Group size: 1-25 persons
The 11-day Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Off-Road and Trekking Tour is an exciting adventure that will feel like an instant yet, by the end, like a month’s worth of experiences. Most of the journey takes you through the breathtaking natural landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan and northeastern Kyrgyzstan. You will cover nearly 2,200 km, primarily in an off-road vehicle, with about a third of the route traversing dirt, rural, and grader roads in the mountains and steppes.
The Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Off-Road and Trekking Tour begins in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. You will get a brief glimpse of the city's monuments and surrounding mountains before embarking on your adventure. On the third day, you will explore remarkable destinations such as Altyn-Emel National Park, with its striking chalk mountains and barchans, Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, and Lake Kaindy.
Next, you will cross the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border and venture into Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking landscapes, including the Jeti-Oguz and Barskoon gorges, the Suyek, Kalmak-Ashuu, Moldo-Ashuu, and Terskey-Torpok passes, and the stunning Lake Son-Kul. After an unforgettable journey through these incredible natural wonders, your adventure will conclude in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
If you love grand outdoor expeditions, especially in remote and mountainous regions, the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Off-Road and Trekking Tour will be an experience of a lifetime. Expect countless breathtaking landscapes and unique sights. Check out the detailed itinerary, tour conditions, and our recommendations to start preparing for your best trip of the year!
The 11-day Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Off-Road and Trekking Tour is an exciting adventure that will feel like an instant yet, by the end, like a month’s worth of experiences. Most of the journey takes you through the breathtaking natural landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan and northeastern Kyrgyzstan. You will cover nearly 2,200 km, primarily in an off-road vehicle, with about a third of the route traversing dirt, rural, and grader roads in the mountains and steppes.
The Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Off-Road and Trekking Tour begins in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. You will get a brief glimpse of the city's monuments and surrounding mountains before embarking on your adventure. On the third day, you will explore remarkable destinations such as Altyn-Emel National Park, with its striking chalk mountains and barchans, Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, and Lake Kaindy.
Next, you will cross the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border and venture into Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking landscapes, including the Jeti-Oguz and Barskoon gorges, the Suyek, Kalmak-Ashuu, Moldo-Ashuu, and Terskey-Torpok passes, and the stunning Lake Son-Kul. After an unforgettable journey through these incredible natural wonders, your adventure will conclude in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
If you love grand outdoor expeditions, especially in remote and mountainous regions, the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Off-Road and Trekking Tour will be an experience of a lifetime. Expect countless breathtaking landscapes and unique sights. Check out the detailed itinerary, tour conditions, and our recommendations to start preparing for your best trip of the year!
Important: Due to the high mountain passes this tour is only available from June 10th to September 15th.
Tour itinerary:
Arrival in Almaty. Transfer to the hotel (15 km), check-in, and free time. Lunch. At 14:00, you will begin an excursion around the city and its surroundings. First, you will visit the Shymbulak ski resort (25 km), where you will also see the Medeo skating rink - the largest artificial skating rink in the mountains. Afterward, you will return to the city to visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and Zenkov Cathedral.
Dinner featuring Kazakh cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Dinner featuring Kazakh cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Breakfast. At 8:00, meet your guide and driver at the hotel and set off for Big Almaty Lake (35 km). Enjoy a scenic hike with breathtaking views of the lake and the northwestern Tien Shan mountains. The hike lasts 6-7 hours, covering a distance of 13 km with an altitude change from 1,780 to 2,600 meters above sea level. Lunch will be provided in lunchboxes.
On the way back to the city, visit the Sunkar Falcon Farm, where you’ll witness an impressive demonstration featuring specially trained hawks. Falconry is a treasured tradition and a defining aspect of Kazakh culture.
Return to Almaty. Dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
On the way back to the city, visit the Sunkar Falcon Farm, where you’ll witness an impressive demonstration featuring specially trained hawks. Falconry is a treasured tradition and a defining aspect of Kazakh culture.
Return to Almaty. Dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Early breakfast, followed by a 07:40 departure to Altyn-Emel National Park (255 km). After a four-hour drive, arrival in the village of Basshi, home to the park’s Visitor Center. Accommodation in a mini-hotel and lunch.
After a short rest, drive to the Aktau chalk mountains (70 km), where you will embark on a trek through the main gorge with its picturesque, layered slopes. The total trekking distance is 7 km, with a duration of approximately 2 hours.
Following the active part of the day, visit the 700-year-old willow tree, where you can relax by the pond in a small grove.
Return to the mini hotel at the Visitor Center. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After a short rest, drive to the Aktau chalk mountains (70 km), where you will embark on a trek through the main gorge with its picturesque, layered slopes. The total trekking distance is 7 km, with a duration of approximately 2 hours.
