Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

9 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Discover a part of the world that's getting noticed for its beautiful landscapes and its warm people. This nine-day tour takes you off the beaten path and into the cultures of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Begin in Bishkek enjoying city time with optional activities that get you closer to the colourful and artsy culture here. Spend two nights in a traditional yu...
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$1,700
From$1,259
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Learn about the diverse cultures of central asia
    • Soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery
    • Connect with the locals during yurt and village guesthouse stays
    • Wander the soviet streets of bishkek
    • Take in the beauty of song kul lake and kaindy lake
    • Trek to the sunken forest
    • Learn how yurts are built

What's this trip about?

    Discover a part of the world that's getting noticed for its beautiful landscapes and its warm people. This nine-day tour takes you off the beaten path and into the cultures of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Begin in Bishkek enjoying city time with optional activities that get you closer to the colourful and artsy culture here. Spend two nights in a traditional yurt and get to know the welcoming families of the nomadic Kyrgyz culture. Finish in Almaty but not before driving through the stunning Charyn Canyon.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBishkek
End CityAlmaty

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

    • Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration
    • BarskoonYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • BishkekYour Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt
    • Song KölYour Local Living Moment: Tamga Village Stay
    • Tamga
    • Half-day city tour (Bishkek)
    • Burana Tower visit
    • Felt-making workshop visit
    • Karakol city tour (half-day)
    • Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum
    • Saty Village stay
    • Kaindy Lake and sunken forest exploration
    • Charyn Canyon stop
    • City tour (Almaty)
    • Transport to/from all included activities and between destinations

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Bishkek

Arrive at any time.

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's artsy capital and cultural hub, situated at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore!

Day 2 Bishkek/Chong-Kemin

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a co...

Day 3 Chong-Kemin/Song Kul

In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yu...

Day 4 Song Kul/Tamga

Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to learn the importance of felt-making to Kyrgyz culture and local artisans. Learn the craft during a hands-on workshop creating a small version of the traditional carpet known a...

Day 5 Tamga/Karakol

Enjoy a free morning getting to know this isolated village. Transfer to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. After Lunch at Ak Orgoo, drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol. S...

Day 6 Karakol

After breakfast take a short drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, located in the footsteps of Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, and visit famous unique red rock formations called “Broken Heart and “Seven Bulls”. Then, hike to the valley of wildflowers and reach a stunning view point ov...

Day 7 Karakol/Saty Village

Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a Russian 4x4 for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.

Day 8 Saty Village/Almaty

Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrive in Almaty,...

Day 9 Almaty

Depart at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,259
Price per day$140
Last Updated: 2/27/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
01 May 2025
09 May 2025
$1,410
03 May 2025
11 May 2025
$1,410
06 May 2025
14 May 2025
$1,410
08 May 2025
16 May 2025
$1,410
10 May 2025
18 May 2025
$1,410
13 May 2025
21 May 2025
$1,699
15 May 2025
23 May 2025
$1,410
17 May 2025
25 May 2025
$1,410
20 May 2025
28 May 2025
$1,410
22 May 2025
30 May 2025
$1,410

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
29,720
Great
9,289
Average
5
Disappointing
2
Terrible
18
A

Andrew

Sep 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Had a great time

Had a great time. Nika was a brilliant, experienced, and professional CEO.

N

Nicholas

Sep 2016

Provided byG Adventures

An interesting trip and a lot of variety

An interesting trip and a lot of variety. Excellent CEO, accommodation good all points

S

Stephen

Sep 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Excellent holiday

Excellent holiday

J

James

Aug 2016

Provided byG Adventures

A wonderful trip and experience

A wonderful trip and experience. It is an exotic location that not many...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels (3 nts), village guesthouse (3 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people per yurt), village homestay (1 nt)

Transportation & Flights

Private van, walking.,

Transportation & flights

Private van, walking.
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Requirements
llegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. KAZAKHSTAN Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the Embassy of Kazakhstan. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here If you require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for a Kazakhstan visa, please fill out & submit the following request form: https://www.gadventures.com/visa-forms/kazakhstan/ For the following multi-country trips, the days spent in Kazakhstan are as follows: AYKK - Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: Days 7-9 AYBT - Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: Days 7-9 AYKU - Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent: Days 7-9 AYBA - The Five Stans of the Silk Road: Days 7-9 KYRGYZSTAN Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here If you require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for a Kyrgyzstan visa, please fill out & submit the following request form: https://www.gadventures.com/visa-forms/Kyrgyzstan/ For the following multi-country trips, the days spent in Kyrgyzstan are as follows: AYKK - Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: Days 1-7 AYBT - Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: Days 1-7 AYKU - Multi-Stan Adventure - Bishkek to Tashkent: Days 1-7 AYBA - The Five Stans of the Silk Road: Days 1-7 IMPORTANT NOTE: If you require an LOI (Letter of Invitation) for your Visa application for Kyrgyzstan, you will be subject to a processing fee of $50USD (or currency equivalent) per person. This is charged by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You must have at least two blank passport pages available for each country you will visit on your tour. These are required for entry & exit stamps. Information is accurate as of March 13th, 2024.
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
gadventure-24929

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