Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Highlights Adventure
About this tour
Experience the very best of Central Asia on this unforgettable journey through two countries. Discover dramatic canyons, turquoise alpine lakes, remote mountain valleys, nomadic culture, eagle hunting traditions, horseback riding, hot springs, and breathtaking mountain scenery. This tour combines nature, culture, adventure, and authentic local experiences while traveling along some of the most scenic routes in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Алматы, Казахстан to Саты, Казахстан
Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Kolsai Lake – Saty Village Meet your guide in Almaty and begin your adventure towards the spectacular Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” Explore the famous Valley of Castles, where wind and water have sculpted impressive sandstone formations over millions of years. Enjoy an easy hike through the canyon and return by traditional Soviet-style UAZ vehicle. After lunch, continue to the beautiful Kolsai Lake, one of Kazakhstan’s most picturesque alpine lakes. Surrounded by dense forests, towering mountains, and snow-capped peaks, the lake offers stunning scenery and peaceful walking trails. Optional boating is available. In the evening, arrive in the charming mountain village of Saty. Accommodation: Local Guesthouse Facilities: Private room, private bathroom, Wi-Fi Meals: Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 315 km (5–6 hrs) Walking Distance: 4 km (Easy) Highlights Charyn Canyon – Valley of Castles Kolsai Lake Mountain landscapes of the Tien Shan
Day 2: Саты, Казахстан to Каракол, Кыргызстан
Saty Village – Kaindy Lake – Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) After breakfast, travel to the magical Kaindy Lake, one of the most unique lakes in Central Asia. Formed by an earthquake in 1911, the lake is famous for its submerged spruce forest, whose tree trunks rise mysteriously from the crystal-clear turquoise water. Enjoy a scenic walk around the lake before continuing toward the Kyrgyz border. After crossing into Kyrgyzstan, travel through the beautiful Karkyra Valley and continue to Karakol, a charming town at the eastern edge of Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit local markets, exchange currency if necessary, and settle into your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel in Karakol Facilities: Private room, private bathroom, Wi-Fi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 270 km (4–5 hrs) Walking Distance: 3–4 km (Easy) Highlights Kaindy Lake Karkyra Valley First views of Issyk-Kul Lake
Day 3: Каракол, Кыргызстан to Altyn-Arashan, Altynarasan, Кыргызстан
Karakol – Altyn Arashan Valley After breakfast, enjoy a short city tour of Karakol, including visits to: The historic Russian Orthodox Church The unique Dungan Mosque Local souvenir shops Then embark on an exciting off-road adventure by legendary Russian UAZ vehicle to the spectacular Altyn Arashan Valley. Travel through dense spruce forests, dramatic mountain gorges, and alongside rushing rivers before arriving in one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine valleys. After lunch, relax in the natural hot springs surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery. Accommodation: Mountain Guesthouse Facilities: Private room, shared bathroom, Wi-Fi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 30 km (approximately 2 hrs by UAZ) Walking Distance: 2–3 km Highlights Russian Orthodox Church Dungan Mosque Altyn Arashan Valley Natural Hot Springs
Day 4: Altyn-Arashan, Altynarasan, Кыргызстан to Kok Jaiyk valley, Dzhetyoguz, Кыргызстан
Altyn Arashan – Jeti-Oguz Valley – Kok-Jaiyk Valley After breakfast, return to Karakol by UAZ vehicle and continue to the famous Jeti-Oguz Valley. Admire the legendary “Seven Bulls” red sandstone formations and enjoy an easy walk with panoramic mountain views. After lunch, continue to Kok-Jaiyk Valley, also known as the “Valley of Flowers.” Surrounded by forests, rivers, and alpine meadows, this peaceful valley is one of the hidden gems of Kyrgyzstan. Hike to the beautiful Kok-Jaiyk waterfall or enjoy an optional horseback ride. Accommodation: Traditional Yurt Camp Facilities: Private yurt, outdoor toilets, no shower, no Wi-Fi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 70 km Walking Distance: 6–7 km Highlights Jeti-Oguz Red Rocks Valley of Flowers Waterfall Hike Overnight in a Traditional Yurt
Day 5: Kok Jaiyk valley, Dzhetyoguz, Кыргызстан to Боконбаево, Кыргызстан
