For those who love winter hikes
We will make an unforgettable trip around Lake Issyk-Kul. Let's get acquainted with the culture of the Kyrgyz people, as well as their customs and traditions. And, of course, we will take many walks in the beautiful Kyrgyz nature. We will start our adventure on the northern shore, and finish on the southern one. We will visit not only natural parks and nature reserves, but also cultural attractions of our country.
Embrace the winter wonderland
This program will be adapted considering your wishes. We can make accent on horseback riding or skiing or snowshoeing, or just hiking.
7 Days • Winter tours • Kyrgyzstan
2 people: $1,487
3 people: $1,140
4 people: $966
5 people: $862
6 people: $793
7 people: $743
8 people: $706
Program

Skitouring or snowshoeing in Chunkurchak, and overnight in Chong Kemin
Today you will enjoy the pittoresque road linking the high plateau of Chunkurchak where you can enjoy an half-day hiking with snowshoes or ski-touring. In the end of the afternoon, you will drive to the National Parc of Chong Kemin. Overnight and dinner in a local family house.

Backcountry skiing or snowshoeing in the Chong Kemin National Park
Today you will be able to feel like a Kyrgyz Nomad because you will have a horse that you can ride to higher grounds. You will be able to ski different slopes and get many runs in today. But you can also choose to snowshoe on forest road. Lunch will be had in the mountains with the horseman and your guide. After a full day of horseback riding and touring you will head back to your guesthouse and share dinner with the shepherds family that you are being hosted by.

Through the beautiful canyons Konorchek and hot springs to Karakol
In the early morning, we will start our trip to Karakol. On the way, we will visit the Konorchek canyons which are very beautiful in winter. After that, we have lunch in Tamchy village in CBT. After lunch, we have a good possibility to see petroglyphs in Ornok. Dinner in Karakol. We will try Hogo in Dungan cuisine.

Hiking day in Kashka Suu gorge to the Hot springs
Early in the morning we leave Karakol and go to the Kashka-Suu gorge to start our walk to the hot springs. At the end of the day, after the hot springs, we will go to Chon-Kyzyl Suu to our warm and cozy yurt camp Ak-Tash, where we will spend the night.

Winter day hiking into the Chong Kyzyl Suu valley
In the morning, we walk from lower part of forest till the geo-physical and meteorological station of Chong Kyzyl Suu. We follow a forestry dirty road, in a narrow gorge. Then, the gorge widens and we cross some meadows before arriving at the station built in 1948. After a picnic, we go back down the valley by the same path as in the morning, to the hot springs located halfway. After our bath, our vehicle is waiting for us to return to the bottom of the valley.

Along the South shore of Issyk-Kul lake to Kochkor
We are going on a trip along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. We will visit the golden eagle show, the yurt show, and also take a walk along the shore of our beautiful lake.

Transfer from Kochkor Village to Bishkek City
After a nice breakfast, you will pack your bags and make your way to Bishkek. The first stop along the way will be the artificial lake Orto Tokoi and then Issyk Kul lake. The road will follow through the Boom canyon and in no time you will be in Bishkek. If you wish you have the option to have a 3-hour hike though the Kyzyl Terek Canyon, visit Burana Tower, white water rafting in the Chuy river, or visiting the hot springs in Issyk-Ata. Once you arrive in Bishkek you will be able to have a walk through the city and see some of the many highlights of Bishkek. Overnight in a guesthouse in Bishkek.
Very reliable company and very helpful staff. The trip was tailor made and ended up as an open group tour with Mirbek as a guide. I can totally recommend Nomads Land. The trip was amazing and I have nothing to complain about.
A very nice tailor-made trip. An outstanding French speaking guide and driver. We hope to come back for a longer trip! Thanks again to the whole team!
On your way

Issyk-Ata KG
Issyk Ata valley, with its thermal baths, is located 80 km east of Bishkek. Sanatorium and outdoor swimming pools are the altitude of 1775m. An ideal destination on weekends.
The Issyk Ata valley also offers many opportunities of hiking routes for enthusiasts, routes of mountaineering to the highest peaks of the Kyrgyz Alatoo, start point for trekking to nearby valleys or to Lake Song Kul.

Chong Kemin National Park KG
This park encompasses the entire Chong Kemin Valley. There are many trails still virgin or almost. Several passes between Issyk Kul Lake or Kitchi Kemin Valley.
The total area is 126,514 hectares. Here in the park the river Chon Kemin flows. More than 780 species of plants grow and rare mammals such as snow leopard, brown bear, maral, Eurasian lynx, golden eagle, himalayan griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis), bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), saker falcon and sablefly are found.

Konorchek canyon KG
A small Creek canyon! But you can walk two days around the red cliffs. The main valley named Konorchek, and the small canyon starting from the train bridge named Kyzyl Terek can be visited in 2 hours walk. A good option on the way to Issyk Kul lake.

