Alma-Ata (now Almaty):
Alma-Ata, meaning “Father of Apples,” is the former name of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and cultural hub. Nestled in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty was the capital until 1997. It blends modern life with a rich Silk Road history, offering experiences from mountain hikes to exploring vibrant markets like the Green Bazaar. Key attractions include the Central State Museum and Kok-Tobe Hill.
Charyn Canyons:
Located 200 km east of Almaty, Charyn Canyons are known as Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon.” The canyons feature stunning rock formations and the famous Valley of Castles. Visitors can hike, camp, and marvel at the unique landscape shaped by the Charyn River, offering a dramatic, colorful terrain.
Kyrgyzstan:
Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country where 96% of the land is elevated. Its rugged roads, changing weather, and cash-based economy offer a sense of adventure. Highlights include Song-Kol Lake, a remote high-altitude gem, and Issyk-Kol Lake, one of the world’s deepest, with unfrozen waters year-round.
Itinerary Highlights:
Route: Almaty– Charyn – Saty vilalge – Karakol – Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Bokonbaevo – Son-Kol – Bishkek
Duration: 6 days
Best Season: June to September
Travel Style: Culture tour
Level of Difficulty: medium
Group Size: from 6 to 12 participants
Tour Highlights:
What to Bring: To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, please pack weatherproof warm clothing, trekking boots, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
09:00 – Depart Almaty:
Start your journey at 9:00 from Almaty, heading towards the stunning Charyn Canyons. Don’t forget to prepare your packed lunches and snacks for a planned picnic en route.
Exploring Charyn Canyons: Upon arrival, you will have 2-3 hours to explore the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyons. Enjoy a hike through the impressive scenery, including the famous Valley of Castles, before stopping for a picnic in scenic surroundings.
Afternoon – Continue to Saty Village: After lunch, continue your journey to Saty Village where you will be welcomed by a local family in a cozy homestay. Experience authentic Kazakh hospitality with a home-cooked dinner and an overnight stay in this charming countryside village.
Driving distance: approx. 300 km
Driving time: 5-6 hours
Saty Village Homestay:
Set in the heart of the Kazakh countryside, Saty Village Homestay offers a warm and authentic experience where locals warmly welcome you into their homes and share their traditional way of life.
Each homestay is unique and features simple, comfortable rooms with 3 to 4 beds. Shared bathroom and shower facilities are available, creating a cozy and communal atmosphere. Locals are happy to host both individuals and small groups, making you feel like part of the family.
Meals are a particular highlight and offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Kazakhstan’s rich culinary culture. You can watch or even help your hosts prepare traditional dishes such as plov, then enjoy a hearty meal together while swapping stories over fragrant tea.
Located near the scenic Kol Say and Kaiyndy Lakes, Saty Village Homestay offers a welcoming, cultural escape perfect for travelers seeking an authentic rural experience.
07:00 am – Breakfast:
Start your day early with breakfast at 7:00 am to make the most of your morning visit to the beautiful Kol Say Lake.
Morning – Visit to Kol Say Lake: Enjoy a peaceful morning exploring the stunning surroundings of Kol Say Lake before returning for brunch.
Brunch and continue to Kegen border crossing: After brunch, start your journey to Kegen border crossing. After crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan, stop for an outdoor picnic lunch, with coffee, snacks and fresh fruits. In the late afternoon, arrive in the town of Karakol where you will be accommodated in a guesthouse. Dinner at local cafes.
Driving distance: 220-230 km
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Guesthouse:
For your accommodation we offer comfortable double rooms with everything you need to ensure a relaxing stay.
Morning transfer: After breakfast, we will take you to Ak-Suu Gorge where you will change from the minibus to an off-road Kamaz truck. Get ready for an exciting 13 km drive to the stunning mountain valley of Altyn-Arashan, which will take about 2 hours. This magnificent valley is known for its natural hot springs and the majestic snow-capped peak of Palatka (4,650 m).
Exploring Altyn-Arashan: After arrival, you will have time to enjoy the magnificent scenery and explore the valley. Enjoy your picnic on the banks of the Altyn-Arashan River, surrounded by the impressive nature. (Don’t forget to prepare your packed lunches in Karakol by visiting the local grocery stores and markets.)
