The spectacular Lake Issyk Kul and the vast mountains surrounding it are a perfect destination for hikers. Issyk Kul is the world's second-largest mountain lake. Beyond its beaches and crystal-clear, incredibly deep waters (702m!), the lake offers a spectacular landscape for day hikes or multi-day treks. From one valley to another, you'll discover vastly different, surprising, and magnificent landscapes that you absolutely shouldn't miss during your trip to Kyrgyzstan. Bonus: most of these hikes are also doable in winter, as the southern shore, in particular, receives little snow. Here's our guide to the most beautiful day hikes around Lake Issyk Kul, whether traveling solo or with family:

Grigorievka

A lovely valley on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, Grigorievka is the perfect spot for a day hike. In fact, a road was built here for the 2018 World Nomad Games, so it's even possible to explore the valley by car (or by bike) if you're short on time or energy. This charming gorge, bordered by a river on one side and a steep cliff on the other, offers picturesque scenery and beautiful views over Lake Issyk Kul. You'll find a few yurts where you can enjoy fresh fish or kebabs, and horses available for rent by the hour...

Semionovka

Accessible from the Grigorievka gorge, the neighboring Semionovka valley is equally stunning. Here too, the new road built for the nomad games allows you to cover part or all of the valley by vehicle to save time. It was in this valley, with its entirely different landscape from the neighboring gorge, that the ethnographic village for the Nomad Games was set up, hosting events like archery competitions and wrestling matches. Semionovka valley features vast green landscapes, plains surrounded by mountains—in short, a herder's paradise! You'll likely encounter nomads and their flocks here. From this valley, you can also reach several lakes, including one remarkably formed by an earthquake, whose waters are home to submerged trees...

Altyn Arashan

Near the city of Karakol, to the east of Lake Issyk Kul, the majestic Altyn Arashan valley is perfect for a day hike (or a longer trek). However, you'll need to be fit, as the valley sits at 3400m elevation. Nestled among enormous snow-capped peaks, Altyn Arashan—meaning "the golden spring"—offers visitors spectacular alpine scenery: a small river surrounded by forests, a few yurts, views of surrounding peaks... Most importantly, you can bathe in mineral hot springs that are highly prized—nothing quite like a soak after a strenuous hike!

Jety-Oguz

Just south of Karakol, the famous Jety-Oguz valley is an ideal spot to visit with family. With landscapes unlike any other place in the country—or beyond—the scenery is quite remarkable and has inspired numerous local legends. Upon arrival, you'll see a massive red rock formation split in two, resembling a broken heart. On the other side, you'll spot the "seven bulls" that gave the valley its name. As you climb into the jailoo (pastureland), you'll reach a lovely plain surrounded by forest. From there, a beautiful hike leads to a waterfall equally unique in its terraced formation.

Barskoon

Heading to the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul: the Barskoon valley (meaning "the tears of the snow leopard") is home to a vast forest and two waterfalls, one of the largest in Kyrgyzstan. This valley was also where Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin trained, along with other Soviet athletes.

Skazka

Skazka, or "the fairy tale", is perhaps Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful canyon. On the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, this canyon features fascinating yellow, orange, and red rock formations and offers a magnificent view of the legendary lake. Not to be missed during your journey around Lake Issyk Kul!

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