Kyrgyzstan · Issyk-Kul holidays
Issyk-Kul Beach Holiday — 9 Days
About this tour
'An aquamarine in a silver setting of mountains' — that is how the explorer Semenov-Tyan-Shansky described Issyk-Kul. At 1,606 m it is the second-largest high-mountain lake in the world after Titicaca, and by depth (668 m) and volume the largest mountain lake on Earth. In summer the water is 19–22 °C.
You spend six days in Cholpon-Ata on the north shore and choose your own pace. Optional extras include the open-air petroglyph museum, the local museum, horse rides with a picnic, riding lessons, yacht and boat trips, water sports, a trip to the Chon-Ak-Suu gorge, massage, and excursions to Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and the salt lake Kara-Kol.
Highlights
- Six days on the shore of Issyk-Kul
- Water at 19–22 °C in summer
- Cholpon-Ata petroglyph museum
- Boat trips, water sports, horse rides
- Optional trips to Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and the salt lake
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
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival in Bishkek
Arrival, check-in at a hotel or guesthouse, rest, lunch at a café, city tour and dinner.
02
Day
Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata
Drive along the north shore of Issyk-Kul to Cholpon-Ata. Check-in at a hotel or resort.
03
Day
Cholpon-Ata
Beach day — or add an excursion: the open-air petroglyph museum (drawings from several millennia BC to the 12th century AD) or the local museum.
04
Day
Cholpon-Ata
Beach day — or a horse ride in a gorge with a picnic, or riding lessons at the hippodrome.
05
Day
Cholpon-Ata
Beach day — or a yacht or boat trip, or water sports (jet ski, diving, water skiing).
06
Day
Cholpon-Ata
Beach day — or a trip to the beautiful Chon-Ak-Suu gorge.
07
Day
Cholpon-Ata
Beach day — or an excursion to Karakol (Przhevalsky museum, Dungan mosque, Orthodox church), the Jeti-Oguz waterfall or the salt lake Kara-Kol.
08
Day
Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek
Return to Bishkek. Night in a hotel or guesthouse.
09
Day
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
What's included
Included
Private transfers: airport – Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek – airport
English-speaking guide for arrival, transfers and departure
8 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
Breakfast and dinner every day
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $240 (8 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch
Optional excursions and activities on the free beach days
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide and driver
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Families with children
- Couples and anyone who wants a relaxed lake holiday with optional activities
Difficulty & safety
Easy holiday with no physical difficulty. Nights by the lake can be cool, and the sun at 1,600 m is strong — use high-SPF sunscreen.
What to bring
Warm sweater — nights can be cool
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Swimsuit
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Are the excursions included?
The optional activities are booked separately — choose what you like and we will add it to your programme.
