Born Nomad Expeditions
South Kazakhstan + Kyrgyzstan + Tajikistan
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Route 07 · Central Asia

South Kazakhstan + Kyrgyzstan + Tajikistan

Almaty's mountains and canyons, the full arc of Kyrgyzstan from Bishkek to Altyn-Arashan, then south into Tajikistan's Fann Mountains and onto the Pamir Highway.

21 Days 3 Countries Small Group or Private
Three Countries

From yurt camps to the roof of the world.

This route runs from Almaty through Kyrgyzstan's full Bishkek-to-Altyn-Arashan arc, then pushes south into Tajikistan — trading high pastures for the jagged Fann Mountains and a stretch of the legendary Pamir Highway.

The Tajik leg is a compact introduction to the country: two lake days in the Fann Mountains, then a run along the Afghan border to Khorog, the cultural heart of the Pamirs, before returning to Dushanbe.

SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN: ALMATY
1
Almaty ArrivalArrival in the southern capital. Visit the vibrant Green Bazaar for a taste of local spices, walk through Panfilov Park to see the Zenkov Cathedral, and end the day with a sunset view from Kok-Tobe hill.
2
Almaty HighlandsAscent to the high-mountain skating rink Medeu. Continue to Shymbulak mountain resort for panoramic views of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Evening relaxation at the historic Arasan Baths.
3
Big Almaty Lake (BAO)A full-day expedition to the stunning Big Almaty Lake, located at an altitude of 2,500m. Mountain trails and photo stops in the pristine alpine environment.
4
Charyn CanyonDeparture from Almaty towards the Charyn Canyon. Exploration of the "Valley of Castles" with its red-clay rock formations. Overnight in a traditional yurt or guesthouse near the canyon.
5
Kolsai LakesMorning travel to the Kolsai Lakes, the "Blue Necklace of the North Tian Shan." Trekking between the lakes, overnight stay in the mountain village of Saty.
KYRGYZSTAN
6
Cross-Border to BishkekMorning departure from Kolsai. Crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan. Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to hotel, evening city orientation.
7
Bishkek Cultural ImmersionAla-Too Square, the State Historical Museum, local art galleries. Expedition briefing for the mountain segment.
8
Ala-Archa National ParkFull day hiking through the alpine gorge, surrounded by centuries-old coniferous forests and mountain glaciers.
9
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.
10
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.
11
The Art of BerkutchiVisit an ethnic village to witness the ancient nomadic tradition of eagle hunting. Meet the Berkutchi masters.
12
Skazka Canyon & Karakol"Skazka" (Fairytale) Canyon with its Martian-like landscapes. Arrival in Karakol — the wooden Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral.
13
Altyn-Arashan Hot SpringsAscent to the Altyn-Arashan gorge. Natural radon hot springs surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Return to Bishkek.
TAJIKISTAN
14
Fly to DushanbeArrival in the Tajik capital, evening orientation and a first taste of Pamiri hospitality.
15
DushanbeNational Museum of Antiquities, Rudaki Park, and the city's botanical gardens.
16
Fann Mountains — IskanderkulDrive into the Fann Mountains to the turquoise waters of Iskanderkul Lake, ringed by granite peaks. Overnight near the lake.
17
Fann Mountains — Alauddin LakesA full day of high-altitude trekking to the Alauddin Lakes, among the most dramatic scenery in the range.
18
Pamir Highway BeginsDrive south via the Nurek Reservoir toward Kalai-Khumb, following the Panj River along the Afghan border.
19
KhorogArrival in Khorog, the cultural heart of the Pamirs — Pamiri architecture, local food, and the high-altitude botanical garden.
20
Return to DushanbeScenic drive back across the mountains, final relaxation in the capital.
21
DepartureFinal morning in Dushanbe, 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 Almaty, Bishkek, Karakol, Dushanbe: 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, Fann Mountains, Pamir Highway — 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 flight Bishkek → Dushanbe, 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.

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
Dushanbe — photo coming soon
DushanbeHotel
Iskanderkul — photo coming soon
IskanderkulGuesthouse / Camp
Khorog — photo coming soon
KhorogGuesthouse

Frequently Asked.
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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.

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