Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Trekking Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Trekking Tour Highlights
Start a 13-day journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where ancient landscapes and vibrant cultures await. From the mesmerizing “Singing Dunes” of Altyn Emel National Park to the dramatic depths of Charyn Canyon, this trek offers unparalleled natural wonders. Hike along trails that lead to pristine mountain lakes, capturing views of turquoise waters and sweeping alpine meadows. Spend unforgettable nights in a traditional yurt by Issyk-Kul Lake’s tranquil shore, immersing yourself in the age-old nomadic lifestyle. This program blends adventure, culture, and natural beauty, providing a truly unique experience in Central Asia.
Difficulty: Moderate This tour is recommended for people with hiking and climbing experience (hiking time approximately 5-6 hours per day).
Tour Itinerary
Early morning arrival to Almaty. Meeting with guide and driver in the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. Rest at the hotel till noon. City tour around the center of Almaty. Visit to Republic Square and Monument of Independence. Walk via old city center (today: Square Astana) to the 28 Panfilovtsev Park. Along the Avenue of memory obelisks with names of 28 fighters of the 1075th regiment of the 316th shooting division, accepted unequal battle with German tanks in the winter of 1941 are established during fight for Moscow), Zenkov Cathedral (monument of cult architecture of Christians in Kazakhstan). We will visit the Museum of Musical Instruments, Abai Theater, Green Market. Altitude during the day: beginning of day/end of the day – 800 m in Almaty
Almaty, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), Almaty Green Bazaar
Overnight: Almaty (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast in the hotel. Leave Almaty and head towards Basshi in Altyn-Emel National Park. On the way, we will drive by Kapchigay. We will visit the Bes Shatyr barrows and necropolis tomb of east Scythians. The tomb consists of thirty barrows of different sizes and hundred ritual menhirs. Altyn Emel national park, 250 km north of Almaty, has been dealt a good hand of weird geology spread around its large steppe territory. The most unusual are the 4 sand dunes, which don’t move despite very strong winds. They also produce a deep humming noise, like an airplane flying overhead, when you slide down from the top. Upon arrival to Altyn –Emel excursion to singing dunes and walking there for 2 hours. Dinner and overnight stay in the guesthouse. Distance: 260 km Travel time: 5-6 hours of driving including excursions
Kapshagai Reservoir, Altyn Emel National Park, Singing Dune (Altyn Emel)
- Almaty → Altyn Emel National Park (260 km)
Overnight: Altyn Emel National Park (Guesthouse)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will continue our excursion to Charyn Canyon. The Charyn Canyon is located in the Charyn National Park. The Canyon itself is approximately 150 km long, and, in places up to 300 meters deep. One area of particular interest, is an area of 2km called the Valley of Castles, due to the pillars and rock formations forming imposing, almost man-made structures. Hiking on the site for about 2 hours. Lunch as a picnic. Transfer to Saty village. Dinner and overnight stay in the family-run housing. Distance: 330 km Travel time: 5-6 hours of driving
Charyn Canyon, Saty
- Altyn Emel National Park → Saty (330 km)
Overnight: Saty (Homestay)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will go to Kol Sai Lake. Kolsai is a succession of 3 alpine lakes between altitudes of 1700 – 2650 m. The 3 lakes are exceptionally clear and lie in an idyllic location, surrounded by massive cliffs and mountains with snowy caps and wooded slopes. Hiking on the site for about 4-5 hours from the first to the second lake. Lunch as a picnic. Overnight at the family run housing in Saty village. Distance: 14 km one way Altitude during the day: the beginning of the day – 600 m in Saty village, in the middle of the day – 1800 m in second Kolsai Lake
Kolsai lakes
- Saty → Kolsai lakes (14 km)
Overnight: Saty (Homestay)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast. Transfer to Kyrgyzstan. Border formalities on Kyrgyz-Kazakh border Kegen. Border formalities take about 1 hour. Visiting San-Tash barrow. San-Tash means counted stones. The story about San-Tash came from the time of Great Timur when he asked all soldiers of his army to put stones in one place. He wanted to see how is bid barrow with stones and see at the same time how is big his army. Picnic for lunch on the way. Upon arrival to Jergalan (Jyrgalan) village dinner and overnight. Altitude during the day: the beginning of the day – 600m in Saty, at the end of the day – 2300 m in Jergalan.
