Arrival in Astana capital of Kazakhstan. Your driver will meet you in the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Check-in and rest (early check-in is NOT included).

(no meals)

Day 2. Astana city tour.  (80 km / 5-6 hours).

 Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Astana. Start your guided Astana sightseeing tour from visiting Independence Square with gorgeous fountains, 91 meter high snow-white stele Kazakh Eli, Khazret Sultan Mosque, and Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Cross Ishim River and continue sightseeing on the left bank of the river. Visit Bayterek monument to enjoy breath-taking panoramic view on the city on the top of the monument. Take a walk on Green Water Boulevard and visit the Round Square. At the end of the tour, visit shopping and entertainment center Khan Shatyr. Transfer to the hotel.

(Breakfast – hotel)

Day 3. Opening ceremony for World Nomad Games.  (20 km / 3-4 hours).

Breakfast in the hotel. By the time the games open, the guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby, transfer to the sports stadium.

The key feature of the World Nomad Games project is the trinity of sports, cultural and scientific programs. The interrelation of these components allows for a comprehensive study and global promotion of national ethnic sports and, in general, nomadic culture.

(Breakfast – hotel)

 Day 4. World Nomad Games.  (20 km / 3-4 hours).

Breakfast in the hotel. The guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby, transfer to the sports stadium.

As part of the sports program of the 5th World Nomad Games, competitions in 20 competitive and 10 demonstration sports are planned to be held in Astana. These include horse racing, national types of wrestling, traditional intellectual games, competitions in martial arts, traditional archery, national types of bird hunting, horse competitions, folk games, as well as demonstration performances in ethnic sports.

After Nomad Games transfer to the train station for departure to Almaty in train. Night in the train. (schedule will be open in 40 days before departure)

(Breakfast – hotel)

Day 5. Arrival in Almaty and city tour (80 km / 4-5 hours).

Arrival in Almaty city in the morning. Your guide will be waiting in train station and to start sightseeing tour of Almaty.

The excursion starts from Panfilov park, located in central-east Almaty in the area surrounding Zenkov Cathedral (built from wood and almost without a nail). The park is dedicated and named after the Panfilov Heros, 28 soldiers who died in WWII. In addition, you will visit the Republic Square and Museum of Almaty and National Museum. Excursion gives you a wonderful opportunity to be acquainted with the most beautiful mountains of Zailiyskiy Alatau, surrounding the city of Almaty. The first stop awaits you in the Medeo natural boundary, where you see the dam that protects the city from the devastating mudflows that form on the tops of the Western Tien Shan.

In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to visit the observation deck on Mount Kok-Tobe. You will lift on the cable car and you will be able to see the evening Almaty. In the evening, chek-in hotel.

(Breakfast and lunch – local restaurant)

Day 6.  Almaty – Issyk lake – Almaty (160 km / 5-6 hours)

Your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby in Almaty. Depart Almaty and drive to Issyk lake. End route visit the main symbol of Kazakhstan the Tomb of the Golden Man. Continue drive to the lake. The road will go up to 1756m above sea level. Enjoy the view of the Natural Park and the Tian Shan mountains. Arrive at Issyk lake. Free time. In the afternoon, return to Almaty. Transfer to your hotel/place. End of the tour.

(Breakfast – hotel, Lunch – lunch boxes)

Day 7. Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty (220 km / 5-6 hours).

Your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby in Almaty. Depart Almaty and drive to Charyn canyon. Arrive in canyon. Charyn Canyon is situated in the territory of the Charyn National Park which was laid out with the purpose to preserve natural and geological objects. The National park was founded on 23 February 2004. The Park territory is inhabited with a great number of rare and endangered animal species entered in the Red Book.

But the most famous area of unique interest in the Park is certainly Charyn Canyon. This picturesque indigenous locality impresses with its heavenly landscapes The Canyon depth is 200m. The height of the bluff mountains of the Canyon reaches 150-300m. The Canyon itself represents a monument of nature formed with sedimentary rocks aged more then 12 million years. The landscapes are virtually miraculous there. Charyn Canyon is getting scarlet, pink and orange colors at sunset when the sun is disappearing behind the horizon. There is quietude around, and the Charyn river bobbles washing against the cliffs can only be heard from below. This sight will leave nobody indifferent.

