About this tour
The best time for this tour is from spring to autumn, when weather conditions are ideal for travel. The route is designed both for 4WD off-road travelers and for tourist groups of six or more participants.
If you are interested in how nature, climate, and landscape have shaped the history and cultural heritage of the region, this journey will be a true discovery. An experienced guide will help you immerse yourself in the unique world of geo-cultural heritage of two countries.
This tour introduces you to the remarkable natural and cultural landmarks of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Over 7 days, you will visit some of the most fascinating sites, including Charyn Canyon, famous for its red rock formations and monumental landscapes reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. The Chundzha thermal springs offer a relaxing experience in natural hot waters, while the ancient burial mounds at the Issyk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve reveal moments of the region’s deep history.
In Kyrgyzstan, you will explore Jety-Oguz Gorge and Skazka (Fairy Tale) Valley, known for their striking red sandstone formations. You will travel to the high-altitude Song-Kul Lake, surrounded by countless yurts where modern nomads still graze their horse herds. The journey also includes historical sites in the Issyk-Kul and Chui valleys.
This route is an ideal blend of natural wonders and cultural traditions of two Central Asian countries — two great neighbors united by shared history and closely connected cultural heritage.
Tour Route: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Chundzha – Kegen – Karakol – Jety-Oguz – Naryn – Song-Kul – Kochkor – Bishkek. Optional return to Almaty is available.
Program
Arrival in Almaty. Meet & greet at the airport. Transfer and hotel check-in.
Free time for currency exchange and SIM card purchase.
In the evening, welcome dinner at a restaurant, introduction to your guide, and presentation of the tour program.
Morning departure to Chundzha.
En route, visit the Issyk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, where you will learn about the Golden Man, a unique archaeological discovery from an ancient burial mound.
The vast steppe landscapes offer breathtaking views and unforgettable impressions.
Hotel check-in.
In the evening, visit the Chundzha thermal hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Dinner at a restaurant accompanied by a local folklore performance.
Morning sightseeing tour of Chundzha. The historic center of the Uyghur District reflects a fascinating past dating back to the town’s foundation in 1875. The area played an important role in guarding caravan routes linking Kulja, Kashgar, and Uch-Turfan with Verny (Almaty) during the period of the Russian Empire and its borderlands with China.
Lunch at a restaurant.
Departure to Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon of Colorado. Guided walk through the canyon.
Continue to Kegen, complete border formalities at the Kazakh–Kyrgyz border, and drive to Karakol, located in the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul Valley.
Hotel check-in. Dinner at a restaurant.
Morning sightseeing tour of Karakol’s historical landmarks.
Drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its dramatic red rock formations. Enjoy panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Visit Skazka (Fairy Tale) Valley, known for its unique erosion landforms.
Continue to Naryn, the highest-altitude city in the country. Scenic landscapes along the way.
Hotel check-in. Dinner at a restaurant.
Morning drive to the high-altitude Song-Kul Lake (3,016 m above sea level).
Ascent via Moldo-Ashu Pass, offering stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Accommodation in a traditional yurt.
Dinner featuring national Kyrgyz cuisine.
Optional horseback riding is available.
Morning at Song-Kul begins with a spectacular sunrise, bathing the surrounding green mountains in warm orange tones reflected in the calm waters of the lake.
Descent through the Karatyl-Zhapryk Nature Reserve, offering pure aesthetic enjoyment of pristine landscapes.
Arrival in Kochkor, visit to a felt-making workshop.
Drive to the Burana Tower, a UNESCO-listed architectural and historical complex.
Arrival in Bishkek. Hotel check-in.
Dinner at an ethno-restaurant.
Transfer to Bishkek International Airport (30 km)
or transfer to the Ak-Zhol border checkpoint and return to Almaty (230 km).
Price
1/2 DBL price
On requestIncluded / Excluded
- Transportation throughout the tour
- Professional guide
- Twin accommodation in hotels
- Accommodation in a traditional yurt
- Entrance fees to all attractions
- Local guides
- Full board meals
- Master class
- Folklore show
- Border meet
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Horseback riding
- Bar and alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
Map