Issyk Kul lake KG
The Issyk-Kul lake has a length of 182 km, a maximum width of 60 km and covers an area of 6,236 km². This makes it the second largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1,606 m, it reaches 668 m deep.
About 118 rivers and streams flow into the lake. The largest are the Djyrgalan (Jergalan) and Tyup. It is fed by springs, including many hot springs and snowmelt, and it has no outlet. Its south side is dominated by the Tian Shan mountain range of wild beauty. The lake water is slightly saline and level down about 5 cm per year.
The Issyk-Kul lake is an important step on the Silk Road, a dirt road for travelers from the Far East to Europe. Many historians believe that the lake was the point of origin of the plague that hit Europe and Asia in the early and mid 14th. The status of the lake as a place of passage for travelers allowed the plague spread across the continents through the medieval merchants who unknowingly took away the vermin infested with them. Armenian monastery from the 14th century was found on the northeast coast of Lake retracing the steps of a medieval map used by Venetian merchants on the Silk Road.

Ornok KG
Ornok (Ornek) is a small village on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul 18 km from Tamchi and Cholpon Ata. The place has been known for several millennia, the many petroglyphs on the heights of the village are proof of this. You can see the petroglyphs from the side of the road that leads to Chong Kemin Valley.

Karakol gorge KG
The Karakol valley is fully part of the Karakol Natural Park. Located on the south part of Karakol city, from the Altyn Arashan valley till Chelpek valley. The natural park was organized in 1997 to preserve the unique natural ecosystem of the Karakol valley. The main objectives are the protection of plants and animals in the park, typical of the North-East of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the organization of leisure of the population and foreign tourists. The flora is represented by 700 species, 80 of them - trees and shrubs. The fauna are roe deer, goat, fox, marten, ermine, rock partridge, etc. There are included in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan:. Snow leopard, Kumai, saker falcon, bearded vulture, golden eagle. The valley is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Teskey Alatoo, like the peak Karakol (5281 m.), peak Djigit (5130 m.), peak Prjevalski (4283 m.), peak Jukova (4450 m.), peak Telmana (4460 m) and Dimitrova Peak (4450 m). Peaks Djigit and Karakol offer very difficult routes, and a good acclimatization before climbing Khan Tengri or Pobeda peaks.

Ak-Suu hot springs KG
Some 10 km from Karakol, on the top of the village of Ak-Suu (anc. Teplokluchenka), wellknown for curatives mineral water and its sanatorium.

Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station KG
The geophysical station in the valley of Chong Kyzyl-Suu was built in 1948 by Germans, who have been captured in Kyrgyzstan. At that time, there was no way for cars to get to the station, so they had to transport all building materials on camels.
The purpose of the station was already then to observe the glaciers, mountains and the animal world. There worked hydrologists and geomorphologists from many different nations.
During the Sowjetunion many students from Moscow and St. Petersburg came here to get some practice and to write their graduation work. A lot of people got their doctor title due to this station.
Until 1991 there were many geographical expeditions, but for example also expeditions to observe the life of snow leopards.
From 1991 to 2003 it was a kind of a geological institute. In 2007 it got an institute for water problems as well as a hydro-energetic institute.
Until the year 2007 it was being named physical-geographical station, but then it got a new name: tien-shan high-alpine scientific center.
Today they work together with Chinese, American and French scientists. Its current director is Satilkanov Risbek Ablaievic.
Since 2003 they started to work with tourists as well. But even earlier, there have been tourist visiting the station. For tourists it’s got interesting things to see in a wonderful environment, where you do beautiful hikes to lovely lakes. The station has places for 18 people at a time. The inhabitants are very kind, but the life there is without luxury. (No current water, no electricity, outdoor toilet)
Transports can be organized from Jeti Oguz, Bishkek, Karakol, Siutuu Bulak or Djukku.

Skazka Fairy Tale canyon KG
The canyon was named because of its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by erosion into amazing sculptures and formations. Some formations look like The Great Wall of China and you can also find other formations that look like snakes, dragons, sleeping giants and even whole castles. From the canyon you can see a majestic panorama of Lake Issyk-Kul and snow caped mountains. It’s an excellent destination for children and adults because it’s an easy hike close to Lake Issyk-Kul.
Why Should You Go There?
On the way back to Bishkek it’s really worth a stop because of the view of Issyk Kul Lake and the view of the mountains. Its only a short and easy trek with really great view! I recommend it to everyone that goes on the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake.
Address: 4 km from the village of Tosor
Working Hours: 9am-5pm
Cost: 50 SOM
Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Trek Fairy Tale Canyon
Highest Point: 1765m
Lowest Point: 1622m
Total Elevation Gain: 143m
Total Elevation Loss: 143m
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Total Hours Hiking: 3-4Avg
Total Amount of days: 0.5
Approximate Distance: 6km
Transportation: From Karakol to Fairy Tale Canyon (112km) 2 hours by transport
Private taxi cost 2100 SOM one-way per car.
Marshrutka to Balykchy or Bokonbaevo from the South Shore Bus Station and ask the driver to stop at Fairy Tale Canyon (cost 100 – 150 SOM)
*Beware that after 5pm it will be hard to find a marshrutka / taxi.

