14 Days | Enjoy a unique exploration of Central Asia, across the vast nations of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.





Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Nur-Sultan (until recently, Astana), join us on this exploration from mighty Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan. From the otherworldly scenery of the Boszhira Valley to the ancient city of Turkistan, the Silk Road ruins of Otrar, and the culturally rich Almaty, the sights along the way are unlike anywhere else on earth. Continue your journey to the seldom visited Kyrgyzstan, skirt the vast waters of Issyk-Kul and end in the relaxed capital of Bishkek.
Trip overview

- Start
- Astana, Kazakhstan
- Finish
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
- 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
- Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are truly off the beaten track and sees few foreign travellers, especially outside Nur-Sultan, Almaty and Bishkek, and for much of this trip you will truly feel the remoteness of Central Asia.
- Hop on a 4x4 off-road jeep safari into the back country of Mangystau in Kazakhstan and come close with its moonscape scenery at Boszhira valley
- Discover the history and architecture of the Silk Road. Explore one of the most intriguing 10th century underground mosques at Shakpak-Ata, and uncover the charm of the legendary Turkistan.
- Travel alongside locals and admire wild, sweeping vistas on epic train rides across the Kazakh steppe.
- Drive along the northern shore of Issykul Lake, surrounded by snow capped mountains and hike the Jeti Orghuz Canyon for an amazing panorama view.
- This trip takes you way off the tourist trail to explore just some of the vastness that is Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. If you want to be far, far away from everywhere – and from anything you've experienced before – this trip is for you.
- 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.
- We’ll experience varying temperatures in the desert and out on the steppe. The days can be very hot, while at night, the mercury plummets. Make sure you bring warm, comfortable layers, drink plenty of water and take care to protect yourself from the sun. For women, we recommend bringing a scarf to cover your head and shoulders while on visits to mosques and mausoleums.
Itinerary
Inclusions
13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Private vehicle, Plane, Overnight Sleeper Train, 4X4 Jeep
Hotel (9 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse (2 nights), Multi-share tourist yurt camp (1 night)
- Astana - City tour
- Ak Tau - city tour
- Boszhira Valley - Jeep safari
- Boszhira Valley – Chalky canyon
- Boszhira Valley – Ustyurt Plateau salty lake
- Ak Tau - Sherkala mountain
- Ak Tau - Airakty Shumanai Valley
- Ak Tau – Valley of Orbs
- Ak Tau – Shakpak Ata
- Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex
- Otrar - Ancient settlement
- Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
- Almaty - Panfilov Park
- Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
- Almaty - Kok Tobe Hill
- Almaty - Central State Museum
- Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
- Almaty – Lake Issyk
- Almaty – Turgen Gorge
- Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
- Charyn Canyon - National Park
- Karakol - Dungan Mosque
- Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
- Karakol - Przhevalskiy Museum
- Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
- Cholpan Ata - Petroglyphs
- Bishkek - City Tour
- Bishkek - Osh Market - Free
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 & 11, 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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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