Upon arriving in Almaty, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Once there, you can relax and refresh after your journey. Dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant, where you’ll have your first opportunity to experience Kazakh cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Not included
Start your day with breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the renowned Medeo Dam, situated at an altitude of 1,733 meters. From the dam’s summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the world’s largest high-altitude ice skating rink, nestled amidst the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. Next, visit Shymbulak Ski Resort, where a gondola ride offers a mesmerizing panoramic view.
Return to Almaty for lunch, and in the afternoon, embark on a city tour. Highlights include Panfilov Park, the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, and the World War II Memorial complex, complete with an eternal flame. Explore the Museum of Musical Instruments before continuing to the bustling Green Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs. Visit the Central Mosque, Republic Square with its trio of national symbols, and the Independence Obelisk. End the day with a cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill, where you’ll enjoy stunning city views from the observation deck. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, set off for Charyn Canyon, a remarkable natural wonder stretching 154 kilometers along the Charyn River. Towering canyon walls, some reaching heights of 300 meters, create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. Enjoy a leisurely walk near the river before having a picnic lunch (self-arranged).
Continue your journey to Saty Village and transfer to Kaindy Lake via a rugged Russian jeep. This hauntingly beautiful lake, formed by a landslide, features the submerged trunks of spruce trees that stand like eerie monuments in the turquoise water. Spend some time exploring the surrounding area before heading to your guesthouse in Saty Village. Dinner and overnight stay in the guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast, visit the picturesque Kolsay Lakes, a trio of stunning alpine lakes located at elevations of 1,800m, 2,250m, and 2,700m. Known as the “Pearls of the Northern Tian Shan,” these lakes are ideal for a short hike near the first lake, with an option for boating.
Next, drive to Kegen and cross the border into Kyrgyzstan, continuing through the scenic Karkara Gorge with its breathtaking views. Arrive in Karakol, where you’ll explore the town’s main attractions: the charming wooden Russian Orthodox Church, the Dungan Mosque (dating back to the 19th century), and the local bazaar. End your day with dinner hosted by a Dungan family and settle into your hotel for the night.
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, travel to the Jety-Oguz Gorge, often referred to as “Switzerland” for its lush alpine scenery. Choose between a hike to the enchanting “Women’s Hair” waterfall or a visit to the Kok-Jayek pasture, known as the “Valley of Flowers.”
Continue to Barskoon Gorge, famous for its cascading waterfalls. Here, you’ll participate in a yurt assembly demonstration led by a skilled artisan, gaining insight into Kyrgyz nomadic culture. Enjoy lunch at a family guesthouse before proceeding to Skazka Canyon. Known as the “Fairy Tale Canyon,” this area features unique sandstone formations that resemble ancient castles.
End the day at a yurt camp in Bokonbaevo Village, located near the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt camp.
Meals: Full Board
Begin the day with breakfast, followed by an Eagle Hunting demonstration. This traditional Kyrgyz practice, known as Berkutchi, showcases the skill and bond between hunters and their magnificent birds of prey.
Next, visit Ak-Say Canyon, a hidden gem of the southern Issyk-Kul region, featuring stunning landscapes and opportunities to learn about local traditions. After a family-hosted lunch, continue your journey to Bishkek, stopping en route at the historic Burana Tower. This ancient minaret, dating back to the 10th–11th centuries, offers panoramic views from its summit. The site also includes a museum and a collection of Balbals (stone warrior statues) and petroglyphs.
Arrive in Bishkek, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant. Overnight stay in Bishkek.
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, venture to Ala-Archa National Park, a serene alpine reserve located in the Tian Shan Mountains. Spend 1–1.5 hours walking through the picturesque landscapes of the gorge and surrounding peaks.
Return to Bishkek for lunch, followed by a city tour. Visit the vibrant Osh Bazaar, the iconic Ala-Too Square with its ceremonial changing of the guards, and Victory Square. Stroll through Oak Park and view the imposing statue of Lenin at the Old Square. Complete your day with a visit to the Central White Mosque. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, and you’ll stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast and check out from the hotel. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: Breakfast
| Adult | Single supplement | Child (05-11 years) | |
| Price (per tourist) | $1350 | $1500 | $720 |
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Meals as per program Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor / Yurt assemble show Eagle hunting show Bottled spring water 1,5 ltr per day per person
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board (meals not included in the program) Horse riding in mountains Early check-in
13.05.2025 – 20.05.2025
10.06.2025 – 17.06.2025
08.07.2025 – 15.07.2025
05.08.2025 – 12.07.2025
02.09.2025 – 09.09.2025
I cannot express enough how incredible this tour was! Shahina Travel did an excellent job curating the perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. Walking through Charyn Canyon and hiking around Kolsay Lakes were personal highlights. The hospitality at the yurt camp near Issyk-Kul Lake was heartwarming, and the eagle hunting demonstration was a unique cultural experience. Bishkek’s Ala-Archa National Park provided stunning views of the mountains, and the visit to Burana Tower added a touch of history to the trip. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to explore the hidden gems of Central Asia. Thank you, Shahina Travel!
What an extraordinary adventure! Central Asia’s natural beauty is unmatched, and this tour showcased it all. My favorite part was the Kaindy Lake with its submerged trees—a truly surreal sight. The eagle hunting demonstration was fascinating and gave me a deep appreciation for Kyrgyz traditions. The variety in activities, from exploring vibrant markets in Almaty and Bishkek to trekking in pristine gorges, kept the journey exciting. Shahina Travel deserves praise for crafting such a diverse and seamless itinerary. I left with incredible memories and a newfound love for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
This tour was a mesmerizing journey through Central Asia! From the breathtaking beauty of Charyn Canyon and the serenity of Kolsay Lakes to the fascinating cultural experiences like eagle hunting and yurt-making, every day brought something unforgettable. I especially loved hiking in Jety-Oguz Gorge and the peaceful atmosphere at Issyk-Kul Lake. Bishkek’s Ala-Archa National Park was the perfect ending, blending nature and tranquility. Shahina Travel ensured every detail was perfectly organized, and our guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend this tour for anyone seeking adventure and culture in one package!