Barskoon waterfall KG
Barskoon waterfall is a geological protected area located in Jeti-Oguz District of Issyk Kul Province of Kyrgyzstan in 90 km to the south-west of Karakol on one of the tributaries of Barskaun River. It was established in 1975.
Within the Barskoon valley there are two waterfalls on top of the mountain and the mountainside. At the foot of the mountain you can enjoy the beautiful river of Barskoon. During the summer time there yurts built. At the yurt you try Kyrgyz traditional drink Kymys while enjoying the beauty of the landscape Why you should go there?
There is three amazing waterfalls that can be seen within a few hours of hiking. It’s a great one-day activity for anyone. Make sure to bring a lunch and hiking boots.
Address: Barskoon Valley
Working hours: 9am-5pm
Time Spent: 2-3 Hours
- Highest Point: 2300m
- Lowest Point: 1880m
- Total Elevation Gain: 420m
- Total Elevation Loss: 420m
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Total Hours Hiking: ~5-6Avg
- Total Amount of days: 1
- Approximate Distance: ~18km
Transportation:
From Karakol to Barskoon waterfall (100km)
Private Taxi cost 2500 soms per car one way.
Marshrutka from South Shore Bus Station to Barskoon village for 100 soms and walk 15 km to the waterfall.
*Beware that after 5pm it will be hard to find a Marshrutka / Taxi.

Kochkor KG
Kochkor is a town of shepherds located in Naryn oblast 200 km from Bishkek. It is located at 1800m. alt. The city has 17,000 residents. Most of them are shepherds or farmers. With the Kyrgyz hospitality, tourism is an increasingly important for economy. It is a starting point to reach the sights as Lake Song Kul, Sarala-Saz pastures, Lake Koelykoek, the salt mine Chong Tuz, and also the crossroads between Issyk Kul lake and City Naryn. Places for visiting: the women cooperative "Kochkor Kutu" which develops Kyrgyz crafts. Opportunity to see a demonstration of the production of livestock market mouton. The cattle market held each Saturday is always a colorful and lively event,don't miss it.

Burana Tower KG
Burana Tower is seven km. far from the city of Tokmok. It is an 11th century minaret, and one of the first buildings of such type in Central Asia. The original height of minaret was 45 meters. Today the tower is 24.6 meters high, the remaining part came down during an earthquake in the 15th century. In the 10th to 12th centuries, Karakhanids khanate was a great feudal state of Central Asia and Kazakhstan.
The founders, "karakhans", chigil tribes by birth, lived in the Tien-Shan and for a short time of the second half of the 10th century they conquered a large territory. One of the capitals of this state was Balasagun. In Karakhanids' time new towns and settlements were developing, the centers of big cities were improved and Moslem religious buildings were built in the town of Balasagun. Burana tower, mausoleums and other buildings found after archeological excavations are the witnesses of that build up. The town's life declined slowly, people left it, the buildings fell apart and finally in the 15th century it ceased to exit.
Info
What is included
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All transportation in a private vehicle
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All airport transfers
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Accommodation as described in the program
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Meals (3 per day)
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Bottled water (when possible) & tea
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English-speaking trekking guide
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Pack horses with saddle bags & horsemen
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Camping & cooking equipment (tents, mats, gas, stove, etc)
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All the activities listed in the program
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Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program
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Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program
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Domestic flights mentioned in the program
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A contribution to our sustainable development projects
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Organisation of the trip & local taxes
What is not included
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International flights
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International banking fees (PayPal, ...)
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Travel & repatriation insurance
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Visas / LOI (if applicable)
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
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Personal expenses
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Personal equipment (sleeping bag, headlight, personal medication, etc)
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Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)
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Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)
Ready to go?
Book your tour today.
May we help you?
Our trip designers are at your disposal for building your dream! Feel free to contact us.
- Postal address
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Nezhinsky lane 27
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Phone number
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Ecotourism projects
Through various ecotourism projects and initiatives, Nomad's Land aims to increase awareness of ecotourism and responsible travel, for a sustainable development of the tourism sector.


Eco address book in Kyrgyzstan
On this page you can find all the environmental projects in Kyrgyzstan and get useful information about environmental incidents, recycling and more.
ecostan.kg | Public Foundation for Environmental Monitoring and Investigation |
ecomap.kg | Electronic map of environmental incidents |
movegreen.kg | Environmental organization in Kyrgyzstan that conducts public activities on issues related to atmospheric air pollution and its effects on human health and the environment |
Tazar app | Tazar application with coordinates of secondary raw material sales |