Bishkek → Karakol via the south shore transfer
The south shore of Issyk-Kul is the road for people who want the drive to be part of the trip: Konorchek or Fairy Tale canyon, the eagle hunters of Bokonbaevo, Barskoon waterfall and Jeti-Oguz red rocks, arriving in Karakol by evening.
- Distance450 km
- Drive time8 h
- Pricefrom $210
Bishkek → Karakol via the south shore: price per car
| Car | Per car one way | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Camry or similar | $210 ≈ 18,400 som | $105 | $70 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Starex / Delica | $260 ≈ 22,800 som | $130 | $87 | $65 | $43 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Land Cruiser / Prado / UAZ | $290 ≈ 25,400 som | $145 | $97 | $73 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $400 ≈ 35,000 som | $200 | $133 | $100 | $67 |
English-speaking driver +$15–20 · return — same price. Prices updated 12 October 2026.
The road
Bishkek → Balykchy as on the north route, then the south-shore road through Kaji-Say, Bokonbaevo and Barskoon. The road was rebuilt in 2023–25 and is good asphalt; short gravel spurs to the canyons.
Worth stopping
- Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon — 1 hour, entry about 200 som.
- Bokonbaevo eagle-hunting demonstration — arrange through us, about 3,000–4,000 som per group.
- Barskoon waterfalls — 1.5 hours, 4 km gravel road.
- Jeti-Oguz "Seven Bulls" rocks — 45 minutes.
Good to know
- Start at 7:30 to fit four stops in daylight.
- In winter the canyons are still open but the Barskoon gravel road can be icy — we decide on the day.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, tolls
- Meet & greet with name sign at airports, 60 min free waiting
- Stops on the way where you ask (up to 1 h in total)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Pay the driver in cash or card — no prepayment for transfers
Bishkek → Karakol via the south shore: questions
Can we do the south shore in one day?
Yes, with three or four stops in a 10–11 hour day. If you want the eagle hunter and the canyon at sunset, split it with a night in a yurt camp at Bokonbaevo.
Is the south-shore road paved?
Yes, the main road is fully paved; the turn-offs to Skazka and Barskoon are short gravel sections a sedan manages in dry weather.
Are entry fees included?
No: canyon and park fees (100–300 som per person) are paid in cash on the spot. Everything else — car, fuel, driver waiting — is included.
Travelling solo? Split the car
Our free travel-buddy board — post your route and dates, find others going the same way, and share the car.