Description
Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Expedition: Canyons, Culture & Nomads
Step beyond the familiar and into the wild heart of Central Asia on this 10-day expedition through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, a land of golden eagles, soaring mountains, nomadic tradition and raw, untouched beauty.
Beginning in the vibrant city of Almaty, you’ll wander markets and taste local wines before venturing out to the surreal Charyn Canyon and the turquoise alpine lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy. Across the border, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan greet you with a multi-day trek past high-altitude lakes, yurt stays, and views that defy belief.
By foot and on horseback, you’ll trace ancient routes through canyons, valleys, and sweeping plateaus. You’ll meet eagle hunters, soak in natural hot springs, and spend your nights under star-strewn skies in traditional yurts. This is cultural immersion at its core, sharing stories with nomads over shared meals, witnessing Independence Day celebrations, and engaging with our local guide education initiative, where 5% of your tour cost helps fund grassroots development.
This journey isn’t just a tour. It’s a time warp, a deep breath of mountain air, and a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
Highlights
• Almaty city & local falconry centre
• Charyn Canyon & alpine lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy
• Cross-border trek through the Tien Shan Mountains
• Ala-Kol Lake and the dramatic Ala-Kol Pass
• Hot springs of Altyn Arashan
• Kok Boru match & golden eagle hunting demonstration
• Horse trek across Tuz-Ashuu Pass to Song-Kul
• Ancient Silk Road site of Burana Tower
• National sport of Kok Boru
• 5% of tour cost supports local field guide training (SDP)
Arrive in vibrant Almaty and freshen up in your hotel room ready upon arrival. In the afternoon, explore Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the bustling Green Bazaar. Taste local wines at ARBA Wine and enjoy a short film, then visit the rare Sunkar Falcon Nursery for a stunning bird of prey show. Cap it all off with a welcome dinner and drinks in bustling Arbat Street.
Overnight: Almaty (Grand Sapphire Hotel)
Drive through the steppe to Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan’s own Grand Canyon, and enjoy lunch in a village en route. Explore the dramatic “Valley of Castles” before ascending into the Tien Shan Mountains to reach Kolsai Lakes - a set of three dazzling alpine lakes.
Overnight: Kolsai (Local yurt guesthouse stay)
Wake up next to the lake and visit the mystical Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest and ghostly fir trees. In the afternoon, cross the remote Karkara border into Kyrgyzstan and arrive in Karakol. Visit the Dungan Mosque, Russian Orthodox Church, and bazaar before enjoying a traditional Dungan dinner.
Overnight: Karakol (Guesthouse)
Start the day with a drive to the Karakol Gorge. Hike through river valleys and alpine meadows, stopping for lunch by a lake. Ascend to your campsite at 3000m near Orphan’s Shelter and settle in for the night in your remote yurt camp.
Overnight: Ala Kul NP (Kurgak-Tor yurt camp)
The crown jewel of our hiking experience; climb to the breathtaking Ala-Kol Lake at 3532m, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. Cross the dramatic Ala-Kol Pass (3860m) before descending to camp in Keldike Gorge.
Overnight: Ala Kul NP (Keldike Gorge yurt camp)
Hike down to a well deserved bath in the soothing hot springs of Altyn Arashan, soak in nature’s thermal baths, and explore hidden pools along the river. Ride out in a Soviet GAZ-66 truck and transfer back to Karakol.
Overnight: Karakol (Guesthouse)
Journey to the stunning red rock formations of Jeti-Ögüz and Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyons. Visit eagle hunter Ruslan in Bokonbaevo for a falconry demo and storytelling. Watch the sunset and spend the night in a lakeside yurt camp on the shores of Issyk Kul.
Overnight: Issyk Kul (Bel Tam yurt camp)
Drive to Kyzart Village and saddle up for a scenic horse trek across Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3400m) to the remote shores of Song-Kul Lake. Ride along the lakeshore and immerse yourself in nomadic life. Car transfer available for non-riders.
Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)
Leave the high pastures and visit the ancient Burana Tower, once a thriving Silk Road city. Marvel at the famous traditional sport of Kok Boru being played with a goat carcass by local farmers. Continue to Bishkek and relax in the capital ahead of our final group dinner together.
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Experience the color and energy of Kyrgyz Independence Day celebrations in Bishkek. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home or onwards to Tashkent.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in twin share ¾ * rooms (where available), or eco-accom (yurts, etc.)
- All meals included, unless otherwise specified
- All entrance and permit fees
- All ground transportation and driver costs
- FCT guide and local english-speaking guides in each country
- Welcome and farewell dinners and drinks
- Visa support, if necessary
- (If continuing) One-way flight from Bishkek to Tashkent
Exclusions
- International flights to Astana and from Bishkek
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Spending money
- Tips for guides