From CAD 1949
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(21 reviews)
Experience Overview
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.
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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1737
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private van, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Supplier Code: AYKK
Starts: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Finishes: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Song Köl Your 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
Accommodation
- Hotels (3 nts), village guesthouse (3 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people per yurt), village homestay (1 nt)
- 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
- Private van, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1949 (CAD 217 /day)
Itinerary
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 cozy guest house run by Ashuu villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.
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 yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.
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 as ala-kiyiz, and enjoy lunch together. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol' Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.
Tamga village was once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights. The complex still exists in its original, untouched 1930's glory, with an atmosphere that would seem to bring you back in time.
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. Stop for a visit at the Prejevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, followed by a city tour. See the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.
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 overlooking the flower-filled valley. Return to Karakol and have a free afternoon to explore. In the evening enjoy dinner with local family
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, take a city tour visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Time permitting, opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.
Day 9: Almaty
Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Yiyun S., - Traveled, October 2023
Beautify scenary and local hospitality
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Christopher K., - Traveled, September 2023
I'm happy with the G Adv style, but I expect several of our friends would find it too hectic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Rachel H., - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent itinerary, organisation and very smooth booking process.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Russel M., - Traveled, September 2023
Fun trip visiting places which would be difficult to do if travelling independently
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Laura E., - Traveled, August 2023
We had a magnificent time in the Stans. Because it would be difficult for us to navigate without support, we chose G Adventures (we have not been with G before) and were extremely impressed with the tour we had with Bek. He was knowledgeable, friendly, flexible and supportive
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Helen B., - Traveled, August 2023
Very safe and professional tours Good range of departure dates and destinations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Mollika T., - Traveled, September 2023
Fantastic value! The trip was thoroughly organized from booking to the end of the trip. Customer service and the app are excellent
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Marcus N., - Traveled, September 2023
I really didn't know what to expect of Kyrgyzstan, but it was a truly memorable trip, and I think a lot of that was down to our guide Leila.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Collected by G Adventures Helen B., - Traveled, August 2023
Very safe and professional tours Good range of departure dates and destinations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Divya C., - Traveled, August 2023
This trip was put together really well, it felt like a proper adventure and I enjoyed the travel to remote locations and stays in the Yurt and village guest houses. I felt we went to some remote and challenging places, that are off the beaten track
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Julie Ann Christine K., - Traveled, August 2023
I had so much fun. Great mix of experiences and the pace was good
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Jack S., - Traveled, August 2023
I recommend G Adventures as for this style of trip, in a country which is not known by many from the west, it really helps having a guide like Ilyas who is a fluent English speaking local, alongside a detailed itinerary which contains all the major attractions
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Jade G., - Traveled, August 2023
Very good guides( good english, well prepared and organized), interesting countries to travel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Yasmin F., - Traveled, August 2023
It was my 4rd trip with G and so far I only had good experiences
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Kristine Y., - Traveled, August 2023
Good value, interesting itineraries and attracts like-minded people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Marie M., - Traveled, July 2023
Brilliant way to visits countries that otherwise you may not go but required confidence to take part
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Kate W., - Traveled, July 2023
Another amazing G trip - lovely oriole, spectacular scenery and Bec was amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Sophie V., - Traveled, July 2023
G Adventures always delivers ln what it promises. It also solves problems in a fast and efficient way if problems arise. And you know you will find people interested in the same things as you are.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
LinnŽa F., - Traveled, July 2023
This kind of travel is not for everyone, but for those looking for an organized group tour with a lot of places to see, I think G Adventures offers a good deal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Gabrielle R., - Traveled, July 2023
Leila is a magnificent guide. She is knowledgeable, honest, genuine, funny, and just a really good person. The itinerary in Kyrgyzstan is fantastic. As a nature and mountain lover, this is exactly what I wanted to experience and so much more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Ashleigh D., - Traveled, July 2023
I love that G Adventures use adventure style travel and try to create authentic experiences in the places explored. This is my 3rd G Adventures and it always seems as though their is a commitment to preserving the environment and ensuring a safe and positive experience. This style of travel is excellent for solo travellers and I feel you make many friends
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/08/2023
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