Best of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan - Red Mount Journey 🇰🇬

$1 / person

9days

Easy

Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan

Tour Route: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Kolsay & Kaindy Lake – Saty Village – Karakol – Jety-Oguz Gorge – Barskaun Gorge – Skazka Canyon – Bokonbaevo Village – Kochkor – Bishkek

Highlights and Overview of this Trip

Introduction: We offer you a combination of two countries – Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. This tour is focusing on two cozy cities and the amazing nature of the two countries – mountains, lakes, canyons, passes and amazing views and panoramas. You will be acquainted with the local culture, traditions and way of life of the local population, experience their hospitality and taste national dishes.

Please Note: Son-Kul Lake is accessable only during Highseason (July – September). During Lowseason on Day 7 you’ll go from Bokonbaevo directly to Bishkek.

Duration: Highseason 9 days / Lowseason 8 days

Tour: Cultural tour

Season: May – October

Accommodation: Hotels, Guesthouses, Yurt camps

PROGRAM

DAY 1: Almaty (20km 40 min)

Arrival in Almaty. Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Rest. Dinner in local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel.

Meals: no

Accommodation: Kazzhol hotel 4*

DAY 2: Almaty sightseeing

Breakfast. Almaty sightseeing: visit: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral church, Memorial complex devoted to the World War Two and eternal flame. Continue sightseeing at green bazaar – a place where you can buy souvenirs, central Mosque, Republic Square with three main symbols of Kazakhstan and Obelisk devoted to the independence.

Lunch in restaurant.

Then back to Almaty to visit the top of Kok-Tobe hill (by cable car) where you can enjoy unforgettable panorama of Almaty from the observation desk. Accommodation at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: Kazzhol hotel 4*

DAY 3: Almaty-Medeo-Almaty (50 km)

Breakfast. Drive to Medeo Gorge. Stop at the huge Medeo dam (1733m), from the top enjoy the view of the largest high mountain skating rink in the world – Medeo, surrounded by marvelous mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau. After visit Shymbulak ski resort and will take gondola to enjoy amazing view.

Back to Almaty for lunch.

Continue sightseeing. Visit President Park of 1^st President, then drive to Mega Park Mall.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: Kazzhol hotel 4*

DAY 4: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Kaindy Lake - Saty Village (300km 5-6hrs)

Breakfast. Drive to Charyn canyon. Charyn Canyon is a unique natural monument, stretching for 154km along the banks of Charyn river to the east from Almaty. The height of canyon walls can be up to 300 meters. Walk in the canyon.

Lunch-picnic (by your own) after nice walk near the river. Continue drive to the Saty village. Transfer to Kaindy lake by old Russian jeep. The imposing shrank spruce trees that previously formed a forest there, now suddenly submerged in the lake that was born from the landslide. Walking in the surroundings. Dinner and overnight in Saty village at the guesthouse.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Family Home Stay

DAY 5: Saty Village – Kolsay Lake - Karakol (220 km 4-5hrs)

Breakfast. Today we will visit very amazing lakes. Drive to Kolsay lakes is the system of 3 picturesque lakes on the altitude of 1800m, 2250m and 2700m respectively. Kolsay lakes are often calling the Pearls of Northern Tian-Shan. Here you will take short hike near lake one (option: boating). Drive to Kegen (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan border). Cross the border. Continue driving through Karkara gorge with stunning views. Arrival to Karakol town. Karakol sightseeing: wooden Russian Orthodox Church, Dungan Mosque (XIX century), Local bazaar. Check-in to the hotel. Rest. Dinner in Dungan family (Chinese Muslims). Accommodation at the hotel.

Meals: full board

Accommodation: Caravan Hotel 3*

DAY 6: Karakol– Jety-Oguz Gorge - Skazka Canyon – Bokonbaevo (170 km, 4-5hrs)

Breakfast. Drive to Jety – Oguz Gorge by nickname as Switzerland for hiking. Hike to beautiful waterfall hidden in mountains by name is “Women hairs” (optional) or you can enjoy of beauty of Kok-Jayek pasture, what is translating from Kyrgyz language like “valley of flowers”.

Drive to Barskoon gorge known for its waterfalls, here you will assemble yurt and Master will show how he making Yurts. Lunch in family guesthouse.