Have some time for picnic and rest. After that walk along canyon and enjoy its beautiful view. In the afternoon return to Almaty. Transfer to the hotel.

(Breakfast – hotel, Lunch – lunch boxes)

Day 8. Almaty – airport (20 km / 30 min).

After breakfast transfer to the airport.

(Breakfasr – hotel)

END OF OUR SERVICE

Arrival in Bishkek early in the morning. Upon arrival at the International Airport Manas you will be met by our tourist guide at arrival gates. Transfer to Bishkek city. Early check-in is not included.

Today is a city tour in our program. We visit Manas Monument, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Walking tour around main Ala Too Square to watch the ceremony of changing of the Guard of Honor, Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, main governmental buildings, and finish at the Old Square with Government House. Transfer to the Victory Square to finish the city tour by short excursion there. Visit of Osh market (closed on Monday). Return to the hotel. Dinner is not included.
(Breakfast – hotel, Lunch – local café)

Day 2. (MON) BISHKEK CITY – BURANA TOWER – KYZART VILLAGE (280 KM / 6-7 HOURS)

Drive to the village of Kyzart.
On the way visit Burana Tower (old minaret) near Tokmok town. That minaret was constructed in Balasagyn town; one of the capitals of Karakhanid State existed in 11-12 centuries AD. Explore ruins of that important trading point at the Great Silk Road and visit a little local museum telling about that civilization. Also watch a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombs.
Lunch en route. Upon arrival you will be accommodated in the house of local people.
You can have a walk in this typically Kyrgyz village.
Instructions and preparation for horse riding.
Dinner and overnight at the local homestay.
(Breakfast – hotel, Lunch – en route, Dinner – homestay)

Day 3. (TUE) KYZART VILLAGE – CHAAR ARCHA PASTURE – TUZ ASHUU PASTURE (16 KM ON HORSEBACK / APPROX 4-5 HOURS)

Today, after breakfast transfer by vehicle to the bridge (14 km) starting point of horse riding till Tuz Ashuu pasture. During the horse riding, we discover magnificent views of the pastures of Chaar Archa.
Picnic lunch with lunch boxes.
We take the height and arrive at Tuz Ashuu pass (3228m). We’ll stop there and enjoy beautiful Son Kul lake. Descent to the pastures of Tuz Ashuu (3050m), crossing on our passages several herds of cattle and sheep with their shepherds.  Upon arrival, meeting with the family of shepherds who welcomes us for dinner in the yurt camp (4-6 person in a yurt).
Distance by car from village to starting point: 14 km
Horse riding distance: 16 km, including 1,100m uphill and 200m downhill
(Breakfast – hotel, Lunch – lunch box, Dinner – yurt camp)

Day 4. (WED) TUZ ASHUU PASTURE – TULPAR TASH PASTURE (14 KM ON HORSEBACK / APPROX. 3-4 HOURS)

After breakfast, we take the west direction of the lake and horse riding along the shore of the lake. Small climbs and descents (max 100 m) await you before arriving at Tulpar Tash yurt camp.
Lunch in a yurt camp.
The shore of the lake is beautiful with the herds of horses, cows, sheep and goats. Possibility to go to the shepherds and taste fermented mare’s milk, kurut – cheese balls, and simply tea with cow’s milk.
Dinner and overnight at yurt camp (4-6 person in a yurt).
Horse riding distance: 14 km, including 100m uphill and 100m downhill
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – yurt camp)

Day 5. (THU) TULPAR TASH PASTURE – KAMBAR ATA PASTURE – TUULGA TASH PASTURE (18 KM ON HORSEBACK / APPROX. 5 HOURS)

This day, we walk 18 km the landscape is beautiful with the yurts of shepherds. Although, there are no trees or even bushes around the Lake, the altitude and climatic variations allow watching an exceptional flora and fauna.
Lunch at Kambar Ata Yurt Camp.
Fields of edeilweiss and forgetenots will be present during the hike. Possibility to observe different species of birds, such as: ducks, cranes, storks, mergansers, coots, plovers, golden eagles, carmorans, and thousands of seagulls. Сontinue horse riding till Tuulga Tash pasture.
Dinner and overnight at yurt camp (2 persons in a yurt).
Horse riding distance: 18 km, including 0m uphill and 0m downhill
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – yurt camp)

Day 6. (FRI) TUULGA TASH – BISHKEK (350 KM / 6-7 HOURS)

