Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Tour

Begin exploring Almaty with some of the city’s best-known landmarks. The route may include Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the World War II memorial and eternal flame, Green Bazaar, the Central Mosque and Republic Square. Later, take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill for a panoramic view over the city and surrounding mountains.

Travel into the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains to visit Medeo Gorge and the famous high-altitude skating rink area. Stop near the Medeo dam for mountain views, then continue to Shymbulak ski resort and ride the gondola for a wider view of the alpine landscape. Return to Almaty in the afternoon for additional sightseeing or free time.

Leave Almaty and drive toward Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most dramatic natural landscapes. Walk through the canyon area and enjoy the unusual rock formations shaped by wind and time. Continue to Saty village, then transfer by local vehicle toward Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged spruce trees and mountain setting. Overnight in a guesthouse in Saty.

Visit Kolsay Lake, often described as one of the pearls of the northern Tian Shan. Enjoy a short walk near the first lake, with optional boating when available. Later, continue toward the Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan border near Kegen and Karkara. After crossing into Kyrgyzstan, drive through scenic mountain landscapes to Karakol. In the evening, enjoy a local dinner experience.

Start with sightseeing in Karakol, including the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, Dungan Mosque and local bazaar if timing allows. Continue to Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red rock formations and alpine meadows. Visit Barskoon Gorge and learn about yurt-making traditions, then stop at Skazka, or Fairy Tale Canyon, before reaching Bokonbaevo for an overnight stay near the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Meet a local eagle hunter and learn about the traditional Kyrgyz practice of hunting with golden eagles. Continue to Kochkor for lunch, then drive into the mountains toward Son-Kul Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by summer pastures. The evening introduces the rhythm of nomadic life, with dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.

Spend the morning around Son-Kul Lake and enjoy a horse-riding experience with a local horse guide. The surrounding pastureland is dotted with yurts, livestock and wide mountain views. After lunch at the camp, drive to Naryn, a mountain town set along the Naryn River, and overnight at a hotel.

Depart early for the remote Kel-Suu Lake area, close to the Chinese border zone. This high mountain region is known for its unusual green-blue lake, dramatic cliffs and open pastures. Walk or optionally ride by horse toward the lake area, enjoy a picnic-style lunch and explore the scenery before returning to the yurt camp for dinner and overnight.

Enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere of the Ak-Sai Valley, where nomadic families and shepherds spend the summer season with their animals. Later, drive back toward Kochkor. On arrival, take part in a traditional felt carpet demonstration, where local women explain how shyrdak carpets are made. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse, with possible folklore elements in the evening.

After breakfast, drive toward Burana Tower, an important historical complex connected with the ancient city of Balasagun. Continue with a local family lunch and, when arranged in advance, an introduction to Kok-Boru, Kyrgyzstan’s famous horseback team game. Arrive in Bishkek, check in at the hotel and enjoy free time in the capital.

Travel to Ala-Archa National Park, a mountain gorge close to Bishkek where travelers can enjoy fresh air, alpine scenery and an easy walk of around one to one and a half hours. Return to Bishkek for lunch and continue with city sightseeing, including Osh Bazaar, Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, the old square with Lenin statue, Oak Park and the Central Mosque.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. This concludes your Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan journey through cities, canyons, lakes, mountain pastures and local cultural traditions.