Early morning arrival in Almaty and transfer to the hotel for check in. Have a rest after your long flight and relax before starting the city tour around noon. Almaty is the largest city of Central Asia’s richest country, Kazakhstan. Until 1997 it was the country’s capital and it remains today the country’s business and educational center. Our itinerary includes such gems as the Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden Orthodox church built at the turn of the century, Panfilov park, new & Old Square, and the green market. In the evening we have welcome dinner in a nice Kazakh restaurant in the city center. Overnight in the hotel.

Hotel Kazzhol or similar

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Today we have a long but exciting driving day ahead. After an early breakfast, we depart towards one of the most famous natural sights of Kazakhstan – Charyn Canyon. The canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon, although it is much smaller in size with a total length of 80-90 kilometers. The part of the canyon you will visit is known as “Valley of Castles” for its unusual rock formations. It is 3 kilometers long and 100 meters deep. We will walk these 3 kilometers down to the river, where we will have a picnic. We drive about 2 hours on the road back and reach the village of Saty where we have dinner and stay for the night in a family guesthouse. 

Saty Family Guesthouse, (single room cannot be guaranteed)

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After breakfast drive to Kyrgyzstan Karakol city via Karkara valley. In the morning visit Kolsay Lake. Kolsay Lake is a name for a cascade of three lakes in Kungey Alatau ridge. The lakes are dark blue in color and filled with pure glacial water. Continue drive to Kazakh-Kyrgyz border. Border formalities. Upon arrival to Karakol check in to the Hotel. Dinner in the local Yuigur family. 

Karagat hotel or similar

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After a comfortable night in the hotel we start a three days trek today. We transfer by minibus about 2 hours to the Karakol valley, the starting destination of the trek. From Karakol gorge (2550m) we hike about 2-3 hours slightly uphill for 8 kilometers to reach the “Orphan” Mountaineer Shelter. We stop at the shelter, have dinner and set up our tents not far. Overnight in tents, ca. 2900m altitude

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After a hike of ca. 3 hours, the highlight of this trek awaits us today – mountain lake Ala Kul (3560m). It is more than 70 meters deep and of incomparable beauty. From the shore of the lake you can see a beautiful glacier – this is the source of the lake. We have picnic at the lake. Afternoon rest. Dinner and overnight in tents. 

Overnight in tents on altitude 3500m

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In the morning we hike up higher to Ala Kul Pass (3890m) from where we enjoy uninterrupted views of the 5000+ meters mountain peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains – including Karakol Peak, Djigit Peak and Tashtanbek Peak. After trek down to the Altyn-Arashan valley, a 10 kilometers hike that we estimate will take us around three hours. This valley is famous for its natural hot springs, which you can visit to relax after the three days of trekking. The lush pastures of Altyn Arashan were the choice of Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin as he looked for somewhere to spend time recovering after landing back on Earth after his expedition into space. After a picnic and relaxing we take a Russian truck which will take us on a shaky ride back to Karakol. We will have dinner in Uzbek family or in the restaurant and overnight in hotel.

Hotel Amir or similar, 1750m altitude

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After breakfast, we will set out to explore Karakol. We visit the city, making sure we allow plenty of time for its wooden Dungan mosque, built in 1904, and the Orthodox wooden church dating from 1855, proof of the ethnic and spiritual diversity of the Issyk Kul region On the way along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to our next destination – Tosor, we will break the journey at Jety Oguz gorge. Hike to the panoramic view of the gorge.  Jety Oguz translates as the Valley of Seven Bulls named after the distinct seven red-coloured rocks found in the gorge. We can learn about the local legends behind the name as we walk our way out of the beautiful gorge.

Upon arrival at the yurt camp we will have plenty of time to go for a swim before dinner. Issyk Kul is the second largest mountain lake in the world and known as the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan”. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp near the village of Tosor near the shore of Lake Issyk Kul.

Overnight in yurt – 4 people in a yurt, facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water), 1600m altitude

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After breakfast, we drive further westwards along the southern shore of the lake. On the way, we will first meet an eagle hunter and then stop at Kyzyl-Tuu, where you can watch how yurts are produced, their skeletal wooden framework covered in thick layers of felt and canvas to cope with all weathers. Continuing our drive, we pass by Orto-Tokoi reservoir. Arriving in Kochkor, we visit a workshop of local women to see close up how the traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets are made.  You will be taught how Kyrgyz people make their amazing shyrdaks, a carpet that is commonly found in Kyrgyzstan.  You can even make your own small carpet. Later on drive to Son Kul.

Overnight in yurt – 4 people in a yurt, facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water), 1600m altitude

Meals: B/L/D

Song Kul is a mountain lake in the Central Tian Shan range, virtually in the center of Kyrgyzstan. One translation of the name is “The last lake”. It is located at an altitude of 3016m above sea level, 29 kilometers long, 18 kilometers wide and a maximum depth of only 13 meters. It is Kyrgyzstan’s second largest lake after Issyk Kul. The green meadows surrounding the lake, full of Edelweiss, are used by local shepherds and their families as summer pastures. You will see yurts scattered around the lake and herds of horses and sheep grazing. Not surprisingly, the lake is known as the “nomad’s paradise”. We will spend the night again in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. At night you can see the sky full of starts.

Overnight in yurt – 4 people in a yurt, facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water), 1600m altitude

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After breakfast, we depart towards the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. On the way, we stop at Burana Tower. The minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval town of Balasagun, capital of the mighty Karakhanid Empire. You can climb up the winding staircase to enjoy a nice view of the Chuy Valley. There is also an open-air museum featuring a collection of ancient balbals, carved stone figures used as monuments. After another 1-2 hours we finally reach Bishkek. City tour before the dinner. The tour includes Panfilov Park, Ala-Too Square with the National History Museum, and monuments to national hero Manas, writer Chingiz Aitmatov and another Kyrgyz hero Kozhomkul. Overnight in hotel.

Plaza Hotel or similar

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Today it’s time to say a fond farewell to beautiful Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan.  Our driver will provide your transfer to Bishkek International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your trip and will return soon to explore more of Central Asia.

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