Following the active part of the day, visit the 700-year-old willow tree, where you can relax by the pond in a small grove.
Return to the mini hotel at the Visitor Center. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast. At 8:45 AM, departure to the Singing Barchan (50 km), where you will have the opportunity to climb the 150-meter-high dune, walk along its ridge, and listen to the mesmerizing sound of the ‘singing’ sand. Then, a short drive to the Oshaktas stele before returning to the mini hotel for lunch. After lunch and a short rest, you will drive to the town of Jarkent (120 km). Once an important stop on the Silk Road, this ancient town is now located just 30 km from the Chinese border. In Jarkent, you will visit an extraordinary wooden mosque that blends Chinese and Islamic architectural styles - its traditional round dome replaced by a brightly colored pagoda. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner. Free time. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast. At 8:40 AM, departure for Charyn Canyon (170 km), often referred to as the 'little brother' of the Grand Canyon in the USA. Your first stop will be the most famous section - the Valley of Castles - where you will embark on a 5 km trek along the bottom of the gorge.
Next, you will continue to the Kurtogay Tract, where a lunch box meal will be provided. After lunch, you will visit the scenic viewpoints of Charyn Canyon, including Stone Shelf, Napoleon, and Austrian View.
After a day filled with exploration and breathtaking landscapes, you will drive 120 km to Kolsay Lakes. Arrival at the mini hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Next, you will continue to the Kurtogay Tract, where a lunch box meal will be provided. After lunch, you will visit the scenic viewpoints of Charyn Canyon, including Stone Shelf, Napoleon, and Austrian View.
After a day filled with exploration and breathtaking landscapes, you will drive 120 km to Kolsay Lakes. Arrival at the mini hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast. A short drive from the hotel to the lower Kolsay Lake. After a day spent exploring the sandy-orange landscapes of Charyn Canyon, the Kolsay Lakes will welcome you with breathtaking blue-green mountain scenery and the fresh scent of pine.
Today, you will embark on a scenic trek to the Middle Kolsay Lake. The trek will take 7 hours, covering a total distance of 16 km, with an altitude change from 1,800 to 2,250 meters above sea level. Lunch in lunch boxes on the shore of Middle Kolsay Lake.
At 17:00, you will return to the hotel. Free time, followed by dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today, you will embark on a scenic trek to the Middle Kolsay Lake. The trek will take 7 hours, covering a total distance of 16 km, with an altitude change from 1,800 to 2,250 meters above sea level. Lunch in lunch boxes on the shore of Middle Kolsay Lake.
At 17:00, you will return to the hotel. Free time, followed by dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast and check-out from the mini hotel. Drive to Kaindy Lake (18 km), located in a neighboring gorge. This small, picturesque lake was formed by a massive landslide during the 1911 earthquake, leaving the trunks of pine trees protruding from its surface. The water in Kaindy Lake is icy cold, maintaining a temperature of 6°C.
Upon arrival at the parking lot, you will begin a short 3-kilometer hike to the lake, passing through a beautiful birch grove. After returning to the parking lot, you will continue to the village of Saty (12 km), where you will enjoy lunch with a Kazakh family.
After lunch, at 15:00, you will depart for Karakol, Kyrgyzstan (210 km). At 17:00, you will cross the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border, arriving in Karakol at 19:30. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Upon arrival at the parking lot, you will begin a short 3-kilometer hike to the lake, passing through a beautiful birch grove. After returning to the parking lot, you will continue to the village of Saty (12 km), where you will enjoy lunch with a Kazakh family.
After lunch, at 15:00, you will depart for Karakol, Kyrgyzstan (210 km). At 17:00, you will cross the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border, arriving in Karakol at 19:30. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. At 9:00, begin a sightseeing tour of Karakol and its surroundings. Your first stop will be the unusual Dungan Mosque, followed by a visit to the Przhevalsky Museum, located on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Nikolay Przhevalsky was one of the greatest explorers of Central Asia, launching many of his expeditions from Karakol. The museum offers insights into his biography and groundbreaking discoveries.
Return to Karakol for lunch. At 14:00, depart for Jeti Oguz Gorge (35 km), renowned for its striking red rock formations that contrast beautifully against the lush green backdrop of coniferous forests. You will see famous rock formations with unique names, including Seven Bulls and Broken Heart. Afterward, enjoy a short hike (1.5 km) to Girl's Braids Waterfall.
Return to Karakol. Free time. Dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Return to Karakol for lunch. At 14:00, depart for Jeti Oguz Gorge (35 km), renowned for its striking red rock formations that contrast beautifully against the lush green backdrop of coniferous forests. You will see famous rock formations with unique names, including Seven Bulls and Broken Heart. Afterward, enjoy a short hike (1.5 km) to Girl's Braids Waterfall.
