Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore the old Silk Route in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with this nine-day adventure full of stunning natural landscapes, chances to connect to local people and traditional cuisine.

Highlights

Head off the tourist track and see some incredible natural landscapes – on this trip, you’ll visit Sharyn Canyon (nicknamed the little brother of the Grand Canyon), Jety Oguz, Skazka Canyon and Lake Issyk Kul.
Soak up some of the layered history and diverse architecture of two former Silk Route cities – Almaty in Kazakhstan and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.
Spend a memorable night in a comfortable yurt camp for an authentic local experience. You’ll have dinner around the campfire with the locals and wake up in the morning beside Lake Issyk Kul – the second largest alpine lake in the world!
Meet local artisans keeping traditional craftsmanship alive – meet with a local yurt maker and learn how they make these tents without electric tools, see how felt rugs are made and visit a leather workshop.
Feast on delicious local cuisine with visits to a family-owned winery in Almaty, a family home of local Dungan people for dinner and a traditional lunch in a remote Kyzyl Tuu Village.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Finishes

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Almaty

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.

Included Activities:

Almaty - Welcome Dinner

Accommodation:

Renion Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Almaty

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.

Included Activities:

Almaty - City tour with local guide
Almaty - Winery Visit, Tasting and dinner

Accommodation:

Renion Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Bishkek

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.

Included Activities:

Bishkek Orientation Walk
Bishkek - Tamgaly Tas - petroglyphs

Accommodation:

Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Bishkek

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.

Included Activities:

Bishkek - City walking tour
Bishkek - Central Asian Textile Visit

Accommodation:

Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Issyk Kul

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.

Included Activities:

Issky Kul - Kyzyl Tuu - Yurt Making Workshop
Bishkek - Burana Tower

Accommodation:

Barbulak Yurt Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Karakol

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.

Included Activities:

Karakol - Skazka Canyon Visit
Karakol - Jety Oguz Visit

Accommodation:

Green Yard Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Karakol

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.

Included Activities:

Karakol - City Tour
Karakol - Dungan Family Visit and Cooking Masterclass

Accommodation:

Green Yard Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Almaty

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.

Included Activities:

Almaty - Charyn Canyon Hike

Accommodation:

Renion Park Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Almaty

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.

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 $4,995

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Explore the old Silk Route in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with this nine-day adventure full of stunning natural landscapes, chances to connect to local people and traditional cuisine.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 May 2026

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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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