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.

Today, you’ll head out with a local guide for a city tour of downtown Almaty. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral (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. After, visit the upper part of the city for panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains, and see Medeu – the famous high-altitude skating rink. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll leave Kazakhstan for Kyrgyzstan. Along the way, stop at a nomadic centre outside Bishkek. Learn about Kyrgyz culture, taste traditional baursaks (fried dough) and watch a demonstration of nomadic weapons and armour. Marvel at a few traditional equestrian games including archery on horseback and trick riding that includes Tenge Ilu (picking up coins from the ground while riding)! Then, settle down for lunch or dimlama (a hearty, meaty stew), plov (rice) and samsa (a savory pastry). After, carry on to Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan that borders Central Asia’s Tian Shan range. When you arrive in the late afternoon, head straight out for an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings, then you can enjoy a free evening.

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. Then, it’s time for a kurak masterclass – this traditional form of patchwork sewing and quilting is considered an important symbol of Kyrgyz identity and women’s artistic heritage. Create your own kurak brooch and learn the story behind the different patterns and colours. Tonight, join your group for dinner in Bishkek.

After a relaxed breakfast today, you’ll start the drive to Lake Issyk Kul – one of the largest lakes in the world, 178 km (111 mi) long and 60 km (37 mi) wide. Along the way, stop at Burana Tower – a large minaret in the Chuy Valley – and visit the monument and museum. After, stop for a traditional homemade lunch near the lake and maybe have the chance to play some local Kyrgyz games. After, you’ll continue to your yurt accommodation for the night. When you arrive, maybe take a walk with your group to admire the landscape or just relax before gathering around the campfire for dinner under the stars in this special remote spot.

Today, you’ll 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, including the process of making kiiz (the felt layers that cover the yurt). Maybe even have a go at assembling your own! Then, 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. Keep going to Karakol – this town was founded as a Russian military outpost and still has a few ‘gingerbread houses’ along its scenic streets. After a fun and busy day, the evening is free to do as you wish.

Today you’ll head out of town to the Jety Oguz Valley – its name means ‘seven bulls’ in reference to the seven red-brown cliffs you’ll see here. Talk a walk through the gorgeous valley, then head back to Karakol for a walk with your leader. First, visit the Prezhevalsky Museum and learn about a Russian explorer who made discoveries in China and Mongolia. Then, 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. 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.

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 United 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 to a local, family-owned and operated winery just outside the city for a delicious farewell dinner and wine tasting. Meet the owners and learn more about wine production in Kazakhstan. Then, raise a glass to your amazing adventure!

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 check out the Premium Uzbekistan trip. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.