Wild Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Bigger than Western Europe, Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country. Along with Kyrgyzstan, its mountainous neighbour to the south, it encompasses a vast landscape of snow-capped mountains, deserts and steppe that have long been steeped in the history of the Silk Road.
Beginning in Almaty, the former Kazakh capital and one of the country’s most important cities, you head out into the captivating landscapes of the Valley of the Castles and the Kolsai Lakes National ...
Bigger than Western Europe, Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country. Along with Kyrgyzstan, its mountainous neighbour to the south, it encompasses a vast landscape of snow-capped mountains, deserts and steppe that have long been steeped in the history of the Silk Road.
Beginning in Almaty, the former Kazakh capital and one of the country’s most important cities, you head out into the captivating landscapes of the Valley of the Castles and the Kolsai Lakes National Park, where you’ll have two full days trekking amongst the spectacular mountain landscapes to the magical Kolsai lakes, before crossing into Kyrgyzstan and driving into the Chon Kemin Valley.
Enjoying the hospitality of village homestays, you’ll then explore the villages and farms of the valley on foot and on horseback, before driving on to visit the thermal waters of Issy Kul, the world’s second largest mountain lake. After a chance to visit the colourful Sunday market at Karakol, learning to make traditional Kyrgz cuisine and seeing a traditional eagle hunt, the journey then ends in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s attractive capital, set against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE ALMATY
Day 1 ARRIVE ALMATY
Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon take a guided sightseeing tour of the Kazakh city. Visit Republic Square with the former Presidential Palace and Independence Monument; Panfilov Park, named after the 28 Panfilov guards from Almaty who died heroically defending Moscow against the Nazi invasion in 1941; Zenkov Cathedral, built entirely of wood in 1904 without the use of any nails; the Museum of Musical Instruments; and the colourful St Nicholas's Cathedral.
Day 2 ALMATY - CHARYN CANYON - KOLSAI LAKES
Day 2 ALMATY - CHARYN CANYON - KOLSAI LAKES
Leaving Almaty, travel east to the Charyn Canyon, which is 80km long and 200-300 metres in depth and is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Erosion and weathering have left bizarre shapes like fantastic sculptures and exposed the many colours of the earth. Continue to the remote Kolsai Lakes where you will stay in a welcoming home stay in Saty village.
Day 3 KOLSAI LAKES
Day 3 KOLSAI LAKES
A day's trek today takes you from the first lake (1,820 metres) to the second (2,250 metres), the largest of the group. The Tien Shan Mountains around you have evergreen covered slopes which reflect in the clear waters of the lakes. Return to Saty Village for another night getting to know your host family.
Day 4 KOLSAI LAKES
Day 4 KOLSAI LAKES
Continue your trek today on to Kaindy Lake, set at 2,000 metres above sea level. The lake is truly magical with its turquoise waters submerging a forest of beautifully preserved spruce trees which stick out of the water. The lake was formed after an earthquake created a natural dam. After your day's trek you will return to Saty Village once more.
Day 5 KOLSAI LAKES - ALMATY
Day 5 KOLSAI LAKES - ALMATY
Leaving the national park, you will drive back down to Almaty today. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 6 ALMATY - BISHKEK - CHON KEMIN VALLEY
Day 6 ALMATY - BISHKEK - CHON KEMIN VALLEY
Leaving Almaty, you will drive to the border with Kyrgyzstan. After completing the border formalities you will continue on to the village of Ashu in the Chon Kemin Valley, a total journey time of around 4.5 hours; leaving you time this afternoon to take a walk in the village and surrounding hills.
Day 7 CHON KEMIN VALLEY - KARKARA GORGE
Day 7 CHON KEMIN VALLEY - KARKARA GORGE
Leaving the valley, drive to Lake Issy Kul. Issy Kul means "warm lake" and it is the second largest mountain lake in the world, heated by geo-thermal activity. From here a beautiful drive through varied landscapes takes you to the Karkara Gorge. Stop en route to see petroglyphs and overnight in a tented camp in Karkara.
Day 8 KARKARA GORGE - KARAKOL
Day 8 KARKARA GORGE - KARAKOL
This morning you have the chance to go trekking in the area or you may choose to take an optional helicopter flight over those majestic landscapes of snow-capped peaks to "South Inylchek" Base Camp. In the afternoon drive to the end of the lake and the small town of Karakol.
Day 9 KARAKOL
Day 9 KARAKOL
Spend today in Karakol. Explore the backstreets full of Russian style cottages shaded by white poplar trees and see the Holy Trinity Cathedral built all of wood in 1895. The cathedral was used as a club by the Bolsheviks, but later restored and reconstructed in 1991. Also visit the Chinese Dungan Mosque built in 1910 by a Chinese architect specially invited from Beijing together with 20 craftsmen. The Sunday market draws traders from all around. Visit local Dungan and Uighur families and learn to cook traditional dishes and sit down to enjoy the result.
