Welcome to Bishkek! Upon arrival we will head to the hotel for some socialising and a good nights rest.

Bishkek

We will start the day with a traditional breakfast before driving to the Alarcha National Park. We will spend the morning hiking and exploring the magical scenery of the park. Later that day, we will drive to the town of Bishkek. We will visit the Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park, Central Ala-Too Square, National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic, and many others places of interest. We will also stop off at Osh Bazaar, where you can experience the bustling atmosphere and beautiful tapestries and fabrics. We will spend the night at a nearby hotel.

Bishkek – Chon Kemin

After breakfast, we will visit and climb the 11th century Burana Tower and the open air museum of Balbals. We will then proceed to Chon Kemin Gorge natural park, famous for it’s stunning mountains. In the afternoon, we will spend 3 hours horse riding through the picturesque scenery. We will spend the night at a local guesthouse and indulge in a traditional dinner.

Chon Kemin – Sonkul Lake

You will be greeted in the morning with a fresh, local breakfast before heading to Sonkul Lake. Sonkul Lake is the second largest mountain lake in Kyrgyzstan, located 3015 meters above sea level. It is popular with Kyrgyz nomads and nature lovers. Upon arrival, you will have the chance to go hiking or horse riding. You will tuck into dinner, whilst gazing at the stars before sleeping overnight in a yurt, surrounded by sheep and horses.

Sonkul – Tamga

After a relaxing night in the yurt, we will eat breakfast before heading to Tamga village. On the way we will stop at the beautiful Issykul Lake. After this, we will stop at the Hyzyl-Tuu village, where a member of a Kyrgyz family will show you how to make traditional yurt tents. We will have lunch in Bokonbaeva village at a local family run guest house. We will then proceed to Tamga village and visit The famous Military Resort, before eating dinner and spending the night in a local guest house.

Tamga – Chong Kyzyl-Suu Gorge – Karakol

Start the day with a fresh cooked breakfast, before driving down to Kyzyl-Suu Gorge. Upon arrival, you will get the chance to hike and/or swim in the crystal clear water. We will enjoy a tasty lunch before driving west to KaraKol and spending the night in a guest house.

Karakol – Djety Oguz – Karakol

After breakfast, we will head into the city of Karakol and visit The Russian Church, Dungan Mosque and Museum and Grave of Prjevalskiy (The Great Russian explorer of Central Asia and Mongolia). In the afternoon, we will head to the lush valley of Jety-Oguz Gorge and take a light hike whilst gazing at the striking red sandstone rock formations. Later that night, we will drive back to Karakol and stay in a hotel.

Karakol – Kegen Border (Kazakhstan) – Saty Village – Kolsai Lake

We will start the day with a traditional breakfast, before departing Karakol and driving to the Kegan border. We will then head to one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan, The Kolsai Lakes. We will arrive in Saty Village and head to Kolsai Lake to enjoy the stunning views. In the evening, we will drive back to Saty village for dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Kolsai Lake – Kayindi Lake – Saty Village

After Breakfast we will drive to Kaindy Gorge for some sightseeing. At an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, Kaindy Lake is situated among the magnificent pine forest. It was formed in 1911, due to a powerful earthquake that triggered a landslide. We will indulge in a delicious picnic whilst enjoying the breathtaking views – definitely one for your bucket list! Later will drive back to Saty village and enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest.

Saty Village – Charyn Canyon – Almaty

In the morning, we will have breakfast before driving to Charyn Canyon, 195km East of Almaty. We will hike across the canyon and take in the magnificent views of sedimentary rocks formed over 12 million years ago. In the afternoon we will drive and stay in Almaty.

Almaty

After breakfast, we will spend the day sightseeing around Almaty. First, we will visit Panfilov Park, where there is a large monument in commemoration of the heroic actions made by 28 Almaty Soldiers who died back in 1941 fighting against Nazi tanks somewhere near Moscow. We will also visit the Zenkov Cathedral, one of the eight most unique wooden buildings in the world. Later that day, we will visit The National Musical Instruments Museum, Central State Museum, Medeu. After a long day, we will proceed to the hotel before the morning flight.

After a wonderful 12 days, we will say goodbye and get the transfers to the airport for an early flight.