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9D8N Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (AYKK)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
<p>Arrive at any time.</p>
<p>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 Ashuu villagers. Soak in the stunning scenery while exploring the village and savour a home-cooked traditional dinner.</p>
<p>In the morning, opt for a hike to the nearby mountains or explore the famous gorges of Chong-Kemin. After lunch, 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.</p>
<p>Spend the morning soaking in all the beauty of Song Kul Lake before departing for Kochkor to learn the importance of felt-making to Kyrgyz culture and local artisans. Learn the craft during a hands-on workshop creating a small version of the traditional carpet known as ala-kiyiz, and enjoy lunch together. 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. The complex still exists in its original, untouched 1930’s glory, with an atmosphere that would seem to bring you back in time.</p>
<p>Enjoy a free morning getting to know this isolated village. Transfer to Ak-Orgo Workshop Centre to observe how traditional yurts are built and learn about the importance of this Kyrgyz craft. After Lunch at Ak Orgoo, drive to Kyrgyzstan’s 4th largest city – Karakol. Stop for a visit at the Prejevalskiy Museum, dedicated to the famous Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, followed by a city tour. See the Russian Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and pagoda-style Dungan Mosque, built by Chinese Muslims in the early 20th Century.</p>
<p>After breakfast take a short drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, located in the footsteps of Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, and visit famous unique red rock formations called “Broken Heart and “Seven Bulls”. Then, hike to the valley of wildflowers and reach a stunning view point overlooking the flower-filled valley. Return to Karakol and have a free afternoon to explore. In the evening enjoy dinner with local family</p>
<p>Cross the border into Kazakhstan on the journey to Saty Village, part of the Kolsay Lakes National Park. On arrival, jump in a Russian 4×4 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.</p>
<p>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 arrive in Almaty, take a city tour visiting sights such as Independence Square, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov’s Park, and the striking WWII memorial. Time permitting, opt to climb Green Hill for panoramic views, visit the local markets, or sip coffee in one of the plentiful cafés.</p>
<p>Depart at any time</p>
Accommodation / Hotels
Grand Hotel Bishkek (★★★★☆)
Frunze Street 428, 720009 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Located 10 minutes’ walk from the Philharmonic Hall and the Manas Statue in Bishkek, this hotel features free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Rooms at Grand Hotel include air-conditioning.
Each elegant room is decorated in warm colours and has a fridge. Bathrooms come with slippers and a hairdryer.
Grand Hotel’s restaurant with wooden furnishings serves local cuisine and European specialities. The on-site bar offers drinks and snacks.
The White House is 2 km from Grand Hotel, and Bishkek Train Station is 8 minutes’ drive away. Manas Airport is 30 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Chong Kemin Guesthouse (☆☆☆☆☆)
Калмак-Ашуу, Кардон 10, 724521 Tar-Suu, Kyrgyzstan
Kemin Guest House in Tar-Suu provides accommodations with a garden, a bar, and barbecue facilities. This guest house provides free private parking, free shuttle service, and free Wifi. The guest house offers garden views, an outdoor fireplace, and a 24-hour front desk.
The units provide views of the mountain and come with a seating area, a washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries. Guests can have wine or champagne, fruit, and chocolates or cookies delivered to their room. At the guest house, all units are soundproof.
Full English/Irish and Asian breakfast options with local specialities, pancakes, and fruit are available. Guests can eat at the on-site family-friendly restaurant, which is open for dinner, lunch, brunch, and high tea.
For guests with children, the guest house features an indoor play area, outdoor play equipment, and a baby safety gate. Guests at Kemin Guest House can enjoy skiing and cycling nearby, or make the most of the sun terrace.
Issyk-Kul International Airport is 78 miles away, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Yurts Song Kul (★★★☆☆)
W48V+9HF, Kyrgyzstan
Looking for a new way to discover Song Kol Lake? Book a yurt camp Azamat at Song Kol Lake. Yurts are available from May till November. These come with electricity, beds and bedding, heat source and in a national decoration. We offer: yurt stay, horse riding from Kyzart village, horse games, transportation, guiding
Anyutaika Guesthouse (★★★☆☆)
Дом №8 Улица Подгорная Тамга, 722421, Kyrgyzstan
Accommodation details will be advised upon booking
Caravan Hotel Karakol (★★★☆☆)
Ul. Abdrakhmanova 110/per. Bektenova, 722200 Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Caravan Hotel is located in Karakol. Among the various facilities of this property are a shared lounge and ski storage space. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.
The area is popular for skiing and cycling, and bike hire is available at the hotel.
Issyk-Kul International Airport is 169 km away.
Saty Village Guesthouse (★★★☆☆)
Улица Ултаракова 69, Saty 041422, Kazakhstan
Hotel KAZZHOL Almaty (★★★★☆)
Gogol Street 127/1, 050004 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Located in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, this modern hotel is a 25-minute drive from Almaty International Airport. It offers free Wi-Fi, indoor swimming pool, spa and traditional Kazakhstani cuisine.
All air-conditioned rooms at the Hotel Kazzhol Almaty feature satellite TV, minibar, safe and balcony, offering views of the city. Some rooms offer a flat-screen TV and bathrobes. Room service is also available.
A buffet breakfast is served in the Kazzhol’s elegant breakfast room every morning. The hotel restaurant also serves a variety of traditional food from the Almaty region. All meals are cooked with the eco produce.
Guests at the Hotel Kazzhol Almaty can enjoy use of the hotel’s massage and beauty salon. The Kazzhol also offers concierge, laundry and airport shuttle services.
The historic Ascension Cathedral, Abay Opera House and Almaty Central Stadium are all within 4 km from the Kazzhol. Almaty TV Tower, the world’s tallest free-standing steel structure, is a 15-minute drive away, offering scenic views of Kok Tobe Mountain.
Zhibek Zholy Metro Station is a 6-minute walk from Hotel Kazzhol Almaty, and Almaty Train Station is 10 km away. Free parking is also available on site.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodations
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Meals as per itinerary
Exclusions
- International air ticket
- Travel insurance
- Others not mentioned