Bokonbayevo – Culture, Craftsmanship and Mountain Tours

Bokonbayevo combines opportunities to experience Kyrgyz culture and craftsmanship with excursions into the mountain landscape. When planning your stay, it is worth taking into account the different durations of the tours and the changing dates of events.

Hiking, Horseback Riding and Yurt Camps

Trekking and horseback riding tours from Bokonbayevo lead to the slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too. CBT offers eco-treks lasting from two to ten days. Destinations include wild hot springs, the small salt lake Chasha Manasa and Kyrgyzstan’s longest waterfall. Check routes and providers locally.

CBT also runs four yurt camps, in locations ranging from the lakeshore to the foot of the mountains. Activities include swimming, fishing and horseback riding, as well as stays focused on relaxation. Multi-day treks and stays in the yurt camps offer different ways to experience the surrounding area.

Shatyly is a destination for a day-long trek or horseback ride with views over the waters of Issyk-Kul. Its duration sets this excursion apart from the two- to ten-day eco-treks; access depends on local conditions.

Salbuurun, Birds of Prey and Folklore

The Salbuurun Festival program includes eagle hunting, archery, Taigan coursing and traditional games. There is also music, throat singing and folklore. Visitors can see hunting birds, Taigan and Alabai dogs, Kyrgyz horse breeds, Arashan sheep, hunting equipment and stone carvings. Dates, the program and the exhibition may vary from one edition to the next; check the dates for your travel year.

Bokonbayevo hosts an annual birds of prey festival with berkutchi demonstrations of hunting with eagles and falcons. The bird festival includes a local felt exhibition and workshops on shyrdak, chiy, ormok, komuz and arrows. Here too, check the dates and format for your planned travel year, as the workshop program varies by edition.

Opportunities to watch felt carpets and souvenirs being made add to the range of crafts; some demonstrations may require prior arrangement. The folklore ensemble performs on the komuz, uz-komuz and other traditional instruments. Local musicians and dance groups also perform for visitors; performers and dates may change.

Scenery in the Surrounding Area

Nearby, Boz Salkyn features alpine meadows and mixed forests with fir trees on the slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too. Access conditions vary by season. Tuz Kol is a salt lake near the shore of Issyk-Kul; access and conditions at nearby locations may vary.

The Skazka Canyons feature strikingly shaped red sandstone formations. Weather and road access are factors on excursions there. Together with the trekking and horseback riding tours, these destinations offer different landscapes: mountain meadows and forest, lakeshore, and sandstone formations.

Accommodation, Food and Getting There

Accommodation in Bokonbayevo includes guesthouses, homestays, hostels and yurt stays. Options include locations near the mountain slopes and lakeshore, as well as guesthouse gardens. Accommodation availability changes seasonally; check what is available for your travel dates.

Family-run guesthouses serve lake fish, lagman and seasonal fruit. Meals depend on the host and seasonal supplies. The town center has cafés, bistros and grocery stores; individual businesses and the food on offer may change. Local hosts also offer workshops on preparing Kyrgyz national dishes. Dates depend on the hosts.

You can reach Bokonbayevo from Bishkek by marshrutka or minibus. Transport is also available along the southern shore from Karakol and Balykchy. Road conditions and public transport services can vary seasonally; check the connection for your travel date.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Grigorievka, Teploklyuchenka, Ananyevo, Barskoon, Kuturga, Balykchy, Tamchy, Chong-Sary-Oy

For the wider travel overview: Yssykköl Region.