Kok-Jaiyk – Barskoon Gorge – Skazka Canyon – Shatyly Panorama – Bokonbaevo Travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Begin with a hike through Barskoon Gorge, famous for its waterfalls, spruce forests, and monument dedicated to Yuri Gagarin. Continue to the spectacular Skazka Canyon (“Fairy Tale Canyon”), where colorful red and orange rock formations create a surreal desert landscape. In Bokonbaevo Village, witness a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most treasured nomadic traditions. Later, hike to the panoramic viewpoint of Shatyly Mountain, offering breathtaking views over Issyk-Kul Lake. Accommodation: Local Guesthouse Facilities: Private room, shared bathroom, Wi-Fi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 142 km Walking Distance: 8–9 km Highlights Barskoon Waterfalls Skazka Canyon Eagle Hunting Demonstration Shatyly Panoramic Viewpoint
Day 6: Боконбаево, Кыргызстан to Ozero Sonkel', Кыргызстан
Bokonbaevo – Song-Kol Lake After breakfast, drive towards the legendary Song-Kol Lake via Kochkor Village and the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,447 m). Upon arrival at the lake, settle into a traditional yurt camp and enjoy lunch. Spend the afternoon walking along the lakeshore, observing nomadic shepherd life, grazing horses, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Optional horseback riding can be arranged. Accommodation: Traditional Yurt Camp Facilities: Private yurt, shared toilets, shower available upon request Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 218 km (4–5 hrs) Walking Distance: 4–5 km Highlights Song-Kol Lake (3,016 m) Nomadic Culture Mountain Passes Traditional Yurt Experience
Day 7: Ozero Sonkel', Кыргызстан to Чон-Кемин, Кыргызстан
Song-Kol Lake – Kok-Moinok Canyon – Chong-Kemin National Park After breakfast, depart Song-Kol and travel north. On the way, stop at Kok-Moinok Canyon, famous for its dramatic red rock formations and beautiful hiking trails. Continue to Chong-Kemin National Park, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful valleys. Upon arrival, enjoy a horseback ride through the mountains and forests, followed by a traditional dinner. Accommodation: Guesthouse Facilities: Private room, private bathroom, Wi-Fi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 196 km (4–5 hrs) Horseback Riding: 1–2 hours Highlights Kok-Moinok Canyon Chong-Kemin National Park Horseback Riding Experience
Day 8: Чон-Кемин, Кыргызстан to Бишкек, Кыргызстан
Chong-Kemin – Burana Tower – Bishkek After breakfast, travel to the historic Burana Tower, one of the most important monuments of the ancient Silk Road. Explore the archaeological site and learn about the history of the medieval city of Balasagun. Continue to Bishkek for lunch and a city tour, including: Ala-Too Square Osh Bazaar Government Buildings Victory Square In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner before transfer to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Driving Distance: 180 km (2–3 hrs) Highlights Burana Tower Bishkek City Tour Osh Bazaar Farewell Dinner
What's included
Included ✔ Accommodation for 7 nights ✔ Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the tour ✔ Comfortable private transportation ✔ English-speaking guide-driver ✔ All entrance fees and national park fees ✔ Charyn Canyon eco-fee ✔ Kaindy Lake transfer ✔ UAZ transfers to/from Altyn Arashan Valley ✔ Eagle hunting demonstration ✔ Horseback riding experience in Chong-Kemin ✔ Bottled water during the tour ✔ All local taxes
Not Included ✘ Accommodation in Almaty before the tour ✘ Accommodation in Bishkek after the tour ✘ International flights ✘ Visa fees (if applicable) ✘ Personal travel insurance ✘ Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks ✘ Personal expenses and souvenirs ✘ Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Languages spoken
What to know
What to Bring Waterproof jacket Warm fleece or sweater Comfortable trekking shoes Small backpack Sun hat and sunglasses Sunscreen and lip balm Personal medication Power bank Camera Long trousers for horseback riding ⸻ Important Information • Central Asian cuisine is served throughout the tour. Vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request. • Please inform us in advance about food allergies or dietary requirements. • Credit cards are accepted in major towns and cities, but cash is recommended in rural areas. • Currency exchange offices and banks generally offer better rates than airports. • Recommended mobile operators: * Kyrgyzstan: MegaCom * Kazakhstan: Beeline • Electricity: 220V, Type C and Type F plugs. • Travel insurance with emergency medical coverage is strongly recommended. Prices can be adjusted depending on accommodation category and group size.
Route & locations
Алматы, Казахстан to Саты, Казахстан