Born Nomad Expeditions
Grand Kazakhstan + Kyrgyzstan
Born Nomad logo
← Back to all routes
Route 04 · Central Asia

Grand Kazakhstan + Kyrgyzstan

The full circle of Kazakhstan — Mangystau, Astana, Turkestan, Almaty — then across the border into Kyrgyzstan, from Bishkek all the way to the radon hot springs of Altyn-Arashan.

20 Days 2 Countries Small Group or Private
The Full Grand Tour

Every region of Kazakhstan, then the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

This is our most complete two-country route — instead of starting from Almaty, it opens on the Martian coast of Mangystau, crosses the whole of Kazakhstan through Astana and Turkestan, and only then continues into Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyz half follows the classic Bishkek-to-Altyn-Arashan arc: alpine hiking at Ala-Archa, a Soviet-era sanatorium at Issyk-Kul, a yurt night at Song-Kul, eagle hunters, Skazka Canyon, and a final soak in the hot springs above Karakol.

WEST: MANGYSTAU
1
Arrival in AktauArrival on the Caspian coast. Transfer to hotel, evening walk along the Caspian Sea.
2
Mangystau IValley of Balls (Torysh), Airakty, Sherkala. Overnight in a traditional yurt.
3
Mangystau IIKyzylkup (Tiramisu hills), 3 panoramas of Bozzhira. Return to Aktau.
THE CAPITAL: ASTANA & BURABAY
4
Flight to AstanaCheck-in, city orientation.
5
Astana & BurabayBaiterek, Khan Shatyr. Afternoon trip to Burabay National Park.
SOUTH: TURKESTAN
6
Flight to TurkestanSettlement near the mausoleum complex.
7
TurkestanKhoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, Keruen Saray evening show.
ALMATY & THE MOUNTAINS
8
Flight to AlmatyExploring green boulevards.
9
AlmatyGreen Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Kok-Tobe sunset.
10
Almaty HighlandsMedeu, Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake (BAO).
11
Charyn CanyonValley of Castles.
12
Kolsai LakesMountain trek and overnight stay in Saty village.
KYRGYZSTAN
13
Cross-Border to BishkekMorning departure from Kolsai. Crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan. Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to hotel, evening city orientation.
14
Bishkek Cultural ImmersionAla-Too Square, the State Historical Museum, local art galleries. Expedition briefing for the mountain segment.
15
Ala-Archa National ParkFull day hiking through the alpine gorge, surrounded by centuries-old coniferous forests and mountain glaciers.
16
Soviet Wellness Retreat (Issyk-Kul)Check-in at one of the region's most historic sanatoriums. Mineral baths and therapeutic treatments preserved from the Soviet era.
17
High Mountain Immersion (Song-Kul)Ascent to the high-altitude lake of Song-Kul (3,000m). Overnight in a traditional yurt camp — the silence of the celestial mountains and nomadic hospitality.
18
The Art of BerkutchiVisit an ethnic village to witness the ancient nomadic tradition of eagle hunting. Meet the Berkutchi masters.
19
Skazka Canyon & Karakol"Skazka" (Fairytale) Canyon with its Martian-like landscapes. Arrival in Karakol — the wooden Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral.
20
Altyn-Arashan Hot Springs & DepartureAscent to the Altyn-Arashan gorge. Natural radon hot springs surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Return to Bishkek for final airport transfer.

What's Included

TransfersRound-trip airport transfers and all transportation throughout the expedition in reliable 4x4 vehicles.
AccommodationBoutique hotels and comfortable guesthouses (standard double occupancy).
Dining ExperienceIn Aktau, Astana, Turkestan, 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 — Mangystau, 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.
Expert GuidanceProfessional tour leader/guide accompanying you throughout the entire journey.
All Fees & PermitsNational park entrance fees, environmental taxes, and all necessary administrative permits specified in the itinerary.
Internal FlightsDomestic flights Aktau → Astana → Turkestan → Almaty, as 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.

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

Aktau — photo coming soon
AktauHotel
Mangystau — photo coming soon
MangystauYurt Camp
Astana — photo coming soon
AstanaHotel
Turkestan — photo coming soon
TurkestanHotel
Almaty — photo coming soon
AlmatyHotel
Charyn Canyon — photo coming soon
Charyn CanyonGuesthouse / Yurt
Kolsai — Saty Village — photo coming soon
Kolsai — Saty VillageGuesthouse
Bishkek — photo coming soon
BishkekHotel
Issyk-Kul — photo coming soon
Issyk-KulSanatorium
Song-Kul — photo coming soon
Song-KulYurt Camp
Karakol — photo coming soon
KarakolGuesthouse
Altyn-Arashan — photo coming soon
Altyn-ArashanMountain Lodge

Frequently Asked.
Happy to Answer.

Answer coming soon.

Answer coming soon.

Answer coming soon.

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.

Answer coming soon.

Answer coming soon.

Answer coming soon.

Answer coming soon.

Answer coming soon.

Ready for Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan?

Tell me your dates — I'll build the rest around you.

Get in Touch