- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
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If you have something about a week time and would like to kill two birds with one stone by visiting two countries of Central Asia then this tour is your perfect fit! We have created the most optimized 7 day journey that covers the two brotherly lands – Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. From Almaty to Bishkek, from Kolsay to Issyk Kul, from Charyn to Skazka – numerous must-see destinations and tons of exciting experiences! Grab this gem, sit back and enjoy your vacation…
Details
Start time: 8 AM or coordinated
Duration: 7 days / 7 nights
Level of difficulty: easy – moderate
This is a private tour – only your group will participate
What we suggest to have with you: Summer clothes, warm clothes, baseball cap/panama, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes, umbrella, camera
Prices
1 person – $3760
2 – $1955 p/person
3 and up – $1600 p/person
for larger groups please make an inquiry
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Kicking off our ultimate adventure in the morning!
Itinerary
1 Day
Almaty city tour
Let’s explore Almaty city and see what it has to offer. The first place to visit will be Panfilov Park, the oldest park in Almaty. Next point - Green Bazaar (traditional market) is just a short walk away. Enjoy this vibrant marketplace by tasting Kazakh snacks, trying on national attires and acquiring memorable souvenirs. Republic Square - a significant city site symbolizing Kazakhstan’s independence. Lunch in a restaurant. Medeo - the world’s largest high-altitude skating rinks and ski resort. Using a cable car to reach the top plateau where we’re going to have a nice coffee break contemplating the scenery. Return back to the city center. Kok Tobe (Green Hill from Kazakh language) is the loveliest recreational park located on a hilltop. Riding up to the top in a cable car and spending a beautiful sunset time there. Well, this is the end of our cultural part of Almaty. Drop off at hotel (Plaza or similar). Enjoy your evening time, we'll see you tomorrow!
2 Day
Almaty - Charyn - Kolsay
In the morning we’re hitting the road and making our way towards the famous Charyn canyon - often called the Grand Canyon's little brother (3 hours). Upon arrival we’re having a beautiful time for Charyn’s exploration: hiking and taking pictures. Lunch in a cafe. Moving on and heading towards the enchanting Kolsay lakes (2 hours) that are also referred to as the "Pearls of the Tien Shan”. Hidden among the conifer forests and tall peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, these small alpine lakes are located in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan, along the border with Kyrgyzstan. Upon arrival we’re checking in to a hotel (Kolsay Nomads, Kolsay Grand or similar; depends on availability). Free time for walking around and enjoying the crispy alpine air. Personal time. Dinner at the hotel. Tomorrow we’re diving deep into exploring another hidden gem - Kaindy lake.
3 Day
Kolsay - Kaindy Lake - Kolsay
In the morning, after breakfast we’re hopping in an off-road truck and driving shortly (12km) till our next destination - the famous turquoise lake Kaindy with spruce tree trunks sticking out of water. This picturesque alpine lake emerged as the result of a massive landslide in the area caused by the devastating “Kemin earthquake” in 1911. Fifteen-twenty minute walk to the lake itself (by foot or horseback-optional). Free time for enjoying this magical place. Lunch in Saty village. Now we’re driving back to the hotel. Personal time to walk around Kolsay and enjoy some more of the lakes. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
4 Day
Kolsay - Karakol
In the morning after breakfast, happy and energized, we are continuing our voyage. Driving through the atmospheric, desert-like scenery towards the remote land border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (3 hours). Lunch on the way. Passing through “Kegen” border checkpoint. As soon as we happen on the other side, in Kyrgyzstan, we’re driving to the nearest town of Karakol. Hotel check in upon arrival (Hotel 78, Green Yard or similar). Short city tour in the evening: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895). Visit to a local hand made souvenir shop. Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
5 Day
Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Barskoon - Skazka - Bel Tam yurt camp
In the morning we’re heading out towards the gorgeous Jeti Oguz valley which will disclose to you its legends. Stopping at a breathtaking panoramic point. Driving deeper into the valley of flowers we’ll arrive at “Jailoo” (green summer pasture). Now it’s time for a magnificent horseback voyage through forests and up the mountains to the lovely Maiden Braids waterfall. Lunch and moving on. Visiting the atmospheric Barskoon Valley to do some hiking and explore its 3 waterfalls. Moving on. Visiting the magnificent Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for a fascinating walk. Resuming the road. Arrival at Bel Tam yurt camp that's located on the wild beach of the legendary Issyk Kul lake. This yurt camp has all necessary facilities like: showers, toilets, water sinks, laundry and a bar. Sleeping in a cozy and warm yurt with a murmur of the immense lake’s waves will be one of the loveliest highlights of your trip. Free time for chilling. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Bonfire time outside under starry sky. Overnight in yurts.
6 Day
Bel Tam - Ak Sai - Kok Moinok - Chon Kemin
After breakfast we’re moving towards the nearby Ak Sai village where we’re gonna witness a spectacular eagle hunting process. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and also participate yourself in the archery part. After this experience we’re driving deep into the canyons themselves to explore its hidden and charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. Otherworldly views are insured! Driving down from the canyon and moving to the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake. Afterwards, we’re heading to the mountainous valley of Chon Kemin (2 hours). Visiting the picturesque Kok Moinok Canyons on the way. Free time for walking around, enjoying the mountainous landscape and some fresh air. Check into a boutique hotel with panoramic alpine views. Dinner. Overnight.
7 Day
Chon Kemin - Burana - Bishkek
In the morning, after breakfast we’re heading to Kyrgyzstan's capital city - Bishkek (2 hours). On the way, stopping at the famous UNESCO world heritage Burana tower. We will spend about 40 minutes here: climb on top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around to have a look at balbals (ancient stones with depictions). Moving on. Arrival in Bishkek. Lunch in a restaurant. Now we're going to explore the city. Bishkek offers a vibrant mix of Soviet architecture, spacious green parks and traditional bazaars. Drop off at a hotel after the city tour (Ambassador, Solutel or similar). Dinner. End of the tour. Thank you so much for being a part of such a magnificent journey! We hope to see you again! Bye!
Air-conditioned vehicle with a driver throughout the whole trip
English-speaking guide
Accommodation for 7 nights – hotels, yurt camp
Meals: 7 breakfasts, lunch on day 6, dinners on day 5 and 6
All activities due to the program
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Bottled drinking water: 1L per person daily
Flight tickets
Other meals not mentioned in the “inclusions” section
Health insurance
Other personal expenses