Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan Culture tours Culture tours

11-day Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Group Tour

From Bishkek to Almaty

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Description

This tour will take you to magnificent mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan where you will enjoy the view of breathtaking valleys, crystal clear rivers, and
spectacular gorges. Amazing discoveries and positive impressions expect you during this trip. Discover Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

Itinerary

Day 1. Bishkek
Day 1. Bishkek

Arrive at any time. Standard check-in at hotel after 14:00.

Free time on your own.

Welcome meet with the guide and group at 14:00.
Briefing about the itinerary & travel plan. City tour in Bishkek.

Welcome Dinner in the traditional restaurant where you can taste the national Kyrgyz cuisine.

Meals included: dinner

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Note: it is highly recommended to book an extra night at the hotel, as most flights to Bishkek arrive late at night or early in the morning.

Day 2. Bishkek – Burana – Iskra village – Cholpon Ata
Day 2. Bishkek – Burana – Iskra village – Cholpon Ata

Breakfast in the hotel.

Our journey begins with a visit of the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in the north part of Kyrgyzstan. The tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of the castle and three mausoleums – that’s all what last out of the ancient Balasagyn town that was founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.

Lunch in the Iskra village with Dungan family, the ethnicity of Chinese Muslims who had to flee China. You taste their national cuisine.

Then departure to Issyk Kul, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the deepest in the world. We drive you to the hotel located on the lake shore.

First location at Issyk-Kul lake is visit the petroglyph museum. The 42 hectares of the museum are dotted with stones, tombs, balbals and various petroglyphs dated from the 2nd millennium BC until the 4th century AD.

Free time. You can rest on the beach and swim in the lake.

Dinner in the restaurant.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Lakeside Resort

Day 3. Cholpon Ata – Grigoriev and Semienov gorges – Karakol
Day 3. Cholpon Ata – Grigoriev and Semienov gorges – Karakol

Breakfast at hotel.

Next location is Grigoriev and Semienov gorges. Picnic or lunch in the café on the road.

Grigoriev and Semienov gorges are considered as one of the most famous attractions of the Issyk Kol region. You can go for a walk, enjoy the wild nature around you and spend a nice time in this beautiful place.

After departure to Karakol, the administrative center of the Issyk-Kol region. Visits in Karakol:

  • Russian Orthodox cathedral
  • Dungan mosque

You have dinner in the local restaurant and you have a rest in the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel 3* 

Day 4. Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Barskoon – Tamga
Day 4. Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Barskoon – Tamga

After breakfast, we set off from Karakol toward the breathtaking Jeti Oguz Gorge, where nature greets us with the striking red cliffs of the famous “Broken Heart.” Standing at the entrance to the gorge, this dramatic rock formation sets a romantic and mysterious tone for our visit. We’ll enjoy a leisurely hour-long walk, surrounded by fresh mountain air and sweeping views.

Our journey continues to the scenic Barskoon Gorge, a place celebrated for its cascading waterfalls. Among them, the enchanting “Tears of the Snow Leopard” captures both beauty and legend. Midway through the gorge, we’ll come across a unique monument dedicated to Yuri A. Gagarin, the world’s first cosmonaut, standing proudly amid the rugged landscape.

Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 5. Tamga – Fairy Tale Canyons – Bokonbaevo – Kochkor
Day 5. Tamga – Fairy Tale Canyons – Bokonbaevo – Kochkor

After breakfast, we head towards Kochkor village and pass by the south shore of the lake. On the road we visit the Skazka canyons which translate as the “Fairy Tale”. Here you can find objects of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal can appear in front of you.

Next, we meet an eagle hunter with his bird. You can appreciate the alertness and speed of the bird during the hunting. It is one of the oldest traditions of Kyrgyz nomads.

Lunch in the guesthouse or café.

Our next stop is Kyzyl Tuu village where the local family reveals the secrets of yurt production. This family is engaged in this unique art from generation to generation.

Continue to Kochkor. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 6. Kochkor – Son-Kul Lake
Day 6. Kochkor – Son-Kul Lake

After breakfast, we journey along winding mountain roads, climbing higher into the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s wild beauty until we reach the Kalmak Ashu Pass (3,447 m). From this lofty vantage point, Son Kul Lake shimmers in the distance, appearing like a small turquoise jewel set in the vast highland plains.

As we descend toward the lake, its true grandeur unfolds — an expansive, dazzling mirror of sky surrounded by rolling green pastures. Upon arrival at our yurt camp, we are welcomed with the warmth and hospitality of the nomads, discovering their centuries-old traditions, way of life, and deep connection to the land. In the evening, we share a hearty dinner before spending the night in authentic yurts under a sky thick with stars.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Yurt camp
Toilets, shower and sauna are outside.

