Cultural & Scenic Journey from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan

Bishkek

Welcome to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's cool capital. After arrival, take a private city tour. See the White House and visit the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts. Walk through Osh Bazaar, full of colours and life. Browse stalls selling felt hats, embroidered slippers, dried fruits and handmade carpets. This bustling market gives you a real taste of local culture. The city combines Soviet architecture with mountain views and traditional charm. It's a great way to start your journey, learning about Kyrgyz heritage while soaking up the atmosphere of one of Central Asia's most accessible cities.

Karkara

Drive to Karkara along the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake. Stop at the Issyk-Kul Historical State Museum to see ancient stone carvings and learn about early civilisations. Visit a local bee farm and see how honey is made the traditional way. End the day in a peaceful yurt camp in a green valley. Surrounded by nature, the camp is a great place to chill out. The fresh air, river sounds and quietness will make you feel really calm, it's a special part of your Kyrgyzstan experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karkara

Full day in the peaceful Karkara valley. Choose a short hike through open meadows and hills or a gentle horse ride through the countryside. The area is quiet and scenic with wide views and clean air. It's a perfect day to relax and slow down, take in the nature around you. Karkara reflects the traditional nomadic lifestyle, yurts are scattered across the landscape. It's a great spot to enjoy the rhythm of rural life and the calm of Kyrgyzstan's remote valleys.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Drive to Karakol, a town full of history and culture. Visit the unique Dungan Mosque built without nails and the wooden Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. The Dungan are Chinese Muslims who settled in the region after fleeing persecution during the Qing Dynasty, and their community has made significant cultural contributions to Karakol, including their distinctive cuisine and architecture. Each site tells a story of the people who live here. In the evening enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a Dungan family. Try ashlan fu, a local noodle soup with a kick. The evening is warm and personal, you’ll get a taste of Karakol’s friendly atmosphere and the mix of cultures that shape the town.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karakol

Kochkor

Drive to Kochkor, first stop to see the red sandstone cliffs of Jeti-Oguz, also known as the Seven Bulls. A local legend and a great photo stop. In Kochkor visit a felt workshop and see how locals make colourful rugs and decorations by hand. You'll also witness a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, an ancient practice passed down through generations. The skill and connection between hunter and bird is amazing to see. Today you'll get close to Kyrgyz traditions, crafts and nature.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bishkek

Drive back to Bishkek, stop at the Burana Tower, an 11th century brick minaret that stands as a testament to the region's rich history. Walk among the stone statues nearby which once marked ancient graves. Lunch with a Mennonite family who speak German, you’ll get insight into Kyrgyzstan’s cultural mix. Their way of life is peaceful and rooted in farming traditions. This stop will give you a different perspective on the region’s history and people. End the day back in Bishkek, reflecting on the mountain landscapes, traditional crafts and stories you’ve collected along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

The border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is straightforward, typically requiring a valid passport and a short wait at the checkpoint. The process is efficient, allowing travelers to continue their journey with ease. This route takes you off the beaten track, offering a more unique and authentic experience compared to mainstream tours. Cross the border into Kazakhstan and arrive in Almaty, a modern city surrounded by the stunning Tian Shan Mountains. Visit Panfilov Park and the colourful Ascension Cathedral. Walk through the busy Green Market for fresh produce and souvenirs. At the Central State Museum learn about Kazakhstan’s long history. Stop at Republic Square to see the Independence Monument. Almaty blends old and new, leafy streets, cafes and wide boulevards. It’s a lively and welcoming city where history and modern life go hand in hand.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Almaty

Day trip to Big Almaty Lake, nestled high in the Ile-Alatau National Park. The lake's still blue waters reflect the surrounding mountains, it's a peaceful and beautiful place. In the afternoon visit a falcon farm to learn about the Kazakh tradition of bird hunting. Watch trained birds of prey in action and hear how this skill has been passed down for generations. Today you'll get a mix of nature and culture, you'll see how Kazakhs live in harmony with the land and wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Today explore beyond the city. Choose from three different day trips: – Charyn Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon" of Central Asia for its breathtaking scenery, impressive scale, and geological significance, with unique rock formations and rock towers shaped like castles, – Tamgaly, home to ancient rock carvings, – or Turgen Gorge, filled with green forests and waterfalls. Saty Village is a charming stopover and a great base for exploring Charyn Canyon as well as nearby Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes. Each place shows a different side of Kazakhstan’s natural and historical beauty. Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing or just enjoying the views, this day adds variety to your journey. These landscapes will show you how much Kazakhstan has to offer outside its cities.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Shymkent

Fly to Shymkent, a relaxed and culturally rich city in southern Kazakhstan. Visit its leafy streets, parks and local markets or take a short drive to Sayram. This ancient settlement is over 3,000 years old and home to beautiful Islamic architecture. The peaceful vibe, historic buildings and friendly locals make this a nice day of discovery. Shymkent mixes the feel of a modern city with deep historical roots, it’s different from Almaty.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shymkent

Full day trip to Turkestan, a key site on the ancient Silk Road. Visit the famous Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, an architectural masterpiece and place of pilgrimage. See other local highlights, the Friday Mosque and the unique Underground Mosque. On the way stop at Otrar’s archaeological site, once a major trading city. The day is full of stories from the past, how Turkestan was a major spiritual and cultural centre in Central Asia.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Return to Almaty for a last day in the city. Use this time to revisit places you enjoyed or explore new parts of town. Visit art galleries, relax in cafes or shop for last minute souvenirs. Walk past Soviet-era buildings, modern shopping streets and green parks. Almaty’s mountain setting and city life offer a perfect balance of nature and urban charm. It’s a great way to end your journey with a deeper understanding of Kazakh life today.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty - Departure

Your Central Asia journey ends today. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Look back on days filled with mountain landscapes, ancient cities, cultural encounters and new friendships. The memories of Kyrgyz yurts, eagle hunters, Silk Road monuments and local meals will stay with you long after you leave.

Meals Included: Breakfast