Two Stans Express Tour: 7-day Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

What’s included

Itinerary

1. 01
   Day 1Arrival in Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN

   Overnight in Almaty

   Welcome to Kazakhstan! Upon arrival at Almaty International Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some time to relax after your journey.

   Depending on your arrival time, begin exploring Almaty with a gentle introductory city tour. Discover the city’s leafy streets, mountain views and lively atmosphere. Visit Panfilov Park, a popular green space in the city centre, and see the colourful wooden Ascension Cathedral, one of Almaty’s best-known architectural landmarks.

   Continue to the nearby area around the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, which commemorates those who lost their lives during the Second World War. If time allows, explore the Green Bazaar, where local vendors sell fresh produce, dried fruits, spices, traditional sweets and regional specialities.

   In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the city independently or have dinner at a local restaurant.

   Overnight: Hotel in Almaty.

2. 02
   Day 2Almaty City Tour, Kok Tobe & Shymbulak

   Overnight in Almaty

   After breakfast at the hotel, continue discovering Almaty and its spectacular mountain surroundings.

   Start with a visit to Kok Tobe Hill, one of the city’s most popular viewpoints. From the top, admire sweeping views over Almaty, with the Tian Shan Mountains rising behind the city. Enjoy time to take photographs and explore the hilltop area.

   Continue to Medeu, the famous high-altitude sports complex nestled in a mountain valley. The surrounding scenery provides a wonderful introduction to the landscapes beyond the city.

   Next, travel to Shymbulak Mountain Resort. Depending on the season and operating schedule, you may have the opportunity to take a cable car towards higher elevations for impressive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. In summer, the area is ideal for enjoying fresh mountain air and scenic walks; in winter, it is a popular destination for snow sports.

   Return to the city in the afternoon. The remaining time can be used for shopping, visiting cafés or enjoying Almaty’s restaurants.

   Overnight: Hotel in Almaty.

3. 03
   Day 3Charyn Canyon Excursion

   Overnight in Almaty

   After an early breakfast, depart Almaty for a full-day excursion to Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular natural attractions.

   The drive takes you east through open steppe landscapes, rural settlements and changing mountain scenery. On arrival, explore the famous Valley of Castles, where centuries of wind and water erosion have sculpted the red sandstone cliffs into dramatic towers, narrow passages and castle-like formations.

   Enjoy time to walk through the canyon, admire the rock formations and take photographs from the main viewpoints. The landscape changes colour throughout the day, creating striking contrasts between the red cliffs, pale rock layers and surrounding terrain.

   Depending on the weather, access conditions and your pace, you may take a walk into the canyon itself. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and drinking water are recommended, especially during the warmer months.

   After sightseeing, return to Almaty in the late afternoon or evening. This is a long excursion day, so the schedule should allow sufficient time for driving and exploring the canyon.

   Overnight: Hotel in Almaty.

4. 04
   Day 4Almaty to Bishkek via Korday Border

   Overnight in Bishkek

   After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart Almaty for Kyrgyzstan. Today’s journey takes you through the landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan towards the Korday border crossing.

   On arrival at the border, complete the required exit and entry formalities. Border processing times may vary, so the schedule should remain flexible. After entering Kyrgyzstan, meet your onward driver or continue with the pre-arranged cross-border transport to Bishkek.

   Upon arrival in the Kyrgyz capital, begin an introductory city tour, depending on the time available. Visit Ala-Too Square, the city’s central public square and an important location for national celebrations and public events. See the State Historical Museum area and explore the surrounding streets and parks.

   Continue through central Bishkek to discover its broad avenues, green spaces and Soviet-era architecture. If time permits, visit Oak Park or browse local shops for handicrafts and souvenirs.

   In the evening, check in at the hotel and enjoy free time. You may wish to sample Kyrgyz cuisine, including traditional noodle dishes, dumplings or other regional specialities.

   Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek.

5. 05
   Day 5Bishkek to Karakol via the Northern Shore of Issyk-Kul

   Overnight in Karakol

   After breakfast, leave Bishkek and travel east towards Issyk-Kul Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous natural landmarks. Surrounded by mountain ranges, this vast alpine lake is renowned for its clear waters, broad shoreline and dramatic scenery.

   Depending on the agreed schedule, make a stop at Burana Tower near Tokmok. This historic minaret is associated with the ancient city of Balasagun, an important settlement on the Silk Road. Explore the tower area and the archaeological remains, which provide insight into the region’s medieval history.

   Continue towards the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Along the way, enjoy views of the lake and the mountains that rise beyond its shoreline. Depending on timing, you may stop at selected viewpoints or in a lakeside town for a short break.

   In the afternoon, continue to Karakol, a historic town near the eastern end of the lake. Karakol is known for its cultural diversity, traditional architecture and position as a gateway to the surrounding mountains.

   If arrival time allows, visit the Dungan Mosque, recognised for its distinctive Chinese-inspired wooden architecture, and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, a historic wooden church in the town. Visits depend on opening hours and local access arrangements.

   Check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

   Overnight: Hotel in Karakol.

6. 06
   Day 6Karakol, Issyk-Kul Southern Shore & Skazka Canyon, Return to Bishkek

   Overnight in Bishkek

   Start the day early with breakfast and check out of the hotel. Today’s route follows the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, known for its quieter landscapes, mountain views and distinctive natural scenery.

   If road conditions and the schedule permit, visit Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon, near Tamga village. Here, wind and water erosion have shaped colourful sandstone into unusual formations resembling towers, walls and figures. Take a walk along the accessible trails and enjoy time for photographs.

   Continue along the southern shore, with opportunities for short scenic stops overlooking the lake. The landscape offers a different perspective from the northern shore, with mountain slopes and open lakeside views.

   In the afternoon, begin the drive back to Bishkek. Please note that this is a substantial driving day, and the exact sightseeing schedule will depend on traffic, road conditions and the time available. If a comfortable pace is the priority, Skazka Canyon may need to be omitted or the tour extended by one night.

   Arrive in Bishkek in the evening, check in at the hotel and relax after the journey.

   Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek.

7. 07
   Day 7Departure from Bishkek

   End of the tour

   Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, subject to your flight schedule. After check-out, transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure.

   If your flight is later in the day, additional time in Bishkek may be possible, depending on the transfer schedule.

   Your journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan comes to an end, leaving you with memories of mountain scenery, Silk Road heritage, vibrant cities and the beautiful landscapes of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Tour highlights

• Discover Almaty, Kazakhstan’s lively former capital, surrounded by the Tian Shan Mountains.

• Enjoy panoramic views from Kok Tobe Hill and visit the Shymbulak mountain resort.

• Explore the dramatic red cliffs and unique landscapes of Charyn Canyon.

• Travel from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan via the Korday border crossing.

• Discover Bishkek’s main squares, parks and cultural landmarks.

• Visit Karakol, a historic town known for its diverse architecture and mountain scenery.

• Enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Issyk-Kul, one of the world’s largest alpine lakes.

• Explore the colourful sandstone formations of Skazka Canyon, time permitting.

• Experience two neighbouring Central Asian countries in one journey.

Tour Map

About the tour