one of the largest and beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan and situated at 3000 meters above sea level. Son Kol is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, vast pastures and serene environment. In summer time local herders set up yurts around the lake, offering glimpse into true nomadic lifestyle . The area around Son Kol Lakes ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and camping.
Son Kol to South Shore of Issyk Kul Lake
Accommodations
Overnight stay at Yurt Camp by the lake OR traditional guest house with Yurts and Wooden Cottages
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Orto-Tokoy Water Reservoir
Pass through the south side of Orto-Tokoy Lake, which is fed by various rivers, including one that flows from the mountain pass leading to Son-Kul Lake.
Bokonbayevo
Bokonbaevo is known as a place where many traditional eagle breeders live. Eagle hunting is an ancient practice that has been passed down from generation to generation. Guests will witness a hunting eagle show, where a breeder demonstrates how they train eagles to hunt in the wild. This will be followed by a Taigan hunting dog show, showcasing how the eagle and Taigan work together as a team when hunting in nature. The event will conclude with an archery demonstration, where guests can see traditional bow and arrow shooting in action and shoot themselves as well.
Canyon Skazka
Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon, is a stunning natural attraction in Kyrgyzstan, located near the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. It is famous for its vibrant, red-rock formations that have been shaped by wind and water over centuries, creating unique, almost otherworldly landscapes. The canyon's name, "Fairy tale", comes from the rock formations that resemble castles, animals, and mythical creatures. Visitors can hike through the colorful sandstone formations, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience the surreal beauty of this hidden gem in Central Asia
South Shore of Issyk Kul to Karakol
Accommodations
Overnight stay in cosy hotel by the main square of Karakol city
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Barskoon Gorge
Barskoon Gorge is a breathtaking valley located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Known for its towering waterfalls, dense pine forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes, it offers a perfect escape into nature. The gorge is famous for the Barskoon Waterfalls, cascading down the rugged cliffs.
Barskoon Waterfall
Barskoon Waterfall is one of the most stunning natural attractions in Barskoon Gorge, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. The gorge is home to several beautiful waterfalls, with the most famous ones being "Tears of a Leopard" and "Beard of a Wise Man." These waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight amid lush forests and towering mountains. Visitors can hike to the waterfalls, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area is also known for its Soviet-era monument of Yuri Gagarin, who visited after his spaceflight. Barskoon Waterfall is a must-see spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers!
Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
Jeti-Oguz Rocks are a striking natural formation located near Karakol, on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. The name "Jeti-Oguz" means "Seven Bulls" in Kyrgyz, referring to the seven massive red sandstone cliffs that resemble a row of resting bulls. One of the most famous formations is "The Broken Heart", a rock split into two, linked to a local legend of love and betrayal. The area is surrounded by lush green valleys, pine forests, and mountain streams, making it a perfect spot for hiking, horseback riding, and photography. Rich in folklore and natural beauty, Jeti-Oguz is a must-visit destination for those exploring the wonders of Kyrgyzstan.
Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathederal
The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, is a beautiful wooden church with a rich history. Originally built in the 19th century, it has survived earthquakes and periods of Soviet rule when it was repurposed for other uses. The church features traditional Russian Orthodox architecture, with onion-domed towers, intricate wooden carvings, and vibrant frescoes inside. It remains an active place of worship, welcoming visitors to admire its craftsmanship and learn about its cultural significance.
Full day Off-Road tour to Altyn Arashan and back to Karakol
Accommodations
Overnight stay in Karakol. Cosy hotel by the main square.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Altyn Arashan
Altyn Arashan is a stunning alpine valley in Kyrgyzstan, located about 30 km from the town of Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region. It is famous for its breathtaking mountain scenery, lush meadows, and natural hot springs. The valley sits at an altitude of around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Hiking and trekking are popular activities, with trails leading to Ala-Kul Lake and other scenic spots. Visitors can also enjoy the hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The area is accessible by a rough 4x4 road or on foot, making it a great destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Karakol
Karakol is a picturesque city in eastern Kyrgyzstan, near the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake and the Terskey Alatau mountains. It is the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region and a popular base for trekking, skiing, and exploring the surrounding nature. Key attractions include the wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Dungan Mosque built without nails, and the nearby Altyn Arashan and Jeti-Oguz valleys. The city is also known for its unique local cuisine, including "ashlyanfu," a spicy Dungan noodle dish.