Day 7. Son Kul Lake – Chon-Kemin
Day 7. Son Kul Lake – Chon-Kemin

Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake.

We set out for the scenic Chon-Kemin Valley, with a stop in the charming village of Kochkor. Here, we discover the rich tradition of felt-making, an art deeply woven into Kyrgyz culture. Guided by skilled local artisans, we take part in a hands-on workshop, crafting our own miniature ala-kiyiz — the colorful, patterned felt carpet beloved by nomads for generations.

Opt for a stroll through the tranquil village, surrounded by sweeping mountain views. Later enjoy savoring a freshly prepared traditional dinner — a perfect ending to a day of culture and beauty.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 8. Chon-Kemin - Almaty
Day 8. Chon-Kemin - Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Border

Border Crossing (Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan)
Ready for a one more stamp in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Add one more country into your collection

Our destination for the day is Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, we begin a guided city tour, taking in its most celebrated sights: the grand Independence Square, the colorful wooden masterpiece of Zenkov Cathedral, the serene Panfilov Park, and the striking WWII memorial.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Day 9. Almaty
Day 9. Almaty

City tour in Almaty.

Medeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends.

After we go to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. It is famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Kazakhstan and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruit-growing gardens. Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you would see the famous 372 meters high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus a few attractions at the top.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Day 10. Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
Day 10. Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty

The Charyn Canyon is located in the national park. It is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States.

The erosion of the Charyn River has created dramatic and impressive landscapes. When you arrive, you will admire the magnificent panorama and walk down to the bottom of the gorge to hike about 2 km in the labyrinth of the Valley of the Castles.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Day 11. Almaty - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at the 12:00.
Departure at any time. End of the service.

Meals included: breakfast

Route
Show map
11 days
Start Finish
Bishkek
Burana Tower
Cholpon-Ata
Karakol
Djety-Oguz
Song-Kul Lake
Chon-Kemin
Almaty
Charyn Canyon
Almaty
Upcoming Dates
100% Guaranteed Departures
2026
14 May 2026
to 24 May 2026
Available
1 690 USD
21 May 2026
to 31 May 2026
Sold Out
28 May 2026
to 07 Jun 2026
Available
1 790 USD
11 Jun 2026
to 21 Jun 2026
Available
1 790 USD
06 Jul 2026
to 16 Jul 2026
Sold Out
09 Jul 2026
to 19 Jul 2026
Available
1 890 USD
23 Jul 2026
to 02 Aug 2026
Available
1 990 USD
06 Aug 2026
to 16 Aug 2026
Available
1 890 USD
20 Aug 2026
to 30 Aug 2026
Low Availability
1 790 USD
10 Sep 2026
to 20 Sep 2026
Available
1 790 USD
21 Sep 2026
to 01 Oct 2026
Sold Out
Duration 11 days
Group 12 max
Single room 440 USD
What's included
  • Private Transportation
  • English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation as per program
  • Meals as per program: (B - 10 / L - 5 / D - 5)
  • Bishkek City Tour: Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, Oak Park, Central Mosque
  • Burana Tower
  • Lunch with Dungan family
  • Free time in Chong-Kemin
  • Visit the petroglyph open-air museum
  • Karakol City Tour
  • Russian Orthodox Cathedral
  • Dungan mosque
  • Jety Oguz & the Seven Bulls
  • Barskoon Waterfalls
  • Yurt Building Demonstration
  • Eagle Hunting
  • Felt Crafting
  • Song Kul Lake
  • Overnight in a Kyrgyz Yurt
  • Eagle hunting
  • Lunch with Local Family in Kochkor
  • Almaty City Tour: Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park, WWII memorial
  • Kok-Tobe Hill
  • Medeo Gorge
  • Charyn Canyon
What's excluded
  • International Flights
  • Airport transfers: 50 USD one way per person
  • Personal Expenses & Personal Insurance
  • Services not mentioned as included
Additional Information

Standard check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
Single room supplement does apply for accommodation in yurt camp

Extra night in Bishkek:

  • 90 USD per DBL/TWN room
  • 70 USD per SGL room

Extra night in Almaty:

  • 100 USD per SGL room
  • 130 USD per DBL/TWN room
Get in touch

    Group tour
    Upcoming Dates
    14 May 2026
    to 24 May 2026
    Available
    1 690 USD
    Duration 11 days
    Group 12 max
    Reviews