Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan · Highlights tours
Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Tour — 10 Days
About this tour
This Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan tour is a 10-day road trip through two countries: it starts in Almaty, loops through the best of Kyrgyzstan and ends in Almaty again. You walk through the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon, see the sunken forest of Kaindy lake, cross the steppe into Kyrgyzstan at the Karkara border and soak in the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan above Karakol.
The second half is nomad country: the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and the Skazka canyon on the south shore of Issyk-Kul, a golden-eagle hunter in Bokonbaevo, a felt-making workshop with a family in Kochkor, and a full day on horseback over the Jalgyz-Karagai pass to the yurts of Song-Kol lake (3,016 m). The trip ends in the green valley of Chong-Kemin, with a walk through Bishkek and a transfer back to Almaty.
Why choose this Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan tour
- Two countries in 10 days, with both border crossings and all transport arranged for you.
- A local team from Karakol: the same guide stays with you from Almaty to Bishkek.
- Small groups or a private trip — the price per person drops as your group grows.
- Real nomad life: a homestay in Kyzart, a day on horseback and a night in a yurt at Song-Kol.
Who this Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan tour is for
It suits first-time visitors to Central Asia who want canyons, mountain lakes and local culture in one trip. Most days are by road with easy walks; the ride to Song-Kol is a long but gentle day, and no riding experience is needed.
Highlights
- Charyn Canyon and the Valley of Castles
- Kaindy lake with its sunken forest, and Kolsai lake
- Two countries in one trip: Almaty to Karakol across the Karkara border
- Hot springs of Altyn-Arashan below Palatka peak
- Jeti-Oguz red rocks and the Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon
- Golden-eagle hunter and a felt-making workshop
- A day on horseback over the pass to Song-Kol lake (3,016 m) and a night in a yurt
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary & route map
- Route
- 1,658 km
- Highest point
- 3,439 m
- Days
- 10
Elevation
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Day 1 Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Saty
- 307 km
- Up to 1,820 m
- Night in Saty
Drive east from Almaty (about 200 km, 3–3.5 hours) to Charyn Canyon and walk through the Valley of Castles down to the Charyn river. Continue to Saty village (about 2 hours).
Overnight: guesthouse in Saty village.
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Day 2 Kaindy & Kolsai lakes
- 62 km
- Up to 2,265 m
- Night in Saty
A 4x4 ride to Kaindy lake, famous for the sunken spruce trunks rising out of its turquoise water. In the afternoon, a walk along Kolsai Lake 1. Optional hike to Kolsai Lake 2 (extra cost).
Overnight: guesthouse in Saty village.
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Day 3 Saty – Karkara border – Karakol
- 231 km
- Up to 2,098 m
- Night in Karakol
Drive across the Kegen steppe and cross into Kyrgyzstan at the Karkara border (about 6–7 hours including the crossing). In Karakol, visit the wooden Dungan mosque and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, then dinner at a Kyrgyz ethno restaurant. Optional: dinner with a Dungan family (extra cost).
Overnight: hotel in Karakol.
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Day 4 Altyn-Arashan gorge
- 30 km
- Up to 2,559 m
- Night in Altyn-Arashan
Up to Altyn-Arashan by 4x4 (about 2 hours). Free time to hike the alpine meadows of the gorge with views of Palatka peak, then relax in the natural hot springs.
Overnight: guesthouse in Altyn-Arashan.
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Day 5 South shore of Issyk-Kul
- 194 km
- Up to 2,518 m
- Night in Bokonbaevo
Down to Jeti-Oguz to see the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart red rocks, then a picnic lunch in the Juuku valley and a walk in the Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon before Bokonbaevo.
Overnight: yurt camp or guesthouse in Bokonbaevo.
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Day 6 Eagle show – Kochkor – Kyzart
- 198 km
- Up to 2,642 m
- Night in Kyzart
Morning golden-eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo. Drive west along the lake to Kochkor for a shyrdak felt-making workshop with a local family, then on to Kyzart village in the Jumgal valley.
Overnight: homestay in Kyzart village.
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Day 7 On horseback from Kyzart to Song-Kol
- 17 km · with a hike
- Up to 3,439 m
- Night in Song-Kol (west shore)
A 5–6 hour ride with local horsemen over the Jalgyz-Karagai pass to Song-Kol lake (3,016 m). Evening of nomad life: kumys tasting, dinner in the yurt camp and stargazing.
Overnight: yurt camp at Song-Kol lake.
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Day 8 Song-Kol – Chong-Kemin
- 236 km
- Up to 3,436 m
- Night in Chong-Kemin
Drive down via Kochkor to Chong-Kemin National Park (about 5–6 hours). Easy evening walk or a short ride in the valley.
Overnight: yurt lodge or guesthouse in Chong-Kemin.
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Day 9 Chong-Kemin – Bishkek
- 142 km
- Up to 1,533 m
- Night in Bishkek
Drive to Bishkek (about 2.5 hours) and a city walk: Ala-Too Square and the changing of the guard, Oak Park and Victory Square.
Overnight: hotel in Bishkek.
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Day 10 Bishkek – Almaty
- 241 km
- Up to 1,193 m
- Ends in Almaty
Transfer back to Almaty through the Korday border (about 4–5 hours) and drop-off at your hotel. End of the tour.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups), including both border crossings
Transfer from Bishkek back to your hotel in Almaty
English-speaking guide
9 nights in guesthouses, hotels, a homestay and yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
Breakfast every day and 7 dinners (not in Bishkek)
Picnic lunch in the Juuku valley
4x4 ride to Kaindy lake
4x4 (UAZ) to Altyn-Arashan and the hot springs
Eagle hunting show
Shyrdak felt-making workshop in Kochkor
Horse riding from Kyzart to Song-Kol, with local horsemen
National park and entrance fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa for Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $270 (9 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Hotel in Almaty after the tour
Lunches (except the Juuku picnic)
Dinner in Bishkek
Optional extras: hike to Kolsai Lake 2, dinner with a Dungan family
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide, driver and horsemen
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Travellers who want to see Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in one trip
- First-time visitors to Central Asia who like a mix of nature and culture
- Anyone ready for one full day on horseback — no experience needed
Difficulty & safety
Most of the trip is by road with easy walks; the ride to Song-Kol is a long day (5–6 hours) but at a walking pace. Song-Kol lies at 3,016 m and the passes are higher — move slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you feel a headache. Nights at Song-Kol are cold even in summer.
What to bring
Passport, valid for at least 6 months (two border crossings)
Warm jacket and fleece for cold nights at Song-Kol
Comfortable walking shoes
Long trousers for riding
Rain jacket
Swimwear for the Altyn-Arashan hot springs
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
Small day pack and personal medicine
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Where does the tour start and end?
The Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan tour starts and ends in Almaty, Kazakhstan. We pick you up in Almaty on day 1 and drop you at your hotel in Almaty on day 10. Your hotel in Almaty after the tour is not included.
How do the border crossings work?
You cross twice by road: from Kazakhstan into Kyrgyzstan at Karkara on day 3, and back at Korday on day 10. Your guide helps you through both. Bring your passport, valid for at least 6 months.
Do I need a visa?
Many nationalities can visit both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan without a visa, but the rules depend on your passport. Check them before you book; we are happy to help.
Do I need riding experience for the ride to Song-Kol?
No. The horses are calm and used to beginners, and local horsemen ride with you. The ride takes 5–6 hours at a walking pace, so you will feel it the next day.
What is the price for my group?
The price of the Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan tour depends on the size of your group; see the table above. For example, 5 travellers pay $1,540 each. Sending a request is free.
