11 Days | An adventure from the vast steppe of Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan
See the contrast of the futuristic and the ancient on this 11-day journey from Astana to Bishkek. You’ll see the Central Asian landscape change from the vast expanse of flat countryside to winding mountain roads. Visit the Silk Road ruins of Otrar, stand in awe of the grand Yasaui Mausoleum, explore Astana’s monuments (that might remind you of Star Trek) and wander the cultural capital of Almaty. Hike the incredible Kolsai Lakes to see sunken forests, deep canyons and valleys and take a scenic boat ride on the alpine waters of Issky-kul Lake, bringing it home in charming Bishkek.
Trip overview
- Start
- Astana, Kazakhstan
- Finish
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 16
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- KFSK
- See Kazakhstan – a place truly off the beaten track that sees few foreign travellers, especially outside Astana and Almaty. For much of this trip, you’ll truly feel the remoteness of Central Asia.
- Witness incredible scenery at every turn – marvel at the sight of the little 'Grand Canyon' at Charyn and see the beauty of the sunken forest in Kolsai Lakes.
- Discover the history and architecture of the Silk Road and uncover the charm of the legendary Turkistan.
- Travel alongside locals and admire wild, sweeping vistas on epic train rides across the Kazakh steppe.
- Go overland into Kyrgyzstan for a change of scene and hike the magnificent Jeti Oguz, explore Karakol and take a boat ride on the vast waters of the alpine Issyk-kul lake.
- Be prepared to experience the full legacy of the Soviet era – not just in the sights and history, but also in the standards of accommodation and service. In other words, while you’ll be comfortable, don’t expect luxury.
- In true adventure style, the trip involves some long travel days by private vehicle and trains. While tiring, this is a great opportunity to sit back, unwind and let the sweeping views roll by.
- The conditions at home stays and guest houses are basic with shared facilities. This means the group being split between different houses, multi-share rooms and the bathroom facilities are separated from your sleeping quarters.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Private vehicle, Plane, Overnight Sleeper Train
Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse/Homestay (3 nights)
- Astana - City tour
- Astana - Local Jewler Visit
- Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
- Otrar - Ancient settlement
- Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
- Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
- Almaty – Turgen Gorge
- Almaty – Lake Issyk
- Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
- Almaty - Panfilov Park
- Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
- Almaty - Zelenyi Bazaar
- Charyn Canyon - National Park
- Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
- Karakol - Dungan Mosque
- Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
- Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
- Cholpon Ata - Petroglyphs
- Lake Issyk-Kul - Boat tour
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4 & 7, where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight and train tickets booking no later than 45 days prior to departure. Fees may apply for amendments or failure to provide the required details within 45 days of departure.
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