8D7N Ultimate Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

<p>Upon arrival, meet and greet at the airport. Transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Almaty.</p>

<p>Breakfast at hotel. Start your morning with a journey to the iconic Medeo and Shymbulak mountain complexes. Marvel at the engineering of the Medeo Ice Rink (1,691m) before taking the cable car up to the Shymbulak Ski Resort (2,260m). Here, you can enjoy free time for optional activities including ATV rides, paragliding, or the Alpine rope park. In the afternoon, the tour shifts to Almaty’s rich culture and history. Visit the bustling Green Bazaar and Rahat Chocolate Market for local delicacies, followed by a sightseeing tour of Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Cathedral and Republic Square. Back to the hotel. Overnight in Almaty.</p>

<p>After an early breakfast and check-out, journey toward Kolsay Lake. Known as the ‘Lake in the Valley,’ it’s crystal-clear waters offer a peaceful mountain retreat with optional boating or horseback riding to the upper lakes. Next, we explore the Charyn Canyon. You will explore the famous ‘Valley of Castles,’ marvelling at rock formations that rival North America’s Grand Canyon in beauty and scale. Continue proceed to the Kegen border crossing to complete immigration formalities into Kyrgyzstan. The day concludes with a transfer to Karakol, Overnight in Karakol.</p>

<p>Breakfast at hotel. Explore Karakol’s unique heritage at the nail-less Dungan Mosque and the historic Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. After a local Ashlyamfu lunch, journey to the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul to marvel at the red rock spires of Jety-Oguz Gorge. In Bokonbayevo, witness the ancient art of eagle hunting in a thrilling live demonstration. End the day in the craft village of Kochkor for a traditional Kyrgyz dinner and an authentic guesthouse stay. Overnight in Kochkor Village.</p>

<p>After breakfast, depart Kochkor for the stunning Son-Kul Lake, crossing the 3,446m Kalmak-Ashuu Pass through meadows of wild edelweiss. Arrive at the high-altitude basin to settle into a traditional yurt camp. Experience nomadic hospitality with a tasting of Kumis and local mountain delicacies before enjoying a national dinner under the stars. Overnight in yurt camp.</p>

<p>After breakfast, After a yurt breakfast, begin the scenic journey back to Bishkek. Along the way, explore the historic Burana Tower, a 9th-century minaret marking the ancient capital of the Karakhanid Empire. Walk through the remains of this Silk Road outpost, discovering its brick foundations and ancient artifacts. Arrive in the capital city for hotel check-in and a relaxing evening. Overnight in Bishkek.</p>

<p>Experience the alpine beauty of Ala-Archa National Park, a sanctuary of glaciers and pine forests. Search for the legendary “bird of happiness” among the cliffs before transferring to the Korday border. Return to Almaty for your final hotel check-in and overnight stay.</p>

<p>After breakfast, followed by check-out by 12:00PM. Transfer to the airport for departure, taking home sweet memories of the trip.</p>