Continue drive for walk in the “Fairy Tale” canyon (Skazka canyon), solid clusters made of limestone, sandstone are bulging from the colorful soil, and the place looks like the ruins of ancient castles.

Tashtar Ata Panoramic view excursion

Dinner and overnight in Bokonbaevo village in Yurt camp near south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Meals: full board

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

DAY 7: Bokonbaevo – Kochkor – Son-Kul Lake (250 km 3-4 hrs)

OPTIONAL DAY

Breakfast. Meet Eagle hunter. ‘’Eagle
hunter’’ will show and explain you How Where and Why he hunting with his
Golden Eagle.

Lunch in Kochkor.

Drive to high mountain Son-kul lake(3060m),
where you can see nomadic life, ancient culture, tradition and customs of
Kyrgyz nomad is which is still alive today. Dinner and accommodation in Yurt
Inn.

Meals: full board

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

DAY 8: Son-Kul Lake – Bishkek (130km 2hrs)

After breakfast, Transfer to Burana tower, cultural complex of X-XI AD. Lunch will be at en-route café. After lunch we will continue our trip to Bishkek city. Upon arrival sightseeing tour around city

Lunch Drive to Bishkek. Check-in to hotel. Free time.
Overnight at the hotel. Dinner at local restaurant.

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

DAY 9: Bishkek – Manas Airport (30km 40 min)

Lunch Drive to Bishkek. Check-in to hotel. Free time.
Overnight at the hotel. Dinner at local restaurant.

Meals: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 3*

PRICE

Package of Kazakhstan + Kyrgyzstan

on request

The price is influenced by various factors such as group size or season. Son-Kul Lake is accessable only during High Season. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price.

Included:

Transportation incl. pick up and drop off from Airports
Accommodation as mentioned in program based on twin sharing room
Guide
Meals as mentioned in the program
Excursions + entrance fees
Eagle hunting show
Yurt assemble show
Carpet making show
Permissions to Natural Parks
LOI for Kyrgyz visa if required
Local taxes

Not included:

International air flight & Visa if needed
Early check-in in Almaty
Meals in cities which is not mentioned in the program.
Drinks and snacks on the way
Personnel expenses.
Travel medical insurance

Notes:

Contact us for addition nights, activites or any other questions
You can add other trips to your journey
Tour Operator reserves the right to modify itineraries and/or substitute hotels of a reasonably similar quality, when available, should circumstances beyond our control deem it necessary.
Domestic flights are booked as per availability, if flight is cancelled or no tickets available on the time of booking, itinerary will be modified as per timetable

Clothing

Layered clothing: Include base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers to adapt to varying weather conditions.
Waterproof jacket and pants: To stay dry during rain or wet conditions.
Warm hat and gloves: To protect against the cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Comfortable boots: Well-fitted and sturdy, preferably waterproof.
Additional pair of shoes or sandals for leisure time
Extra socks and underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying options are best.

Gear

Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack with a capacity suitable for the length of your trek. Recommended weight maximum 10kg
Sleeping bag liner: Adds warmth and ensures cleanliness. We cannot give you 100% guaranty that mattresses at the Yurt Camps or Homestays will be ideally clean and meet your standards. That is why better to put your own inlet to these beds.
Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries, for visibility at night.
Multi-tool or knife: Useful for various tasks.

Food and Water

Water bottles: To reduce waste we’ll recommend you to buy 7-10l Bottles from the stores and refill your bottles.
Food: meals which are not included to the program, you’ll have the choice to try local food at markets/bazars on the way, at restaurant or cafes.

Safety

First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Personal hygiene items: Biodegradable soap, toilet paper, wet wipes.
Medications: Any personal medications, plus extras in case of delays. We are sometimes in very remote areas, so obtaining these items could be difficult.
Sun protection: Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, hat, sunglasses.
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is highly recommended that clients have their own travel insurance to cover illness, injury, and loss or damage to personal belongings. In case of an emergency, the staff will do their best to assist and transport you to a hospital or another point of care. However, if you do not have insurance, you will be required to cover the charges yourself. Your insurance should also cover helicopter services and rescue/search operations in the mountains.

