Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs
An open-air field of boulders with ancient carvings of animals and hunters in Cholpon-Ata, on the north shore of Issyk-Kul. Up to 1 hour 15 minutes on site while the driver waits, for +$35 by sedan or +$45 by minivan.
How to get from Karakol to Manas Airport
A private car from Karakol to Manas Airport covers about 430 km in 5 to 6 hours without stops, along the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, with no border to cross. We pick you up at your hotel or home in Karakol at a time worked out from your flight and drive you to the terminal. The price is per car: sedan $175, minivan $220. For groups of 8 or more, a minibus is available on request.
- Distance
- ~430 km
- Travel time
- 5–6 h
- without stops
- Road
- Issyk-Kul north shore
- no border
- Price
- from $175
- per car
There is no border on this route. On the way the driver makes 2 free photo stops of up to 15 minutes by the road, for example at Boom Gorge. A paid stop is a detour with up to 1 hour 15 minutes on site, driver waiting included. Entrance tickets are paid on the spot.
Route and travel time
About 430 km and 5 to 6 hours without stops. We agree the departure time with you based on your flight.
Karakol
Pickup at your hotel or home
Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs
Optional, +$35 / +$45
Issyk-Kul north shore
Along the lake
Balykchy, Green City beach
Optional, +$35 / +$45
Konorchek Canyon
Optional, +$35 / +$45
Boom Gorge
Free photo stop, up to 15 min
Burana Tower
Optional, +$35 / +$45
Manas Airport
Drop-off at departures
Going to a flight at Manas Airport
- Add your flight time when you book, and we work out the departure time from Karakol with you.
- Plan to reach the airport 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic one, and check your airline's requirements.
- The plan allows for any stops you choose. For early-morning flights we can leave Karakol at night.
What you see on the way
Balykchy, Green City beach
The Green City beach in Balykchy, at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul: time to rest by the water or swim in season. Up to 1 hour 15 minutes while the driver waits, for +$35 by sedan or +$45 by minivan.
Konorchek Canyon
Red rock canyons off the road between Boom Gorge and Balykchy, with a walk between the cliffs. Up to 1 hour 15 minutes on site while the driver waits, for +$35 by sedan or +$45 by minivan.
Boom Gorge
A narrow canyon where the Chu River cuts through the mountains, one of the most scenic stretches of the road between Bishkek and Lake Issyk-Kul. One of the 2 free photo stops of up to 15 minutes can be here.
Burana Tower
An 11th-century minaret near the ruins of the ancient city of Balasagun, with an open-air collection of old stone figures (balbals). Up to 1 hour 15 minutes on site while the driver waits, for +$35 by sedan or +$45 by minivan.
Included
- Professional local driver
- Fuel and all transport costs
- Pickup at your hotel or home in Karakol
- Drop-off at Manas Airport
- Child seat on request, free
- 2 free photo stops of up to 15 minutes
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance tickets at sights (paid on the spot)
- Personal travel insurance
Transfer from Manas Airport to Karakol
Same prices and stops in the other direction, with meeting at arrivals with a name board and 60 minutes of free waiting.
See the Manas Airport to Karakol transferQuestions about the Karakol to Manas Airport transfer
How much is a private transfer from Karakol to Manas Airport?
The same as in the other direction: a sedan for up to 4 passengers costs $175 and a minivan for 5 to 7 passengers costs $220. The price is per car, not per person, and includes fuel, pickup at your hotel or home in Karakol and drop-off at Manas Airport. For groups of 8 or more, a minibus is available on request.
Can I book a private taxi from Karakol to Manas Airport?
Yes. You book the whole car: we pick you up at your address in Karakol and drive you to Manas Airport without changes. The price is fixed when you book and is per car, not per passenger.
When should I leave Karakol for my flight?
Add your flight time when you book and we work out the departure with you. The drive takes 5 to 6 hours without stops; plan to reach the airport 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic one.
Can we leave at night for an early-morning flight?
Yes. We work around the clock, so we can leave Karakol at night if your flight is early in the morning.
How long is the drive from Karakol to Manas Airport?
The route is about 430 km along the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Allow 5 to 6 hours without stops; each stop adds time. There is no border on the way.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Burana Tower, Konorchek Canyon, the Green City beach in Balykchy and the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs cost $35 extra by sedan or $45 by minivan each. Each one is a detour with up to 1 hour 15 minutes on site, driver waiting included. The driver also makes 2 free photo stops of up to 15 minutes by the road, for example at Boom Gorge. Entrance tickets are paid on the spot.
How do I book and pay?
Choose your vehicle and any stops on this page, then send the request on WhatsApp or Telegram. We confirm availability and the final price. A prepayment of 40% to 100% is required depending on the route, and cancellation is free up to 72 hours before the trip with the prepayment refunded in full.