One-day adventure to the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake
From 100 USD per person
Tour Overview
Escape Bishkek for a full day of lakeside discovery, history, and nature.
This carefully curated journey takes you to Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic natural wonder — Issyk-Kul Lake — with stops at key cultural and historical landmarks along the way.
From ancient petroglyphs to modern open-air museums, and a scenic boat ride on crystal-clear water, this tour is a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup
Begin the day with pickup from your hotel in Bishkek.
Burana Tower Stop
Visit the historic tower and open-air museum on the way to the lake.
Drive to Issyk-Kul
Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Chuy Valley and mountain passes.
Petroglyph Site
Explore the ancient petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata with your guide.
Rukh Ordo
Tour the cultural complex and take in the lakeside art and architecture.
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Cholpon-Ata.
Boat Ride on the Lake
Relax during a 30–45 minute boat ride with beautiful views.
Return to Bishkek
Drive back to your hotel by evening.
What to expect
Bishkek
Your friendly guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your memorable journey. We'll first travel to the historic Burana Tower near the small town of Tokmok, about 80 km from Bishkek. As you travel, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the Tien Shan mountains, especially on clear days. Passing through Tokmok, you’ll notice Soviet-era monuments and learn about its fascinating history as a significant industrial city. Along the way, you'll experience local village life and picturesque landscapes.
Burana tower
Explore Burana Tower, an ancient minaret and a symbol of Kyrgyzstan’s rich past. Your guide will share stories about the mausoleums and archaeological sites surrounding the tower. You can climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the Chui Valley and Tien Shan mountains. Visit the small museum showcasing artifacts and an open-air exhibit featuring ancient stone carvings and rock drawings.
Boom gorge
Next, you'll travel through Boom Gorge, a stunning landscape that connects the Chui Valley and Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy diverse scenery with lush green hills and dramatic clay canyons carved by the powerful Chu River. Here, you'll take a break to enjoy traditional Kyrgyz snacks—kattama (a tasty puff cake) and tea prepared in a Russian samovar.
Issyk-Kul Lake: Ruh-Ordo and Petroglyphs
Upon arriving at Cholpon-Ata, the main town on Issyk-Kul’s northern shore, you'll visit the Historical Museum to learn about Kyrgyzstan’s fascinating history. Then, explore the impressive open-air museum with ancient petroglyphs—stone drawings dating back from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Set at the foot of the scenic Kungei Alatau mountains, the site offers panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake. Your guide will also take you to the unique cultural center, Rukh Ordo, a peaceful place blending various religions, cultures, and histories.
Cholpon-Ata
The highlight of the tour - enjoy the second alpine lake in the world on a boat. You will be inspired by the captivating view of the lake surrounded by snowy mountains of Tian Shan. For swimming fans, there will be a short break when they can submerge into cool and transparent water (safety vests are provided).
Natural Hot Springs
The tour to Cholpon-Ata continues by visiting natural hot springs. Immerse yourself in warm mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties. Enjoy a range of spa procedures, including massages and piling, for ultimate relaxation. Leave feeling refreshed and renewed
Bishkek
We’ll arrive in the city at 9-10pm and after the beautiful day full of experiences you’re gonna be so pleasantly tired. That’s where our tour ends. Drop off at a hotel. Have a good night!
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private vehicle with driver
  • English-speaking cultural guide
  • Entrance to Burana Tower, Petroglyph site, and Rukh Ordo
  • Boat ticket
  • Bottled water & Lunch
Pricing
Private tour
$200 USD per person​
Group of 2 people
$125 USD per person
Group of 3-4 people
$100 USD per person
Group of 5 or more people​
By Request
Additional Information
  • Duration:
    Full-day tour (approx. 11–12 hours)
  • Language
    English
  • Activity level
    Easy – mostly light walking
  • Distance
    Approx. 270 km round-trip
  • What to bring
    Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, warm layer (windy near the lake)
Contacts:
Телефон: +996 551 996 600
Почта: orient@travel.kg
orient-travel, 720001, Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek