Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Tour: Culture & Nature in 12 Days

Breakfast at the hotel.

Panoramic tour around Almaty:

Visiting the following places – sights of the city: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory, and the Eternal Flame. Transfer to Republic Square and the Monument of Independence, feel the energy of the Apple City, and get acquainted with its history.
Visiting Kok-Tobe Hill with the tallest TV tower in the world.
Short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.

Transfer to the hotel, overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to Medeo & Shymbulak:

• Medeo Ice Rink, situated at an altitude of 1,691.2 meters above sea level, is known around the world. It was built in 1972. The ice surface occupies 10,500 square meters, allowing competitions in skating, hockey, and figure skating. The Shymbulak Ski Resort is situated in the picturesque ravine of Zailiysky Alatau Mountain at an altitude of 2,260 meters above sea level and 25 kilometers from the center of Almaty. At a height of 3,163 meters above sea level, the elevators start their way down.

Available activities’ list at Shymbulak (for additional payment):

• Horse ride: From 8 USD (starts from 15 minutes / 1.5 km distance). May be unavailable due to weather conditions (daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm by appointment).
• Paragliding: 82 USD (additional photo – 7 USD, video – 12 USD, photo + video – 15 USD) + cable car to the top round trip 15 USD. May be unavailable due to weather conditions (daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm).
• ATV (Quadricycle) ride: From 50 USD (starts from 20 minutes / 1.5 km distance) (daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm).
• Alpine Park: 10 USD (daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm).
• Rope Park: From 7 USD + cable car to Medeo station and back 12 USD (daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm).
• Gorilla ZipLine: 15 USD (regular descent) and 30 USD (horizontal descent) daily from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm, except Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Shopping tour to Green Bazaar and Rahat Chocolate Market.

Transfer to the hotel, overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.

Arrival of guests at the ethno-aul “HUNNS”.

Meeting guests with two warriors dressed in battle armor from the Saki period and the Shashu ritual, followed by a traditional treat of baursaks.

Acquaintance with the Kazakh yurt, customs, and traditions of the Kazakh people:

• During the program, guests will learn about the structure of the yurt, its philosophy, and its sacred meaning for nomadic people.
• Guests will also become familiar with the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people, including cleaning and whipping wool, making yarn with a spindle, producing flour and talkan in the dermen, and traditional ceremonies such as Besik, Tusau Kesu, and Atka Ogyrgyzu.

Enjoy a performance by the “SARBAZ” group, featuring various programs presented as theatrical performances, including legends and national equestrian games.

Lunch in national style.

Master classes of interest to choose from:

• Preparation of the national treat “Gent”.
• Production of “Belbau” on the loom.
• Manufacture of coasters using the “Syrmak” method.
• Archery.
• Master class on trick riding.

Transfer to the hotel, overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to the Canyon:

• The canyon is situated on the spurs of the Tian Shan Mountains near the border with China. Charyn Canyon is a natural monument formed from sedimentary rocks dating back approximately 12 million years and stretches for 154 kilometers along the Charyn River valley.
  
• The most interesting and frequently visited tourist destination is the so-called “Valley of Castles.” The canyon preserves a grove of relict ash trees that survived the Ice Age, with another similar grove found only in North America.
  
• The diverse landscapes of Charyn Canyon create a variety of flora and fauna. The canyon resembles the Colorado Grand Canyon in North America, smaller in size but equal in beauty.
  
• Visit one of the most beautiful lakes located in the surroundings of Almaty — Kolsay Lake.
  
• It is also called the “Blue Necklace of Northern Tien Shan.” And it is quite understandable — such beauty cannot be found anywhere! In the Kazakh language, “Kolsay” means “a lake in the valley.” A boat trip is included in the offer.

Optional activities:

• Horseback riding to the second Kolsay Lake: An extreme route; the cost is specified on the spot.
• Hiking tour to the second Kolsay Lake: A long walk around the surroundings.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in, overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.

Excursion to Kaindy Lake:

• Kaindy (“Birch” in the Kazakh language) is a lake located in a magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. The lake reaches about 400 meters in length and approximately 30 meters in depth.
  
• Transfer to the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border “Kegen” and pass immigration formalities.
  
• Arrival in Karakol and check-in at the hotel.
  

City tour around Karakol town with visits to the following places:

• The Dungan Mosque: A unique architectural marvel built without a single nail, with all parts of the structure joined through notches and grooves. The mosque has a rectangular layout surrounded by numerous columns, featuring windows on the southern and northern walls, while the western wall remains windowless to face the worshippers. Its ornate cornices, decorated with scenes from traditional Chinese mythology, including dragons, phoenixes, lions, and mythical creatures, are considered masterpieces of art and are believed to protect the mosque from evil spirits according to local legends.
  
• The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church: Located in the heart of Karakol, it is one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks and the only functioning Orthodox church in the area that survived the devastating earthquakes that occurred in the region.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in, overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.