Jyrgalan valley
- Saty → Jyrgalan valley
Overnight: Jyrgalan valley (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast. Start of trek from the guesthouse. One day trekking about 13 km to the remote mountain lake Turnaly-Kol. Picnic on the panorama view for Jergalan valley. Return back to the guesthouse in the afternoon. Accommodation and dinner in the guesthouse in Jergalan. Altitude during the day: start point – 2300m, highest point – 2860m on the lake, end of day – 2300m in the guesthouse Duration of the trek is about 4-5 hours Distance is about 13km
Jyrgalan valley
- Jyrgalan valley → Jyrgalan valley (13 km)
Overnight: Jyrgalan valley (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Transfer to Nature Park Ak-Suu (1,5 hours), the start point of the trek. Soft one-day trekking in the Nature Park during 4-5 hours. You will cross Kara-Beltek pass 2606 m and come down to Karakol town. Transfer to the hotel about 30 minutes. Dinner in Tatar family. Altitude during the day: the guesthouse in Jergalan – 2300m, start point of the trek – 1900 m, the highest point on the top of Kara-Beltek pass – 2606 m, end of day in Karakol – 1800 m. Trek time: 4-5 hours
Ak Suu, Karakol
- Jyrgalan valley → Ak Suu
- Ak Suu → Karakol
Overnight: Karakol (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast. Transfer to the start point of trek in Svetlaya Polyana Gorge (1 hour). Soft one day trekking from Svetlaya Polyana via Kok-Jaiyk Pass to Jety-Oguz. Duration of trek 4-5 hours. Picnic for lunch. Transfer back to Karakol about 1 hour. Dinner in Uigur family. Altitude during the day: hotel in Karakol – 1800m, start point of trek – 2100 m, highest point of trek – 2800 m, end of day – 1800m in Karakol Trek time: 4-5 hours.
Jeti Oguz
- Jeti Oguz → Karakol
Overnight: Karakol (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast. City-tour in Karakol. Visit Sunday animal market early in the morning. A city tour with visiting Museum of Russian Explorer, Mikhail Prjevalsky. We will visit Russian Orthodox Church and Muslim Mosque in Dungan Style. In the afternoon transfer to the shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp. Altitude during the day: the beginning of the day – 1800m in Karakol, at the end of the day – 1600 m in Issyk Kul lake.
Karakol, Przhevalsky Museum, Karakol Orthodox cathedral, Karakol Dungan Mosque, Issyk Kul Guide
- Karakol → Issyk Kul Guide
Overnight: Issyk Kul Guide (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast in the yurt camp. Full day in Issyk – Kul. Time to relax and swim on the beach. Optionally, half a day excursion to Fairytale canyon. The canyon was named due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. Some formations in “Skazka” have been named for their similarity to well-known objects. For example, one set of ridges in the canyon is named “The Chinese Wall” due to its similarity to the Great Wall of China. You can also find what appear to be statues of a hippopotamus, snake, dragon, sleeping giant and even whole castles. Because the different rocks have amazing colors, the rocky statues not only have unusual shapes, but also magical colors. Or another option, drive to Barskoon Gorge. Barskoon gorge is located on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. At the beginning of the gorge grow rare shrubs and steppe grasses. On both slopes of the canyon rise huge Tien-Shan spruce trees. Above 2800 m grow juniper groves. Along the road running through the gorge of Barskoon there are unusual monuments such as the Soviet truck on the platform and a bust of the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, vacationing on the southern shore of Issyk Kul after his flight into space. Barskoon gorge is famous for its cascading waterfalls. Dinner and overnight in the Yurt Camp.
