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G Adventures
OFFER ID 1602200
Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Discover a part of the world that's getting noticed for its beautiful landscapes and its warm people. This nine-day tour takes you off the beaten path and into the cultures of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Begin in Bishkek enjoying city time with optional activities that get you closer to the colourful and artsy culture here. Spend two nights in a traditional yurt and get to know the welcoming families of the nomadic Kyrgyz culture. Finish in Almaty but not before driving through the stunning Charyn Canyon.
Highlights
Learn about the diverse cultures of Central Asia, Soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery, Connect with the locals during yurt and village guesthouse stays, Wander the Soviet streets of Bishkek, Take in the beauty of Song Kul Lake and Kaindy Lake, Trek to the sunken forest, Learn how yurts are built.
Accommodation
Hotels (3 nts), village guesthouse (3 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people per yurt), village homestay (1 nt)
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 14
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Yurt Building Demonstration, Barskoon
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Song Köl
Your Local Living Moment: Tamga Village Stay, Tamga. Bishkek City Tour. Burana Tower. Home-cooked traditional dinner. Overnight in a Yurt. Free time in Chong-Kemin. Song Kul Lake. Lunch with Local Family in Kochkor. Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon. Tamga Village Stay. Yurt Building Demonstration. Jety Oguz & the Seven Bulls. Karakol City Tour. Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Dungan mosque. Saty Village Stay. 4x4 ride to Kaindy Lake. Charyn Canyon. Almaty City Tour. Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park. WWII memorial. Free time in Almaty.
8 nights from $1,617 per person
G Adventures: Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive at any time.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's artsy capital and cultural hub, situated at the base of the Tian Shan mountain range. There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting, so get out there and explore!
Day 2: Bishkek/Chong-Kemin
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Bishkek before travelling to the serenity of Chong-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop at one of Kyrgyzstan's oldest sights, the Burana Tower and learn about this ancient structure, rare in nomadic culture. Tonight, stay in a cozy guest house run by Karal Dobo Villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.
Day 3: Chong-Kemin/Song Kul
In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic drive along the Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass to Song Kul Lake. Immerse yourself in Kyrgyz culture with an overnight stay in a traditional yurt. Experience daily nomadic life and wander the breathtaking landscape. With an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it's possible to experience four seasons in one day! Indulge in delicious home-cooked cuisine for dinner, then get cozy in the yurt around the stove.
Day 4: Song Kul/Tamga
Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to enjoy lunch together with a local family. After lunch, head to the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon. Walk through the striking rock formations and take some beautiful photos. Afterward, head to Tamga village in the clutches of the Terskey Ala-Too and celestial Issyk-Kol’ Lake, where you'll spend the night at a village guesthouse and get to know the local community members.
Tamga village was once famous for its Soviet-era military sanatorium, where Soviet cosmonauts relaxed and recovered after space flights.
Day 5: Tamga/Karakol
This morning we head to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre, a G for Good supported organization, to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. Continue the drive to Jety Oguz, where we stop to visit the beautiful Seven Bulls rock formations, enjoy a picnic lunch with a stunning view and hike to the Jety Oguz viewpoint. Finish the drive to Kyrgyzstan's 4th largest city - Karakol and enjoy a city tour upon arrival, visiting notable sites like the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.
Day 6: Karakol/Saty Village
Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a 4x4 vehicle for the ride to Kaindy Lake, then embark on a trek to explore the sunken forest. Soak in the bright hues and marvel at the eerie sight of submerged trees. Spend the night in a homestay and indulge in traditional Kazakh meals for a true Kazakh experience.
Day 7: Saty Village/Almaty
Depart early this morning for Almaty, the former Kazakh capital, stopping along the way to marvel at Charyn Canyon. Boasting stunning shades of red, orange, and brown, the Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder comparable in beauty to the Grand Canyon. On arrival in Almaty, join your CEO for an orientation walk around your hotel.
Day 8: Almaty
Explore the amazing city of Almaty on a city tour, visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov's Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Enjoy a free afternoon to continue the adventure through Almaty. Opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.
Day 9: Almaty
Depart at any time.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
P.O. Box 812786
Wellesley, MA 02482
USA
(877) 738-9848
(877) 738-9848