The Spirit of the Kazakh Steppe and the Kyrgyz Mountains

Upon arrival in Almaty early in the morning, you will be transferred to your hotel for a comfortable check-in and a chance to freshen up. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, preparing for an exciting exploration of the city. The tour begins with a visit to Republic Square, the heart of Almaty, where you can admire the majestic architecture of government buildings and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. From there, take a relaxing stroll through Panfilov Park, one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces, and marvel at the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, an iconic wooden cathedral that reflects the city’s unique history. Experience Almaty in a different way by riding the Metro, discovering its interesting Soviet-era architecture and enjoying the convenience of the underground transport system. Afterwards, wander through the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar), a bustling market full of local fruits, nuts, sweets, and traditional delicacies, offering an authentic taste of Kazakh culture and a chance to shop for souvenirs. Optionally it is a possibility to visit to the Sunkar Falconry Center, where you will witness the fascinating art of Kazakh falconry or Kok – Tobe Hill with stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. End the day with a memorable dinner at an ethnic Kazakh restaurant, savoring traditional dishes such as beshbarmak, kuyrdak, and baursaks, and enjoy the warm ambiance of local music and folklore. After dinner, you can return to your hotel for a restful evening or take a leisurely walk to absorb the city lights and atmosphere.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 900 m in Almaty

Accommodation: Hotel Renion City or similar

Breakfat,  start trip towards Altyn Emel National Park. On the way, there will have optional stop at the Huns Ethno-Village, where you can immerse yourself in the life and culture of the ancient nomadic Hun people. Here, local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, you can try on historical costumes, and experience authentic local cuisine. The village is not just an open-air museum, but a living cultural center where every visitor can feel part of history.

After lunch in Satty village in the guesthouse, the adventure continues with a 4×4 transfer to the Singing Dunes. These magnificent sand dunes, standing up to 150 meters high and stretching for 3 kilometers, are a natural wonder. The unique composition of the sand creates a deep, humming sound when the wind blows or when the sand moves – a phenomenon known as the “singing” of the dunes. This rare natural spectacle offers incredible opportunities for photography and a memorable experience of Kazakhstan’s desert landscapes. At the dunes, you can enjoy light walks, watch the sunset over the golden sands.

Dinner and overnight in family guesthouse.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 900 m in Almaty, 1400m in Basshy village in Altyn Emel National Park

Accommodation: Agaikum Guesthouse or similar

After breakfast, you will depart from Basshi towards the Kolsai Lakes area, passing through the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” stretches for about 150 km and features dramatic cliffs, colorful rock formations, and the winding Charyn River. A stop here allows you to take in the stunning landscapes, walk along the canyon edges, and capture breathtaking photographs of this unique natural wonder.

After exploring Charyn, the journey continues to the village of Saty, located near Lower Kolsai Lake in Kolsai National Park. Upon arrival, you can take a gentle walk along the shores of Lower Kolsai Lake, enjoying the emerald waters, pine-forested surroundings, and serene mountain scenery. This peaceful stroll is perfect for photography and relaxation after the day’s travel.

Next, check in at a local guesthouse in Saty village, a cozy accommodation that allows you to experience the charm of rural Kazakhstan.

Optional, time permitting, you may visit Kaindy Lake on local minibuses, famous for its submerged forest and crystal-clear waters, creating a magical and surreal landscape. Dinner and overnight in family guesthouse.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 1400m in Basshy village in Altyn Emel National Park, 1800m in Satty village near Kol-Sai lakes

Accommodation: Satty Guesthouse or similar

After breakfast, you will leave Saty village and continue your journey toward the Kegen border crossing to enter Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic mountain landscapes, rolling valleys, and glimpses of rural life in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Upon arrival in Karakol, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local café or restaurant before beginning a short city orientation tour. The walk introduces you to the main sights of the town:

• Russian Orthodox Church – A beautifully preserved wooden church showcasing 19th-century architecture and ornate interior decorations.
• Dungan Mosque – A unique blend of Chinese architectural style with Islamic design, reflecting the history of the Dungan community in the region.
• “One Village – One Product” Shop – Learn about local craftsmanship and meet women entrepreneurs from the region, experiencing firsthand Kyrgyz initiatives in supporting small businesses and female-led enterprises.

In the evening, enjoy dinner with a Dungan family, tasting traditional home-cooked dishes and learn more about Dungan culture. Optionally, you can take a short drive to nearby Ak- Suu hot springs, relaxing in naturally heated waters and enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 1800m in Satty village near Kol-Sai lakes, 1700 in Karakol

Accommodation: 78 Hotel or similar

Breakfast and full day in Karakol. Time to experience day hike. You have a change to choose one of the following suggested trips.

Option 1: Turnaluu Kol Lake Panorama trek in Jergalan

An easy-going day hike to the remote alpine lake of Turnaluu-Kol, an area often inhabited by cranes. The return features views across and down into the Jyrgalan valley. An ideal way to immerse yourself in the mountains for those with limited time in the region. Distance: 13.3 km.

Option 2: Karakol gorge – Zhashyl Kol lake -Chelpek gorge

This mountain lake is around 20 km from Karakol town. Very clean lake under high rocks. The lake is at 3200 m above sea level. And hiking there pretty long and at the same time picturesque.

