Discover the ancient tradition of eagle hunting and the living spirit of nomadic culture on this immersive 6-day journey through the Tian Shan Mountains along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. This experience combines remote mountain scenery, tent camping near local shepherd families, and a rare opportunity to witness real golden eagle hunting with Kyrgyz berkutchi (Eagleman).
Far from a staged tourist performance, this tour offers a rare and authentic insight into the living traditions of Kyrgyz nomads. Ride on horseback through high mountain pastures, camp in remote alpine landscapes, discover the rhythms of daily nomadic life, and accompany local eagle hunters in their natural environment. Blending culture, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, this journey is an unforgettable way to experience the true spirit of Kyrgyzstan.

Driving distance/time: 200 km, 6 hours (excluding stops)

Your journey begins in Bishkek with a drive towards the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, visit Burana Tower, one of the most famous historical and architectural landmarks in Kyrgyzstan and an important legacy of the Silk Road era. Continue to Kok-Moinok Canyon, where you will enjoy a hike of around 1.5 hours through red-rock formations, winding paths, and beautiful natural scenery. After the excursion, continue the drive to Bokonbaevo. Lunch on the way. Upon arrival, settle in at Beltam Yurt Camp. Enjoy a walk along the lakeshore before dinner. In the evening, experience a traditional dinner accompanied by a live folklore performance by a local Kyrgyz musician family, with a chance to join in the dancing. Overnight at the yurt camp in a peaceful lakeside setting.

Accommodation: shared yurts in Bel-Tam yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

Distance: around 23 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1695 m / -580 m
Horse riding: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the route and meet your local guide. Today your horseback adventure begins through scenic jailoos, wide valleys, and mountain slopes along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. A picnic lunch will be arranged along the way. In the afternoon, ride up to Ton-Ashuu Pass at 4,023 m, where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and Issyk-Kul Lake. After descending towards Uch-Emchek, you will choose a suitable place set up camp and spend the night in this quiet and scenic place, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Kyrgyz highlands. Tonight, you will camp near a shepherd family, giving you a wonderful opportunity to meet local people, observe their daily life in the mountains, and learn more about their traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Kyrgyz nomads have lived in these mountains for centuries, moving with their livestock between seasonal pastures. During the summer months, families bring their sheep, horses, cows, and yaks to high-altitude jailoos, where they live close to nature and follow the rhythm of the land. You may see them milking mares and cows, preparing fresh dairy products such as kymyz, kurut, and butter, or gathering around the fire in the evening after a long day with the animals.

This simple but meaningful experience gives you a deeper insight into Kyrgyz mountain life, where hospitality, horses, livestock, and open landscapes are still at the heart of everyday culture.

Accommodation: shared tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: no Wi-Fi, no shower, toilet tent

Distance: around 26 km
Elevation gain/loss: +860 m / -300 m
Horse riding: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, continue your horseback journey through the beautiful Uch-Emchek Valley. This day offers a real sense of freedom as you travel across alpine pastures, green slopes, and untouched mountain landscapes. Throughout the day, enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nomadic travel and the beauty of the highlands. By evening, you will reach the area near Tosor-Ashuu Pass at 3,893 m, where you will set up camp in the heart of the mountains. Tonight, you will again camp near a Kyrgyz nomadic family and have another chance to experience their daily lifestyle. Depending on the season and timing, you may see or take part in traditional activities such as milking cows or mares, preparing dairy products, or churning butter. Enjoy your dinner and night in a tent. 

Accommodation: shared tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: no Wi-Fi, no shower, toilet tent

Distance: around 22 km
Elevation gain/loss: +860 m / -300 m
Horse riding: 6 hours

Today you will cross the impressive Tosor-Ashuu Pass, with wide views over mountain ridges, alpine pastures, and open highland landscapes. After the pass, descend into the peaceful Jazuu-Kechuu Valley, known for its soft rolling hills and beautiful evening light. Upon arrival, you will set up camp and spend the night in this quiet and scenic place, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Kyrgyz highlands.

Accommodation: shared tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: no Wi-Fi, no shower, toilet tent

Activities: around 7 hours of golden eagle hunting experience and horse riding
Distance: depending on how the hunt goes
Horse riding: depending on how the hunt goes

This day is dedicated to one of the most remarkable traditions of Kyrgyz nomadic culture — hunting with golden eagle. In ancient times, nomadic warriors rode on horseback with their golden eagles and taigan dogs, hunting for days on end across the mountains and steppe. This tradition lies at the heart of Salbuurun, the ancient Kyrgyz art of hunting, which for centuries played an important role in nomadic life. Golden eagles were traditionally used to hunt foxes, hares, deer, and even wolves, providing valuable pelts to help families survive the harsh winter months.

During the Soviet period, this ancient practice was discouraged and nearly disappeared. Thanks to the dedication of local eagle hunters and the Salbuurun Federation based in Bokonbaevo, this unique cultural heritage has been carefully preserved and revived. Today, you will have the rare opportunity to spend time with the new generation of berkutchi and experience this living tradition in the magnificent natural landscapes surrounding Bokonbaevo.

In the morning, you will meet a local eagle hunter and his majestic bird. He will show you how he trains and cares for the eagle, and you will have the chance to interact with the bird while learning more about the history and meaning of eagle hunting in Kyrgyz nomadic culture.

After the introduction, you will join the hunter for a real hunting outing. Together with the berkutchi and his eagle, you will help spot potential prey such as foxes and hares. As this takes place in natural conditions, a successful hunt cannot be guaranteed. However, in around 70% of cases, the hunting experience is very rewarding and gives visitors a good chance to witness the eagle in action. If you are lucky, you may see the unforgettable moment when the golden eagle swoops down on its prey. 

After the activity, finish the horse riding and transfer to Beltam Yurt Camp. Dinner, and overnight stay at the camp.

Accommodation: shared yurts in Beltam yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

Driving time: around 5-6 hours, excluding stops and excursions.

In the morning after breakfast, depart for Bishkek. On the way, visit Aksai Canyon, known for its unusual rock formations, striking natural shapes, and wild beauty. After a walk through the canyon, continue the drive back to Bishkek.