Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
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!
Admissions: Tower, museums, ship ride.
English speaking guide
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Our driver and guide will pick you up from a hotel or any other point in Bishkek.
Burana Tower, Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan 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. 30 minutes
Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan 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. 180 minutes
Cholpon Ata, Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan 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. 120 minutes
Bishkek, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 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! 180 minutes
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
237dimitrisa
17 Apr 2023
The tour was amazing! Our guide was very friendly and thoughtful and we had a great time! He speaks very good English which made our conversations very interesting and informative! The boat tour was the highlight of the trip! I definitely recommend it!
Toivo1963
10 Apr 2023
This is an excellent opportunity to see history and nature (ruins and archaeology, museums, and the lake Issyk-Köl of course) in one long day. Thanks, Boca!
TAG17
26 Mar 2023
This tour was done as the second of two x one day tours with Ventura Tours, the first being the one day Ala-Archa/Bishkek City tour.
The logistics for both trips were arranged easily via WhatsApp with the owner Ash and he kept us fully informed during the days before the trip. We were met on both days by our guide Boca and driver Rayim on time at the entrance to our hotel.
On the way to Issyk Kul lake we stopped after about 1.5 hours at Burana tower, here Boca provided information about the history of the tower and the country and the top of the tower gave extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Carrying on to Issyk Kul lake we stopped for lunch where similar to the previous days tours Boca provided advice and explanation of the food, I had the Kuurdak and my wife had Lagman and both were delicious.
Unfortunately while we were having lunch our guide was contacted by the captain of the boat we were due to use on the lake to inform him that as there was no other passengers it would be a private tour and hence if we wanted to still go on the boat we would have to pay an additional fee ($40) for this. We were under no pressure to pay this additional fee however after travelling nearly 3 hours it would have felt like a waste not to continue. I understand that this is outside of the tour companies control however it would have been good to be up front about this when providing the tour cost.
We went ahead with the tour and the lake itself was beautiful with bright blue water and backdrop of more huge mountains! We were slightly early in the season so it was a bit cold on the lake but we were provided with coffee and blankets and the sun was shining so still a fantastic day.
After the tour we also stopped at the Rukh Ordo Cultural centre which was in a beautiful setting however there is not that much to see here. Again however Boca was able to provide insight on some of the various sculptures and monuments.
After this stop it was back to Bishkek which takes about 3.5 hours where we arrived back at our hotel at about 21:00.
Overall we both thoroughly enjoyed the trip, Issyk Kul lake is a beautiful area and well worth a visit however it is a long drive. If we were to go again it would more efficient to be completed as a multiple day trip and see some of the other sights in the area. Also to be aware that there is the potential to have to pay more for the boat if there is not enough passengers. From a guide perspective Boca spoke very good English and was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We would both recommend Ventura Tours.
This tour in
Bishkek
is organized by
Ventura Tours Kyrgyzstan
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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