- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
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…
Tour details
Start time: 8 AM or coordinated
Availability: all year round
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: all inclusive package
1 person (solo private tour) – 3800 USD (see what’s included in “Trip Includes” section)
2 people – 2020 USD p/person
3 people and up – 1600 USD p/person
for larger groups please make an inquiry
Limited availability. Book today on our website!
Explore other tours of Kazakhstan: 3 day tour; 2 day tour; 5 Stans; 4 Stans; Almaty city tour
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We’ll see you on tour!
2026, 2027, 2028
Tour start in the morning
Itinerary
1 Day
Almaty city tour
Let’s explore Almaty city and see what it has to offer. Places that we’ll visit today include:
1 Panfilov Park (the oldest park in Almaty): Zenkov cathedral; eternal fire; Second World War monuments
2 Green Bazaar (traditional market): local shopping; dried fruits; souvenirs
3 Republic Square: national monuments; city administration
4 The legendary hotel Kazakhstan: first tallest building in Central Asia
5 Kok Tobe (Green Hill from Kazakh language): recreation area located on a hilltop; cable car ride; Almaty city panoramic viewpoint
6 Opera and Ballet theatre: old Soviet architecture
7 Panfilov alley: cultural life of Almaty; restaurants / architecture
Well, this is the end of our cultural part of Almaty. Drop off at a hotel (Plaza 4* 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 "Pearls of the Tien Shan”. Hidden among 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 Prestige, Kolsay Grand or similar; depends on availability). Free time for walking around and having a first look at Kolsay. Personal time and dinner at the hotel. Tomorrow, we’re diving deep into exploring both Kolsay and Kaindy lakes.
3 Day
Kolsay - Kaindy Lake - Kolsay
In the morning, after breakfast, we’re 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. Twenty minute walk to the lake itself (by foot or horseback-optional). Free time for enjoying this magical place.
Lunch in Saty village. Next, we’re driving back to Kolsay for its in-depth exploration: hiking through the forest to a panoramic viewpoint. Personal free time in the evening.
4 Day
Kolsay - Kegen - Karakol
In the morning, after breakfast, 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 excursion in the evening: Dungan mosque (1910), Russian Orthodox church (1895). Visit to the natural hot springs Ak Suu. Dinner in a restaurant and personal free time.
5 Day
Karakol - Jeti Oguz - Barskoon - Skazka - Bel Tam yurt camp
In the morning, we’re heading out towards the gorgeous Jeti Oguz valley (Seven Bulls rocks). Driving deeper into the valley of flowers we’ll arrive at “Jailoo” (green summer pasture). Now, it’s time for a magnificent hike (optional horse ride) through forests and uphill to the lovely Maiden Braids waterfall (1,5 hours both ways).
Resuming the road: lunch on the way. Next, we’re visiting the atmospheric Barskoon Valley to do some hiking and explore its 3 waterfalls.
Moving on and visiting the magnificent Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for a fascinating walk. 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 and dinner in a big kitchen yurt. Bonfire time outside under the starry sky. Overnight in yurts.
6 Day
Bel Tam - Ak Sai - Kok Moinok - Chon Kemin
In the morning, 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 Ak Sai canyons themselves to explore its charming Canyon of Forgotten Rivers: light hike to its panoramic viewpoint (1,5 hours both ways). Driving down from the canyons and moving to the wild beach for having a lovely picnic and saying goodbye to Issyk Kul lake: eating, swimming, relaxing.
Next, we’re heading to the mountainous valley of Chon Kemin (2 hours). Visiting the picturesque Kok Moinok Canyon on the way: light walk. Arrival in Chon Kemin and check-in to a hotel (Kemin hotel). Free time for walking around: enjoy the mountainous landscape and some fresh alpine air. Dinner and personal time.
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, we're visiting the famous UNESCO World Heritage site - Burana Tower. We will spend about 40 minutes here: climb onto top of the tower, visit the archaeology museum and walk around the territory to have a look at "balbals" (ancient stones with depictions).
Resuming the road and arrival in Bishkek. Lunch in a restaurant. Next, we're starting our lovely city excursion (3-4 hours): Bishkek offers a vibrant mix of Soviet architecture, spacious green parks and traditional bazaars. Check-in to a hotel (Ambassador; Solutel; City Stay; or similar). Personal free time in the evening.
Well, thank you so much for sharing such a magnificent journey with us! We hope to see you again! Bye!
End of the tour...
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 according to the program
Admissions (museums, parks etc.)
Bottled drinking water: 1L per person daily
Flight tickets
Other meals not mentioned in the “inclusions” section
Travel and health insurance
Other personal expenses
