KYRGYZSTAN WINTER ADVENTURE

Our adventure begins in Bishkek, where we meet our group

and set off toward the legendary Lake Issyk-Kul. Our first stop

is the ancient Burana Tower, a striking 11th-century minaret

and the last remaining monument of the medieval city of

Balasagun. From there, we continue toward the lake and

make a detour to the dramatic Ak-Sai Canyon, where striking

red sandstone cliffs create a surreal, Martian-like landscape

against the winter sky — a hidden gem on the south shore

near Tosor, perfect for photos and a short walk . After soaking

in these natural wonders, we drive along the south shore to

the village of Bokonbaevo. Upon arrival, we settle into a cozy

guesthouse and warm up with traditional Kyrgyz tea and

bread.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a traditional

eagle-hunting demonstration right here in Bokonbaevo —

December is prime eagle-hunting season, and watching a

berkutchi (eagle hunter) work with his golden eagle against

the snowy backdrop is a truly unforgettable experience and

one of the most authentic nomadic traditions in Kyrgyzstan.

After this remarkable encounter, we continue along the south

shore toward Karakol, Kyrgyzstan's most charming mountain

town.

Today is a day of natural wonders — we stop at Skazka

Canyon ("Fairy Tale Canyon") and then visit the dramatic red

cliffs of Jeti-Ögüz, a landscape straight out of a postcard. We

arrive in Karakol by evening, just in time for a h

Today we will explore the stunning Karakol Gorge, the

gateway to Tien Shan's highest peaks. The day is yours to

choose your adventure — horseback riding through the

snow-covered valley for a true nomadic experience, or

freeride and ski touring for thrill-seekers, conditions

permitting. Whether you're riding through silent snowy forests

or carving fresh tracks, today is about connecting with

Kyrgyzstan's wild mountain spirit.

An unforgettable day awaits as we swap our minibus for a

Soviet-era military truck — the only vehicle capable of

tackling the rugged, river-crossing road to Altyn-Arashan

("Golden Spa"). Nestled at 2,435m and surrounded by snowy

peaks, Altyn-Arashan is famous for its natural hot springs,

and after the bumpy ride there's nothing better than soaking

in steaming thermal pools while snow falls around you. We

will return to Karakol in the late afternoon, tired but

exhilarated.

Today we head to Jyrgalan, a hidden valley quickly becoming

Kyrgyzstan's freeride capital, with terrain gradients of 15–40

degrees and legendary powder that makes it a paradise for

skiers and snowboarders. Depending on conditions and resort

operations, we'll spend the day skiing or snowboarding on the

slopes, or ski touring and snowshoeing with local guides

through pristine backcountry. Evenings in Jyrgalan are spent

in warm guesthouses, sharing stories over hot tea and

home-cooked meals.

After breakfast, we journey west toward the peaceful

Chon-Kemin Valley, but not before one final farewell to the

legendary Lake Issyk-Kul. We drive along the lake's northern

shore, passing through the towns of Cholpon-Ata and

Balykchy, where the vast, ice-free expanse of water stretches

out against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains — a

striking and unforgettable winter scene. We'll pause at a

scenic viewpoint for photos and a breath of fresh alpine air

before continuing our journey. From there, the road turns

south into the mountains, and we arrive in Chon-Kemin by

evening to settle into our guesthouse for a quiet night in the

countryside.

Our final morning begins with a gentle 2-hour horseback ride

through the snowy Chon-Kemin Valley — a perfect, peaceful

farewell to the mountains. After lunch, we drive back to

Bishkek, arriving in the late afternoon, where we say goodbye

to new friends, carrying memories of hot springs, powder

snow, eagle hunters, and the warm hospitality of Kyrgyzstan.