Issyk Kul Guide, Skazka Canyon
Overnight: Issyk Kul Guide (Yurt camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast transfer to Bishkek. Optionally on the way we will have a stop in Bokonbaevo village to see the old traditions of hunting with an eagle. For additional price, on the way in Kyzyl tuu village (the village of the Yurt crafts) we can also visit the workshop that produced the wooden parts of the yurts or optionally visit the other workshop in that village to see the Installation of the Yurt. On the way visiting of Burana Tower, a place on the Great Silk Road dated to the 11th century. Besides the tower, you will see the ruins of an ancient city called Balasagyn, an excursion to the museum dedicated to this place. Upon arrival to Bishkek accommodation in the Hotel. Dinner in the local Café. Travel time: 5 hours Distance: 320 km Altitude during the day: beginning of day – 1600 m in Issyk Kul, in the end of day – 800 m in Bishkek
Bokonbaevo, Burana Tower, Bishkek
- Issyk Kul Guide → Bishkek (320 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in the hotel will be a city tour. During the city tour you will visit Oak park where is the open air museum of Sculptures, historical museum, theatres, Osh bazaar. You will visit Frunze museum. There is a real house of the commander of the Red Army and also Russian Orthodox church. Optionally day visit to Ala Archa National Park (40 km). One day radial trek in Ala-Archa gorge to “Ratsek” house (Trek about 4-5 hours). Later transfer to Bishkek. Folklore program during the dinner. Altitude during the day: start point- 800 m in Bishkek, start point of trek in Ala-Archa – 2130m, highest point – 3330m in Ratzek cabin, end of trek – 2130 m in Ala-Archa, end of day -800 m in Bishkek.
Bishkek, Bishkek Oak Park, Osh Bazaar (Bishkek)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast transfer to airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travelers | — | — |
| 3 travelers | — | — |
| 4–5 travelers | — | — |
| 6–7 travelers | — | — |
| 8–9 travelers | — | — |
| 10–11 travelers | — | — |
What's included
Included
- Transport for transfers and excursions: Minivan with 7 seats for 3-4 pax; Minibus Mercedes Sprinter for group 5-9 pax; Minibus Mercedes Sprinter + small luggage car for the group 10-12 pax
- Double room accommodation in hotels and guesthouses
- Four-people accommodation in the yurta camp
- Three time meal and mineral water during the tour
- English/German/Italian/French/Japanese speaking tour guide
- Separate local trekking guides in Day 3, Days 7-9 for one-day treks
- Entry fees to museums
- Folklore program during the last dinner in Bishkek
Not included
- Single room accommodation in hotels
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- International flight tickets
- Cost for the Kyrgyz visa if needed (citizens of EU and Switzerland do not need to have visa)
- Porter service in the airport and hotels
- Any deviation from the program
- Eagle hunting Show in Bokonbaevo
- Supplements:
- Single supplement for hotels and guesthouses in Almaty, Bashi, Karakol and Bishkek is 176 USD per person.
- Felt Art master class is 35 USD per group
- Eagle Hunting Show in Bokonbaevo – 70 USD
- Yurt Installation Show in Kyzyl tuu is 100 USD for the group
- Yurt production in Kyzyl tuu show (will show how to make the wooden part of the Yurta) is 35 USD per group
Where you'll stay
-
Night 1
Almaty
Kazzhol Hotel or Plaza-Almaty Hotel 4* or similar
-
Night 2
Altyn Emel National Park
Guesthouse in Basshi (Altyn Emel) or similar
-
Nights 3–4
Saty
Family-run housing (homestay) in Saty village or similar
-
Nights 5–6
Jyrgalan valley
Guesthouse in Jyrgalan or similar
-
Nights 7–8
Karakol
Green Yard Hotel or similar
-
Nights 9–10
Issyk Kul Guide
Yurt camp on Issyk-Kul Lake or similar
-
Nights 11–12
Bishkek
Bridges Hotel 3* or Asia Mountains Hotel 3* or similar
What to bring
It is necessary to bring a sleeping bag, warm clothes and trekking boots.
Accommodation
- Almaty – Kazzhol Hotel or Plaza-Almaty Hotel 4*
- Altyn Emel – Guesthouse (accommodation based on twin rooms, single room accommodation possible for a supplement, all rooms with private toilet and shower)
- Saty – Homestay (no single room accommodation, 2 people per room, shared toilet and shower)
- Jyrgalan – Guesthouse (double accommodation, shared European standard toilet and shower on the floor)
- Karakol – “Amir” or “Green Yard” Hotel
- Issyk-Kul Lake – Yurt camp (4 people per yurt, shared European standard shower and toilet)
- Bishkek – Bridges Hotel 3* or Asia Mountains Hotel 3*
Download the itinerary
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan before booking.
