Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tour via Issyk-Kul and Kazakh mountain lakes

TOUR OVERVIEW

Duration 7 days

Countries

Starts in Almaty

Ends in Bishkek

Tour Type Culture, Hiking, Horseback riding, Multi-country, Nature

Tour Style Private tour

Best Time to Visit All year

Price From 1,050 USD (group of 4)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

This unforgettable 7-day journey takes you through the most spectacular landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — from the dramatic red rock formations of Charyn Canyon to the turquoise alpine lakes of Kaindy and Kolsai. You’ll travel across vast mountain valleys, relax in natural hot springs in Altyn Arashan, explore the colorful Skazka Canyon, and witness the stunning beauty of Issyk-Kul Lake. Every day offers breathtaking scenery, diverse terrain, and incredible photo opportunities.

Beyond nature, this adventure immerses you in authentic nomadic culture. Experience a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, stay in cozy guesthouses and traditional yurts, and enjoy horse riding across the wide open pastures of Song Kol at 3,016 meters above sea level. Combined with warm local hospitality and a farewell dinner in Bishkek, this tour perfectly blends adventure, culture, and comfort for a truly memorable Central Asian experience.

Tour Price

Private Tour Price

Price per person Group Size	Price
2 travelers	$1,800
3 travelers	$1,300
4 travelers	$1,050

Tour Itinerary

We will pick you up from your Almaty hotel and head towards Charyn Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia." You will walk through the spectacular Valley of Castles, surrounded by towering red rock formations shaped by wind and time. After exploring the canyon, we continue to the peaceful mountain village of Saty, nestled near beautiful alpine lakes.

Charyn Canyon

Almaty → Saty (300 km)

Overnight: Saty

In the morning, we visit the magical Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest and crystal-clear water. After lunch, we cross the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border and continue to Karakol near Issyk-Kul Lake.

Kaindy Lake, Kolsai lakes

Saty → Karakol (300 km)

Overnight: Karakol

Today is a true mountain adventure. We drive by Soviet UAZ vehicle up to the alpine valley of Altyn Arashan. You can relax in natural hot springs surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Later, we hike back down.

Altyn Arashan

Karakol → Altyn Arashan (30 km)
Altyn Arashan → Karakol (17 km)

Overnight: Karakol

We begin the day at Jeti-Oguz, famous for the dramatic red rock formations known as the "Seven Bulls." In the afternoon, we explore Skazka Canyon, also called Fairy Tale Canyon, with its colorful and unusual rock formations.

Barskoon Valley, Jeti Oguz, Skazka Canyon

Karakol → Bokonbaevo (160 km)

Overnight: Bokonbaevo

In the morning, we enjoy a traditional eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo - a powerful introduction to nomadic falconry traditions. Located at 3,016 meters above sea level, Song Kol is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan.

Bokonbaevo → Song Kul (280 km)

Overnight: Song Kul

This day is dedicated to exploring Song Kol and experiencing authentic nomadic life. We enjoy horse riding across the wide open pastures surrounding the lake.

Overnight: Song Kul