Tour Overview
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destination | Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan — Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Issyk-Kul, Bishkek |
| Price From | $1,760 per person (twin share, small group 1-16) |
| Tour Style | Small Group — Two Countries, Nature & Nomadic Life |
| Data Source | Asia Odyssey Travel — 2026 verified pricing |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Almaty
Airport pick-up. Afternoon Almaty tour: Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral (one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings), Green Bazaar. Cable car to Kok-Tobe hill for panoramic views. Overnight in Almaty.
Day 2: Charyn Canyon — Grand Canyon of Central Asia
Full-day excursion to Charyn Canyon (200km east). This 12-million-year-old canyon is often called the Grand Canyon’s little brother but is arguably more dramatic — the Valley of Castles features towering red rock formations shaped by wind and water into surreal forms. Trek into the canyon floor to the Charyn River. Overnight in Almaty.
Day 3: Almaty — Kolsai Lakes — Karkara
Drive to Kolsai Lakes National Park — three stunning alpine lakes nicknamed the “Pearls of the Northern Tian Shan.” Hike around Lower Kolsai through fir forests and wildflower meadows. Cross the border into Kyrgyzstan at the Karkara Valley. Overnight in yurt camp.
Day 4: Karkara — Karakol
Morning in the Karkara Valley — summer pastures where nomads graze their herds. Arrive at Karakol. Visit Dungan Mosque, Przhevalsky Museum. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 5: Karakol — Jeti-Oguz — Issyk-Kul South Shore
Morning at Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Drive along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore: Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Gorge. Overnight in lakeside yurt camp.
Day 6: Issyk-Kul — Burana Tower — Bishkek
Eagle hunting demo. Visit Burana Tower. Arrive Bishkek. Osh Bazaar exploration. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 7: Bishkek — Ala Archa National Park
Half-day excursion to Ala Archa National Park in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range (40km from Bishkek). Hike through alpine landscapes with views of 4,895m Peak Semenov-Tian-Shansky. Farewell dinner at Supara Ethno-Complex. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 8: Depart Bishkek
Airport transfer.
Inclusions
- 7 nights (hotels + yurt camps)
- Daily breakfast
- Charyn Canyon excursion
- Kolsai Lakes entry & hike
- Ala Archa National Park entry
- Eagle hunting demo
- Border crossing assistance
- All transfers
- English-speaking guide
