Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Summer Adventure

Fly to Bishkek from the UK

Arrive in Bishkek early in the morning and check into your hotel for breakfast and some free time. In the afternoon, embark on a drive to the stunning Chong Kemin Valley, a protected reserve boasting diverse flora and fauna amidst an alpine landscape. En route, visit the 10th-century Burana Tower and its archaeological museum. Check in at a family-run guesthouse in Tarsuu village, and before dinner, take a leisurely stroll to gain insights into rural Kyrgyz life. (B,D)

This morning, partake in a half-day warm-up hike to Kalmak-Ashuu Gorge with a mountain picnic lunch. In the late afternoon, travel to Kochkor in the Naryn region, a crossroad of the Great Silk Road. Stay overnight and have dinner at a homestay. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, your driver takes you to the Kyzart Pass, the trek's starting point between Kochkor and the Jumgal region. The trail ascends, offering panoramic views from the 3061-metre Chaar Archa Pass. Descend briefly into a narrow valley, then climb to the Kyzyl Bel Pass at 3014 metres. Rest and overnight at a shepherd's yurt. (B,L,D)

14.5km, 4-6 hours of trekking, altitude: 2,550m

Embark on a morning climb to the 3325-metre Jalgyz Karagai Pass, offering breathtaking views of Song-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountains. The route continues southwest, descending from the pass into Jaman Echki Valley. (B,L,D)

19.5km, 5-6 hours of trekking, altitude: 3,016m

Explore Song-Kul, a stunning alpine lake encircled by Central Tien-Shan ridges, devoid of trees due to high altitude. Learn about nomadic life, visiting local shepherd families engaged in household tasks, from milking mares to crafting dairy products. Spend the day observing daily routines and enjoy a leisurely walking tour in the nearby mountains. (B,L,D)

In the morning, travel to the Kok-Kiya valley near the China border, enjoying stunning views of the At-Bashi Range and Eki-Naryn Canyon along the way. (B,L,D)

Embark on a half-day trek to Kel-Suu Lake in the Kok-Kya valley, situated at 3,500 metres above sea level. The lake, known for occasional disappearances into underground caves, is surrounded by towering cliffs with numerous caves and alcoves. The trek covers 16 kilometres over six hours or 3-4 hours on horseback, concluding in Kochkor before evening. (B,L,D)

Travel to Karakol along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy lunch at a local family's residence in Bokonbaevo village, with the opportunity for a swim in the lake. Decide on the spot whether to embark on a 2-3 hour hike at either Skazka Canyon or Barskoon Gorge. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, travel to Karakol Gorge and start a hike to Sirota from the bridge. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Continue the hike to Sirota Hut, where dinner and overnight accommodations in a tented camp will be provided. (B,L,D)

12km, 6 hours of trekking

Walk to Ala-Kul Lake, enjoy a lakeside picnic with breathtaking views, and descend to Altyn Arashan Valley. The valley, located at 3,000 metres, is a pristine habitat for nomads and wildlife, showcasing Kyrgyzstan's beauty with the snow-capped Palatka Summit at 4,260 metres. Explore natural hot springs with healing properties, offering the option for a relaxing dip. (B,L,D)

Descend to the Karakol River after breakfast and walk along the river through the Karakol Gorge. Conclude the trek and drive to Karakol using a 4x4 Russian truck (UAZ). Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L)

Today is an early start. Begin your day with an early breakfast and drive to the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border. Cross into Kazakhstan, meet your guide, and transfer to Saty village for a two-night stay in a family-owned guesthouse. After lunch, embark on a 2-3 hour hike to Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged trees formed by an earthquake-triggered landslide. Return to the guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, visit Kolsai Lakes, known as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan." The largest lake is easily accessible, while the highest lake requires some walking and is surrounded by fir trees and alpine meadows, with a vertical drop of about 700 meters between the lakes.

Then, head to Charyn Canyon. Enjoy the stunning views and explore the "Valley of Castles," known for its unique sedimentary rock formations. Discover a refreshing oasis by the Charyn River before taking in another spectacular view from an observation point. Finally, conclude your day with a journey back to Almaty. (B,L)
 

After breakfast, meet your guide and head to Medeo Gorge. Stop briefly at the impressive Medeo Dam, which protects the city from mudflows caused by melting snow from the Tien Shan mountains. Then, take the Medeo-Shymbulak cable car to the Shymbulak Ski Resort, located in a beautiful valley at 2,260 meters above sea level, about 25 km from Almaty, offering stunning views of the snow-capped peaks.

In the afternoon, explore Independence Square and the National Museum of Kazakhstan (closed on Tuesdays). Visit the vibrant Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park with the Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Stroll along Arbat and Panfilov streets, known for local artists, and experience the clean and artistically adorned metro. (B)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)