2-Day Chon-Kemin (Big Kemin) with Issyk-Kul Lake
From 250 USD per person
Tour Overview
Experience the best of Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty in this 2-day journey combining the lush valleys of Chon-Kemin (Big Kemin) National Park with the sparkling shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Stay overnight in a traditional yurt or guesthouse, ride horses through mountain trails, and enjoy local culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes along the way.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Leave Bishkek and travel east toward Chon-Kemin (Big Kemin) National Park.
Burana Tower Stop
Visit the iconic Silk Road-era tower and open-air museum.
Arrive at Chon-Kemin (Big Kemin)
Settle into a guesthouse or yurt, followed by free time to explore.
Horseback Ride
Take a 2-hour ride through the valley, accompanied by local horsemen.
Traditional Dinner
Enjoy a hot dinner prepared by your hosts, with local dishes and storytelling.
Overnight
Sleep in a cozy guesthouse or authentic Kyrgyz yurt.
What to expect
Day 1
Day 1
Bishkek - Burana Tower - Konorchek Canyons 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 guesthouse or yurt, Horse rental with guide
  • Entrance fees (Burana Tower, petroglyphs)
  • 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 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
    Easy to moderate (optional horseback riding)
  • Accommodation
    Guesthouse or yurt (shared bathroom)
  • What to bring
    Comfortable walking shoes, jacket, sunscreen, camera, swimsuit
Contacts:
Телефон: +996 551 996 600
Почта: orient@travel.kg
orient-travel, 720001, Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek