Private Tour
The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake, all year round
Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
Issyk Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world. And this incredible 5 day private journey has been designed to become one of the best trips of your lifetime! 11 destinations and numerous experiences. Not being the longest one, this tour implies all authentic activities that you would experience only in Kyrgyzstan. Five beautiful and action-packed days around the charming and boundless lake will get you through its both sides: from modern resorts on the north coast, to the wild and pristine nature on the south. You will be trying the national cuisine, riding horses, sailing the endless lake on a ship, sleeping in a yurt, seeing wild animals, visiting museums with parks, roaming canyons with gorges and so much more! Spend your unforgettable vacation in this stunning way, having embarked on the tour that is a pure treasure!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Bishkek - Burana - Chon Kemin - Konorchek canyon - Cholpon Ata
Accommodations
Olimp; or similar
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Bishkek
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and we’ll head straight towards the Issyk Kul region (230km).
Burana Tower
On the way, stop at the famous Burana Tower. This UNESCO World Heritage site will be of interest to history fiends. We’ll spend about 40 minutes here: climb onto the top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at balbals (ancient stones with depictions).
Chon-Kemin National Park
Resuming our way to Issyk Kul. Second stop on the way is a mountainous valley of Chon Kemin. Here, we’re going to have a fascinating horseback ride through the picturesque fields, forest and uphill to a panoramic spot overlooking the whole valley. Lunch in the loveliest restaurant with a 360 view.
Konorchek Canyons
Moving further on, to Issyk Kul. On the way, we’re visiting the fabulous Konorchek canyon for a light but awesome hike.
Cholpon Ata
Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s north coast) we're checking in to a hotel. Free time for relaxing and dinner at a restaurant. Overnight.
Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev gorge - Semyonov Gorge - Karakol
Accommodations
78; Green Yard; or similar
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Ruh Ordo Cultural Center
In the morning, we’re visiting an open air spiritual center called Rukh Ordo.
Cholpon Ata
Next, we’re heading to the local dock to have a beautiful ship ride out on the second largest alpine lake in the world. After roaming 4km away, the ship will stop at the depth of 120m. In the hot season (May-September) you may dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In other seasons, you will have no less a beautiful time on the ship, enjoying the lake’s splendor and mountains all around. Lunch in a restaurant.
Next, we’re moving towards Karakol town that is located on the line between the north and south coasts. On the way, we’re visiting the 2 stunning Grigoriev and Semyonov gorges to explore their wonderful landscapes and some hidden alpine lakes.
Karakol
Arrival in Karakol. Check-in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Next, we’re driving shortly, to the neighboring village Ak Suu to have a relaxing swim in hot spring pools near a forest - this will be a great touch after such an active day! Return to Karakol and dinner at a restaurant. Overnight.
Karakol - Ski Base - Karakol - Jeti Oguz valley
Accommodations
Overnight at a yurt camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Karakol
Today, we’re exploring the beauties around Karakol. Short city excursion in the morning: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895), local handmade souvenir shop (if you're interested). Next, we’re heading out of Karakol, to the famous and best Ski Resort in the country (7km). In winter, you would have a beautiful skiing experience here but in summer you will enjoy no less stunning views of the whole region. Luscious green meadows, vast coniferous forests, snow capped mountain peaks, glaciers and the entire lake in the background - it’s all about this Ski resort. The chair lift will take us up to the height of 3040 meters and back down. Return to Karakol and lunch.
Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
Next, we’re leaving this nice small town and heading towards the southern coast. Today’s final point is the gorgeous Jeti Oguz valley (Seven Bulls). Driving deeper into the valley of flowers we’ll arrive at “Jailoo” (green summer pasture) where yurt camps are located. Now, it’s time for a magnificent horseback voyage through forests and up the mountains to the lovely Maiden Braids waterfall. Free time for a walk on pastures. Dinner. Bonfire time outside and stargazing. Overnight in yurts (traditional Kyrgyz dwelling).
Jeti Oguz - Barskoon - Skazka canyon - Bel Tam yurt camp
Accommodations
Overnight at a yurt camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks)
In the morning, after breakfast, we’re resuming our way along the south coast of Issyk Kul. Visiting the Jeti Oguz panorama for taking some nice photos.
Barskoon Waterfall
Moving on and visiting the atmospheric Barskoon valley to do some hiking and explore its 3 waterfalls. Lunch.
Canyon Skazka
Next, we're visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming walk.
Bokonbayevo
Resuming the road and arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp that's located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. This yurt camp has all necessary facilities like: showers, toilets, water sinks, laundry and a bar. Sleeping in a cozy and warm yurt with a murmur of the immense lake’s waves will be one of the loveliest highlights of your trip! Free time for chilling. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Overnight in yurts.
Bel Tam - Ak Sai village - Bishkek
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Bokonbayevo
Today is the last day of our incredible journey but it doesn’t mean that the adventure is over! In the morning, after breakfast at the yurt camp, we’ll have some time for relaxing. Explore the beach, evaluate the lake’s scale and chill around. Next, we’re getting on the main road of the south coast and moving towards Ak Sai village, where we’re going to witness a spectacular Eagle hunting process. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in the archery part. Don’t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal's carcass as a prey. After this experience, we’re driving to the nearby Ak Sai canyons to explore its hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers: otherworldly views are insured! Next, we’re driving down from the canyon and moving towards the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake: eating, swimming and sunbathing.
