2-Day Issyk-Kul Lake Tour from Bishkek: Yurt Stay & Eagle Show

A berkutchi demonstrates centuries-old eagle hunting the moment you arrive at the lake.

A 2-day tour from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake combines cultural and natural sights: Burana Tower, Boom Gorge, Fairy Tale Canyon, and Barskoon Waterfall, with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt and a live eagle hunting demonstration by a local hunter. The tour includes an English or Russian-speaking guide, all transport, meals, and accommodation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek to Bokonbaevo with cultural stops

• Meet guide in Bishkek
• Drive to Burana Tower
• Explore Burana Tower and museum
• Drive through Boom Gorge
• Stop at Orto-Tokoy Reservoir
• Watch traditional eagle hunting show
• Overnight stay in yurt camp
• Enjoy traditional Kyrgyz dinner

Day 2: Fairy Tale Canyon and Barskoon Gorge

• Breakfast at yurt camp
• Drive to Fairy Tale Canyon
• Hike and explore Fairy Tale Canyon
• Visit Barskoon Gorge and monuments
• Hike to Barskoon Waterfall
• Drive back to Bishkek with lunch stop

The experience

You start in Bishkek and drive 1.5 hours to Burana Tower, a 10th-century minaret surrounded by ancient balbals and petroglyphs. The tower sits in the Chüy Valley, and you can climb it for views across the plains. From there, the route follows the Chu River through Boom Gorge, where dramatic cliffs rise above the water, then stops at Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, the first artificial reservoir built in Kyrgyzstan. By evening you reach Bokonbaevo on the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, where a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) demonstrates the centuries-old art of hunting with golden eagles. A tradition that has survived for generations in the Kyrgyz mountains.

You sleep in a yurt at a guesthouse or yurt camp, with a homemade Kyrgyz dinner and breakfast included. The second day begins with a drive along the lake's scenic south shore to Fairy Tale Canyon, known for its colorful rock formations sculpted by wind and time into shapes that resemble castles and animals. A short, easy hike lets you walk through the canyon and see Issyk-Kul spread below. Next is Barskoon Gorge, surrounded by dense pine forest and alpine terrain. A short hike inside the gorge leads to Barskoon Waterfall, where fir trees and rocky cliffs frame the water. You have lunch on the return drive to Bishkek, with more views of the lake and mountains along the way.

The guide speaks English or Russian and travels with you the entire two days. Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle. Bottled water is provided throughout, and WiFi is available on board.

What’s included

• The tour includes pickup from Bishkek.
• an English or Russian-speaking guide for both days.
• air-conditioned transport.
• entry to Burana Tower and all natural sites.
• overnight accommodation in a traditional yurt.
• homemade Kyrgyz dinner and breakfast.
• bottled water throughout the trip.
• and a live eagle hunting and archery demonstration.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Magic Tours KG

Is this one for you?Book this if you want four distinct stops (tower, canyon, waterfall, and eagle hunting) plus a yurt night, all in a fixed two-day loop from Bishkek with a local guide included.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is Burana Tower and what can you do there?

Burana Tower is a 10th-century minaret and one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest architectural monuments, located in the Chüy Valley about 1.5 hours from Bishkek. You explore the site's ancient balbals (stone figures) and petroglyphs, visit a small museum with artifacts from the Karakhanid era, and climb the tower itself for panoramic views across the valley.

What happens during the eagle hunting demonstration?

A local berkutchi (eagle hunter) showcases the centuries-old art of hunting with golden eagles, offering insights into this traditional nomadic practice. The demonstration takes place in Bokonbaevo on the evening of day one, after you arrive at Issyk-Kul Lake.

What is Fairy Tale Canyon like?

Fairy Tale Canyon, also called Skazka Canyon, features colorful rock formations naturally sculpted by wind and time into shapes resembling castles, animals, and other figures. You take a short, easy hike through the canyon with views of Issyk-Kul Lake and the surreal landscape surrounding you.

Where do you stay overnight and what is included?

You stay overnight in a traditional yurt at a guesthouse or yurt camp in Bokonbaevo on the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The accommodation includes cozy bedding and natural surroundings, plus a homemade Kyrgyz dinner and breakfast.

How long is the hike to Barskoon Waterfall?

Barskoon Waterfall requires a short hike within Barskoon Gorge, which is surrounded by dense pine forests and alpine scenery. The waterfall sits among fir trees and rocky cliffs and is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the region.