Kyrgyzstan
& Kazakhstan.

One trip, two countries, one mountain range.

The most comprehensive route in our catalogue. Start in Almaty with the cable car up to the Shymbulak glacier and an evening panorama from Kok-Tobe. On to Charyn Canyon with its sculpture-like rock towers, then the turquoise Kolsai lakes and the sunken forest of Kaindy. After the border crossing, the full loop through Kyrgyzstan: Karakol, the south shore of Issyk-Kul, an eagle-hunting demonstration, two nights at Son-Kul, finishing in Bishkek.

The route.

01

Almaty — Medeo — Shymbulak — Kok-Tobe

Cable car over the peaks.

Hotel

Start in Almaty, drive out to the Medeo ice rink — one of the largest in the world. Cable car up to the Shymbulak ski resort, then a hike to the second cable-car station (1.5 – 2 h, up to 600 m of elevation). Pause at a cosy café, then up by cable car to the Talgar pass — peaks and glaciers of the Zailiski Alatau. Back down to Medeo. In the evening, up Kok-Tobe hill for city views and dinner at a local restaurant.

02

Almaty — Charyn Canyon — Saty

Into the Valley of Castles.

Drive · 300 km · 5 – 6 hGuesthouse

Drive out to Charyn Canyon. A walk through the "Valley of Castles" — sculpture-like sandstone towers in red. Lunch at the visitor centre. On into Kolsai Lakes National Park and the village of Saty. A short transfer to Kaindy lake, a walk between the upright submerged spruce trunks. Photo session, dinner at the guesthouse.

03

Saty — Kolsai & Kaindy

The turquoise cascade.

Guesthouse

Drive out to the Kolsai lakes, hike up to Kolsai-2. Picnic on the shore, photos, time to slow down. Back to Kolsai-1 for coffee and local ice cream. Evening at the guesthouse in Saty — with a view of the mountains.

04

Saty — Karakol

Across the border.

Drive · 207 km · 4 – 5 hHotel

Border crossing into Kyrgyzstan. Lunch at a local café. In Karakol, visit the Przhevalsky museum on the life and expeditions of the explorer. On to the Dungan mosque and the Russian Orthodox wooden church — the city's cultural heritage. Dinner with Central Asian cuisine.

05

Karakol — Jety Ögüs — Barskoon — Skazka

Along the south shore.

Drive · 200 km · approx. 5 hGuesthouse / Yurt

Early to the local livestock market — a study in the bargaining between buyers and sellers. On to Jety-Ögüs for a photo session. Along the south shore to Barskoon with a stop at a felt cooperative (optional hands-on session). Onward to Skazka Canyon — check in at the yurt camp with views over Issyk-Kul. A 1.5 – 2-hour walk through the canyon.

06

Skazka — Ak-Sai — Son-Kul

Eagle, pass, high plateau.

Drive · 250 km · 5 – 6 hYurt

A walk through the Ak-Sai canyon and up the clay-stone ridge with panoramic views of Issyk-Kul. Eagle-hunting demonstration with experienced falconers. Lunch at the yurt camp. In the afternoon, on to Son-Kul (3,016 m). Across the Dolon pass (3,030 m) to the Kajyrty waterfall — a half-hour walk. Then over the Teskey-Torpok pass (3,133 m) to the lake. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.

07

Son-Kul — Hike & culture

A day at the lake.

Yurt

Before the hike, a chance to watch traditional horse games. Along the way you'll discover ancient petroglyphs, get a feel for life with the nomadic families, and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the lake. Picnic in the open, return to camp, dinner.

08

Son-Kul — Bishkek

Via Burana to the capital.

Drive · 330 km · 5 – 6 hHotel

Drive back to Bishkek with scenic stops along the way. After lunch a visit to Burana Tower — Karakhanid history from the 10th–11th century. In Bishkek, hotel check-in, dinner with national cuisine, evening walk across Victory Square.

09

Bishkek — Wrap-up

The capital.

Airport transfer

Opera and ballet theatre, a walk through Oak Park with its centuries-old trees. Ala-Too Square with the ceremonial changing of the guard. After lunch a stroll through the colourful Osh Bazaar — spices, scents, local culture. Transfer to the airport.