Karakol to Cholpon Ata to Bishkek
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Kyrchyn Valley is a picturesque alpine valley in Kyrgyzstan, located near the town of Cholpon-Ata in the Issyk-Kul region. Surrounded by rolling green hills and snow-capped mountains, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. The valley is a traditional gathering place for Kyrgyz nomads and has hosted the World Nomad Games, showcasing traditional sports, horseback games, and folklore performances. Kyrchyn is an excellent destination for those interested in Kyrgyz culture, as it often hosts yurt camps, festivals, and demonstrations of nomadic life. It is also a great spot for hiking, horseback riding, and experiencing the tranquility of the Kyrgyz mountains.
Balykchy
Balykchy is a small city in Kyrgyzstan, located on the western shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest saline lake in the world. It serves as a gateway to the Issyk-Kul region and is an important transportation hub, connecting the capital, Bishkek, with the eastern parts of the country.
Boom Gorge
Boom Gorge (or Boomskoye Ushchelye) is a stunning and rugged canyon in Kyrgyzstan, located between the Chu Valley and Issyk-Kul Lake. It serves as a crucial passage for the Bishkek–Balykchy highway and the railway, making it one of the most important transit routes in the country
Options
5 days Altyn Arashan, Son Kul and Issyk Kul Lakes
Pickup included
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation (4 nights)
Entrance tickets to parks, museum, canyon
Bottle of water
Health insurance
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Kyrgyzstan: The Untamed Gem of Central Asia
lewisnly,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If Kyrgyzstan isn’t on your bucket list yet, add it immediately! It is a hidden gem filled with stunning snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, ,& pristine lakes. . We had an absolute blast on this tour, largely thanks to our wonderful guide, Maksat. He was incredibly knowledgeable, answered all our questions, & his great sense of humor made the entire experience so much fun!
An unforgettable Kyrgyz adventure
Cruiser49342485558,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a very memorable 5-day tour which captured some of the the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. Although the weather was disappointing for the first few days, it did not stop us from enjoying each of the destinations. We particularly enjoyed Son Kul, Altyn Arashan and Issyk Kul. The tour was well-paced, and there were just enough things to do every day without the tour becoming rushed and tiring. Our guide was Maksat, who is kind, considerate, resourceful, and 100% reliable. He drove us through floods, snow, mug and windy roads with excellent skill. In his interactions with us, he would always put us first and often went out of his way to give us a better experience. He was calm and highly organised when we had an unexpected medical emergency. He was also very patient and never chased us at photo stops. He would join us for food and treat us as VIPs. In sum, we could not have asked for a better guide or better Kyrgyz hospitality. The tour price is actually quite reasonable as we were offered high-end accommodation and meals each day. We would only be taken to decent restaurants with a variety of food options. Also, Maksat's car is well maintained, clean, and stable. All things considered, we would say that this is a luxury tour in Kyrgyz terms. We highly recommend this tour to all those who would like to explore the beautiful landscape of Kyrgyzstan but don't want the hassle of driving through the rugged territories or planning infinitely variable logistics. We booked the tour through Atlas KG's official website (which is cheaper than some other sites). There was one more thing - we were only asked a few days before the tour whether we would be happy for the tour to start a day earlier than scheduled. As we had to reschedule our plans, Atlas KG kindly offered us a wonderful hotel stay, with which we were very pleased. Atlas KG also offered extensions of the trip at little/no extra cost for us to see more of Kyrgyzstan. All in all, we are truly grateful for this 5-day adventure and our time and friendship with Maksat.
