Between History, Nature, and Traditions in Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan – 13 Days / 12 Nights
Embark on a unique adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Discover ancient Silk Road cities, dramatic canyons, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and experience an authentic immersion into nomadic traditions.
📅 Season: June 15 – September 15
👥 Group Size: From 2 people
💰 Price: From $1,770 per person
📍 Detailed Itinerary
🗓 Day 1: Arrival in Almaty – The Green City
✈ Arrival at Almaty Airport and transfer to the hotel.
🏛 City Tour of Almaty:
- Panfilov Park, a tribute to WWII heroes.
- Zenkov Cathedral, a unique wooden church in Central Asia.
- Museum of Kazakh Traditional Instruments.
- Republic Square & Green Bazaar, the heart of the city.
- Excursion to Shymbulak, a ski resort at 3,200m with stunning views of the Alatau Mountains.
🍽 Dinner in a local restaurant.
🏨 Overnight in Almaty.
🗓 Day 2: Almaty – Ile-Alatau National Park – Night Train to Taraz
🚶 Hiking in Turgen Gorge, a natural paradise with pine forests, waterfalls, and hot springs.
🥾 Lunch in nature.
🚆 Overnight train to Taraz (comfortable sleeping berths).
🗓 Day 3: Taraz – Treasures of the Silk Road
🏛 Historical tour of Taraz (2,000 years old):
- Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum (UNESCO), an architectural gem of terracotta.
- Karakhan Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Karakhanid dynasty.
- Tekturmas Complex, a sacred site overlooking the city.
🚍 Drive to Turkestan, the spiritual center of the Turkic world.
🏨 Overnight in Turkestan.
⏳ Drive: 4h30 – 340 km
🗓 Day 4: Turkestan – Otrar – Shymkent
🏛 Explore Turkestan’s UNESCO-listed sites:
- Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
- Otrar ruins, the legendary Silk Road city and birthplace of philosopher Al-Farabi.
🚍 Arrival in Shymkent, a lively modern city.
🍽 Dinner and overnight in Shymkent.
⏳ Drive: 3h – 250 km
🗓 Day 5: Shymkent – Flight to Almaty – Basshi (Altyn Emel National Park)
✈ Domestic flight from Shymkent to Almaty.
🚍 Drive to Altyn Emel National Park, a natural treasure of Kazakhstan.
🌄 Hike the Singing Dune, a spectacular natural phenomenon that “sings” underfoot.
🏡 Overnight in a guesthouse in Basshi.
⏳ Drive: 4-5h – 290 km
🗓 Day 6: Altyn Emel – Charyn Canyon – Kolsai Lake
🏜 Discover Charyn Canyon, known as the “Little Grand Canyon.”
🥾 Hike through the Valley of Castles, featuring striking red rock formations.
🏞 Drive to the Kolsai Lakes, the hidden gems of the Tian Shan mountains.
🏡 Overnight in a homestay in a local village.
⏳ Drive: 4-5h – 320 km
🗓 Day 7: Saty – Kaindy Lake – Saty
🌊 Hike to Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest in turquoise waters.
🥾 Lunch in nature.
🏡 Return to Saty and overnight in a homestay.
🗓 Day 8: Saty – Kegen Border – Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)
🚍 Cross the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border at Kegen.
🏛 Explore Karakol’s cultural highlights:
- Wooden Orthodox Church.
- Dungan Mosque, inspired by Chinese architecture.
- Karakol local market.
🏨 Overnight in a hotel in Karakol.
⏳ Drive: 4-5h – 240 km
🗓 Day 9: Karakol – Jety-Oguz – Ak-Say Canyons
🏞 Discover Jety-Oguz Valley, famous for its “Seven Bulls” red rock formations.
🏜 Explore Ak-Say Canyons, a landscape of striking rock formations.
⛺ Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.
⏳ Drive: 3-4h – 190 km
🗓 Day 10: Ak-Say Canyons – Son Kul Lake
🏔 Drive to Son Kul Lake, one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan (3,000m).
🐎 Meet nomadic shepherds and experience their traditional way of life.
⛺ Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.
⏳ Drive: 4-5h – 270 km
🗓 Day 11: Son Kul Lake – Kyzyl Oy
🏔 Cross Karakeche Pass (3,600m), offering breathtaking mountain views.
🏡 Arrive in Kyzyl Oy, a charming traditional village.
🍽 Dinner and overnight in a local homestay.
⏳ Drive: 4-5h – 160 km
🗓 Day 12: Kyzyl Oy – Bishkek
🚍 Drive to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
🏛 City tour of Bishkek:
- Ala-Too Square, a remnant of Soviet history.
- Osh Bazaar, the city’s largest market.
🍽 Farewell dinner and overnight in a hotel.
⏳ Drive: 4h – 220 km
🗓 Day 13: Departure
🚖 Transfer to the airport and return flight.
📩 Book your adventure now!
✉ info@silkroadhorizons.com
🌍 An unforgettable journey through nomadic traditions and natural wonders awaits you!