After breakfast we will take another beautiful drive to Bishkek city. We leave Song Kul Lake and will take the road in the morning through one of the most spectacular areas of Tien Shan, Kalmak Ashu Pass (3446m), towards Bishkek city. Lunch – en route.
Arrival in Bishkek, check-in.
If time permits, you may go shopping in the largest department store in the city – ZUM.
Optionally (for supplement): Folklore show at a local restaurant.
Especially for you musicians will play national melodies of Kyrgyz people and show you musical instruments. You will listen to a singing and enjoy the charming melodies of our ancestors.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, Lunch – local family, Dinner – restaurant)

Day 7. (SAT) BISHKEK CITY – AIRPORT “MANAS”. (30 KM / 45 MIN)

Breakfast. Morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home.
(Breakfast – hotel)

9:00 am pick up from the place we agreed beforehand in Bishkek city (it can be a hotel, a guest house, etc.)
Today we head to the Issyk Kul Lake. First of all one hour drive to Tokmok town to visit Burana Tower historical complex for excursion, that also lasts 1 hour.
After excursion drive 15 minutes more to reach lunch place in a local family of Tokmok town (included).
Later drive to Karkara base camp, which situated on the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Around 5-6 pm arrival to Karkara Base. Pass border control before reach the camp. Accommodation and overnight in the tent camp. Dinner is included. Overnight.

Day 2. Karkara base camp – Helicopter flight to South Inylchek base camp – Karkara base camp. Transfer to Bishkek

Breakfast in the tent camp at 6 am. Usually helicopter start flights early in the morning, around 7 am. Head to the South Inylchek base camp. “South Inylchek” Base Camp is situated in the heart of North Tian-Shan at the South Inylchek glacier, approximately at 4000 m asl. It has a picturesque view on Khan-Tengri peak (7010 m) and Pobeda Peak (7439 m).

Morning: Meeting near “Ak-sai Travel” office (Ibraimov str., 113/2) at 9:00 o’clock. Transfer to “Ala-Archa” mountaineering  camp, accommodation in rooms 2pax. Acclimatization walk.

Evening: Briefing – Mountaineering-training sessions. Procedure, requirements for participants.

Day 2-11. Climbing Ratsek hut surroundings. Summit sessions

Day 12. Descending to the camp “Ala-Archa”.

Transfer to the office «Ak-Sai Travel» (around 13:00); registration, issuing of mountaineering categories and protocols

Arrival to Bishkek city early in the morning.  Upon arrival at the International Airport Manas you will be met by our tourist guide at arrival gates. Transfer to the city will take 30-40 min. Accommodation at a hotel (early check-in is NOT included).
Start city tour after late breakfast. Sightseeing tour includes the Monument of Kyrgyz National hero Manas, Changing of Guards of Honor, Kurmanjan Datka and Lenin statues, main Ala Too Square, governmental buildings, Oak park and Fine Art gallery under clear sky.
A sightseeing tour of Bishkek comes to an end at Victory Square dedicated to the WWII.
Welcoming dinner in a local restaurant.
(Breakfast – hotel, dinner – restaurant)

Day 2. (SUN) Bishkek city – Karakol town (400 km / 6-7 hours).

Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we have interesting day as we leave the city and head to the countryside.
At first we stop to learn more about the Great Silk Road and visit the Burana Tower Historical complex.
Burana Tower (ancient minaret) is located in 12 km far from Tokmok town. The territory where the tower is located was called Balasagyn town. This town had the strategic meaning for the Great Silk Road. Here you will see a small museum with exhibits found at excavations, providing more details about this ancient settlement, and become familiar with collection of Balbals, turkic grave marks.
Then, we continue our trip to the Issyk Kul Lake.
Issyk Kul Lake has a tectonic origin. It is a second largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca, which is located in South America. Its length reaches 182 km, and width is 58 km, maximum depth is up to 668 m. During the summer period temperature of its water reaches up to 20-23 C°.
On the way you may admire beautiful landscape and change of scenery.
Arrival at the Cholpon Ata town and visit local famous petroglyphs site.
After excursion continue driving to Karkaol town.
Short stop on the lake shore for swimming.
Evening arrival to Karakol. Check-in to hotel.
Overnight.
(Breakfast – hotel)

Day 3. (MON) Karakol town – Djety Oguz canyon – Skazka canyon – Bokonbaev village (180 km / 3 hours).

