Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 11 days

4.5

6 Reviews

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Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

See the contrast of the futuristic and the ancient on this 11-day journey from Astana to Bishkek. You’ll see the Central Asian landscape change from the vast expanse of flat countryside to winding mountain roads.

Highlights

See Kazakhstan – a place truly off the beaten track that sees few foreign travellers, especially outside Astana and Almaty. For much of this trip, you’ll truly feel the remoteness of Central Asia.
Witness incredible scenery at every turn – marvel at the sight of the little 'Grand Canyon' at Charyn and see the beauty of the sunken forest in Kolsai Lakes.
Discover the history and architecture of the Silk Road and uncover the charm of the legendary Turkistan.
Travel alongside locals and admire wild, sweeping vistas on epic train rides across the Kazakh steppe.
Go overland into Kyrgyzstan for a change of scene and hike the magnificent Jeti Oguz, explore Karakol and take a boat ride on the vast waters of the alpine Issyk-kul lake.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Plane,Overnight Sleeper Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Astana, Kazakhstan

Finishes

Bishkek, Kazakhstan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Astana

Salemetsiz be! Welcome to Kazakhstan. Your adventure begins in Astana with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. Astana was purpose-built to become the capital city of Kazakhstan in 1997 and is home to meticulously planned city streets and architecture. The modern metropolis was designed by leading Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who won first prize in a competition against other world-renowned architects. Now, it’s one of the youngest cities in Central Asia. If you arrive early, maybe stroll along the Astana waterfront or go shopping in the world’s largest tent at the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. Tonight, join your leader and group for dinner in town for your first authentic Kazakh food experience.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Astana

This morning, join your leader for a city tour around some of the most impressive designs of the new city. Visit Bayterek tower, then stroll down Nur Boulevard to Khan Shatyr – another city landmark in the shape of a giant transparent tent. Visit Nur-Astana Mosque – with its capacity of 5000 worshippers inside and an additional 2000 outside, it’s one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then, you'll stop at the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation – a pyramid-shaped conference hall considered Astana's symbolic centre. This afternoon, why not find some horse meat dishes or plov (a popular rice dish with chunks of lamb, onions and carrots) for lunch. After, you’ll met back up with your group and visit a renowned local jeweller and his workshop to learn about his craft.

Included Activities:

Astana - City tour
Astana - Local Jewler Visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Turkistan

This morning, take a flight to the historic centre of Kazakhstan, Turkistan – home to more relics and cultural sites than any other place in the country. When you arrive, visit the new Caravan Serai – a complex recently built to model ancient Silk Road trade centres, giving visitors a taste of what life was once like here. With your free time in the late afternoon, you can see the Yasawi Mausoleum, illuminated with vivid colours and patterned exteriors.

Included Activities:

Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Turkistan/ Overnight Train

Head out on a city tour this morning, starting with a visit to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum – Kazakhstan’s most iconic building. Built by Tamerlane, it’s said that three visits here are equal to one visit to Mecca. As it’s a religious site, it’s recommended that women wear a headscarf when entering. On the grounds, you'll find a rose garden, monuments, an archaeological museum and a mosque. Leaving the mausoleum, jump in your private transport to Shymkent, stopping at the ancient settlement of Otrar on the way. First excavated in 1969, its history dates back to the first century AD, with remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses that can still be seen today. This is also where Genghis Khan's army is said to have fought when the Mongols first invaded Central Asia. Board your overnight train in the evening.

Included Activities:

Otrar - Ancient settlement
Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum

Accommodation:

Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Almaty

Pulling into Alamaty this morning, hop off the train and head out to find some breakfast. Today, you’ll be going on a daytrip to Lake Issyk and Turgen Gorge. Stop at the Issyk Museum – an archaeological reserve dedicated to Kazakh history and Scythian culture (an ancient nomadic people who were particularly skilled in horseback warfare). Continue to Ile-Alatau National Park, where peaceful Lake Issyk sits in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Relax and refresh on the lakeshore of this stunning spot before carrying on to Turgen Gorge, where a short hike will bring you to a waterfall. On the way back to Almaty, stop by a winery, where you’ll meet with a local craft winemaker and sample some raw wine, craft cheese and tuck into a hearty lunch.

Included Activities:

Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
Almaty – Turgen Gorge
Almaty – Lake Issyk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Almaty

Today, you’ll take a city tour of Almaty with a local guide. This former capital of Kazakhstan now has a completely different vibrancy to Astana, with its wide tree-lined streets, numerous parks and the view of the snow-capped mountains. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in 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. Finally, visit Zelenyi Bazaar and experience the vibrant market scene before returning to the hotel to rest and recharge.

Included Activities:

Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
Almaty - Panfilov Park
Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
Almaty - Zelenyi Bazaar

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kolsay Lakes National Park

This morning, drive to Saty Village, stopping at the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. The richly coloured canyon carves a path through the surrounding landscape, with vivid tones of oranges and browns shifting and changing as the sun travels across the sky. Enjoy some time here to marvel at the natural wonder and grab some photos before continuing to Saty Village, where you’ll check into your homestay and experience a taste of local life in the Tien Shan Mountain Range.

Included Activities:

Charyn Canyon - National Park

Accommodation:

Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Kolsay Lakes/Border Crossing/Karakol

This morning, visit Kolsay Lakes, also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the clear blue waters framed by the mountains. If there’s time, you’ll take a hike to the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. Amazingly, the lake was created by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide, creating a natural dam in the forest. As time went on, the dam filled with water and the trees were covered, leaving just their trunks standing in the centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head over the border to Kyrgyzstan, where you’ll continue your journey to Karakol.

Included Activities:

Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking

Accommodation:

Guest House (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Karakol

This morning you’ll head out on a city tour of Karakol – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling soviet state, this town is bursting with history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail. Instead, the structure was built using special cutting and groove techniques. You’ll also explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market. Then, head out of the city to see the Jety Oguz, also known as Seven Bull Valley, where your leader will take you on a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views. Return to Karakol for another restful night.

Included Activities:

Karakol - Dungan Mosque
Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike

Accommodation:

Guest House (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Bishkek

Today you’ll have a full day's drive to Bishkek, which sits along the northern shore of Issyk Kul – the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. The views of the landscape are not to be missed, especially your first glimpse of Issyk Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you'll stop at Cholpan Ata to visit a petroglyph's site. Then, take a short boat ride out onto the huge alpine lake to really soak up the beauty of these shimmering waters. In Bishkek, you have a free night, where you might want to head to a final dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure.

Included Activities:

Cholpon Ata - Petroglyphs
Lake Issyk-Kul - Boat tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Bishkek

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,195

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Carlos

Traveled, September 2023

10/01/2023

This tour is a must you wont regret it you can see a lot

4.0

Elizabeth

Traveled, September 2023

10/03/2023

You may use anything I offered, but I don't want to rewrite

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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