9 Day Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Adventure Hot Springs and Lakes

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Transfer to Bishkek & City Tour⌄

   The tour begins with a scenic drive from Almaty to Bishkek, crossing picturesque landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and verdant valleys. May stop at serene view points along the way, and local eateries for meals.

   Osh Bazaar offers an authentic local experience with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and souvenirs. It's a vibrant cultural hub, perfect for tasting Kyrgyz cuisine, exploring handicrafts, and experiencing the local way of life.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in hotel (3-star)

2. 2Ala Archa National Park⌄

   Nestled in the majestic Tian Shan mountains, Ala Archa National Park is a must-visit destination in Kyrgyzstan. You can choose to leisurely walk along picturesque trails or challenge yourself with a short hike toward the Ak-Sai waterfall.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in hotel (3-star)

3. 3Burana Tower, Issyk Kul & Eagle Show (Bokonbayevo)⌄

   First stop of the day at Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient minaret, dating back to the 11th century, offers a glimpse into the rich Silk Road history of Kyrgyzstan.

   Driving along Issyk Kul, a vast saline lake, never freezes despite alpine surroundings, offering stunning views and rich biodiversity. Will stop for photo taking.

   We will arrive in Bokonbaevo, where you can experience the ancient art of eagle hunting by skilled hunters.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in a private yurt

4. 4Fairytale Canyon, Baskoon Waterfalls & Jety Oguz⌄

   Continue your drive along the Issyk Kul, we will visit Fairytale Canyon, or Skazka Canyon, is a mesmerising destination known for its vivid red, orange, and yellow hues rock formations. Easy to explore, the canyon offers a short walk with breathtaking views of lake in the distance.

   Barskoon, on the other hand, is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and serene natural beauty. It's a perfect spot for hiking, picnics, and photography.

   Jety Oguz, or the "Seven Bulls," is a stunning valley famous for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, resembling seven bulls and a "Broken Heart" formation. This iconic natural wonder is steeped in local legends, adding a mystical allure.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in a guesthouse

5. 5Altyn Arashan (Jun to Sep) OR Chunkurchak Gorge (Oct to May)⌄

   Altyn Arashan, located in the Tien Shan mountain range, the area is famous for its snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Remember to bring your bathing suit along! Hiking to the valley takes about 5 hours. Alternatives could be a 2-hour horse riding or renting a Russian van, both at additional cost.

   In the gorge, we will take a cable car ride to the top of the mountains for panoramic views of the Tien Shan mountain range. Visit the Supara Ethno Complex, a museum of Kyrgyz history and activities. Also a wonderful place to savor traditional Kyrgyz dishes. For a more adventurous day, optional to visit a sky bridge spanning 125m long and 700m high.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in a guesthouse

6. 6Jyrgalan Valley⌄

   Leaving Altyn Arashan, we will move towards Jyrgalan Valley, this valley offers a plethora of outdoor adventures such as trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. In the valley, you will also visit Tulpar Tash, a 8-metre high sacred boulder. It is said to be linked to heroic warriors and their winged horses, embodying courage, strength, and spiritual significance.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in a guesthouse

7. 7Cross-border to Kazakhstan (via Karkara Valley) & Kaindy Lake⌄

   On this day, we will cross over to Kazakhstan via Karkara Valley, promising panoramic mountain views along the way.

   Nestled in Kazakhstan's Tian Shan Mountains, Kaindy Lake is famous for its submerged forest, with towering tree trunks rising from its crystal-clear waters—a result of a 1911 earthquake. One of the most popular attractions of Kazakhstan.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in a guesthouse

8. 8Kolsai Lake & Charyn Canyon National Park⌄

   Kolsai Lakes are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic alpine landscapes. Often called the "Pearls of the Tien Shan," the three interconnected lakes are famous for their pristine, turquoise waters, set in a picturesque valley, making them a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Kazakhstan.

   With towering red rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and unique "Valley of Castles", the Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon due to its striking resemblance, though it is smaller in scale.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight in a guesthouse

9. 9Issyk Lake OR Turgen Valley & Almaty City Tour⌄

   In the morning, we will drive around 4 hours towards Issyk Lake. Issyk Lake is one of the highest lakes in Kazakhstan, located at a height of 1,609m above sea level in Ile Alatau National Park.

   However, if the road to Issyk Lake is closed due to weather, we will visit Turgen Valley & Waterfalls as an alternative.

   Ending the tour in the city, we cannot miss out on the iconic Ascension Cathedral (also known as Zenkov Cathedral). A wooden Orthodox Cathedral that survived Soviet suppression and remains an important religious and architectural landmark today.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch