One-day tour
Pearl of Central Asia
About the tour
The richest way to see Issyk-Kul in one day: on the way from Bishkek we stop at the red Kok-Moinok canyons in the Boom gorge, have lunch in Balykchy and step onto the shore of the legendary lake that does not freeze even in winter.
The canyon walk takes 30–35 minutes each way — just enough to tire of the wow, not of the climb. Then the beach, the pier, a swim in summer and a photo session with your Manas Tour guide, who knows every good angle.
A long day, 12–14 hours, but almost all of it in an air-conditioned car. Swimsuit and towel are a must; the mood takes care of itself.
Gallery
What's included
Duration
12–14 hours, door to door
Transport
A comfortable car from Bishkek and back
Guide
A Manas Tour guide for the whole route
Entrance tickets
All entry fees along the route included
Lunch
Lunch in the town of Balykchy
Water
Drinking water for the whole day
Not included
Personal expenses
What to bring
Swimsuit, Towel, Sunglasses, A small backpack, Comfortable shoes for the canyons, Sunscreen, Headwear
Tour program
Leaving Bishkek
Hotel pick-up and the road through the Boom gorge
Kok-Moinok canyon
A walk among red clay towers, 30–35 minutes each way
Lunch in Balykchy
A lunch stop at the western tip of the lake
Issyk-Kul Lake
The shore, the pier, a swim in summer, photos
Back to Bishkek
The evening drive home
Price
Tour price
On request
Before the trip
Frequently asked questions
- We select an experienced local supplier and horse handler.
- Equipment: we check helmets for all riders.
- We check load capacity (rider up to 100–110 kg, partner up to 80 kg).
- Distance: approximately 16 km per day. Operation time: 6 hours in mountain conditions; 8 hours on the direct track.
- We do not use birds listed in the Red Book (falcons).
- We check that the proper equipment is available (hood/cap, etc.).
- We do not remove birds from their usual habitat.
- We ensure tourists wear suitable clothing (no hanging elements).
- Drones are not allowed during filming.
- As guides, we hire only local people and provide a fair and safe working environment that supports and respects local communities.
- When hiring guides, we ensure fair pay and working conditions.
- We provide each guide with clear, specific tour instructions.
- All our guides know health and safety rules, how to provide first aid, and what to do in emergencies.
- We hire only qualified guides to accompany our guests when visiting sensitive cultural sites, heritage places, or ecologically sensitive areas.
- All transport used for our tours is selected based on the number of guests and the goals of the itinerary.
- We comply with all requirements of the Kyrgyz Republic law (insurance, permits, etc.).
- We monitor safety and the technical condition of vehicles (including seat belts).
- We track drivers’ driving time.
- We verify drivers’ competence, experience, and reviews.
- We ensure comfort and cleanliness of transport.
- We check the availability of a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and other necessary equipment.
- We follow safe-driving obligations and traffic rules.
- We check that we have the required documents to enter border areas.
- We choose vehicle size and type depending on group size.
- We optimize routes so that vehicle travel time does not exceed what is necessary.
- We select accommodation facilities according to company standards, tour specifics, the budget, and traveler needs.
- All accommodations we work with are owned by local residents, and 100% of their staff are representatives of the local community.
- All our properties are in good technical condition and meet health and safety standards—for example, every place has a first-aid kit and fire-safety equipment.
- Meals are always high-quality and fresh; whenever possible, ingredients are grown and produced in Kyrgyzstan. Meat, vegetables, and dairy products are purchased from farmers living near the accommodation.
- Use locally produced food and drinks, and promote local shopping as much as possible during tours and excursions.
- We respect guests’ dietary preferences (by prior request: we prepare meals considering dietary requirements and allergies, for example vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.).
- We minimize food waste—for example by optimizing portion sizes.
- We reduce single-use individual water bottles. Instead, we provide water from a large dispenser and ask our clients to use reusable bottles. Regardless of conditions, our water is always absolutely safe.
- When serving food at venues and during hikes, we do not use disposable tableware. We use reusable cups, mugs, plates, and utensils.
- For us, guest well-being and satisfaction are extremely important.
- We provide high-quality and truthful information about our products and services.
- We protect private data and guest confidentiality.
- We inform guests before arrival about how to prepare for visiting our country and the specific tour.
- We encourage guests to visit local restaurants and shops and buy local souvenirs.
- We regularly assess our guests’ satisfaction and take action to improve our services and products. In case of complaints, we review them and respond quickly.