Excursion to Jety-Oguz Gorge:

• The Jety-Oguz Gorge, located on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul near Karakol, is one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. Stretching 37 kilometers at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level, the gorge is famous for its seven stunning red rock formations, which are a protected natural monument. Surrounded by lush meadows with alpine and subalpine vegetation, the area is home to wildlife such as snow leopards, mountain goats, bears, roe deer, pheasants, grouse, vultures, and eagles.

Visit Barskoon Waterfalls.

• The waterfalls cascade through a lush mountain gorge surrounded by pine forests and alpine landscapes, creating a refreshing and almost untouched natural escape in the Tien Shan Mountains. Barskoon Waterfalls are a group of scenic waterfalls located in the Barskoon Gorge on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The area lies at an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense spruce forests and alpine scenery. Several waterfalls can be reached through hiking trails, making the gorge a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. The gorge is also historically significant, as it was once part of ancient caravan routes.

Visit Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon.

• This unique natural landmark on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul is famous for its colorful sandstone formations shaped by erosion over thousands of years. The canyon stretches for several kilometers and is known for its red, orange, and yellow hues, creating dramatic contrasts against the blue lake nearby. Its rock formations resemble fairy-tale castles, animals, and mythical figures, making it one of the most photogenic sites in the region.

Transfer to Bokonbayevo Village, whose inhabitants have been famous since ancient times for breeding birds of prey. Enjoy a falconry demonstration.

Overnight at the hotel in Bokonbayevo Village.

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.

Transfer back to Bishkek city (270 km, approximately 4 hours drive).

• Visit Burana Tower on the way, the remains of the ancient Balasagun town.
  
• The tower is part of the remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was the capital of the Karakhanid Empire in the 9th century. The tower is surrounded by evidence of brick foundations, indicating that the ancient city extended far beyond the tower itself, with marketplaces, baths, and residential homes. These historical artifacts provide valuable insights into Kyrgyzstan’s history and its role along the Great Silk Road.
  
• Excursion to Ala-Archa National Park.
  
• Ala-Archa Nature Reserve, located just 30 km from Bishkek, covers 20,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and pine forests. The name “Ala-Archa” means “spotted juniper,” reflecting the variety of coniferous and spruce forests that dominate the reserve. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the rare snow leopard, which is listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan. The reserve is also known for a rare blue bird, called the “bird of happiness” by the Kyrgyz people, which inhabits its high cliffs.

Transfer to the hotel, check-in, overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to Chon-Kemin National Park.

• Chon-Kemin Park is a stunning natural reserve, home to a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are listed in the Red Book. Despite its proximity to large settlements, the park has preserved its pristine beauty, with untouched green slopes covered in colorful carpets of flowers and forests.
  
• Located just 150 kilometers from Bishkek, it is easily accessible for tourists who visit the area to explore its picturesque lakes and enjoy hiking and horseback riding through the mountains to Issyk-Kul. The park’s diverse landscapes, including fields, rivers, hills, high mountains, glaciers, and lakes, make it an unforgettable destination for nature lovers.

Panoramic city tour around Bishkek with visits to the following places:

• The Statue of Manas: A tribute to Manas, the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz epic “The Epic of Manas,” considered one of the longest and most significant oral traditions in the world. The statue, standing approximately 20 meters high, depicts Manas on horseback, symbolizing his strength, leadership, and the unity of the Kyrgyz people.
  
• Victory Square: Dedicated to honoring the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II. The square features a monumental Eternal Flame commemorating the fallen soldiers and is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Victory Monument, which symbolizes courage and resilience.
  
• Oak Park: Known for its abundant oak trees, the park provides a peaceful escape from the city. It features walking paths, green spaces, and areas for relaxation, making it a popular place for locals and visitors to enjoy nature and unwind.
  
• Ala-Too Square: Known for its beautiful fountains, vibrant atmosphere, and the changing of the guard ceremony, the square serves as a symbol of national pride.

Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.

Visit to the ethno-complex “Chunkurchak” & Sky-bridge:

• The famous ethno-complex “Supara Chunkurchak” offers an authentic experience where visitors can taste traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, ride horses, and test their skills in archery.
  
• For hiking enthusiasts, there are two pleasant walking trails, each 1.5 to 2 kilometers long, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the gorge at a leisurely pace.
  
• During the winter months, the gorge transforms into a winter wonderland, offering skiing opportunities and a unique way to experience the breathtaking mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

Transfer to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border “Korday” and pass migration formalities.

Transfer to the Almaty hotel, check-in, and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Almarasan Gorge tour:

• Almarasan Gorge is a popular destination for tourism and easy walks for those who prefer to enjoy the beauty of nature without climbing the peaks. The gorge is located in the southwest of Almaty and can be reached by driving along Navoi Street. It lies on the northern slope of the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains. Two rivers flow through the gorge — the Prokhodnaya and the Kazachka — which merge closer to the city to form the Bolshaya Almatinka River.
  
• Falcon show.
  
• Visit the nursery of rare and endangered bird species “Sunkar,” which is unique for its species composition and facilities. It is the only nursery of its kind in Kazakhstan and, during its activity, has raised 1,060 birds and released 260 Baloban falcons into nature.

Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

Breakfast at the yurts, check-out.
Transfer to the airport, departure home with warm memories.