Issyk-Kul Marathon Tour Run The Silk Road - Trip around Lake Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul Marathon Tour Run The Silk Road

Trip around Lake Issyk-Kul— 2027

Issyk-Kul Marathon Tour Run The Silk Road
(Trip around Lake Issyk-Kul)

Issyk-Kul Marathon: Sport, Mountains and a Journey Through Kyrgyzstan. 10 days of active experiences and the stunning nature of Central Asia

This tour is designed for those who want more than just taking part in a race. It is a full-scale journey across Kyrgyzstan, where sport blends naturally with mountains, lakes, canyons, and the cultural heritage of the Great Silk Road.

You will run against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Issyk-Kul and surrounding mountains, recover in a sauna and hot mineral springs, and then continue with an immersive route around the lake featuring trekking, mountain gorges, yurts, and untouched landscapes.

The tour is perfect for both runners and accompanying travelers, offering a comfortable pace, well-planned logistics, and a balanced mix of activity and relaxation.

You can choose your distance:

  • 42 km 195 m
  • 21 km 097 m
  • 10 km
  • 3 km
  • 10 km Nordic Walking
  • Children's Race (up to 13 years old)

 

Why choose this tour

  • Participation in the official Issyk-Kul Marathon
  • Extended itinerary around Lake Issyk-Kul
  • Trekking, mountain gorges, yurts, and canyons
  • Comfortable logistics and a professional guide
  • An ideal balance of sport, travel, and relaxation

 

Want to run a marathon and discover the real Kyrgyzstan?

Contact us and we’ll share all the details, help you prepare, and secure your place on the tour.

Available dates

Travel details

Intensity Level 2
Season spring
Begins Bishkek
Ends Bishkek
Airport in Аэропорт Манас (FRU)
Airport out Manas Airport (FRU)
Wildlife mountain goats, marmots, birds, predator birds, rodents, hares, snakes, wolves, foxes

Price: Price coming soon

Great for Individuals Couples Families

This tour is designed for those who want more than just taking part in a race. It is a full-scale journey across Kyrgyzstan, where sport blends naturally with mountains, lakes, canyons, and the cultural heritage of the Great Silk Road.

What is included:

  • Transfer: Bishkek airport – Issyk-Kul – Bishkek.
  • All other transfers.
  • Accommodation in 3* hotel in Bishkek, hotel or resort at Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol, yurt in the Jety-Oguz Gorge, Guest House in Tamga village based on double/twin accommodation.
  • Meals according to the program.
  • Proffesional guide.
  • Route inspection.
  • Sauna at the resort or hotel (1 visit).
  • Entrance fees to the sightseeing sites according to the program.
  • Eagles show in Bokonbaevo village.

What is not included:

  • International air flights.
  • Visa or visa support arrangement (if required).
  • Insurance (COMPULSORY!).
  • Single supplement.
  • Personal expenditures.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Changes to the program.
  • Tips, incl. for baggage carrying.
  • Hot springs.
  • Any gear rental.
  • Registration and Fee for the Marathon.
Day
1

Bishkek – Issyk-Kul via Burana Tower. Meeting at Manas International Airport and transfer to Lake Issyk-Kul (approx. 306 km, ~5.5 hours).
On the way, we stop at the ancient Burana Tower, a 12th-century minaret from the city of Balasagun, once an important center of the Great Silk Road. We explore archaeological ruins, visit a small museum, and see balbals - ancient Turkic stone statues.
The journey continues through the scenic Boom Gorge to Cholpon-Ata small city or a nearby resort. Lunch en route, check-in, and free time.


Meals: – / Lunch / Dinner

Day
2

Course inspection and cultural program. After breakfast, we collect race starter packages and review the marathon and half-marathon routes.
Then we visit the Open-Air Petroglyph Museum and the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center, which unites five world religions. Its galleries, architecture, and atmosphere make it one of the most impressive sites around Issyk-Kul lake.
Return to the hotel and preparation for race day.


Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
3

Race Day. Transfer to the starting area, warm-up, and entry into the starting cluster - the main event begins!
Each finisher receives a personal welcome, a medal, and takes part in the award ceremony. After the race - sauna and relaxation.
Overnight at the hotel or resort.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
4

Lake Issyk-Kul and outdoor activities. A free day by the lake or an easy trek to Aral Gorge (4–5 hours). Swimming, relaxation, and optional visits to mineral hot springs.


Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
5

Cholpon-Ata – Karakol via mountain gorges. Transfer to Karakol (160 km, ~3 hours) with visits to Grigorievskoye and Semenovskoye Gorges. Crossing Kok-Bel Pass (2,375 m) and trekking to Suttuu-Bulak Lake (about 3 hours). Picnic by the lake.
Check-in at a hotel in Karakol.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
6

Karakol – Jety-Oguz Gorge. City tour of Karakol and a visit to the Przhevalsky Museum. Then transfer to Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls.”
Accommodation in yurts and a hike to a waterfall.
Overnight in yurts (2 people per yurt).

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
7

Southern shore of Issyk-Kul – Tamga. On the way, visit Barskoon Gorge, trekking to the waterfalls “Manas’ Bowl” and “Tears of the Snow Leopard,” followed by a stop at a panoramic viewpoint.
Arrival in Tamga, rest, and sunset by the lake.


Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
8

Return to Bishkek. En route — exploration of the Fairy Tale Canyons, then a stop in Bokonbaevo to watch a traditional eagle hunting show.
Arrival in Bishkek and hotel check-in.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
9

Bishkek and Ala-Archa National Park.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day
10

Departure. Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

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What to pack?

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Logistics

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720021, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, Lineinaya str. 1a