Issyk-Kul Lake & Terskey Alatau

SUV Tour

Duration: 7 days
Season: May – October
Mountain Range: Terskey Alatau

About the tour:

This seven-day journey connects two mountain cultures — Kazakh and Kyrgyz — through a route full of contrasts: from ancient Silk Road monuments and alpine valleys to red canyons, salt deserts, and high mountain meadows. The tour combines scenic drives and active days outdoors: hiking, exploring waterfalls, relaxing in hot springs, and spending nights in cozy eco-lodges and yurts under the stars. It’s a perfect balance of movement and serenity, adventure and comfort, culture and wilderness.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Cross two Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan — in one seamless mountain journey
Discover ancient Silk Road heritage at Burana Tower and explore the vibrant city life of Bishkek
Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of Salt Lake and wander through surreal Desert Labyrinths
Hike among red sandstone towers of Skazka Canyon and the legendary Jeti-Oguz “Seven Bulls”
Relax in natural hot springs and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz yurt stays
Ride horses across alpine meadows in Jyrgalan Valley, ending each day with tea, stories, and starry skies
Visit the dramatic Charyn Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” on the return to Almaty

PRICE:

1600$ per person for the group of 3
1200$ per person for the group of 4
1000$ per person for the group of 5
800$ per person for the group of 6-7
700$ per person for the group of 8-9
600$ per person for the group of 10-12

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MOUNTAIN RANGE:

Terskey Alatau

SEASON:

May – October

Elevation range:

700 – 3800 m.a.s.l.

Duration:

7 days

Ability level:

Moderate: suitable for active travelers in good physical shape

Start point:

Almaty

meteoblue

Itinerary:

Almaty – Bishkek – Ala-Archa – Salt Lake – Skazka Canyon – Barskoon Waterfalls – Jeti-Oguz – Hot Springs – Jyrgalan – Charyn Canyon – Almaty.

Program Schedule:

Day 1

Almaty – Bishkek – Burana Tower – Bishkek.

Early morning departure from Almaty toward Bishkek. We will visit the ancient Burana Tower, a well-preserved minaret from the 11th century — one of the most significant monuments of the Silk Road. Arrival in Bishkek and sightseeing tour: Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, Victory Monument. Evening leisure in a city café or walk through the green boulevards.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Distance: 250 km
Driving time: 5–6 hours

Day 2

Bishkek – Ala-Archa National Park – Bishkek.

After breakfast, we drive to Ala-Archa National Park, where snow-covered peaks rise above pine forests and alpine meadows. A moderate hike leads along the river to the Ak-Sai waterfall area. Picnic lunch with panoramic views of the valley. Return to Bishkek in the evening for dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Distance: 80 km
Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / −600 m
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Day 3

Bishkek – Salt Lake – Desert Labyrinth – Ak-Sai.

Leaving Bishkek, we head east toward Issyk-Kul Lake. The road crosses semi-desert landscapes and small mountain passes. Our destination is the Salt Lake, whose dense mineral water lets you float effortlessly. Nearby, we’ll explore the Desert Labyrinth, a maze of clay formations shaped by wind and time. Evening arrival at a peaceful eco-lodge hidden among hills and stars.

Accommodation: Eco-lodge
Distance: 300 km
Driving time: 6–7 hours

Day 4

Ak-Sai – Skazka Canyon – Barskoon Waterfalls – Yurt Resort – Barskoon.

After breakfast we continue along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and stop at Skazka Canyon, where wind-sculpted sandstone forms towers and arches in vivid red and orange hues. Further east we visit the Barskoon Gorge, famous for its waterfalls cascading through spruce forest and views toward glaciers above. Short hiking to the main waterfall viewpoints. Overnight in a traditional Yurt Resort with a view of the lake and mountains.

Accommodation: Yurt Lodge
Distance: 150 km
Hiking time: 3 hours

Day 5

Barskoon – Jeti-Oguz – Hot Springs – Jyrgalan.

In the morning we drive to Jeti-Oguz, the legendary “Seven Bulls” red cliffs. A short hike will lead us into the valley with panoramic views of the rock formations. After lunch, we visit natural hot springs, where travelers can relax and enjoy the healing mineral waters. In the evening, we continue to Jyrgalan, a remote alpine village known for its serenity, meadows, and welcoming hosts. Overnight in a yurt camp surrounded by mountains.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Distance: 160 km
Hiking time: 2–3 hours

Day 6

Jyrgalan – Horseback Riding & Sauna – Jyrgalan.

A relaxed day in the mountains. After breakfast, we’ll take an easy hike or horseback ride through Jyrgalan Valley — along rivers and flower meadows framed by peaks. After lunch, free time to explore the surroundings or simply rest in the yurts. In the evening — traditional sauna (“banya”) and dinner by the fire under a sky full of stars.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Elevation gain/loss: +300/−300 m
Activity time: 4–5 hours

Day 7

Jyrgalan – Kegen – Charyn Canyon – Almaty.

Early departure toward Kazakhstan through the Kegen Pass. After crossing the border, we’ll stop to visit the Lunar Canyon and the majestic Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” Walk along the Valley of Castles, admire the sandstone cliffs glowing in the afternoon light. Evening arrival in Almaty, completing our circular journey around the heart of the Tien Shan.

Distance: 450 km
Driving time: 8–9 hours

Required clothing and equipment

CLOTHING:

– comfortable stretchy long trousers or leggings
– T-shirt or shirt with long sleeves
– thermal base layer, top and bottom
– warm jacket with long sleeves (fleece or polartec)
– windproof thin jacket
– neck gaiter
– cap or panama
– thin gloves
– long thick socks
– comfortable mountain shoes (trekking shoes or boots)
– rain jacket or poncho
– swim wear
– sandals or rubber slippers (crocs)

EQUIPMENT:

– trekking poles
– seating mat

ACCESSORIES:

– sunglasses
– sunscreen cream and lipstick
– headlamp
– swim towel
– personal hygienic and bath items

SNACK AND LUNCH:

– food for light snacks along the way (nuts, dried fruits, bars, etc.)
– thermos (0,5-1 l)
– a water container (1-1,5 l)

ADDITIONALLY:

– personal first-aid kit (adhesive plasters, painkillers, individual medicines in the presence of chronic or other diseases)

Services included in the package:

All transfers according to the program.
Professional English-speaking guide.
National Parks entrance tickets.
Accommodation: Days 1-2: hotel in Bishkek (3*), Day 3: Eco-lodge at the Issyk-Kul Lake shore, Day 4: Yurt Lodge or Guest House, Days 5-6: Yurt Camp.
Meals: Day 2: breakfast in the hotel, Day 3: breakfast in the hotel, dinner in the eco-lodge, Day 4: breakfast in the eco-lodge, dinner in the guest house, Day 5: breakfast in the guest house, dinner in the yurt camp.
Hot springs entrance on Day 5.
Horse-riding and hiking on Day 6.
Evening sauna in Jyrgalan on Day 6.
Drinking water.
First aid kit and satellite communication device.

Services does not included in the package:

Food not indicated in the program and/or not included in program price (lunches and dinners on days 1 and 2).
Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program.
Visa support and registration in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, if required.
Insurance policy.
Rental of hiking equipment (available upon request).