Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Group Tour 2020-20218 Days | Almaty, Karakol, Kochkor, Son-Kul, Bishkek

We will be met by our driver for the transfer to the hotel after an early morning arrival into the airport in Almaty. Breakfast in the hotel.
Our day begins at 10:00 with a journey into the history and development of the southern capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty. The colors, smells, and bustling atmosphere of the Green Bazaar, an Eastern market popular with local townspeople, will draw us in and make it impossible to refrain from shopping. You will find beautiful fabrics as well as Oriental sweets for sale, but do not forget to haggle!
From there, we will continue to one of Almaty’s oldest parks, Panfilov Park, with its tree-lined paths and famous monuments dedicated to Panifilov’s brave guardsmen. Zenkov Cathedral, also located in the park, will be our next destination. The cathedral’s five domes – erected without so much as a nail – tower over the surrounding greenery and house dozens of Khludov’s works. We will also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died for the freedom and independence of the country.
After exploration of the sport, cultural, and business areas of the city we will be awed by Medeo Gorge, well-known for having the highest mountain skating rink in the world and its dam which protects the city.
Awaiting us at our next destination are the stunning views from Kok-Tobe Hill, where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (if counted from the sea level). In Kok-Tobe Park, you can stroll along the winding paths, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck, and visit the shop of national souvenirs.
The evening ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty Cableway.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Big Almaty Gorge, where the picturesque Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of 2,510 m above sea level, will be our first destination. This glacial lake, one of the most beautiful of the Trans-Ili Alatau region, is especially gorgeous when its sapphire-blue surface is absolutely calm and reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. Thanks to its high-altitude location, the water in the lake is always cool - even in July, the water temperature does not exceed 10 degrees. The lake is also a source of potable water for Almaty, which is why tourist access to the lake is limited. Our trip takes us up higher into the mountains, to an altitude of 3300 m above sea level, where astronomical and scientific research centers have been built. Here, at the base of Big Almaty, we can enjoy a captivating panorama of the mountains and Big Almaty Lake, surrounded by the scenic peaks covered with Tian-Shan fir-tree, aspen and juniper.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Our guide and driver will meet us in the hotel lobby at 06:30 in order to depart Almaty for Charyn canyon (220 km, 3-4 h). As you arrive at this destination, you will have some free time for a picnic and rest. Located in the Eastern Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon’s cliff walls, which gleam in various colors and shades, are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in the US. The canyon is a part of the Charyn National Park territory where you can see the old ash-tree grove, the tower-like Castle Valley, and have a walk along the canyon to enjoy the beautiful views.
Transfer to the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border at Kegen (116 km) and meet with your Kyrgyz driver and guide at the border for the drive to Karakol via the Karkara Valley (110 km). Overnight at the hotel in Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Free time until noon.
In the afternoon, we will see lake-side city of Karakol with a stop at the Prjevalsky Museum, the Wooden Orthodox Church – built in a unique architectural style and featuring many historic icons – and the Chinese-style Dungan Mosque. Kyrgyzstan is a multi-ethnic country, and during our trip, we will have a chance to get acquainted with many different cultures. During the evening, for example, we will have a dinner with a Uyghur or Dungan family accompanied by Kyrgyz national music and songs. These peoples came to Kyrgyzstan from China and have been living in Karakol since 1869. Overnight in a guest house.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Transfer to Kochkor along the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Along the way, we will visit Jeti Oguz Gorge, where we will be regaled by the legends of Jeti Oguz (the seven bulls) and Broken Heart Rock before going for a short hike. Continuing on to Kochkor, which lies along the picturesque southern shore of Issyk-Kul, we will also stop in Bokonbaevo to witness an eagle hunting show. Transfer to Kochkor. Dinner in Kyrgyz family. Family-run accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Son-Kul. During the journey, we will visit a felt carpet workshop in Kochkor to see how this Kyrgyz national symbol is made and be served a delicious lunch. We will then continue to Son-Kul (120 km), one of the highest lakes in Kyrgyzstan (2030 m above sea level). There we will experience the nomadic lifestyle. We will have the opportunity to ride horses and see edelweiss flowers, camels, yaks, and golden eagles along with watching how local women make the Kyrgyz national drink: Kymyz (mare’s milk). This remote mountain lake is situated on a treeless, high mountain plateau (3016 m) where shepherds bring their livestock in the summertime and establish a camp where they will live – setting up their yurts on the steppe. The magnificence of our surroundings will be highlighted by the yurt-dotted landscape and hundreds of herds being watched over by our nomadic hosts. Dinner. Overnight in the yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Early in the morning, transfer to Bishkek (400 km). Arrival in Bishkek. Farewell dinner with Kyrgyz national dances. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Transfer to the airport (30 km), departure. End of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast