World of Adventure: Konorchek Canyons & Segiz-Khan — 9 Days
About this tour
An adventure in the red canyon country between Bishkek and Issyk-Kul. From the Kyzyl-Suu gorge you walk through the Suluu-Terek (Konorchek) canyons, meeting herders on the way, and spend a full day exploring fairy-tale canyons with names like 'Hiroshima', 'Skyscraper' and 'Bobsleigh'.
A morning climb to the crater of the ancient Segiz-Khan volcano (4,150 m) is followed by a stone labyrinth down into the Boom gorge — and two relaxing days on the shore of Issyk-Kul in Cholpon-Ata.
Highlights
- Konorchek red canyons: 'Hiroshima', 'Skyscraper', 'Bobsleigh'
- Crater of the ancient Segiz-Khan volcano (4,150 m)
- Stone labyrinth down to the Boom gorge
- Issyk-Kul, the local museum and the Rukh Ordo cultural centre
- Burana Tower and ancient Balasagun
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
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- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival in Bishkek
Airport pick-up, check-in and a city tour with the History Museum and Osh Bazaar.
02
Day
Kyzyl-Suu gorge
Drive to the Kyzyl-Suu gorge; a day for acclimatisation. Night in tents.
03
Day
Suluu-Terek canyons
Through the Suluu-Terek (Konorchek) canyons towards the glacier, meeting herders on the way. Night in tents.
04
Day
Kok-Jar-Suu huts
Along the Kok-Jar-Suu river to the first hut, and after lunch on to the second. Night in tents or a hut.
05
Day
Fairy-tale canyons
A full day exploring the canyons nicknamed 'Hiroshima', 'Skyscraper' and 'Bobsleigh'.
06
Day
Segiz-Khan volcano
Morning climb to the crater of the ancient Segiz-Khan volcano (4,150 m), then over the Suluu-Terek pass into a dry canyon. Night in tents.
07
Day
Boom gorge – Cholpon-Ata
Through a stone labyrinth into the Boom gorge and drive to Cholpon-Ata on Issyk-Kul. Swimming. Night at a resort.
08
Day
Cholpon-Ata
Rest day at the lake; visit the local museum and the Rukh Ordo cultural centre.
09
Day
Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek
Drive to Bishkek via the Burana Tower and ancient Balasagun (10th–11th c.). Night in a hotel.
10
Day
Departure
Transfer to Manas airport.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
4 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
5 nights camping: tents, camp kitchen and a cook
Breakfast and dinner every day
Picnic lunches on trekking, riding and walking days
Pack horses with a horseman for the luggage and camping gear
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $120 (4 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch on travel days
Sleeping bag and mat (ask us if you need to rent one)
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide, driver and horsemen
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Hikers with good fitness — walking days last 5–7 hours
- Travellers who want wild mountain country and nights under the stars
- Photographers — the canyons are spectacular
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 4,150 m. Walking days last 5–7 hours. Drink plenty of water, keep a steady pace on the first days and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness. Mountain weather changes quickly — always carry a warm layer and a rain jacket.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights in the mountains are cold
Hiking boots
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping mat
Sleeping bag
