Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Salemetsiz be! Welcome to Kazakhstan. Your adventure begins in Almaty – this former capital features wide, tree-lined streets, numerous parks and views of snow-capped mountains. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, you may want to visit the State Museum of Arts, the State History Museum or the Kasteev House Museum – the most famous Kazakh artist from Soviet times. After your meeting, you’ll have dinner with your group at a traditional Kazakh restaurant. (D)

Today, you’ll head out with a local guide for a city tour of downtown Almaty. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral (also the second tallest wooden building in the world) in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against German tanks in WWII. Check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, which features a great collection of ancient relics. This afternoon, head to a local, family-owned and ran winery just outside the city for a delicious lunch and wine tasting. Meet the owners and learn more about wine production in Kazakhstan. Return to Almaty in the late afternoon, where your evening is free to explore at your own pace. (B/L)

After breakfast this morning, you’ll leave Kazakhstan for Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tamgaly Tas, which features some amazing Bronze Age petroglyphs. Enjoy a picnic lunch here, then carry on to Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan that borders Central Asia's Tian Shan range. Arriving in the late afternoon, you’ll head straight out for an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then you can enjoy a free evening. (B/L)

Embark on a half-day city tour of downtown Bishkek today. Meet with a local Bishkek guide and head out to see Ala-Too Square and the statue of Manas – the hero of heroes for the local Kyrgyz people. See the Russian Orthodox church, one of the only few Lenin statues left in all the ex-USSR countries, Oak Park (the oldest park in the country), the Opera house and Victory Square, with its eternal flame dedicated to WW2. After some free time to rest and recharge, head out to meet a local designer, craftsman and design historian to learn about Central Asian textile design and manufacturing. Tonight, join your group for dinner in Bishkek. (B/D)

After a relaxed breakfast today, you’ll start the drive to Lake Issyk Kul – one of the largest lakes in the world, 178 km long and 60 km wide. Along the way, stop at Burana Tower – a large minaret in the Chuy Valley – and visit the monument and museum. You’ll then be welcomed into the home of a local farming family nearby for a homemade lunch. Chat with the locals, then continue to Kyzyk Tuu village. When you arrive, meet with a local craftsman who keeps the ancient tradition of yurt making alive. Head to a workshop where the craftsman will show you how they’re made with no electrical tools and gain an insight into how these iconic structures are built, including the process of making Kiiz (the felt layers that cover the yurt). Maybe even have a go at assembling your own! Tonight, you’ll test your nomadic skills with a night in a traditional yurt camp – these yurts were made by the craftsmen in the local village, so you know you’re getting the authentic experience. After a walk with your group to admire the landscape, gather around the campfire for dinner under the stars. (B/L/D)

Depart the yurt camp after breakfast this morning and head to Karakol – the furthest eastern outpost of former Tsarist Russia and, later, of the USSR. On the way, visit Skazka Canyon (which translates to Fairytale Canyon) to soak in the rugged stone peaks that contrast the meadows and alpine lakes that make so much of Kyrgyzstan’s landscape. After lunch, continue to Jety Oguz Valley – its name means 'seven bulls,' which refers to the seven red-brown cliffs here. Walk through the gorgeous valley and carry on to Karakol – this town was founded as a Russian military outpost and still has a few ‘Gingerbread houses’ along its scenic streets. (B)

Today you’ll embark on a tour of the city with your local leader. First, visit the Prezhevalsky Museum and learn about a Russian explorer who made discoveries in China and Mongolia. hen, walk along the scenic streets of Karakol to see the ‘Gingerbread Cottage’ houses. Visit a lively local market to browse for souvenirs, then see the Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Tonight, you’ll be welcomed into the family home of a Dungan local for a masterclass on local cuisine – the Dungan or Hui people are a local ethnic group of Chinese Muslims who escaped China after the defeat of the Hui revolt in 1877. Today, they have a large community all over Central Asia, especially in Karakol. Enjoy dinner with your hosts, then head back to your accommodation for a relaxing evening. (B/D)

Today is a long travel day, including a border crossing back into Kazakhstan. Wake up early this morning and grab a window seat if you can – the scenery is entertainment in itself! You’ll make a few stops along the way for photos and to stretch your legs, including at Charyn Canyon – often referred as the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the Unites States, wind and water have shaped this spectacular canyon with different shapes and colours. Go on a short hike to the bottom of the canyon, seeing some incredible viewpoints along the way. After, continue to Almaty. When you arrive, freshen up at the hotel then head out for a traditional dinner with your group to toast to an amazing adventure. (B/L)

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you want to continue your trip in Central Asia and discover more along the Silk Routes, then why not check out our Premium Uzbekistan trip. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. (B)