An Unforgettable Journey Through Kyrgyzstan with Max
joolstong,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This 5-day tour was without a doubt the highlight of my trip to Central Asia and one of the most memorable trips I have ever taken. From the moment we left Bishkek, I was blown away by the beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Sleeping in the traditional yurt by the stunning Son-Kul Lake surrounded by endless green pastures, soaking in the dramatic mountain scenery of Altyn Arashan, and experiencing the incredible views around Issyk-Kul felt like stepping into a different world. Every day brought a new landscape that was even more breathtaking than the last. What made the trip truly special was our guide, Maksat (Max). Max was much more than a guide — he became a friend throughout the journey. He was warm, patient, knowledgeable, and always looking out for us. Whether it was sharing stories about Kyrgyz culture and global topics, finding the best photo spots, making sure we were comfortable, or adjusting plans when needed, he consistently went above and beyond. Travelling through remote mountain roads and staying in traditional accommodations can sometimes be challenging, but with Max taking care of everything, we could simply relax and enjoy the adventure. His passion for his country was infectious, and it made us appreciate Kyrgyzstan even more. The memories of the peaceful Son-Kul lake, hiking in the spectacular Altyn Arashan valley, and driving through some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen will stay with me for a very long time. A huge thank you to Max for making this trip so special. If you are considering a tour in Kyrgyzstan, don't hesitate — you will experience incredible scenery, genuine hospitality, and an adventure you'll never forget. Highly recommended!
Best Days in Kyrgyzstan
farahmithap,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My experience with Atlas.kg is absolutely amazing! The service is great, accomodations they booked are comfortable, the FOOD is amazing and i experienced to have lunch at the Dungan Family house. They knew the best spot to enjoy and take the pics. My guide is Maksat who is really good at driving and always be safe, very friendly, helpful, and also knowledgeable about the area we visited. Because of it, i would like to recommend Altas.kg to my friend if they go to Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is a spectacular country and safe to visit, especially guided by Altas.kg!
Recommended as a local tour of Kyrgyzstan
jaehyeongb2025,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was with the guide Msksat and it was a really delicious 5 days. The accommodation was very satisfying, and the meals served were very good. The vehicle was also spacious and comfortable as a Toyota off-road vehicle. And especially the guide wrote a lot of kindness and care and traveled comfortably.
Great 5 days around Issyk-Kul with Atlas KG
Y8152KEhugop,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just finished a 5 day 4 night tour in the Issyk-Kul region with Mars from Atlas KG, as a group of four friends in our late 20s, and we had a great experience. Everything was well organized, with our guide adapting the schedule to conditions on the ground and to the group's interests / pace. Mars had solid knowledge of the region and shared a lot of info about local and national history and context throughout the trip. The accommodation along the route was consistently comfortable and high quality, in places that clearly weren't budget options. The food was a highlight as well. Through these nearly ten meals, we got to try most of the typical regional and national dishes. Our guide always ordered generously for the table -- for an all-inclusive tour, that kind of attention to the food makes a noticeable difference. Would recommend to anyone planning this trip. Bonne continuation à toi et ton équipe!
Fun experiences
397nay,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have a great tour experience with our tourguide Ali . He is very helpful and always make sure our day was great. He is also good at making funny jokes so you will not getting bored while traveling. Such a funny experience. Must try this tour in kyrgyztan.
Amazing trip
thithuhuongn2023,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! Every moment was fun and memorable — from the engaging conversations and interesting stories with our guide, Meerman and our tour joining friends. We enjoyed delicious food, comfortable accommodations, impressive folk music shows, horse riding, and even eagle show. And shout out to our guide, Meerman help us truly appreciate the country’s cultural and natural beauty. The team was flexible, attentive, and delivered service beyond my expectations.
Incredible experience
Q4864GBvals,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was truly outstanding - perfectly organised and full of surprises. Our amazing guide Meerman took us on a trip into nature, culture and history of Kyrgyzstan. He showed us hidden spots and experiences. Every day was different than the day before. Food was delicious and accommodation very comfortable. I would book this tour immediately again!
Real Kyrgyzstan in 5 days
Zap88,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It has been a wonderful journey. We arrived full of curiosity, and we’re returning home with our eyes and hearts filled with all the wonders we’ve seen! A huge thank you to Meerman for showing us all of this and for the friendly spirit with which he shared this journey!
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