Kazakhstan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Tenge (KZT), and the country boasts the most advanced banking system in the region. ATMs are widely distributed across major cities, including banks, hotels, and shopping centers; however, it’s important to note that most ATMs dispense cash only in the local currency. Exchange facilities are readily available in every city, offering services for various currencies such as the US dollar, Euro, Russian ruble, British pound, Chinese yuan, and Kyrgyz som. Exchanging US dollars or Euros for Tenge is a straightforward process in banks and exchange offices.
In addition, international credit cards find acceptance in the majority of hotels, restaurants, and large supermarkets. It’s worth noting that smaller merchants usually do not accept cards and often operate with limited cash reserves which can cause problems in providing the proper change from payments.
Safety
Safety
The current security situation is presently stable but bears the potential for deterioration. Recommendations encompass the following:
- Always carry an original form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, as law enforcement patrolling the streets may request verification.
- Steer clear of any demonstrations and political assemblies. In the event of becoming aware of nearby violence or unrest, it is advised to promptly vacate the premises.
- Incidents of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag thefts, and vehicle break-ins, are prevalent. Safeguard valuables discreetly and exercise vigilance, particularly during nighttime. When approached by a police officer, driver, or official, insist on the presentation of identification.
- Avoid solitary strolls and arrange transportation in advance. Refrain from utilizing unofficial taxi services.
- While on trains, ensure the security of personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, and utilize locks for compartments, especially on night trains.
- Exercise caution against online scams.
- Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is proscribed in proximity to schools, playgrounds, medical facilities, and public spaces (such as museums, public transportation, airports, train stations, and subterranean passages), as well as within vehicles carrying children.
- The possession or usage of illegal substances may result in protracted incarceration.
- Photography is restricted in the vicinity of military installations, border areas, airports, and specific official buildings. The sharing or publication of images that may be deemed disrespectful to religion, culture, or national symbols is discouraged.
- Same-sex relationships are not unlawful but may encounter varying degrees of tolerance, particularly outside major urban centers nationwide.
- Exercise caution by never leaving consumables unattended or entrusted to the care of unfamiliar individuals.
- Road conditions exhibit disparities across the country, with well-maintained infrastructure in major cities and their environs, while rural areas may experience neglect in road upkeep.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Kazakhstan implements diverse visa regulations tailored to passport holders from various countries. Comprehensive information regarding visas in Kazakhstan and whether they are requisite for your visit can find here.
Upon entry into the country, there may be a requirement for registration. For those entering visa-free, it is essential that their passport remains valid only for the duration of their stay. However, if you are utilizing a visa, it is imperative that your passport remains valid for the standard six months beyond the conclusion of your intended stay. To secure a tourist visa from the Embassy of Kazakhstan or to obtain an electronic visa, the initial step is procuring a Letter of Invitation (LOI).
Best time to go
Best time to go
Kazakhstan is characterized by severe weather conditions, especially during the winter months. The country experiences extreme climates in both summer and winter, with the most intense heat and cold being felt in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Temperatures can soar above 40°C in June-August and plummet to -20°C in December-February. Optimal times for visiting Kazakhstan are during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) to steer clear of scorching summers and snowy winters.
Health
Health
Prior to embarking on your journey, verify that your destination has the capability to offer the required medical assistance you may need. Ensure you possess suitable travel insurance that covers on-the-spot treatment or unforeseen medical evacuation. It’s noteworthy that medical staff often lack proficiency in English.
Non-prescription medications are easily obtainable. If you require prescription medications, a valid prescription from a local physician or a foreign prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian will be necessary.
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). In the capital, Bishkek, an abundance of ATMs can be found, some of which dispense US dollars in addition to local soms. Beyond the city limits, ATMs are increasingly prevalent in few largest towns but are mostly not available in smaller towns except at the northern shore of Issyk Kul.