Descent to Ak-Suu: After lunch, take a hike back to Ak-Suu, along a 15km trail alongside the Arashan River, through lush forests and scenic mountain slopes. For those who don’t want to cover the entire distance on foot, the off-road truck follows and can jump in at any time to ensure a comfortable way back to the minibuses.
Return to the guesthouse:
In the late afternoon we will take you back to the guesthouse. Relax and enjoy the evening. For dinner you can visit local cafes to taste the regional cuisine.
Today you will travel to Bokonbaevo, located on the stunning southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The day offers a variety of landscapes, from the vibrant red gorges of Jeti-Oguz to the peaceful mountain waterfall at Barskoon.
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Jeti-Oguz gorges and Barskoon Gorge, where you will take a short walk to the panorama of the Seven Bulls and the picturesque Barskoon Waterfall. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and have a picnic amidst the beauty of the gorge. (Don’t forget to prepare your packed lunches in Karakol by visiting the local grocery stores and markets.)
Afternoon: Continue your adventure in the Skazka Canyon, where you will meet local golden eagle hunters. Learn about the ancient Kyrgyz tradition of hunting with birds of prey and see these impressive eagles in action against the dramatic backdrop.
Evening: In the late afternoon you will reach the village of Bokonbaevo. You will be welcomed in a charming yurt camp where a warm dinner awaits you. Relax and enjoy the hospitality of the local yurt camp, located on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Driving distance: approx. 160-170 km
Driving time: approx. 3 hours
Yurt Camps:
Enjoy comfortable yurt camps equipped with shower facilities and flush toilets in the garden. Each yurt can accommodate 3 to 4 beds, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for your stay.
Breakfast and optional morning hike: Start your day with breakfast at 07:00. For early risers, there is an optional morning hike to Shatyly Panorama to greet the sunrise. A short transfer will take you to the Boz-Salkyn mountain slopes where you will take a gentle 3.5 km circular walk to Shatyly viewpoint. From this viewpoint you will enjoy stunning views of Lake Issyk-Kul and experience the tranquility of the early morning.
Late morning: Return to the car where your team will be waiting for you with freshly brewed coffee. After a light brunch, you will continue your journey to the legendary nomadic land of Song-Kol Valley.
Afternoon: En route you will stop at Kochkor village where you can have lunch at the local cafes. In the afternoon you will reach Lake Song Kol (3000 m), where you will be welcomed in a traditional yurt camp.
Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner and a restful night in your yurt, surrounded by the vast beauty of the Song Kol Valley.
Driving distance: approx. 250 km
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Yurt camp:
For your overnight stay we offer traditional yurts with 3 to 4 beds each. Please note that the sanitary facilities are basic and located outside.
Morning at Song Kol Lake: Start your day at the tranquil lakeshore and immerse yourself in traditional nomadic life. After breakfast at 9:00 am, enjoy the stunning beauty of Song Kol Valley with its wide open spaces and peaceful mountain landscapes.
Mid Morning: Travel through the spectacular 32-switchback mountain pass, with a short stop at Song Kol Waterfall. Along the way, stop for coffee breaks at scenic spots and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Lunch and Cultural Experience at Kochkor Village: Continue your journey to Kochkor Village where you will have lunch with a local family. During your stay, you will learn about the Kyrgyz tradition of felt carpet making and witness a demonstration of the Shyrdak technique. This hands-on cultural experience will give you a deeper understanding of Kyrgyz craftsmanship.
Evening: You will reach Bishkek in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. End of the tour.
Driving distance: approx. 350 km
| Departure | End | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun 16, 2025 - Mon |
Jun 21, 2025 - Sat |
Available |
from 570 USD |
|
Jul 21, 2025 - Mon |
Jul 26, 2025 - Sat |
Available |
from 570 USD |
|
Aug 25, 2025 - Mon |
Aug 30, 2025 - Sat |
Available |
from 570 USD |
6 pax– $860 per person
7 pax – $780 per person
8 pax – $720 per person
9 pax – $670 per person
10 pax – $630 per person
11 pax – $600 per person
12 pax – $570 per person
Includes:
– All accommodation (guesthouses and yurt camps), except hotels in Almaty and Bishkek
– English speaking guide
– Meals included: Dinner in Saty village, meals in the yurt camps and lunch in Kochkor village on the last day
– All entrance fees
– Drinks: Water, coffee, tea and picnic refreshments on the way from Saty village to Kegen
– Cultural activities: Eagle hunting demonstration and felt making
– Hiking experiences: Arashan, Shatyly, Barskoon and more
– Private minibus transportation with an experienced driver
Not included:
– International Flights
– Visa fees (if applicable)
– Personal expenses
– Accommodation in Almaty and Bishkek
– Meals in cafes and some picnic spots
– Single room supplement (120 USD)
– Emergency evacuation and medical expenses
– Personal insurance
– Any other services not included in the itinerary
Kyrgyzstan offers visa-free entry for many nationalities. For detailed information on entry requirements, visit the official Kyrgyzstan e-Visa website: http://www.evisa.e-gov.kg.
