Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan Tour
Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan Tour
Tour Details
-
Period
All year around -
Tour length and Participants
9 days / 8 nights; 2 - 14 pax -
Price from
900 USD / person (group of 14)
Tour Highlights
Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan combined tour takes you around the capitals and highlights of these two countries. You will arrive first in Bishkek, discover some fascinating attractions, relaxing parks and the magnificent Ala-Archa National Park, which is located just an hour drive from Bishkek. Next, you will depart to the treasure of Kyrgyzstan: The enormous alpine lake called Issyk-Kul that lies at the altitude of 1600 m above sea level.
Further in Kazakhstan, you will observe the majestic Charyn Canyon which is often compared with the Grand Canyon in the US due to the similarity of the red sedimentary rock. Afterwards, you will visit the Kazakhstan’s largest city of Almaty and complete the tour with its young capital Astana.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Bishkek airport at 05:25 morning, early check-in hotel, rest. Transfer to lunch at the local restaurant. Transfer to Ala-Archa National Park 1-2 hours short track. Transfer to Bishkek City tour from the bus (Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, Parliament) Dinner and transfer to hotel.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Bishkek
Check out the hotel after breakfast. Transfer to Cholpon Ata town, Issyk Kul lake. Excursion to Burana Tower on the way. Lunch at the local house/family. For dinner, we will arrive in Cholpon Ata town.
Accommodation: in a hotel by the lake.
Breakfast. Transfer from Cholpon Ata to Karakol gorge. Lunch. Short trek. Dinner. Check-in and overnight in Karakol
Accommodation: hotel in Karakol
Breakfast. Transfer to Charyn canyons, Kazakhstan through Kegen Kyrgyz – Kazakh control border. Lunch – picnic on the way (lunch boxes). For dinner, we will arrive at the tourist complex in Charyn.
Accommodation: yurts or small wood house in the complex.
Breakfast. Transfer to Altyn Emel National park. Lunch – picnic (lunchboxes).
Sightseeing. Departure to Almaty. Dinner. Check-in the hotel.
Accommodation: hotel in Almaty
Breakfast. Almaty City tour (Medeo, Shym Bulak, Green bazaar, park, etc.). Lunch and dinner at the local café. Overnight in Almaty.
Accommodation: Hotel in Almaty
Breakfast. Rest time. Check out from the hotel. Lunch. Transfer to Almaty International airport. Flight to Astana and transfer to hotel, followed by a dinner.
Accommodation: hotel in Astana
Breakfast. City tour. Lunch at the local café. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Nur Sultan.
Accommodation: hotel in Astana
Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to Airport. Departure from Astana.
Tour information
INCLUDED
- 3 * Hotel (Twin/ Double) stay in Bishkek, Cholpon- Ata, Karakol, Almaty & Nur Sultan with breakfast;
- Guest house stay in Charyn;
- Transportation during the program;
- English speaking guide;
- Enter fees to the National parks;
- Meals ( lunch and dinners).
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic flight: Almaty – Nur Sultan
- Farewell dinner
- Other activities out of the program.
4* Hotel upgrade for extra USD 230
People in the group | Price per person |
2 pax | 2,920$ |
4 pax | 1,650$ |
6 pax | 1,290$ |
8 pax | 1,080$ |
10 pax | 970$ |
14 pax | 900$ |
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Rain clothes
- Sunscreen
- Cap for the sun and sun glasses
- Personal medications
Check visa policy to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan.
Book your tour here
If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by us or our cooperatives.
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.
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.
Other tours to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Tour updated 12.1.2023