Embark on a breathtaking 4-day winter journey around Issyk-Kul Lake — the perfect blend of snowy landscapes, ancient Silk Road heritage, and authentic Kyrgyz culture. This tour is crafted for travelers who want everything at once: mountain adventure, peaceful nature, rich traditions, and a full day of skiing in Karakol.

Your experience includes walking through snow-covered canyons, visiting frozen waterfalls in pine-filled gorges, climbing the historical Burana Tower, watching a powerful eagle hunting show, staying in a cozy heated yurt, and exploring the iconic Jeti-Oguz and Grigoriev/Semyonov valleys transformed by winter.From warm homemade meals to comfortable winter accommodations, every moment of this journey is designed to feel both adventurous and deeply relaxing.

The highlight for many travelers is the full ski day at Karakol Ski Resort — ideal for beginners wanting their first lesson and for experienced skiers seeking long runs and panoramic mountain views. With great slopes, professional instructors, and breathtaking scenery, it’s one of the best ski experiences in Central Asia.

If you want a winter trip that mixes culture, nature, comfort, and adventure — this is the perfect choice.


• DAY 1 — Bishkek → Burana Tower → Winter Canyons → Bokonbaevo

Your winter adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Bishkek. As the snowy mountains appear on the horizon, your guide shares stories about the region and prepares you for the day ahead.

Your first stop is the legendary Burana Tower, dating back to the 11th century. Explore the museum, walk among ancient balbals, and climb the tower for an unforgettable winter panorama of the Chui Valley and the Tien Shan mountains.

Next, you’ll enter the dramatic Boom Gorge, where steep cliffs rise over the frozen Chu River. Here you’ll pause for a warm break: steaming samovar tea and fresh, flaky katama bread — the perfect winter comfort.

Then choose your winter hike:

Konorchek Canyon — a stunning 2.5–3-hour hike among massive red rock formations

Kok Moinok Canyon — an easier 1-hour walk through colorful, snow-dusted landscapes

Both are breathtaking in winter, and your guide will help you select the best route based on weather and your preferences.

In the afternoon, you arrive in Bokonbaevo, home of traditional eagle hunters. Meet a skilled berkutchi, learn about this ancient art, and watch the eagle demonstrate its incredible speed and precision. You may also participate in an archery masterclass and take photos with the eagle.

Finish the day at your cozy yurt camp on the lakeshore. Enjoy a warm homemade dinner and relax in your heated yurt as Issyk-Kul shines under the winter sky.

• DAY 2 — Bokonbaevo → Skazka Canyon → Barskoon → Jeti-Oguz → Karakol

Wake up to the quiet beauty of winter by the lake and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Your first destination is Skazka Canyon, where bright red and golden rock formations look even more magical under a layer of snow. Your guide will lead a gentle walk to the best photo spots and viewpoints.

Next, travel into the mountains to visit the spectacular Barskoon frozen waterfalls. Walk through snowy spruce forests until you reach the icy cascades — one of the most impressive winter sights in Kyrgyzstan.

The adventure continues at Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for the “Seven Bulls” — massive red cliffs that look extraordinary with fresh snow. Walk along the gorge, explore the “Broken Heart” rock, and enjoy peaceful mountain views.Optional: short horseback riding through the snowy valley.

By evening, you’ll reach Karakol, check into your warm hotel, and enjoy dinner before the ski day.

• DAY 3 — Full Day Skiing at Karakol Ski Resort

After breakfast, you head to the famous Karakol Ski Resort, one of the highest and most scenic ski areas in Central Asia.

Spend the full day skiing or snowboarding:

Beginners can rent equipment and take a lesson with a professional instructor

Intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy long slopes, great snow quality, and wide mountain views

Families can try tubing, sledding, and safe beginner slopes

Non-skiers can relax at the summit café or take the panoramic cable car, offering views above 3,000 meters

After an active day, unwind in the natural hot springs outside Karakol — warm mineral water surrounded by snow-covered hills.

Return to your hotel for a cozy winter evening.

• DAY 4 — Karakol → Grigoriev/Semyonov Gorges → Cholpon-Ata → Bishkek

Start the morning with a city tour in Karakol. Visit two architectural gems:

The wooden Dungan Mosque, built without nails

The elegant Russian Orthodox Church, famous for its detailed carvings

Next, you travel to the northern side of Issyk-Kul and visit the winter beauty of the Grigoriev and Semyonov Gorges. Walk through snowy valleys, frozen rivers, and spruce forests surrounded by white mountains.

Continue to Cholpon-Ata, where you can:

Take a relaxing boat ride on the winter lake

Visit the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center

Explore the open-air Petroglyphs Museum

After lunch, begin your scenic drive back to Bishkek, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of a winter journey around Issyk-Kul.

Tour Inclusions:

✔ Comfortable private vehicle with driver (hotel pick-up & drop-off)
✔ Eagle hunting demonstration + archery masterclass
✔ Off-road Russian military vehicle to Altyn Arashan
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
✔ Overnight stay in a traditional yurt and a 3-star hotel