Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure

Salemetsiz be! Welcome to Kazakhstan. Your adventure begins in Astana with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. Astana was purpose-built to become the capital city of Kazakhstan in 1997 and is home to meticulously planned city streets and architecture. This modern metropolis was designed by leading Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who won first prize in a competition against other world-renowned architects. If you arrive early, maybe stroll along the Astana waterfront or go shopping in the world’s largest tent at the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. Tonight, join your leader and group for dinner in town for your first authentic Kazakh food experience.

This morning, join your leader for a city tour to see some of Astana’s most impressive architecture. Visit the Bayterek Monument, then stroll down Nurzhol Boulevard to Khan Shatyr – another city landmark in the shape of a giant transparent tent. Visit Nur Astana Mosque – with a capacity of 5000 worshippers inside and an additional 2000 outside, this is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then, you'll stop at the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation – a pyramid-shaped conference hall built as a symbol of unity between cultures. This afternoon, why not find some horse meat dishes or plov (a popular rice dish with lamb, onions and carrots) for lunch. Later, you’ll meet back up with your group and visit a renowned local jeweller's workshop to learn about his craft.

This morning, take a flight to the historic heart of Kazakhstan – Turkistan, home to more relics and cultural sites than any other place in the country. When you arrive, visit the Caravanserai complex, built to model an ancient Silk Road trade centre, giving you a taste of what life was once like here. You have some free time in the late afternoon to keep exploring at your own pace – ask your leader if you need some suggestions.

Head out on a city tour this morning, starting with a visit to the Yasaui Mausoleum – Kazakhstan’s most iconic building. Built by Tamerlane, it’s said that three visits to the mausoleum are equal to one pilgrimage to Mecca. As it’s a religious site, it’s recommended that women wear a headscarf when entering. On the grounds, you'll find a rose garden, monuments, an archaeological museum and a mosque. Next, take a private transfer to Shymkent, stopping at the ancient settlement of Otrar on the way. First excavated in 1969, its history dates back to the first century AD. Remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses can still be seen today. This is also where Genghis Khan's army is said to have fought when the Mongols first invaded Central Asia. This evening, board your overnight train to Almaty.

Pulling into Almaty this morning, hop off the train and head out to find some breakfast. Today, you’ll be going on a day trip to Lake Issyk and Turgen Gorge. Stop at the Issyk Museum – an archaeological reserve dedicated to Kazakh history and Scythian culture (an ancient nomadic people who were particularly skilled in horseback warfare). Continue to Ile-Alatau National Park, where peaceful Lake Issyk sits in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Relax on the lakeshore before heading to Turgen Gorge, where you’ll go on a short hike to a waterfall. On the way back to Almaty, stop by a farm to meet your hospitable host who will show you around and teach you about their traditions, then share some Kazakh tea and snacks together before heading to Almaty.

Today, you’ll take a city tour of Almaty with a local guide. This former capital of Kazakhstan has a completely different atmosphere to the modern capital of Astana, with its wide tree-lined streets, numerous parks and views of snow-capped mountains. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against German tanks in WWII. Check out the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, which features a great collection of ancient relics. Finally, visit Zelyony Bazaar and experience the vibrant market scene before returning to the hotel to rest and recharge.

This morning, drive to the village of Saty, stopping at the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. This richly coloured canyon carves a path through the surrounding landscape, with vivid tones of orange and brown shifting and changing as the sun travels across the sky. Enjoy some time here to marvel at the natural wonder and grab some photos before continuing to Saty, where you’ll check into your homestay and experience a taste of local life in the Tien Shan Mountain Range.

This morning, visit Kolsai Lakes, also known as ‘the blue necklace’, for views of clear blue waters framed by mountains. If there’s time, you’ll take a hike to the lesser-known Kaindy Lake – a turquoise lake with a ‘submerged forest’ protruding from the water. The lake was formed by an earthquake in 1911 which caused a limestone landslide, creating a natural dam in the forest. As time went on, the dam filled with water and the trees were covered, leaving just their trunks standing in the centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then head over the border to Kyrgyzstan, where you’ll continue your journey to Karakol.

This morning you’ll head out on a city tour of Karakol – once a small Russian military post, then a bustling Soviet state, this town is full of history. Visit the Dungan Mosque – built in 1910, this colourful mosque was created without the use of a single nail. Instead, the structure was built using special techniques that utilise cuts and grooves. You’ll also explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market. Then, head out of the city to see the Jeti Oguz, also known as Seven Bulls Rock, where your leader will take you on a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views. Return to Karakol for the evening.

Today you’ll have a full day's drive to Bishkek, which sits along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul – the second largest alpine lake in the world. The views of the landscape during the drive are not to be missed, especially your first glimpse of Issyk-Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you'll stop at Cholpon-Ata to visit an open-air petroglyphs museum. Then, take a short boat ride out onto the huge alpine lake to really soak up the beauty of these shimmering waters. In Bishkek, you have a free night, where you might want to head out for a final dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure.

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. You can check out of your hotel any time before noon.