Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan: Colourful Canyons & Nomadic Living - 12 Days

From £1,302£109 per day Save 2%

Who is this trip for

Age range

18 - 39

Start / End

  • Bishkek
  • Almaty

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 18

Meals included

16

Highlights

  • Marvel at the colourful rock formations of Skazka Canyon and Charyn Canyon
  • Feel the desert hum beneath your feet at Kazakhstan’s Singing Dunes
  • Stay with local families in Saty and enjoy a home-cooked Dungan lunch in Iskra Village
  • Learn to build a traditional yurt alongside nomadic experts
  • Soak up the local energy in the cultural hubs of Bishkek and Almaty

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Summary

Ready for a wild ride through Central Asia? This 12-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is the perfect mashup of jaw-dropping landscapes and deep cultural dives. Hike through canyons that look like they belong on another planet, listen to the desert sing beneath your feet, and learn how to build a yurt like the nomads do. From village stays and yurt workshops to city streets buzzing with history in Bishkek and Almaty — this is one epic journey where nature stuns, culture shines, and every day brings something totally unexpected.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Bishkek

    Arrive at any time. Join your new crew this evening at a welcome moment before heading out for your first night out! Grab a bubbly (water or beer) if you choose and get to know your new travel friends in Kyrgyzstan!

  • Day 2

    Bishkek

    Today is yours for adventure through Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. After an orientation walk to get your bearings, spend the rest of the day seeing the city how you'd like. Opt to join a guided tour of the city or learn to make local Kyrgyz dumplings called manti.

  • Day 3

    Bishkek/Chon Kemin

    Visit the historic Burana Tower on the way to Iskra Village where we will enjoy a yummy lunch with a Dungan family, a group of Muslim-Chinese heritage. After spending time with the family and digging into the yummy food, drive to Chom Kemin for the night.

  • Day 4

    Chon Kemin/Tamga

    Start today with an easy hike up to the Shatyly view point. Take in the view from above before hiking back down for some free time at camp. Take a dip if you wish in Issyk Kul Lake, meaning "Warm Lake" in Kyrgyz. In the afternoon, visit the famous Fairytale Canyon, Skazka. Walk through the wild rock formations that resemble castles and gnome homes. Then enjoy a relaxing evening on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake.

  • Day 5

    Tamga

    After breakfast at camp, hike to the beautiful Barskoon Waterfall. I mean, who doesn't love a little waterfall adventure? Then head to Ak Orgo, a the tour operator-supported project that helps bring much-needed job opportunities to the Barskoon region. We'll dig into some lunch then learn how to build a yurt (like the one we're staying in here in Tamga!) Then head back to camp and take a dip in the lake.

  • Day 6

    Tamga/Karakol

    Drive to Karakol this morning and join your CEO on an orientation walk, the perfect way to start your time in Karakol and get to know this city a bit better. Then the day is yours for adventure! Opt to visit the colorful Dungan Mosque, Karakol Market or the impressive Russian Orthodox Church.

  • Day 7

    Karakol

    Fill up on breakfast before heading out for a free day in Karakol. How about a tour of the city? Or maybe get back out into nature with visits to the spectacular Jety Oguz or Aksu Kench hot springs!

  • Day 8

    Karakol/Saty Village

    Cross the border into Kazakhstan, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch along the way. Then climb into a 4x4 vehicle to visit the stunning Kaindy Lake. Grab your camera and get ready for some jaw-dropping views. This evening, connect with local Kazakh culture at our Saty Village homestay.

  • Day 9

    Saty Village/Altyn Emel National Park

    Get ready to see red... red rocks and canyons we mean! Our first stop of the day is to Charyn Canyon. Full of different shades of reds, oranges, and browns, the beautiful Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon. Then continue on to Altyn Emel National Park where more red and orange rocks make up this beautiful landscape.

  • Day 10

    Altyn Emel National Park/Almaty

    Right on the bank of the Ili river sits the beautiful golden Singing Sand Dunes. On a windy day, when the sad moves across the dunes, it produces a low-pitched humming sound, giving it its name. Get your body moving as you trek through the sand. Return to the guest house for a well-deserved lunch before driving to Almaty. Then join your crew and CEO for an orientation walk.

  • Day 11

    Almaty

    Almaty is on full display as you get to choose your own adventure through the city. We recommend a city tour to connect with Kazakhstani culture. Then see the city come to life at night on your Big Night Out!

  • Day 12

    Almaty

    Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hostel (4 nts, multi-share), Guesthouse (5 nts, multi-share), Yurt Camp (2 nts, multi-share).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 6

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Apr 26

    from £1,302
  • May 26

    from £1,302
  • Jun 26

    from £1,302
  • Jul 26

    from £1,371
  • Aug 26

    from £1,449
  • Sep 26

    from £1,371
  • Oct 26

    from £1,302
  • Apr 27

    from £1,302
  • May 27

    from £1,302
  • Jun 27

    from £1,302
  • Jul 27

    from £1,302
  • Aug 27

    from £1,302
  • Sep 27

    from £1,302
  • Oct 27

    from £1,302
  • Save 2%
    Fri 1 Oct 2027 > Tue 12 Oct 2027Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 18 leftPay Monthly
    £1,329Best offer£1,302Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£127
  • Save 2%
    Fri 8 Oct 2027 > Tue 19 Oct 2027Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 18 leftPay Monthly
    £1,329Best offer£1,302Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£127
  • Save 2%
    Fri 15 Oct 2027 > Tue 26 Oct 2027Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 18 leftPay Monthly
    £1,329Best offer£1,302Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£127

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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