Itinerary
- Days 1 - 4
Bishkek to Charyn Canyon
You'll start heading northeast from Bishkek toward Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city and former capital. Once there, check out Ascension Cathedral, the Abay Opera House, and Almaty Tower for views across the city. From here you continue east through mountain terrain, stopping at Kolsai Lake where hiking to Lake Kaindy is an option if you're interested. The next part takes you to Charyn Canyon, where dramatic cliff walls and solid hiking trails make it worth spending time exploring the gorge.
Included Activities
- Visit Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park
- Visit Abay Opera House
- See Golden Warrior Monument in Republic Square
- See Almaty Tower
- Drive to Kolsai Lake
- Hike to Lake Kaindy
- Visit Charyn Canyon
Optional Activities
- Ride the 'Fast Coaster' roller coaster (45 km per hour, located on mountainside)
- Visit Shymbulak ski resort (2,200 mtrs elevation)
- Visit the Singing Dunes
Landmarks/POIs Ascension Cathedral Panfilov Park Abay Opera House Golden Warrior Monument Almaty Tower Shymbulak Ski Resort Kolsai Lake Lake Kaindy Singing Dunes Charyn Canyon Trans Lli Alatau Mountains - Days 5 - 10
Lake Issyk-Kul and Kyrgyzstan
After crossing back into Kyrgyzstan, you'll descend to Lake Issyk-Kul, a massive mountain lake ringed by the Tien Shan Mountains. You're based in traditional yurts while exploring Altyn Arashan, which offers hiking and horseback riding through scenic hills. Next you'll see Jeti-Oguz with its striking red stone cliffs, then move through the tree-lined town of Karakol. As you continue around the lake, Fairy Canyon shows off remarkable rock formations before you reach Kochkor. Lodging includes both camping and family homestays depending on what works best.
Included Activities
- Explore Altyn Arashan area
- Visit Jeti-Oguz red stone cliffs
- Visit town of Karakol
- View rock formations at Fairy Canyon
- Stay in traditional yurts
- Overnight in traditional yurt (at least one night)
Optional Activities
- Hiking in Altyn Arashan hills
- Horseback riding in Altyn Arashan area
- Family homestay experience (subject to availability)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Issyk-Kul Altyn Arashan Jeti-Oguz Karakol Terskay Ala-Too Mountains Fairy Canyon Kochkor Tien Shan Mountains - Days 11 - 14
Lake Song Kol and Return to Bishkek
You head southwest from Lake Issyk-Kul to Lake Song Kol, one of the most isolated spots on this route, and stay in traditional felt yurts. Spend time hiking or riding horses around the area. There's a traditional eagle hunting display (conducted without live prey these days), and you might catch a game of Ulak Tartysh, a Kyrgyz polo-style sport played on horseback. If you're heading to China, this is where you depart. Otherwise, you'll drive back toward Bishkek with a stop at Burana Tower.
Included Activities
- Stay in traditional felt yurts
- View traditional eagle hunting display
- Explore Lake Song Kol area
Optional Activities
- Hiking around Lake Song Kol
- Horseback riding around Lake Song Kol
- Watch Ulak Tartysh (Kyrgyz polo game)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Song Kol Burana Tower - Day 15
End in Bishkek
Your trip wraps up after breakfast. Bishkek's airport connects to destinations across Asia, so flights out are readily available. If your schedule allows some extra time, the city has solid bars, cafes, and restaurants where you can relax and think back on what you've seen across Central Asia.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Bishkek's bars, cafés, and restaurants
