| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Adventure Tours |
Day 1: Arrival in Almaty & City Exploration
We will meet at Almaty Airport and transfer to our hotel for check-in. After settling in, we will start exploring the vibrant city of Almaty.
Our city tour will take us through the historic center, where we will admire old buildings, beautiful cathedrals, and charming city squares. We will take a walk through the famous Almaty Park and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city streets. To end the day with panoramic views, we will visit Kok Tobe, where we can see the whole city and the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Almaty
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Charyn Canyon, Saty Village & Kolsai Lake
After breakfast, we will drive to the majestic Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” We will explore its dramatic rock formations and take photos of the stunning landscapes.
Next, we will continue to Saty Village, where we will enjoy a traditional lunch at a local guesthouse. In the afternoon, we will visit the first of the Kolsai Lakes, set among pine forests and high mountains. We will have free time to walk along the lake, take photos, or simply enjoy the serene scenery.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Saty Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Kaindy Lake Adventure
After breakfast at the guesthouse, we will travel to the enchanting Kaindy Lake. Famous for its submerged forest and turquoise waters, the lake offers a magical atmosphere perfect for photography and hiking along the shoreline.
We will enjoy lunch during the day, and there will be time to relax and explore the surroundings. After our visit, we will return to Saty Village for the night.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Saty Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Border Crossing & Karakol City Tour
We will start the day with breakfast at the guesthouse and drive to the Kegen Border Post. We will cross the border on foot, then enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
After crossing the border, we will transfer to Karakol. Here, we will explore the city highlights: the beautifully decorated Dungan Mosque, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the bustling Bugu Bazaar.
In the evening, we will have dinner at a local Dungan family home while enjoying a folklore show performed by a local music band, giving us a taste of authentic local culture.
Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Altyn Arashan & Jeti Oguz Valley
Today, we will embark on an adventure to the pristine Altyn Arashan Gorge via the legendary Soviet UAZ track. Once in the gorge, we will hike to the natural mineral hot springs and enjoy a relaxing bath in the alpine setting.
Lunch will be served at a traditional yurt camp. After our adventure, we will return to Karakol by UAZ vehicle and then transfer to the stunning Jeti Oguz Valley. We will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a yurt camp nestled among the red rock formations.
Accommodation: Yurt camp in Jeti Oguz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Jeti Oguz, Barskoon & Skazka Canyon
After breakfast, we will explore the Jeti Oguz Valley. We will see the famous “Broken Heart” formation and the “Seven Bulls” rocks. According to your preference, we can hike or ride horses to the “Maiden’s Braid” Waterfall.
Next, we will drive to Barskoon Valley, where the Kumtor gold mine is located. We will take an easy one-hour hike to one of the four waterfalls and see the monument dedicated to Yuri Gagarin. Lunch will be served at a yurt café.
In the afternoon, we will visit Skazka Canyon, known for its fantastical rock formations shaped by wind and rain. Finally, we will transfer to Kaji Say, where we will have time to relax at the Issyk-Kul Lake beach before dinner at the guesthouse.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kaji Say
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Kaji Say to Bishkek via Cultural Highlights
We will start with breakfast at the guesthouse and depart for Bishkek. Along the way, we will visit:
Bokonbaevo Village to watch a thrilling eagle hunting demonstration.
Kyzyl-Tuu Village to have lunch with a local family and participate in a yurt assembly demonstration.
Burana Tower, a historical site from the Karakhanid period.
Upon arrival in Bishkek, we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of mountains, lakes, and nomadic culture.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Includes:
Transportation
Guide
Entrance fees (Kok Tobe, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake, Burana Tower, Skazka Canyon, Dungan Mosque)
Yurt assembly show
Eagle hunting show
Double/twin hotel accommodations
Meals as mentioned
Price Excludes:
Insurance
Visa
Personal spending
Early check-in
Late check-out
Additional costs caused by changes after confirmation or during the tour
Booking rules:
We require 30% payment in advance for booking confirmation. We will send you a payment link through which you can pay by bank card.
The remaining amount should be paid in cash in USD upon arrival in each country. After tour confirmation, we will inform you how much should be paid in each country. This helps us avoid bank transfer commissions.