Miscellaneous

Money: it’s common to pay by cash.
Credit cards and Visa cards to withdraw money can be used in Bishkek, Karakol only.
In bigger restaurants, cafes or gas station sometimes you can pay by card.
Camera or smartphone: To capture the beautiful scenery.
Power bank: To keep your electronic devices charged. In theory, accommodation places in the countryside have electricity. But it does not mean “automatically” that in practice it’ll be so. Sometimes there is the problem with electricity in some places but it is very unpredictable.
Wifi: at accommodation at the moutains can be possible but don’t expect it. Same with mobile phone reception
Reusable bags: For carrying trash out of remote areas.

Remember, packing light is important, but make sure you have all the essentials to stay safe and comfortable during your horse trekking adventure. Enjoy the ride!

Bishkek City

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, located in the north of the country, at the foothills of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains. It is the largest city and the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Bishkek is home to over 1 million people and serves as a gateway to the rest of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek is a modern city with wide boulevards, parks, and museums. The city has many historical and cultural landmarks, including Ala-Too Square, the State Historical Museum, and the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts. Bishkek is also home to several universities and research institutes.

Canyon Skazka

The canyon was formed by centuries of erosion from the Skazka River, which flows through the canyon. The river has carved out the soft sandstone and clay, creating a landscape of hoodoos, spires, and other unusual rock formations. The rocks are a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, and white, which gives the canyon its fairy tale-like appearance.

Jety Oguz Valley

Jety Oguz (translated as “Seven Bulls”) is a gorge located in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan, about 25 kilometers from the town of Karakol. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful scenery and its red rock formations.

The gorge was formed by centuries of erosion from the Jety Oguz River, which flows through the gorge. The river has carved out the soft sandstone and clay, creating a landscape of hoodoos, spires, and other unusual rock formations. The rocks are a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, and white.

Tashtar Ata

Charyn Canyon is situated in Southern shore of Yssyk Kul Lake. It is a special place to see the panoramic view of the Lake and Kungei Ala Too, great mixture of green pasture with dry red mountains.

Son Kul Lake

Son-Kul Lake (Sonkel, Sonkul) is located in the north-west of the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. This is the second largest lake in the country after Issyk-Kul.

Son-Kul in Kyrgyz means “lake where wild ducks live”. The lake is located in the gorges of the Tien Shan at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level. Son-Kul covers an area of 278 square kilometers and extends in length by 28 kilometers, in width by 18 kilometers. The average depth is 8.6 meters, the maximum is almost 14 meters.

Almaty City

Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan and its current financial, scientific, cultural, historical and industrial center. With nearly 2 million inhabitants, it is also Kazakhstan’s largest city and the one most visited by tourists. Whether you plan to spend a long layover or an extended time in the area, this Almaty travel guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in this wonderfully unique city.

Kaindy Lake

Lake Kaindy (Kazakh: Қайыңды көлі, Qaiyñdy kölı, meaning the “birch tree lake” or landslide) is a 400-meter-long (1,300 ft) lake located in Kazakhstan. The lake reaches depths of nearly 30 meters (98 ft). It is located 129 kilometers (80 mi) east-southeast of the city of Almaty and is 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) above sea level.

Kolsay Lake

Kolsay Lakes in Kazakhstan have been nicknamed the Blue Necklace of the Northern Tien Shan, and anyone who sets eyes on these natural beauties will quickly understand why. When the surface of the waters are perfectly calm they reflect the sky, while in the evening the lakes appear to boil as trout splash about in their crystal waters.

Charyn Canyons

Charyn Canyon is situated in the territory of the Charyn National Park which was laid out with the purpose to preserve natural and geological objects. The National park was founded on 23 February 2004. The Park territory is inhabited with a great number of rare and endangered animal species entered in the Red Book.

Kok Tobe Panorama

The hill the mast stands on is the highest point of the city of Almaty at 1100 metres and the mast itself is 350 meters tall. The viewpoint from Kok-tobe is well worth a visit with panoramic views of the city in all directions. A cable car ride is a really good way to the top of Kok-tobe Hill and see the view of surrounding mountains, the start of which is located close to the Hotel Kazakhstan. The cable car goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and it’s interesting to see the old fruit growing gardens.