Immerse Yourself in Issyk Kul Lake: A One-Day Tour Highlighting Kyrgyzstan's Natural Beauty
5.0
45 Ratings
Tokmok
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan with a one-day tour of Issyk Kul Lake. Glide along the endless blue water, visit historic sites, indulge in delicious national cuisine, and create unforgettable memories.
Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Burana Tower - In the morning we’re setting off for our voyage to Issyk Kul lake (230km). On the way, we’re stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage site Burana Tower. This ancient structure dates back to the 11th century so it’s really worth your visit. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here contemplating splendid views from the top of the tower, walking around to see the balbals (ancient stones with depictions) and visiting the archaeology museum with antique artifacts. Resuming our way to Issyk Kul.
  • Issyk Kul - Upon arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of the lake’s northern coast) we’re having lunch at a restaurant. Now it’s time for the cherry on a cake - a stunning ship ride out on the lake. After roaming 4km away the ship will stop at the depth of 120 meters. In the hot season (May-September) you can dive into the water and enjoy a surreal swim (life jackets provided). In the other seasons you will have no less beautiful time on the ship.
  • Cholpon Ata - After this gorgeous experience we’re heading to another fancy place - spiritual center Rukh Ordo which is dedicated to the 5 main religions of the world and Kyrgyz heritage as well. Here you will find a great peace of meditation. Returning back to Bishkek.
  • Bishkek - We’ll arrive in the city at about 8-9pm and after the beautiful day full of experiences you’re gonna be so pleasantly tired. That’s where our tour ends. Drop off at your hotel. Have a good night!
What's Included
  • Admission fees included for the Tower, museums, and ship ride
  • Guided tour with an English-speaking guide
  • Lunch provided
  • Comfortable travel with in-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information

This brilliant 1 day tour is an absolute gem for those who want to see one of the most beautiful lakes in the world but have a limited time in Kyrgyzstan. After gliding along the endless blue water on the ship you will admit that the distance you’ve just gone through to get here was absolutely worth it! Today you will treat your soul at the sites like Burana Tower and Rukh Ordo, try the national cuisine and make lifetime memories on the lake itself!

Location
Burana Tower
Don-Aryk
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(45 Ratings)
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D4264ndjackm
Apr 29, 2024
Trip to Issyk Kul - Great views, delicious food, and excellent driver and guide. Guide was very knowledgeable and took great photos. An amazing Kyrgyzstan experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Astfinj
Apr 22, 2024
Fun and unforgettable trip - Bek was an amazing tour guide. The entire experience was seamless - Lake, boat trip, swim, hot springs. Highly recommended!
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Amel_choco
Apr 21, 2024
One highlight and memorable of my short trip - Everything was really well organized. From the pickup, the journey, the food, the experience as well as the guide. Really give me full experience. The tower, the lake was wonderfull, the story behind the tower, the stunning view of the lake from the boat was one highlight of the day. I wish i have more time to enjoy more trip with them.
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Staseal
Mar 23, 2024
Can’t Blink for a Second! 🤩 - Breathtaking views across changing landscapes. I couldn’t close my eyes during the 4 hour drive because the mountains were so beautiful. You’re paying for a luxury car ride, upscale lunch w/ traditional foods, entry to multiple experiences, and a fantastic host (Boca) whose youthful energy complements knowledge of generations of his country’s culture and history. Don’t forget to check the weather! Boca helped us get sunglasses, swimwear, and blankets to match the varied climate. Plenty of surprises in what you’ll see on the road :)
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Sajanik2
Mar 22, 2024
A beautiful day - Even in cold cloudy weather, this tour was so worth it. I saw so much beauty - pristine waters, rugged canyons, snowy peaks. Also learned a lot about beautiful Kyrgyz culture. My tour guide, Bek, was phenomenal, and his intern, Baiel, was delightful. Highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fiso1986
Feb 28, 2024
Excellent - I had a wonderful time with Bek as my tour guide in Bishkek. He was more than just a tour guide, he was a friend!. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. He showed me the best of the Bishkek city and traditional villages. He also gave me tips on where to eat, shop, and explore. He was always attentive to my needs and preferences and made sure I was comfortable and safe. He was also very flexible and accommodating and adjusted the itinerary according to the weather. He made the tour fun and engaging, with stories and jokes along the way. I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to have an amazing experience in Bishkek. Thank you, Bek, for making my trip unforgettable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bassita2018
Dec 20, 2023
A must do when in Kyrgyzstan! - This one day trip with Bek, one of the guides, was so special, particularly as part of my birthday trip to the beautiful landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. Bek was knowledgeable and kind, making this trip one to remember, especially with allowing us into Kyrgyz culture with brilliant stories and tasty local food!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal13423332189
Dec 18, 2023
Day trip to Issyk-Kul - An incredible trip across Kyrgyzstan! The tour guide, Bek, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and had a strong passion for the local tradition and culture whilst also speaking very good English. I was picked up from my hotel at 8:30am and the vehicle was comfortable with air conditioning. We quickly stopped to get some water and a coffee before heading to Burana Tower. We stayed here for about an hour to walk up the tower and visit a local Yurt - a very beautiful and tranquil place, with a backdrop of mountains and wild horses. We then continued on the road to Issyk-Kul. The journey itself was about 3 hours but Bek had plenty of stories and legends which made the time fly past. As we arrived we had lunch. Being vegetarian the options for food in Kyrgyzstan were quite limited but Bek was able to accommodate this and provide a tradition Kyrgyz meal without meat. After lunch we arrived at a harbour and boarded a boat onto the lake. Once the boat stopped in the middle of the water, Bek and I went for a very quick swim. Being December, the water was freezing but it was great fun! The other people on the boat cheered as we were the only two brave enough to jump in! After the lake we began the drive back to Bishkek, stopping at a honey tasting site and a small restaurant which served traditional, and apparently the best Kyrgyz Kattama in the whole country. As we approached Bishkek at around 9pm, I had decided to get an overnight train to Kazakhstan that evening. Bek messaged some friends to double-check the train was completely safe and would arrive to Almaty on time, and also organised a taxi for me just in case any issues arose. Upon arriving at the station, Bek came in, talked to the ticket office and got me a ticket to ensure that I was completely safe and knew what I was doing. A fantastic service. I couldn't ask for more, he clearly cared a lot. An unforgettable day, would 100% recommended to anyone considering exploring Kyrgyzstan in a short timeframe.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dream62081197841
Oct 14, 2023
Fascinating tour and awesome food - Burana tower was very fascinating. Rukh Ordo was enriching, I find the open-air museum very unique, spiritually enriching indeed amidst the Issyk Kul backdrop. Issyk Khul lake was amazing. The food was awesome, as always, paired with my favorite drink Chalap, made specially toasty with nuts, and fruit tea. My guide Ash was specially knowledgeable and steady companion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer56083361402
Oct 11, 2023
Great trip - Everything is good, Boca the guide was very friendly and tried his best to accommodate us. We had a great time around the lake, also the lunch was super good!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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