In the morning we start city tour in Karakol town.
Visit Memorial Museum of N.M. Przhevalski a great Russian explorer and researcher of Asian continent, which 12 km far from Karakol.
Later Dungan mosque a unique building in a style of the Chinese pagoda which is functioning mosque up to now.
Also you will visit Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church built of wood without a single nail used. In the miraculous iconostasis of the church there is the famous Tikhvinian icon of Divine Mother, painted in 1897.
After city tour drive along the south shore of Issyk Kul lake.
First stop at Djety Oguz canyon for a little hike.
Djety Oguz from Kyrgyz language is translated as Seven Bulls. Unlike Fairy Tale Canyon this picturesque gorge differs in the mountains covered with Tien Shan fir tree. At the beginning of the gorge you will face a famous Broken Heart Rock. Walking up further to panorama you will see those famous Seven Bulls rocks. The tourist guide will tell you the legend about the origin of the gorge name. In the Soviet times, there was a sanatorium built in the gorge. Many people used to come here for treatment with the help of radon water. Cosmonauts used to come here for rehabilitation, even Yuri Gagarin.
After Djety Oguz continue drive along the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake till we reach Kajy Sai district where stop for a walk at the Skazka canyon.
Arrival to Bokonbaev village.  Visit of local woman cooperative of felt making production.
Accommodation at the guest house.
Dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast – hotel, dinner – guest house)

Day 4. (TUE) Bokonbaev village – Tash Rabat caravanserai (360 km / 5-6 hours).

In the morning after breakfast head to meet Golden Eagle hunter to see demonstration of hunting and training of birds of prey. Then we start the way to Kara Koyun gorge – Tash Rabat Caravan Saray via Naryn town.
Naryn is a town of long and narrow form, situated along the famous Naryn River also named Syr Darya, which is one of the biggest rivers in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. Naryn is the only town in Kyrgyzstan, where 90 % of the population is Kyrgyz.
Here we briefly visit the Central Blue Mosque and the Central Square.
Later drive further south in a direction of China. Turn to Kara Koun canyon and reach yurt camp.  Accommodation.
Tash Rabat caravanserai is situated at the elevation of 3200 m asl. not far from Chinese border (Torugart). Its origin is a complete mystery; however, there is a hypothesis that it was built in 10th century. Researchers consider it to be a Nestorian monastery, others suppose it to be a victualing-house for the trade caravans, and third ones insist on its defensive function. It is obviously clear that during the various epochs Tash Rabat caravanserai had different functions.
Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
(Breakfast – guest house, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 5. (WEDN) Tash Rabat caravanserai – Son Kul lake. (260 km / 5 hours).

In the morning we start as usual and head to Tash Rabat caravanserai for excursion (close to the camp).
After interesting historical excursion we drive back to Naryn town and further to Son Kul lake via Moldo Ashuu pass.
Lunch en route.
In the afternoon reach Son Kul lake.
Alpine Son Kul Lake is located on Tien Shan range at the elevation of 3016 m. The territory around Son Kul is a pasture for the cattle driven from Kochkor village, Naryn and Jumgal regions. During the summer Son Kul pasture is considered to be the best Kyrgyz jailoo. The road to the lake goes through the windy mountain passes and vanishes in the sky. As a result Son Kul Lake from Kyrgyz language translates as “Last Lake”.
Accommodation in a local comfortable yurt camp.
Here you can feel yourself as a real nomad and get acquainted with the culture of Kyrgyz people.
Yurt – is a traditional dwelling of nomadic people of Central Asia. The foundation of yurt consists of wooden carcass and several felt layers. The construction of such dwelling doesn’t require a lot of time that makes it practical and useful for locals. The interior of a yurt is decorated with felt carpets and traditional embroidery.
Dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 6. (THUR) Son Kul lake – Bishkek city (360 km / 6-7 hours).

After breakfast proceed to Bishkek city. Long drive via Kalmak Ashuu pass, Kochkor village, around Orto Tokoi reservoir, over Kuvaky pass and Boom canyon to Chui valley.
Lunch en route.
Upon arrival to Bishkek still have some time to deal with unfinished business, purchase souvenirs or gifts back to your relatives and friends.
Overnight at the hotel.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, dinner – restaurant).