Mastercard is universally accepted at all ATMs but Visa is still the more widely accepted card of choice in Kyrgyzstan. Maestro or other cards might be accepted in few select machines. Demirbank with their red colored ATMs has been the best option lately for all foreign cards with moderate fees.
Currency exchange services are readily accessible in major cities, ensuring seamless exchange of rubles, US dollars, and euros into soms. It is imperative that foreign currency banknotes remain pristine, fresh, and devoid of any signs of wear. Larger banknotes from 50 USD and 50 EUR are favored by the cash exchange services and are sometimes the prerequisite for a better exchange rate.
While credit cards face limited acceptance nationwide the convenience of utilizing debit or credit cards extends to major hotels, restaurants, expansive supermarkets, and selected museums in Bishkek and Osh and rarely even in taxis. However, outside these two prominent cities and Northern Shore of Issyk Kul, the practicality of card payments remains unfeasible.
Safety
Safety
Kyrgyzstan is generally considered safe for travelers, but adherence to standard precautions is crucial. The country is experiencing an active surge in tourism. Key recommendations encompass:
- Always have your passport or a notarized copy with you, as lacking proper identification may lead to arrest by the police.
- Incidents of robberies, some of which can be violent, and thefts are commonplace especially in crowded places like the bazars. Caution is advised, particularly when venturing out after dark. Instances of sexual violence and harassment have been reported in public transportation.
- Steer clear of crowds and demonstrations to ensure personal safety.
- Show respect for local traditions, customs, laws, and religious practices at all times.
- The possession or use of narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Photography of anything related to the armed forces or security services is not allowed.
- While same-sex relationships are legal, they are not widely discussed and lack public recognition.
- Avoid solitary walks or travels, especially during nighttime.
- Utilize established taxi services in advance to ensure reliability.
- The southern regions are susceptible to smuggling activities, rendering the security situation unstable and hazardous along the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
- Mind where you step in the cities as there are sometimes large holes on the streets and the pavements are not in pristine condition on the pedestrian areas.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Kyrgyzstan extends a visa-free arrangement to travelers from 69 countries. Alternatively, others can opt for the electronic visa system or submit applications through the embassy. Comprehensive information about visas is available here. For a tourist visa in Kyrgyzstan, a majority of passport holders require an invitation letter from a tourism company. Since September 1, 2017, Kyrgyzstan has introduced an electronic visa system. Special authorization is mandated for visits to border regions in Kyrgyzstan.
Best time to go
Best time to go
The optimal time to experience Kyrgyzstan is during the summer months of July and August. Despite the temperatures reaching approximately 30°C, this period witnesses the liveliest bazaars in the country. It is also the perfect season to delve into the mountainous landscapes and trekking routes that may be inaccessible during other times of the year. In July and August, you have the opportunity to explore Kyrgyzstan’s mountains either on foot or horseback, immersing yourself in traditional yurt accommodations with local families. Additionally, this time of the year hosts annual festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
While the winters in the highlands are prolonged, limiting passage through the elevated mountain passes, it presents a captivating season for exploring Kyrgyzstan. Engaging in various activities, akin to those enjoyed in summer (with the exception of rafting), such as hiking, horseback riding, or skiing in the mountains, allows for a unique experience. Accommodations in traditional yurts are also available during this season.
Health
Health
The overall state of healthcare in this country is recognized as relatively subpar, prompting a strong recommendation for travelers reliant on regular medications to carry ample supplies. Locating necessary drugs locally might pose challenges or incur significant costs. Medical facilities are anticipated to be scarce, underscoring the importance of securing comprehensive medical and travel insurance prior to arrival. In the event of a serious accident or illness, emergency air evacuation to a neighboring country may be necessary.
It is imperative to treat tap water and other local water sources as contaminated, necessitating thorough boiling before consumption. Opting for bottled water throughout the entire duration of stay in the country is a prudent choice. Exercise particular caution when consuming unpasteurized dairy products or animal products that may be susceptible to contamination.
Before entering the country, obtaining additional vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis is recommended, and other vaccinations may also be deemed necessary. Malaria poses a risk in the country, predominantly in the southern regions.
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