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Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

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Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

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Description

Explore the old Silk Route in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with this nine-day adventure full of stunning natural landscapes, chances to connect to local people and delicious traditional cuisine. With a knowledgeable local leader by your side, you’ll visit Sharyn Canyon, Skazka Canyon and Jety Oguz Valley and go on hikes to soak up the scenery. Spend a night in a traditional yurt camp on the edge of the massive alpine lake of Issyk Kul and learn how these camps are still manufactured without electric tools. See the monuments, learn the histories and dive into the local cultures of main cities like Bishkek and Almaty. Visit a family-owned winery for a tasting, head to a small local village for a traditional lunch and enjoy a masterclass of local cuisine from a Dungan family. With all this and more, what’s holding you back from your next adventure?

Trip Name
Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Head off the tourist track and see some incredible natural landscapes – visit Sharyn Canyon (affectionally known as the little brother of the Grand Canyon), Jety Oguz, Skazka Canyon and Lake Issyk Kul.
  • Soak up some of the layered history and diverse architecture of two former Silk Route cities – Almaty in Kazakhstan and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.
  • Spend a memorable night in a comfortable yurt camp. You’ll have dinner around the campfire with the locals and wake up in the morning beside Lake Issyk Kul – the second-largest alpine lake in the world!
  • Meet local artisans keeping traditional craftsmanship alive – chat with a local yurt maker and learn how they make these tents without electric tools, see how felt rugs are made and visit a leather workshop.
  • Feast on delicious local cuisine with visits to a family-owned winery in Almaty, a family home of local Dungan people for dinner and a traditional lunch in a remote Kyzyl Tuu Village.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Almaty
Salemetsiz be! Welcome to Kazakhstan! Your adventure begins in Almaty – this former capital features wide, tree-lined streets, numerous parks and views of snow-capped mountains. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you may want to visit the State Museum of Arts, the State History Museum or the Kasteev House Museum – the most famous Kazakh artist from Soviet times. After your meeting, you’ll have dinner with your group at a traditional Kazakh restaurant.
Day 2 - Almaty
Today, you’ll head out with a local guide for a city tour of downtown Almaty. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral (the second-tallest wooden building in the world) in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against German tanks in WWII. After, visit the upper part of the city for panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains, and see Medeu – the famous high-altitude skating rink. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to explore at your own pace.
Day 3 - Bishkek
After breakfast this morning, you’ll leave Kazakhstan for Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at a nomadic centre outside Bishkek. Learn about Kyrgyz culture, taste traditional baursaks (fried dough) and watch a demonstration of nomadic weapons and armour. Marvel at a few traditional equestrian games including archery on horseback and trick riding that includes Tenge Ilu (picking up coins from the ground while riding)! Then, settle down for lunch or dimlama (a hearty, meaty stew), plov (rice) and samsa (a savory pastry). After, carry on to Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan that borders Central Asia’s Tian Shan range. When you arrive in the late afternoon, head straight out for an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then you can enjoy a free evening.
Day 4 - Bishkek
Embark on a half-day city tour of downtown Bishkek today. Meet with a local Bishkek guide and head out to see Ala-Too Square and the statue of Manas – the hero of heroes for the local Kyrgyz people. See the Russian Orthodox church, one of the only few Lenin statues left in all the ex-USSR countries, Oak Park (the oldest park in the country), the Opera house and Victory Square with its eternal flame dedicated to WW2. Then, it’s time for a kurak masterclass – this traditional form of patchwork sewing and quilting is considered an important symbol of Kyrgyz identity and women’s artistic heritage. Create your own kurak brooch and learn the story behind the different patterns and colours. Tonight, join your group for dinner in Bishkek.
Day 5 - Issyk Kul
After a relaxed breakfast today, you’ll start the drive to Lake Issyk Kul – one of the largest lakes in the world, 178 km (111 mi) long and 60 km (37 mi) wide. Along the way, stop at Burana Tower – a large minaret in the Chuy Valley – and visit the monument and museum. After, stop for a traditional homemade lunch near the lake and maybe have the chance to play some local Kyrgyz games. After, you’ll continue to your yurt accommodation for the night. When you arrive, maybe take a walk with your group to admire the landscape or just relax before gathering around the campfire for dinner under the stars in this special remote spot.
Day 6 - Karakol
