Route 03 · Central Asia

South KZ + Kyrgyzstan

Almaty's mountains and canyons, then across the border into Kyrgyzstan's high pastures, yurt camps, and eagle hunters. Two countries that share a mountain range and a nomadic soul.

13 Days 2 Countries Small Group or Private

The Gateway Route

Where Kazakhstan's mountains meet Kyrgyzstan's.

Almaty and Bishkek sit close enough to share the same mountain range — the Tian Shan — but the cultures either side of the border feel distinct the moment you cross it.

This route spends five days in and around Almaty before heading into Kyrgyzstan for yurt stays at Song-Kul, an evening with eagle hunters, and the Martian rock formations of Skazka Canyon.

Day by Day — 13 Days

SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN: ALMATY

Almaty: Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Kok-Tobe.

Almaty: Medeu, Shymbulak, Arasan Baths.

Big Almaty Lake (BAO) full day.

Charyn Canyon, overnight stay near the canyon.

Kolsai Lakes, deep mountain exploration.

KYRGYZSTAN

Cross-border transfer to Bishkek.

Bishkek: Cultural immersion, expedition briefing.

Ala-Archa National Park hiking.

Issyk-Kul: Historical sanatorium, Soviet-era medical therapy.

Song-Kul: Yurt stay, high-altitude nomadic life.

Berkutchi village: Eagle hunting demonstration.

Skazka Canyon & Karakol (Dungan Mosque).

Altyn-Arashan hot springs, return to Bishkek, airport transfer.

The Fine Print, Made Simple

What's Included

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TransfersRound-trip airport transfers and all transportation throughout the expedition in reliable 4x4 vehicles.

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AccommodationBoutique hotels and comfortable guesthouses (standard double occupancy).

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Dining ExperienceIn Almaty, Bishkek, Karakol: Daily breakfast is included at the hotel. For lunch and dinner, we take you to a different ethnic restaurant every day — but since restaurants are available, these meals are not included in the price; you order and pay for whatever you like. In remote areas without restaurants — Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Issyk-Kul, Song-Kul, Altyn-Arashan — where we camp or overnight in the village, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, since there is simply nowhere else to eat.

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Expert GuidanceProfessional tour leader/guide accompanying you throughout the entire journey.

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All Fees & PermitsNational park entrance fees, environmental taxes, and all necessary administrative permits specified in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

RestaurantsWhere restaurants are available, lunch and dinner are on you — we point you to the best local spots, but you order and pay yourself.

Souvenirs & Personal ExpensesAnything you buy for yourself along the way.

AlcoholNot included in any meals.

Travel InsuranceArranged individually by each traveler.

Where We'll Stay

Photos coming soon — this shows where the nights fall along the route.

AlmatyHotel

Charyn CanyonGuesthouse / Yurt

Kolsai — Saty Village — photo coming soon

Kolsai — Saty VillageGuesthouse

BishkekHotel

Issyk-KulSanatorium

Song-KulYurt Camp

KarakolGuesthouse

Altyn-ArashanMountain Lodge

Frequently Asked.
Happy to Answer.

Answer coming soon.

In cities, breakfast is included at the hotel every morning. For lunch and dinner, we take you to a different ethnic restaurant every day — since restaurants are available, these meals aren't included in the price; you order and pay for whatever you like. In remote areas without restaurants — like Charyn Canyon or Kolsai Lakes, where we camp or overnight in the village — all meals are included, since there's simply nowhere else to eat.