Day 10 KARAKOL - KHADJY SAI VIILLAGE
Day 10 KARAKOL - KHADJY SAI VIILLAGE
Today drive along the south shore of the lake, stopping in Jety Oguz Canyon where you experience a traditional eagle-hunt. Hunting with birds of prey is one of the Central Asian people's most cherished nomadic traditions and the hunters demonstrate the art of using these regal birds to catch hares and other small animals. There will also be plenty of time for a hike in this great landscape. Continue on along the south shore of the lake to the village Khadjy Sai and overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 11 KHADJY SAI VILLAGE - BISHKEK
Day 11 KHADJY SAI VILLAGE - BISHKEK
In the morning drive along the Southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan. Stop en-route in Bokonbaevo to have lunch with a local Kyrgyz family and witness the traditional way of baking bread. After lunch continue to Bishkek, visiting the Burana Tower, an XI century minaret, on the way.
Day 12 BISHKEK
Day 12 BISHKEK
Established in 1825, Bishkek is an attractive city set against a background of snow-capped mountains. This morning's city tour includes Ala Too, the main square, the State History Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and Frunze House Museum as well as a visit to the busy Osh bazaar.
Day 13 DEPART BISHKEK
Day 13 DEPART BISHKEK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty, Almaty
The hotel Kazzhol is a three-star property located in the centre of Almaty. A very welcoming hotel for international travellers, you will enjoy good service with an authentic Kazakh ambience. All bedrooms are en suite with clean modern bathrooms and offer TV and telephone. The hotel has a restaurant, laundry service and sauna for guests' convenience.
Asia Mountains, Bishkek
This charming guesthouse has been built in the style of a Swiss chalet with twelve comfortable en suite bedrooms and spacious communal areas. Just off a leafy boulevard in bustling Bishkek, the peaceful garden provides an ideal spot for resting after a busy day exploring, especially when the flowers are in bloom between late April and late autumn. The welcoming reception area is open 24 hours a day and in the back of the hotel is an outdoor pool with an accompanying sauna. The hotel’s Swiss-style bar and restaurant serves a choice of delicious breakfasts. Although the facilities are simple, we like the quieter location of this property.
Karkara Mountain Camp, Karkara
Karkara Mountain Camp is geographically in Kazakhstan but only accessible from Kyrgyzstan, situated at 2,200 metres above sea level on a lush, flat plain surrounded by pine clad mountains. With horses, bikes, infinite trekking possibilities and the launch pad for the dramatic helicopter ride up to Khan Tengri basecamp, the activities available compliment the dramatic setting. Accommodation includes 20 tents with communal facilities and 12 private living yurts with private facilities. Communal tents are warm; there is a sauna and the open fire has a seating area, perfect for relaxing after a day on the mountain paths. Wi-Fi is available and chargeable by the hour.
Ashu Guesthouse, Chon Kemin Valley
Lying in a village in the Chon Kemin Valley is the delightful Ashu Guesthouse, established by a local family who wish to share their beautiful surroundings and traditional rural lifestyle. All rooms, though compact, have en suite facilities and are furnished and decorated with locally made items and handicrafts including plenty of colourful embroideries and hand carved wood. Guests can relax on day beds in the large shady gardens after a long day hiking or horse-riding. The rest of the village is on your doorstep to explore and the fertile valley is a great provider for home cooked, locally-sourced meals on the terrace.
Art Hotel Al Hayat, Khadjy Sai Village
Al Hayat is a small guesthouse with rooms set around a colourful garden. The friendly hosts help support local artists by providing space for local meetings and workshops, as well as providing them with a gallery to showcase their work. The lovely courtyard, terrace bar and large dining area are wonderful spots for the owner's locally sourced meals (lunch and dinner can be prepared but must be booked in advance). We recommend the traditional plov, made from a family recipe.
Hillside Karakol Hotel, Karakol
The Hillside Karakol Boutique Hotel is a comfortable property in Karakol, about a 30-minute walk from the centre. It's provides views of the town and the surrounding mountains are visible from the seven modern rooms with some featuring floor and to ceiling windows. The use of wooden interiors provides an almost chateaux style atmosphere. The garden and terrace are a lovely shared area for mingling with guests, as well as the breakfast/kitchen room which serves a continental breakfast. When you are not escaping into the natural surroundings, use the hotels free Wi-Fi to connect with home.
Arkabi Guesthouse, Saty
This guesthouse in Saty Village can be found in the centre of town, just a little off the main road. In a break from the typical Kazakh style full of elaborate patterns, rooms here are understated and furnished with simple, modern beds and wardrobes. As well as a limited number of double rooms, there are four shared dormitories accommodating from three to five beds. Bathroom facilities are shared and home cooked meals are enjoyed communally at the dinner table. The basic facilities are compensated for by the friendly atmosphere and remote village location.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258