Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure

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11 Days From

$2935

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure

11 Days Starting in Astana and ending in Bishkek

Visiting: Astana, Turkistan, Turkistan/ Overnight Train, Almaty, Kolsay Lakes National Park, Kolsay Lakes/Border Crossing/Karakol, Karakol, Bishkek

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

KFSK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

16-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2935

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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.

Highlights

  • 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.

  • Be wowed by the unreal cityscape of Astana, full of futuristic architecture and stroll in through culturally rich Almaty – a young and vibrant city.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

  • 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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Astana

Location: Astana

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

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. The modern metropolis was designed by leading Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, who won first prize in a competition against other world-renowned architects. Now, it’s one of the youngest cities in Central Asia. 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.

Day 2: Astana

Location: Astana

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, join your leader for a city tour around some of the most impressive designs of the new city. Visit Bayterek tower, then stroll down Nur Boulevard to Khan Shatyr – another city landmark in the shape of a giant transparent tent. Visit Nur-Astana Mosque – with its capacity of 5000 worshippers inside and an additional 2000 outside, it’s one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then, you'll stop at the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation – a pyramid-shaped conference hall considered Astana's symbolic centre. This afternoon, why not find some horse meat dishes or plov (a popular rice dish with chunks of lamb, onions and carrots) for lunch. After, you’ll met back up with your group and visit a renowned local jeweller and his workshop to learn about his craft.

Included Activities:
-Astana - City tour
-Astana - Local Jewler Visit

Day 3: Turkistan

Location: Turkistan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, take a flight to the historic centre of Kazakhstan, Turkistan – home to more relics and cultural sites than any other place in the country. When you arrive, visit the new Caravan Serai – a complex recently built to model ancient Silk Road trade centres, giving visitors a taste of what life was once like here. With your free time in the late afternoon, you can see the Yasawi Mausoleum, illuminated with vivid colours and patterned exteriors.

Included Activities:
-Turkistan – Caravan Serai complex

Day 4: Turkistan/ Overnight Train

Location: Turkistan/ Overnight Train

Accommodation: Overnight Train

Meals Included: breaksfast

Head out on a city tour this morning, starting with a visit to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum – Kazakhstan’s most iconic building. Built by Tamerlane, it’s said that three visits here are equal to one visit 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. Leaving the mausoleum, jump in your private transport 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, with remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses that 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. Board your overnight train in the evening.

Included Activities:
-Otrar - Ancient settlement
-Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum

Day 5: Almaty

Location: Almaty

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Pulling into Alamaty this morning, hop off the train and head out to find some breakfast. Today, you’ll be going on a daytrip 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 and refresh on the lakeshore of this stunning spot before carrying on to Turgen Gorge, where a short hike will bring you to a waterfall. On the way back to Almaty, stop by a winery, where you’ll meet with a local craft winemaker and sample some raw wine, craft cheese and tuck into a hearty lunch.

Included Activities:
-Almaty – Winery visit and wine tasting
-Almaty – Turgen Gorge
-Almaty – Lake Issyk

Day 6: Almaty

Location: Almaty

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Included Activities:
-Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
-Almaty - Panfilov Park
-Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
-Almaty - Zelenyi Bazaar

Day 7: Kolsay Lakes National Park

Location: Kolsay Lakes National Park

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning, drive to Saty Village, stopping at the spectacular Charyn Canyon along the way. The richly coloured canyon carves a path through the surrounding landscape, with vivid tones of oranges and browns 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 Village, where you’ll check into your homestay and experience a taste of local life in the Tien Shan Mountain Range.

Included Activities:
-Charyn Canyon - National Park

Day 8: Kolsay Lakes/Border Crossing/Karakol

Location: Kolsay Lakes/Border Crossing/Karakol

Accommodation: Guest House

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning, visit Kolsay Lakes, also known as ‘the blue necklace’ for the clear blue waters framed by the 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. Amazingly, the lake was created 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.

Included Activities:
-Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking

Day 9: Karakol

Location: Karakol

Accommodation: Guest House

Meals Included: breaksfast

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 bursting with 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 cutting and groove techniques. You’ll also explore the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and a local market. Then, head out of the city to see the Jety Oguz, also known as Seven Bull Valley, where your leader will take you on a forest hike to a waterfall with panoramic views. Return to Karakol for another restful night.

Included Activities:
-Karakol - Dungan Mosque
-Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
-Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike

Day 10: Bishkek

Location: Bishkek

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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 after Lake Titicaca in South America. The views of the landscape are not to be missed, especially your first glimpse of Issyk Kul, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Along the way, you'll stop at Cholpan Ata to visit a petroglyph's site. 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 to a final dinner with your group and toast to an amazing adventure.

Included Activities:
-Cholpon Ata - Petroglyphs
-Lake Issyk-Kul - Boat tour

Day 11: Bishkek

Location: Bishkek

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse/Homestay (3 nights)

  • Astana - City tour

  • 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 - Kok Tobe Hill

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Plane , Overnight Sleeper Train

Accommodation

  • Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse/Homestay (3 nights)

Included Activities

  • Nur-Sultan - City tour
  • Baikonur - Yuri Gagarin Museum & House
  • Baikonur - Cosmodrome
  • Baikonur - Space Museum
  • Otrar - Ancient settlement
  • Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
  • Almaty - Central State Museum
  • Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
  • Almaty - Kok Tobe Hill
  • Almaty - Panfilov Park
  • Almaty - Medeu
  • Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
  • 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

Important Information

  • 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.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Plane , Overnight Sleeper Train

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right 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.

    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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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22-Jan-2024

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Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Friday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$2935

Tuesday - Friday

May 06, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$3050

Tuesday - Friday

Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$2935

Tuesday - Friday

Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
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Tuesday - Friday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$3050

Saturday - Tuesday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
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Tuesday - Friday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
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Tuesday - Friday

Apr 07, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026
$3080

Tuesday - Friday

Apr 21, 2026 - May 01, 2026
$3080

Tuesday - Friday

May 05, 2026 - May 15, 2026
$3200

Tuesday - Friday

Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026
$3080

Tuesday - Friday

Aug 18, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026
$3200

Tuesday - Friday

Aug 25, 2026 - Sep 04, 2026
$3200

Tuesday - Friday

Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026
$3330

Saturday - Tuesday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026
$3330

Tuesday - Friday

Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026
$3330

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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