Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan Group Tour – 8 Days

Welcome to Kazakhstan! Upon arrival in Astana, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Check-in begins at 14:00. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, meet your guide and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby at 09:00 for a guided city tour of Kazakhstan’s dynamic capital.

Begin your journey in the “Old Centre,” once home to the city’s merchant class. Stroll along the Millennium Axis, a grand urban plan envisioned by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. Admire the Opera House and the vibrant Round Square, adorned with fountains and modern sculptures.

Continue to Independence Square, where the striking 91-meter-high white stele Kazakh Eli stands tall. Visit the impressive Khazret Sultan Mosque and the symbolic Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, both architectural marvels reflecting Kazakhstan’s rich cultural identity.

Next, head to Nurzhol and Green Water boulevards, lined with futuristic skyscrapers showcasing bold and imaginative design. Ascend the iconic Bayterek Tower and take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck — a perfect photo opportunity!

Wrap up the morning tour at Khan Shatyr, a massive shopping and entertainment complex housed under the world’s largest tent.

Enjoy a delicious welcome lunch, then enjoy free time to relax or explore more of the city on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.

🕒 Sightseeing duration: 4–5 hours
🍽 Meals included: lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Almaty — Kazakhstan’s southern gem and cultural capital.

Upon arrival, begin your guided tour of Almaty. Start with a walk through the charming Panfilov Park, home to the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings built without nails. Continue to Republic Square, a vibrant symbol of Kazakhstan’s independence, and explore the Central State Museum, which offers a fascinating look into the country’s rich history and traditions.

After exploring the city’s cultural landmarks, take a scenic 25 km drive to Chimbulak, a picturesque mountain resort nestled in the foothills of the majestic Tian Shan Mountains. Ride the cable car to take in sweeping alpine views and breathe in the fresh mountain air — an unforgettable experience in any season.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Sunkar Falcon Farm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), where you’ll witness a spectacular falconry show. Discover the ancient Kazakh tradition of hunting with trained birds of prey — a truly unique part of the nomadic heritage.

Return to the hotel by 18:00. Enjoy free time to relax or explore Almaty on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.

🕒 Sightseeing duration: 5–6 hours
✈️ Domestic flight included
🐦 Note: Sunkar Falcon Farm is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby at 08:00 and set off on an unforgettable journey to one of Kazakhstan’s natural wonders — Charyn Canyon (220 km, approx. 3–4 hours).

Located in the heart of Charyn National Park, this 154-million-year-old canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon — and for good reason. With its dramatic red rock formations, particularly in the famous Valley of Castles, the canyon promises awe-inspiring views and a chance to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Central Asia’s wilderness.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch surrounded by nature. After a short rest, take a guided walk along the canyon floor, where you’ll feel dwarfed by the towering cliffs and surreal, otherworldly landscapes — perfect for breathtaking photos and moments of reflection.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Kazakh–Kyrgyz border at Kegen (116 km). After border formalities, meet your Kyrgyz guide and driver and continue through the scenic Karkara Valley (110 km) to the charming town of Karakol, nestled near the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.

This memorable day ends with a warm home-cooked dinner hosted by a local Uyghur family, complete with a traditional Kyrgyz folklore show — an intimate evening of music, storytelling, and authentic cuisine that will immerse you in local culture.

Overnight at a hotel in Karakol.

🥾 Light hiking in the canyon
🥗 Meals included: picnic lunch, dinner
🌄 Unmissable views & cultural immersion

tart the day with a hearty breakfast, then set out to explore two of Karakol’s most iconic sites. Visit the beautifully preserved Wooden Orthodox Church, followed by the fascinating Dungan Mosque, built entirely without nails in a unique Chinese architectural style — a striking blend of cultures and faiths.

Next, travel to the stunning Jety-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red sandstone formations like the "Broken Heart" and "Seven Bulls." Enjoy a short scenic hike through pine-covered hills and dramatic valleys before continuing along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Central Asia’s second-largest alpine lake.