Today, you’ll continue to Kyzyk Tuu village. When you arrive, meet with a local craftsman who keeps the ancient tradition of yurt-making alive. Head to a workshop where the craftsman will show you how they’re made with no electrical tools, including the process of making kiiz (the felt layers that cover the yurt). Maybe even have a go at assembling your own! Then, head to Karakol – the furthest eastern outpost of former Tsarist Russia and later, of the USSR. On the way, visit Skazka Canyon (which translates to Fairytale Canyon) to soak in the rugged stone peaks that contrast the meadows and alpine lakes that make so much of Kyrgyzstan’s landscape. Keep going to Karakol – this town was founded as a Russian military outpost and still has a few ‘gingerbread houses’ along its scenic streets. After a fun and busy day, the evening is free to do as you wish.
Day 7 - Karakol
Today you’ll head out of town to the Jety Oguz Valley – its name means ‘seven bulls’ in reference to the seven red-brown cliffs you’ll see here. Talk a walk through the gorgeous valley, then head back to Karakol for a walk with your leader. First, visit the Prezhevalsky Museum and learn about a Russian explorer who made discoveries in China and Mongolia. Then, walk along the scenic streets of Karakol to see the ‘gingerbread cottage’ houses. Visit a lively local market to browse for souvenirs, then see the Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tonight, you’ll be welcomed into the family home of a Dungan local for a masterclass on local cuisine – the Dungan or Hui people are a local ethnic group of Chinese Muslims who escaped China after the defeat of the Hui revolt in 1877. Today, they have a large community all over Central Asia, especially in Karakol. Enjoy dinner with your hosts, then head back to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.
Day 8 - Almaty
Today is a long travel day, including a border crossing back into Kazakhstan. Wake up early this morning and grab a window seat if you can – the scenery is entertainment in itself! You’ll make a few stops along the way for photos and to stretch your legs, including at Charyn Canyon, often referred as the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Wind and water have shaped this spectacular canyon with different shapes and colours. Go on a short hike to the bottom of the canyon, seeing some incredible viewpoints along the way. After, continue to Almaty. When you arrive, freshen up at the hotel then head out to a local, family-owned and operated winery just outside the city for a delicious farewell dinner and wine tasting. Meet the owners and learn more about wine production in Kazakhstan. Then, raise a glass to your amazing adventure!
Day 9 - Almaty
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you want to continue your trip in Central Asia and discover more along the Silk Routes, then check out the Premium Uzbekistan trip. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 5,620-
15-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 5,620-
19-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 4,095-
26-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 5,126-
29-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 5,121-
03-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 5,620-
10-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 5,274-
17-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 5,274-
24-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 5,454-
23-03-202731-03-2027AUD $ 6,330-
28-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 6,330-
03-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 6,330-
11-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 6,330-
17-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 6,205-
20-04-202728-04-2027AUD $ 6,195-
25-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 6,195-
01-05-202709-05-2027AUD $ 6,195-
09-05-202717-05-2027AUD $ 6,035-
15-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 5,860-
22-05-202730-05-2027AUD $ 5,860-
30-05-202707-06-2027AUD $ 5,860-
05-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 5,860-
08-06-202716-06-2027AUD $ 5,860-
13-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 5,860-
29-08-202706-09-2027AUD $ 6,035-
04-09-202712-09-2027AUD $ 6,035-
07-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 6,035-
11-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 6,035-
14-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 6,195-
19-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 6,195-
25-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 6,195-
28-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 6,195-
03-10-202711-10-2027AUD $ 6,330-
09-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 6,330-
17-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 6,330-
23-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 6,330-
31-10-202708-11-2027AUD $ 6,035-
02-11-202710-11-2027AUD $ 6,035-
06-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 6,035-
21-03-202829-03-2028AUD $ 6,155-
26-03-202803-04-2028AUD $ 6,155-
01-04-202809-04-2028AUD $ 6,155-
09-04-202817-04-2028AUD $ 6,645-
15-04-202823-04-2028AUD $ 6,645-
23-04-202801-05-2028AUD $ 6,645-
29-04-202807-05-2028AUD $ 6,645-
07-05-202815-05-2028AUD $ 6,335-
13-05-202821-05-2028AUD $ 6,335-
20-05-202828-05-2028AUD $ 6,335-
28-05-202805-06-2028AUD $ 6,335-
03-06-202811-06-2028AUD $ 6,155-
11-06-202819-06-2028AUD $ 6,155-
27-08-202804-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
02-09-202810-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
09-09-202817-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
12-09-202820-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
17-09-202825-09-2028AUD $ 6,505-
23-09-202801-10-2028AUD $ 6,505-
26-09-202804-10-2028AUD $ 6,505-
01-10-202809-10-2028AUD $ 6,645-
07-10-202815-10-2028AUD $ 6,645-
15-10-202823-10-2028AUD $ 6,645-
21-10-202829-10-2028AUD $ 6,645-
29-10-202806-11-2028AUD $ 6,335-
31-10-202808-11-2028AUD $ 6,335-
04-11-202812-11-2028AUD $ 6,335-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Yurt Feature Stay (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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