Bishkek
Now it's time to leave this fairy region and move towards Bishkek (230km). Upon arrival in the capital city, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (not included). End of the tour. Thank you very much!
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver
All activities according to the program
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
English-speaking guide
Accommodation on the 5th night
Travel and health insurance
Other personal expenses
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake, all year round
Pickup included
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip, great team
A5739IK,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The team did an outstanding job organizing the tour. Their professionalism and deep knowledge of the country were evident in the seamless logistics and fascinating guided excursions. Everything from the horse riding to the overnight stays in yurts was perfectly arranged, ensuring our comfort and safety throughout the entire five-day journey. A heartfelt thank you for an absolutely incredible experience.
Best ever guys in KG
sheverdos,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you very much for the guys for an exciting trip. We ate deliciously, saw a lot of beautiful places. During the hikes, the guides told interesting stories. I haven't had such experience with other companies. I definitely recommend this company. It's like I was traveling with my friends. Askhat, Baha, thank you!
A Tour that turns your perception for beautiful nature into 360 degrees.
IvanRuse,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lifetime experience with Ventura Tours. Madina was very attentive and does her job with love. I was treated very well during the whole tour and even if I was expecting a group one she and the driver made the tour as interesting as possible for me. Kyrgyzstan is a mesmerizing country with hospitable people and unique nature and Ventura Tours really know what they are doing.
great time exploring Kyrgystan in June
Päivi L,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour in Kyrgystan. Our tour guide Abdi provided us with a lot of infos on the country, greatly appreciated. The selection of sights (focus on nature) was perfect. My favorites were Song-Kul lake and Altyn Arashan lake. The driver Baha deserves a big thanks too, it was a safe trip thanks to him.
Trip of a lifetime
selenakim282,Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour through Ventura Tours started in Uzbekistan where we were able to visit Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent. We flew into Bishkek after our Uzbekistan tour and met Ash, our tour guide and our wonderful driver. I didn’t know what to expect at first. I was really nervous about the 3 day hike but Ash really went out of his way to make this experience the best it could possibly be. The tour was well organized but also customizable. We were able to spend as much time and as little time as we wanted. Ash, an experienced mountain guide, and three porters patiently aided us in our trek. Their food preparations were delicious and gave us the energy we needed to power through the day. They prepared our tent both nights. During one of the colder nights, they thoughtfully surrounded the tent with insulation. The hike was absolutely beautiful and life changing. There was snow at the pinnacle of ala kul trek but the prepared team roped us down the edge of the mountain safely. I usually like to plan my own trips but I am glad that I booked my trip through Ventura. I would definitely book with then again for my future Central Asia trips.
Awesome time with Ventura Tours!
pannaphi,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience touring Issyk-Kul Lake with Ventura Tours! We had Ash as our tour guide and Ulan as our driver. They were incredibly accommodating with our schedule changes and needs and wants. Ash was not only knowledgeable about the region’s history and culture, but also genuinely sweet and thoughtful throughout the journey. Ulan was also so sweet and kind! Overall the trip was well-organized, and we felt warmly welcomed at every stop. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Kyrgyzstan with friendly, flexible professionals!
Great experience!
cherylm311,Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great time exploring Kyrgyzstan with Ash. We were able to customize the trip to add a hike, which was definitely a highlight. We were able to see sights we would have missed had we planned it ourselves. He also took us to his favorite restaurants, which were all superb! We especially enjoyed all the people we met that he works with in Kyrgyzstan. Highly recommend booking a trip with Ash to get the most out of your trip.
Great experience with Ventura tours
324shailyb,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had a great experience with Ventura tours. We had our private car with a driver and good english speaking guide. They booked us good hotels and arranged veg food to the best of their ability. The trip was a memorable one. Tried to accomodate everthing in the itenerary. Highly recommemded.
Beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan with Ventura Tours
ronbO864LP,May 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can't thank my guide Bek, my driver Zhenya, and Ventura tours enough for showing me their beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan. I have been to over 80 countries and Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful countries I have been to. From the natural raw beauty of the pristine lakes, towering majestic mountains, and mesmerizing canyons one can't help to want to come back and explore more of the country. And again thank you to Ventura tours for making it happen. I will definitely use their services next time I come to Kyrgyzstan.
Wonderful tour of Kyrgyzstan!
olaz873,May 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A friend and I booked a 10 day tour of Kyrgyzstan with Ventura Tours after contacting a few other agencies. They created the most interesting and comprehensive itinerary for us, which we were able to personalise. The tour fulfilled our expectations to the 100%. Our guide and driver (Boca and Sasha) did a great job showing us their country, taking care of logistics, explaining the history, sharing fun facts and taking thousands of pictures in various locations :) We felt very well taken care of and everything was adjusted to perfectly fit our needs such as, for example, having vegan meals for lunch and dinner (not really popular in Central Asia or hard to organise without speaking the local language or at least Russian). We had a lot of fun exploring the nature as well as the cities and making unforgettable memories. We will definitely be back to explore more of Kyrgyzstan. Wholeheartedly recommended! Thank you Venture Tours for a wonderful time!
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Operated by Ventura Tours Central Asia