En route, stop in Bokonbaevo village for a rare and memorable experience — a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, where local berkutchi (eagle hunters) showcase this ancient Kyrgyz art.

As you drive toward Kochkor, soak in some of the most panoramic views of Lake Issyk-Kul. Upon arrival, enjoy a home-cooked dinner and warm hospitality in a Kyrgyz family’s guesthouse, where you’ll spend the night in an authentic and cozy setting.

Overnight in Kochkor (family guesthouse).

🥾 Light hike in Jety-Oguz Gorge
🦅 Live eagle hunting show
🏡 Meals included: lunch, dinner
🌊 Incredible lakeside drive & cultural immersion

After breakfast, set off on a scenic mountain drive to Son-Kul Lake (120 km), one of Kyrgyzstan’s highest alpine lakes, nestled at 3,016 meters above sea level. The route takes you across the dramatic Kalmak Ashu Pass (3,400 m), offering breathtaking views of untouched mountain wilderness.

Arriving at the wide-open plateau of Son-Kul, you'll find yourself surrounded by pristine nature, nomadic yurt camps, and endless flocks of grazing livestock. This is where Kyrgyz shepherds spend their summers, preserving a traditional way of life that’s hardly changed for centuries.

Stroll the meadows dotted with wild edelweiss, watch local women prepare "kymyz" (fermented mare’s milk), and sample homemade dairy treats, bread, and jam as part of a warm nomadic welcome. You may also opt for a horseback ride across the plateau — a truly authentic Kyrgyz experience (available at extra cost).

Spend the evening sharing stories over dinner in a cozy yurt, under a sky full of stars. This is nomadic life, untouched and unforgettable.

Overnight in a yurt camp near Son-Kul Lake.

🏔 Cross Kalmak Ashu Pass – 3,400 m above sea level
🐑 Discover nomadic traditions & taste kymyz
🐎 Optional horseback riding available
🌌 Authentic yurt stay under the stars
🍽 Meals included: lunch, dinner

After breakfast, bid farewell to the highlands and begin your scenic journey to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital (approx. 400 km). Along the way, you’ll stop in the town of Kochkor to visit a traditional felt workshop, where local artisans demonstrate how Kyrgyz shyrdaks (felt carpets) are handmade using age-old techniques passed down through generations. It's a perfect opportunity to learn about Kyrgyz craftsmanship — and maybe even take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

After lunch, continue the drive through the fertile Chuy Valley, stopping at the Burana Tower, a historical minaret and remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun, dating back to the 11th century. Explore the tower and the surrounding open-air museum of petroglyphs and stone figures known as balbals.

Arrive in Bishkek in the late afternoon. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening in the city.

Overnight at the hotel in Bishkek.

🧵 Experience a hands-on felt carpet workshop in Kochkor
🕌 Visit the 1,000-year-old Burana Tower – a true Silk Road relic
🏙 Arrive in Bishkek, a city of wide boulevards and green parks
🍽 Meals included: lunch, dinner

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kyrgyzstan before checking out of the hotel (by 12:00). At 09:00, begin a relaxed sightseeing tour of Bishkek, the green and spacious capital nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains.

You’ll visit some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including:

• 🌳 Oak Park – one of the oldest parks in the city, lined with sculptures and shaded paths

• 🏛 Ala-Too Square – the heart of Bishkek and a hub of civic life

• 🎼 Philharmonic Hall and the Statue of Manas – tributes to Kyrgyz culture and folklore

• 🕊 Victory Square – a monument to peace and resilience

• 🛍 Osh Bazaar – a lively market where you can browse for spices, souvenirs, and local snacks

• 🕌 The Mahmud Kashgari Mosque – a striking example of modern Islamic architecture

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll be transferred to Bishkek Airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan Group Tour — a journey filled with natural wonders, cultural treasures, and lasting memories.

📸 Final chance to grab souvenirs and snapshots
📌 Sightseeing duration: approx. 3 hours
🍽 Meals included: breakfast, lunch