Day 7. (FRI) Bishkek city – airport. (35 km / 40-45 min)

Early breakfast. Transfer to the airport for departure.
(Breakfast – hotel)

Meeting at the airport with local team and transfer to the city. Early check-in is not included. Little rest at the breakfast area and start tour in Bishkek and surroundings.
Firstly, we drive to the natural park Ala Archa for light walk, relaxing and meeting Kyrgyzstan nature. After walk transfer back to Bishkek and have a light half day city tour. Visit Ala Too Square, Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, main governmental buildings, Old Square with Parliament House and Lenin’s Monument.
Overnight in a hotel.
(Breakfast – hotel, dinner – restaurant)

Day 2. Bishkek city – Chon Kemin Valley (170 km / 3 hours).

After breakfast, one-hour drive to Burana Tower (UNESCO site) near Tokmok town.
Optionally: horseback riding games near Burana Tower.
After excursion, drive to Chon Kemin valley. Upon arrival, get accommodated in the guest house “Ashuu”. Lunch.
Options to do:
1) Walking around the village.
2) Renting horses and ride up to the closest mountains (extra cost).
3) Horseback riding games nearby (extra cost).
4) Setting up yurt (nomadic house) (extra cost).
Dinner and overnight at the guest house.
(Breakfast – hotel, dinner – guest house)

Day 3. Chon Kemin valley – Cholpon Ata town (180 km / 3 hours).

After breakfast, drive to Issyk Kul Lake via Boom gorge and to the Northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.
Lunch in a local café of Cholpon Ata town. Here we have several visits:
1) Open air Petroglyphs site.
2) Local historical museum or Rukh Ordo complex.
After excursions, drive to the hotel and get accommodation in the resort area on the shore of Issyk Kul lake.
Dinner and overnight.
(Breakfast – guest house)

Day 4. Cholpon Ata town – Karkуra valley (200 km / 3-4 hours).

Continue drive along the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake.
Today we reach beautiful area at the border with Kazakhstan – Karkyra. Here we stop at the luxury yurt camp with private facilities.
Here we have time to explore the area walking along the canyon up and down, climb up closest hills to see panoramic view or just sit by the river with a nice book. Up to you and your preferences.
Lunch and dinner in Karkara camp.
(Breakfast – resort, lunch – yurt camp, dinner – yurt camp)

Day 5. Karkyra valley – Karakol town (120 km / 3 hours).

Transfer to Karakol town.
En route visit Tepke horse farm. Lunch and excursion around the farm.
Here we see local racing horses, admire views, bone fire place and gardens.
Continue drive after excursion to Karakol town.
Visit Museum of N. M. Przhevalski on the way to Karakol, then Dungan mosque a unique building in a style of the Chinese pagoda which is functioning mosque up to now and Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church built of wood inside Karakol town.
Accommodation in a hotel of Karakol.
Dinner in a local Dungan family.
(Breakfast – yurt camp, lunch – farm, dinner – dungan family)

Day 6. Karakol town – Djety Oguz gorge – Barskoon and Skazka canyons – Kadji Sai village (220 km / 5 hours).

After breakfast, drive to Djety Oguz gorge to admire the landscapes and to take some photos.
At the beginning of the gorge you will face a famous “Broken Heart Rock”. Walking up further to panorama you will see those famous Seven Bulls rocks.
Then we drive to Barskoon gorge for excursion to famous waterfalls – “Beard of the wiseman” and “Cup of Manas”. Lunch picnic.
After excursion drive to Skazka gorge to see beautiful panorama of Issyk Kul from the gorge.
Evening arrival to Kajy-Say district.
Dinner and rest at the guest house/yurt camp.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – picnic, dinner – guest house/yurt camp)

Day 7. Kadji Sai village – Bishkek city (300 km / 5,5 hours).

In the morning we drive to Bokonbaevo village to visit local women cooperation, felt producing factory and see products they sell. Souvenirs shop here is one of the most popular in our country.
Optionally: eagle hunting demonstration near Bokonbaevo village.
Arrival to Bishkek. Check-in to hotel and free time till dinner.
Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Optionally: musical folklore show.

(Breakfast – guest house, dinner – restaurant)

Day 8. Bishkek city – airport. (35 km / 40-45 min).

Early breakfast. Today in Bishkek your trip concludes.
(Breakfast – hotel)