For Kazakhstan, you can view visa details here: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/article/details/6764?lang=en.
We recommend checking visa requirements in advance as visa-free entry may be restricted depending on your nationality. If you are not eligible for visa-free travel, please feel free to contact us and our team will assist you with all necessary documentation.
Once all questions are clarified and the itinerary is confirmed, we will issue you an invoice for a 50% deposit to secure your booking. The remaining amount can be paid in cash when you meet our guide in Almaty.
Cancellations made 30 days or more before the tour start date will receive a full refund of the deposit.
Cancellations made between 15 and 29 days before the tour will receive a 50% refund of the deposit.
Cancellations made less than 15 days before the tour will have a non-refundable deposit.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or travel restrictions, we will work with you to rebook or offer a suitable alternative.
During the tour we offer comfortable accommodation in guesthouses and yurts consisting of triple and quadruple rooms. If you prefer double or single rooms, there is an additional charge of 120 USD.
The tour includes some easy hiking, walking and optional horseback riding in the mountainous regions. The physical activity level is moderate and suitable for most travelers. Those who want to be less active can still enjoy the scenic beauty from the comfort of our comfortable transportation.
We are happy to adapt these questions and answers to the specific needs of customers or to special aspects of the tour program!
We recommend packing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, including layers for varying temperatures. Don’t forget sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for sun protection. If you plan to swim in Lake Issyk-Kul, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit.
The tour will only take place if the group reaches a minimum of six participants. If this number is not reached, the tour will be cancelled and all amounts paid in advance will be refunded to the original method of payment upon request.
Please note that traditional Kazakh and Kyrgyz cuisine may not offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes, however our team is committed to discussing your dietary preferences in advance and working with you to find suitable options.
Please let us know in advance if you have any specific allergies or intolerances so we can accommodate your needs.
During the summer months, Central Asia offers an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables in the local markets and bazaars. In addition, guesthouses that offer evening meals can often prepare vegetarian meals upon request.
To get to Almaty from Bishkek, you can take a public taxi to the Korday border, which is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Local taxis in Bishkek usually charge around $10 to get to the Korday border, and the journey takes less than an hour.
Once you cross the border, you can find shared taxis on the Kazakh side that will take you to Almaty. The city is about 300 km away. The journey takes around four hours and costs around $15 per person for a shared taxi. Alternatively, you can hire an entire vehicle for $100 if you prefer a more private option.
June:
Average temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in most areas.
Mountain regions: Temperatures can be cooler, from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), especially at higher elevations.
Description: June marks late spring and the transition to early summer. The weather is pleasant with mild to warm temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring mountain passes and lakes. Snow may still be present in higher mountain areas.
July:
Average temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the valleys and plains.
Mountain regions: Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with cooler nights.
Description: July is one of the warmest months in Kyrgyzstan, ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying the alpine lakes. Expect warm days with plenty of sunshine, although the higher mountain passes remain cooler.
August:
Average temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) in the lower regions.
Mountain regions: Temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F).
Description: August remains warm, although temperatures may cool slightly throughout the month. It’s a great time for outdoor adventures, and many travelers head to the mountains to escape the heat. Nights in the mountains can get chilly.
Overall, the summer months in Kyrgyzstan are pleasant for travel, especially for those interested in outdoor activities. The mountain regions offer a welcome respite from the heat, and the landscapes are full of greenery and wildflowers.
Kyrgyz Republic. Bishkek city
Mon – Sat 9.00 – 18.00 Sunday CLOSED
© Kyrgyzstan tourism
