2 Days Issyk-Kul Lake Canyons, Horse Riding and Yurt Stay
From 250 USD per person
Tour Overview
Enjoy a two-day adventure blending natural wonders, horseback riding, and cultural immersion around Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit the historic Burana Tower, hike the dramatic landscapes of Konorchek and Skazka Canyons, ride horses through scenic valleys, and spend the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt under the stars.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Depart Bishkek in the morning with your guide and driver.
Burana Tower Stop
Visit the historic minaret and open-air museum.
Drive to Konorchek Canyon
Arrive at the canyon and hike for 1.5–2 hours through its striking landscapes.
Drive to Issyk-Kul (south shore)
Continue toward the lake, passing scenic valleys.
Skazka Canyon
Short afternoon hike inside the “Fairy Tale” canyon for photos and exploration.
Overnight in Yurt
Settle into a lakeside yurt camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, and relax under the stars.
What to expect
Day 1
Day 1
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Konorchek Canyon - Bokonbayevo (280km - 4 hours drive)
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.

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 photos.

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.

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.
Day 2
Day 2
Bokonbayevo - Skazka Cayons - Bishkek
(350KM - 5 hours drive)
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.

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.

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
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private transport with driver
  • English-speaking cultural guide
  • 1 night in yurt
  • Entrance fees (Burana Tower, canyons)
  • 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfastб, Bottled water
Pricing
Private tour
$500 USD per person​
Group of 2 people
$300 USD per person
Group of 3-4 people
$250 USD per person
Group of 5 or more people​
By Request
Additional Information
  • Duration:
    2 days / 1 night
  • Language
    English
  • Activity level
    Moderate (includes hikes and horseback ride)
  • Accommodation
    Yurt (shared facilities)
  • What to bring
    Comfortable walking shoes, jacket, sunscreen, camera, flashlight
Contacts:
Телефон: +996 551 996 600
Почта: orient@travel.kg
orient-travel, 720001, Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek