Central Asia Overland: Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour

Days 1–2 | The Nomadic High-Plateau and Kolsay Lakes National Park Your Kazakhstan adventure tour kicks off straight from Almaty. Escape the city as we ascend the breathtaking Assy Plateau, a high-altitude alpine meadow dotted with ancient burial mounds and seasonal nomad yurts.

We then dive into Kolsay Lakes National Park. You will explore two turquoise gems of the Tien Shan: Lower Kolsay Lake (Kolsay-1), framed by towering spruce trees, and embark on a scenic trekking to Middle Kolsay Lake (Kolsay-2).

• Accommodation & Food: Welcome BBQ dinner in the Saty Gorge. 2 nights in a traditional Kazakh yurt stay in Saty village, combining authentic nomadic vibes with modern comfort.

Days 3–4 | Karakol City Tour, Hot Springs & Altyn-Arashan Valley We cross the border into Kyrgyzstan to explore the historic town of Karakol. Enjoy a Karakol city tour featuring the unique wooden Dungan Mosque and a 19th-century Russian Orthodox Church built entirely without nails.

The highlight of this stage is an off-road drive up to the stunning Altyn-Arashan Valley ("Golden Spa") and a visit to the Karakol Ski Resort for an unforgettable 360° panoramic view of the 5,000-meter snow-capped peaks.

•  Accommodation & Food: Soak in natural thermal hot springs under the open sky. 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in Karakol. Includes packed lunch boxes for your mountain hikes and dinners at local restaurants trying the famous Ashlan-Fu.

Days 5–8 | Enilchek Ghost Town, Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon & Skazka Canyon This is the most rugged, off-the-beaten-path leg of your Kyrgyzstan overland tour. We journey towards the high-altitude border zone of the Sary-Jaz Valley and the abandoned Soviet mining ghost town of Enilchek, locked between the giants of the Central Tien Shan.

Our path then traces the rugged South Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake:

• Jeti-Oguz Gorge: See the famous "Seven Bulls" red rock formations, hike to hidden waterfalls, and explore the Valley of Flowers.

• Barskoon Valley: Drive through an incredible mountain pass over 4,000 meters above sea level into the Valley of 1,000 Lakes.

• Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon): Walk through a Martian labyrinth of red clay castles, followed by stops at the Blue Lagoon and Ak-Say Canyon.

•  Accommodation & Food: 1 night in an authentic Kyrgyz yurt camp in Jeti-Oguz, and 3 nights in cozy, hospitable eco-lodges in Tamga and Bokonbaeyvo with traditional home-cooked meals.

Days 9–11 | Naryn, Yurt Maker Village, and Horseback Riding to Kel-Suu We head toward Naryn, stopping at Kyzyl-Tuu village to see how master craftsmen build traditional yurt frames by hand. After securing border permits, we embark on a journey to one of the most remote and dramatic places in Central Asia — the high-altitude Kel-Suu Lake, locked in a narrow sheer-cliff canyon near the Chinese border.

We will explore the Kol-Tetiry and Kel-Tor valleys, followed by an unforgettable horseback ride to Kel-Suu Lake.

• Accommodation & Food: 2 nights in a hotel in Naryn with full amenities, and 1 unforgettable night in a wild yurt camp at Kel-Suu Lake with hearty mountain soups and herbal samovar teas prepared by local hosts.

Days 12–13 | Son-Kul Alpine Lake Petroglyphs & Issyk-Kul Resort Stay Climb through winding mountain passes to the sacred Son-Kul Lake (3,016 m). With no mobile service or city noise, it’s just endless skies, wild yaks, and ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings).

After immersing yourself in the true nomad lifestyle, we cross the Kochkor Pass and descend to the sunny North Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake for a well-deserved rest.

•  Accommodation & Food: 1 night under a blanket of billions of stars at a Son-Kul yurt camp, followed by 1 night at a premium Issyk-Kul lake resort where you can unwind by the beach.

Days 14–17 | Capital Cities, Trekking, and Farewells We head towards the capital of Kyrgyzstan for a day trek in Ala-Archa National Park — a spectacular alpine gorge with rushing rivers and pine forests. On Day 15, we drive back across the border to Almaty, checking out ancient petroglyphs along the way.

Your final days are open for a free and easy Almaty city tour, shopping for local souvenirs (like famous Kazakh chocolates and felt crafts), and relaxing before your departure.

•  Accommodation & Food: Comfortable Western-style hotel stays in Bishkek and Almaty. Breakfasts included; dinners are left open so you can explore the vibrant culinary scenes of both capitals independently. Full airport transfer on your final day.