Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
9 days, Bishkek to Almaty
Itinerary
Day 1Bishkek
Arrive at any time.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's artsy capital and cultural hub, situated at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Grand Hotel Bishkek (or similar)
Day 2Bishkek/Chon Kemin
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a cozy guest house run by Karal Dobo Villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.
City Tour
Check out some of the main highlights of this Soviet-esque capital city. Learn about the history of the city and daily life.
Burana Tower Visit
Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large miniaret about 80km from Bishkek, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remains of the 9th century city of Balasagun.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Chon Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Chong-Kemin/Song Kul
In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.
Weather related conditions may limit access to the Song Kol mountain pass in May and June. If the pass is closed, the group will instead overnight at a yurt stay near Issyk Kol Lake.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt
Enjoy overnighting in a traditional felt yurt. Get comfortable in this multi-share round tent that fit up to 4 people and cozy up by the stove. Experience daily life of the nomads and sample some of their delicious cuisine.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Hiking in Song Kül
FreeExplore the scenic mountain views and pastures on foot, getting up close and personal with breathtaking nature.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Song Kul/Tamga
Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to enjoy lunch together with a local family. After lunch, head to the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon. Walk through the striking rock formations and take some beautiful photos. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol’ Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.
Tamga village was once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Stop halfway in Kochkor village for a Kyrgyz felt-making workshop.
Lunch with Local Family in Kochkor
Enjoy an intimate lunch with local family in Kochkor Village.
Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon
On the Southern Shore of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. It's nickname speaks for itself, with natural rock formations that tower like princess castles in faraway lands.
Your Local Living Moment: Tamga Village Stay
Spend the night at a guesthouse in Tamga Village situated along Issyk Kul Lake. Surrounded by mountains and often used as a base for trekking, this village offers a touching glimpse into local Kyrgyz life.
Accommodation
Anyutaika Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Tamga/Karakol
This morning we head to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre, a G for Good supported organization, to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. Continue the drive to Jety Oguz, where we stop to visit the beautiful Seven Bulls rock formations, enjoy a picnic lunch with a stunning view and hike to the Jety Oguz viewpoint. Finish the drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol and enjoy a city tour upon arrival, visiting notable sites like the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.
Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration
Visit the Ak-Orgo workshop, a G Adventures-supported project working to preserve Kyrgyz traditions and create employment opportunities in Barskoon. Observe how traditional yurts are built.
Jety Oguz & the Seven Bulls
Visit the stunning Seven Bulls in the Jety Oguz mountain area. Watch as the bright red sandstone seemingly changes color hues as the sun reflects off the unique rock formations. We'll have a picturesque picnic lunch in the valley that is blanketed in colorful flowers in the spring. Then hike to the Jety Oguz view point on a 1.5 hour roundtrip moderate hike.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Stop first in Barskoon village before continuing on to Karakol.
Karakol City Tour
Jump on a mini-bus and see what Karakol has to offer. Stop by the Russian Orthodox Cathedral to admire the unique architecture. This beautiful wooden church was built in 1895, after the old structure was destroyed by an earthquake, and is still used for services on Sundays. Next, visit the colourful Dungan Mosque originally built in 1910 that almost resembles a Buddhist temple. This is the only mosque in the area and definitely worth checking out.
Accommodation
Caravan Hotel Karakol (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Karakol/Saty Village
Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a 4x4 vehicle for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Saty Village Stay
Be immersed in Kazakh culture during a homestay near the Kolsay Lakes National Park. Eat a traditional dinner and marvel at the mountain range and forests surrounding the village.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Hiking in Kolsay Lakes National Park
FreeExplore the many lakes throughout the National Park. Unique views of the Tian Shan mountain range, Kolsay River, and the famous Kaindy Lake will not disappoint.
Accommodation
Saty Village Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Saty Village/Almaty
Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrival in Almaty, join your CEO for an orientation walk around your hotel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Charyn Canyon Visit
Enjoy the views of the beautiful Charyn Canyon. Breathe the fresh air and snap a few photos of this stunning landscape.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Otrar Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Almaty
Explore the amazing city of Almaty on a city tour, visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue the adventure through Almaty. Opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.
Almaty City Tour
Get to know Almaty on a city tour, visiting the most stunning sights. Stop by the colourful Ascension Cathedral, constructed entirely of wood without the use of any nails. It survived an earthquake in 1911 and continues to stand today. Walk through Panfilov's Park and the historical part of the city. Visit the new part of Almaty known as Independence Square, and stop by the WWII Memorial.
Free Time
Enjoy the afternoon free to explore Almaty.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Zelyony Bazaar
Also known as the "Green Bazaar," this was once a key trading centre in the city. Explore this traditional outdoor Kazakh market and roam around the varied stalls. Find anything from local spices and meats to souvenirs or furniture. Stay for a meal or opt to sip on tea while watching the hustle and bustle of the market unfold.
Accommodation
Otrar Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Almaty
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.