Northern Stans: Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan

Northern Stans: Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan

• Trip code: 4M2X007
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: Classic

Central Asia's north doesn't do subtle. Eight days between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan means alpine valleys, nomadic yurt stays, ancient towers, and canyon rims that'll make your jaw do the work. Bishkek's buzzing streets kick things off, Charyn Canyon's dramatic gorges close them out, and somewhere in between you'll learn to build a yurt. Not bad for a week.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (5 nts), yurts (2 nts). Please note that there will be shared bathroom facilities when staying in the yurts

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 14

Highlights

Hit Bishkek's highlights from Ala-Too Square to the stalls of Osh Bazaar, Sleep in a mountain yurt camp in the shadow of the ancient Burana Tower, Hike panoramic valleys, try Kyrgyz cooking, and yes — build an actual yurt, Gawp at Fairytale Canyon's red rocks before crossing into Kazakhstan, End on a high with Charyn Canyon's dramatic gorges and the buzz of Almaty

Introduction

Central Asia's north doesn't do subtle. Eight days between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan means alpine valleys, nomadic yurt stays, ancient towers, and canyon rims that'll make your jaw do the work. Bishkek's buzzing streets kick things off, Charyn Canyon's dramatic gorges close them out, and somewhere in between you'll learn to build a yurt. Not bad for a week

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD200-260 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Bishkek nach Almaty

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Ak-Orgo Visit and Yurt Building Experience, Barskoon
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek. Guided tour of Bishkek. Free time in Bishkek. Included traditional dinner. Lunch in yurt camp. Hands-on Kyrgyz traditional dish preparation. Lunch at Ak Orgoo. Free time in Karakol. Visit to Charyn Canyon. Free time in Almaty. Visit Osh Bazaar. Visit Victory Square & WWII Memorial. Visit Burana Tower. Guided hike in Kek Sai. Visit to Skazka Canyon. Visit to Barksoon Village with yurt building experience. Overnight in a yurt. Visit Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral. Visit Green Bazaar. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Bishkek

Welcome to Bishkek, the vibrant gateway to Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and nomadic culture! Arrive anytime and take a moment to settle in, refresh, and soak up the city’s unique energy. Stroll through leafy boulevards, admire Soviet-era architecture, or relax in one of the city’s cafes as you prepare for the adventures ahead

Day 2 Bishkek

Start the day with a visit to Ala-Too Square, the heart of Bishkek, and take in the surrounding landmarks. Continue to Osh Bazaar, a lively market where colorful spices, fresh produce, and local crafts offer a true taste of daily life in Bishkek. Next, visit Victory Square and the WWII Memorial, reflecting the country’s history and resilience. The afternoon is free to explore the city, visit local cafés and simply enjoy the rhythm of Bishkek at your own pace

Day 3 Bishkek/Kek Sai

Depart Bishkek and journey to the historic Burana Tower, exploring the ancient minaret and the surrounding open-air balbal stones, remnants of centuries-old nomadic culture. Continue to your yurt camp, where the afternoon is yours to settle in and take in the views. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner featuring traditional Kyrgyz dishes

Day 4 Kek Sai

After breakfast, enjoy a guided hike, reaching a stunning viewpoint over the surrounding valley. Take in the sweeping landscapes before returning to the yurt camp. Enjoy lunch at the camp, then spend the afternoon learning about the nomadic lifestyle and trying your hand at traditional games. In the evening, dive into Kyrgyz culture with a hands-on cooking experience, preparing Oromo and baursak before enjoying them for dinner under the stars

Day 5 Kek Sai/Karakol

Depart for the striking Fairytale Canyon, where jagged rock formations and colorful cliffs make for a landscape straight out of a storybook. Spend time exploring the canyon, taking in the dramatic scenery and snapping photos along the way. Continue to Barskoon Village to learn about local sustainable initiatives and even participate in yurt building, providing a hands-on glimpse into Kyrgyz traditions. Stop for lunch before driving to Karakol, where you’ll check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town at your own pace

Day 6 Karakol/Almaty

Depart Karakol and journey to the border, where you’ll cross into Kazakhstan on foot, a small adventure marking your entry into a new country. On the Kazakh side, meet your vehicle and continue toward Charyn Canyon. Take time to explore the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” before continuing on to Almaty. Check in to your hotel upon arrival and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or unwind after your journey

Day 7 Almaty

Start the morning with a visit to Panfilov Park, home to the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, before strolling through the park and soaking in the city’s history. Next, head to the Green Bazaar for a guided walk through bustling stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, and local treats — a true taste of daily life in Almaty. The afternoon is free to explore Almaty at your own pace and enjoy the city's unique atmosphere

Day 8 Almaty

Enjoy your final moments before departing at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Bishkek

Day 2 Bishkek

Day 3 Bishkek/Kek Sai

Day 4 Kek Sai

Day 5 Kek Sai/Karakol

Day 6 Karakol/Almaty

Day 7 Almaty

Day 8 Almaty