Original
Explorer
Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Adventure
11 days • 5
5
Excellent
11 reviews
11 days
Start
Astana, Kazakhstan
Finish
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Trip Code
KFSK
Min Age
16
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Plane, Overnight Sleeper Train
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse/Homestay (3 nights)
From £2,253(11 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
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.
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.
Itinerary
An adventure from the vast steppe of Kazakhstan to mountainous Kyrgyzstan
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.
Inclusions
Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Plane, Overnight Sleeper Train
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Train (1 night), Guesthouse/Homestay (3 nights)
Included activities
Astana - City tour
Astana - Local Jewler Visit
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 - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments
Almaty - Zelenyi Bazaar
Charyn Canyon - National Park
Kolsay Lakes National Park - Hiking
Karakol - Dungan Mosque
Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
Cholpon Ata - Petroglyphs
Lake Issyk-Kul - Boat tour
Dates and availability
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Important notes
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.
Reviews (11)
5 stars
11
Richard
May 16, 2025
Intrepid’s tour through Kazakhstan exceeded my expectations on every level. The cities, the mountains and the wide open plains provided breathtaking moments; the people were friendly and helpful and our local guide was informative and effortlessly efficient. A brilliant experience!
Marc
May 16, 2025
A wonderful introduction to Central Asian culture and history and the stunning natural beauty of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Highly recommended!
Chantal
Oct 06, 2024
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to explore Kazakhstan. This trip covers a lot of ground and you get to experience a variety of places: cities, smaller villages, and nature. A trip highlight is the natural beauty of the lakes and canyons, along with the guesthouse stay. And this trip was made even more memorable by the amazing guides, Diana and Anastasia. They were both so enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgable, and well organized.
Judith
Sep 28, 2024
sarah jayne
May 20, 2024
Great introduction to the "Stans". Exceeded my expectations. You really need a guide for translating and Xeniya certainly fulfilled that. Dress for all climates north and south.
Elizabeth
Oct 03, 2023
You may use anything I offered, but I don't want to rewrite
Carlos
Oct 01, 2023
This tour is a must you wont regret it you can see a lot
Lynn
Sep 25, 2023
A wonderful trip through a region of great contrasts, with a first-class tour leader and excellent drivers. Be prepared for wide variations in temperature!
thea
May 19, 2023
this was a fantastic trip to Kazakstan! The trip covers so much different environments - from cities to desert to canyons and waterfalls. Our Tour leader Nazira was amazing! i had so much fun and would recommend this trip. Thanks Intrepid
Ian
Jun 02, 2022
Nazira and Sergei our guides provided opportunity to learn how to cooked lagman noodles with a Dungan family...hiking up amazing mountains to see great sceneries and waterfalls; many walking tour with local guides to learn about Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan history, culture and to try the local cusines...
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