Option 3: Karakol outskirts to Ak – Suu gorge

From the outskirts of Karakol, climb above the city for sweeping views of the entire valley before returning via the forest trails of Ak-Suu Arboretum. Distance: 12 km.

Option 4: Karakol – Tepke – Karakol

Visit to Tepke village, Farm of ex-minister of agriculture, learm about breeding process of horses and sheep. Lunch with family and optional Boorsok cooking master calss, it is our local home-made bread. There is also a unique opportunity for you to practice 2 hours Kayaking on Issyk-Kul Lake. Opon returning back to Karakol visit Karakol Sky base and experience cable car trip to the panoramic view of Issyk – Kul lake.

Lunch will be arranged as a picnic.

In the evening, enjoy dinner with a Uighur family, tasting traditional home-cooked dishes and learn more about Uighur culture. Optionally, you can take a short drive to nearby Ak- Suu hot springs, relaxing in naturally heated waters and enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery. Or participate in cooking class of Lagman, one of famous Uighur dishes. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 1700 in Karakol

Accommodation: 78 Hotel or similar

After breakfast in Karakol, depart for the stunning Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its dramatic red rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart” cliffs. This spectacular landscape is ideal for photography and short walks, offering a close look at Kyrgyzstan’s unique geological formations. Next, continue to the Barskoon Waterfalls, where a gentle hike leads you through scenic mountain trails to the cascading falls. The area is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a refreshing break amid the mountains. From there, drive up to the Ara-Bel Plateau, a high-altitude area that offers panoramic views of nearby glaciers and snow-capped peaks. It’s a perfect spot to appreciate the grandeur of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountains and take memorable photos.

After an adventurous morning and early afternoon, enjoy lunch at a yurt camp, experiencing traditional Kyrgyz hospitality and local dishes in a cozy, authentic setting. The journey continues along the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, with a visit to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. Here, marvel at the unusual rock formations shaped by erosion, giving the canyon its magical, fairytale-like appearance. Enjoy a walk through the canyon, exploring the narrow passages and vibrant cliffs.

If available, witness a Eagle Hunting show or cultural performance, showcasing Kyrgyz falconry traditions. In the evening, relax at the yurt camp on the shores of Issyk-Kul, enjoy a folk show, and gather around the campfire to share stories and soak in the atmosphere of the lake under the stars. Overnight in the yurt camp nearby lake shore.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 1700 in Karakol, 1600 in Issyk – Kul

Accommodation: Nomad Lodge Yurt Camp, shared facilities nearby each yurt or similar

After breakfast, depart from the Issyk-Kul area toward the high pastures of Song-Kul, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by rolling mountains. On the way, visit a yurt-making workshop, where you will see traditional Kyrgyz techniques for creating wooden parts of yurt, dwelling house of Kyrgyz nomads. This provides a fascinating insight into Kyrgyz craftsmanship and nomadic heritage. Continue the journey to Song-Kul Lake, upon arrival, check in at a yurt camp situated on the lakeshore, offering authentic nomadic-style accommodation.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the yurt camp, experiencing traditional Kyrgyz cuisine. You can also spend time with a local nomadic family, observe their daily life, and take a short walk in the surrounding pastures. Horseback riding is optionally available for those who want to explore the area further and fully immerse themselves in the nomadic lifestyle. Or it is a chance to arrange you horse game show to explore local horse games of nomads for extra payment. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 1600 in Issyk – Kul , 3100 m in Son – Kul

Accommodation: Muras Yurt Camp, simple shared facilities outside or similar

Start the day with a relaxing morning walk along the shores of Song-Kul or choose to meet local nomadic families, experiencing firsthand their daily routines and traditional lifestyle. For those who wish, an optional horseback ride is also available, allowing you to explore the alpine pastures and take in the stunning mountain scenery.After lunch, depart for Kochkor village, a center of traditional Kyrgyz crafts. Upon arrival, visit a felt workshop, where skilled artisans demonstrate the process of creating felt products, from raw wool to finished rugs, clothing, and decorative items. This is a unique opportunity to learn about Kyrgyz craftsmanship and even try your hand at some techniques that are part of UNESCO Heritage list. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a local Kyrgyz family home, savoring authentic home-cooked dishes and experiencing warm Kyrgyz hospitality.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 3100 m in Son – Kul, 1800m Kochkor

Accommodation:  Mira Guesthouse or similar

After breakfast, depart from Kochkor for the drive back to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at the Burana Tower, a remarkable historical site that dates back to the 11th century. Explore the ancient minaret, climb to the top for panoramic views of the Chuy Valley, and see nearby petroglyphs and traditional Kyrgyz balbals (stone markers).

Upon arrival in Bishkek, enjoy a city orientation tour to discover the highlights of the capital. Visit Ala-Too Square, the symbolic heart of the city, stroll along wide boulevards, and admire the Presidential Palace, local markets, and cultural monuments. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Bishkek’s mix of modern life and Soviet-era architecture. Dinner in ethno restaurant Pishpek. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals: B / L / D

Altitude during the day: 1800m Kochkor, 800m in Bishkek

Accommodation: Ambassador Hotel or similar

Early breakfast and transfer towards airport, take flight back.

Meals: B / -/ –

Altitude during the day: 800m in Bishkek