Return to Karakol. Free time. Dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Early breakfast, as today you will embark on one of the longest journeys - 460 km. At 08:30, departure from Karakol to Barskoon Gorge, with the road following the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Barskoon is one of the most beautiful gorges in Kyrgyzstan, and you will make several stops at scenic viewpoints.
Then, you will continue even higher to Suyek Pass (4,026 meters above sea level), where you will find the high-altitude Arabel Valley, dotted with dozens of small lakes. Here, you will also have a lunchbox meal - possibly the highest-altitude picnic of your life.
After lunch, at 13:30, you will begin the long drive to Lake Son-Kul (310 km). First, you will return to Issyk-Kul Lake, drive more than 100 km along the coast, and then head toward Kochkor. After Kochkor, the asphalt road will transition to a well-maintained grader road. This section of the route crosses a spacious valley before suddenly gaining elevation toward Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,447 meters). After crossing the pass, you will arrive at Lake Son-Kul.
At 18:30, arrival at the yurt camp on the shore of Son-Kul Lake. Free time for a walk by the lake. Dinner. Overnight stay in a yurt.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Then, you will continue even higher to Suyek Pass (4,026 meters above sea level), where you will find the high-altitude Arabel Valley, dotted with dozens of small lakes. Here, you will also have a lunchbox meal - possibly the highest-altitude picnic of your life.
After lunch, at 13:30, you will begin the long drive to Lake Son-Kul (310 km). First, you will return to Issyk-Kul Lake, drive more than 100 km along the coast, and then head toward Kochkor. After Kochkor, the asphalt road will transition to a well-maintained grader road. This section of the route crosses a spacious valley before suddenly gaining elevation toward Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,447 meters). After crossing the pass, you will arrive at Lake Son-Kul.
At 18:30, arrival at the yurt camp on the shore of Son-Kul Lake. Free time for a walk by the lake. Dinner. Overnight stay in a yurt.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Breakfast at the yurt camp. At 08:30, you will pack up and depart for Bishkek (400 km), visiting the final sights of the tour along the way.
Your first stop will be Moldo-Ashuu Pass at an altitude of 3,201 meters (15 km), offering a stunning view of the winding serpentine road below. However, instead of descending, you will return to Son-Kul and continue toward Terskey-Torpok Pass, popularly known as ‘33 Parrots’. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the serpentine road, which you will begin descending in just a few minutes.
At the base of the serpentine, you will stop for a short walk (1 km) to Cajerty Waterfall, with a gentle ascent.
Continue the journey to Bishkek, stopping for lunch at a café along the way. At 16:30, visit the Burana Tower, the last attraction of the tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once part of the ancient city of Balasagun (11th–13th centuries).
Arrival in Bishkek at 19:30. Dinner at a restaurant featuring Kyrgyz national cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Your first stop will be Moldo-Ashuu Pass at an altitude of 3,201 meters (15 km), offering a stunning view of the winding serpentine road below. However, instead of descending, you will return to Son-Kul and continue toward Terskey-Torpok Pass, popularly known as ‘33 Parrots’. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the serpentine road, which you will begin descending in just a few minutes.
At the base of the serpentine, you will stop for a short walk (1 km) to Cajerty Waterfall, with a gentle ascent.
Continue the journey to Bishkek, stopping for lunch at a café along the way. At 16:30, visit the Burana Tower, the last attraction of the tour. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once part of the ancient city of Balasagun (11th–13th centuries).
Arrival in Bishkek at 19:30. Dinner at a restaurant featuring Kyrgyz national cuisine. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Price includes:
- Accommodation on a twin-share basis in hotels, guesthouses, and yurt camps – 10 nights + 1 extra night on Day 1;
- Mineral water (1.5L per person per day);
- Meals – as per the program;
- Airport transfers;
- English-speaking guide-driver;
- Transport from arrival to departure:
- Private A/C transport with a driver on Day 1 and Day 11:
8–13 pax – Minibus (up to 18 seats);
14 pax and more – Coach (up to 48 seats).
- SUVs according to the tour program from Day 2 to Day 10:
Toyota Land Cruiser: 3 pax per car;
Toyota Sequoia: 5 pax per car. - Entrance and ecological fees for all sites included in the tour;
- Eagle hunting show at Sunkar Falcon Farm;
- Cable car ride to Shymbulak.
Price doesn't include:
- Single supplement (available only in cities);
- International airfare;
- Photo/video fees at museums;
- Tips and gratuities;
- Any services not mentioned in the itinerary above.
Recommendations When Planning Your Trip:
- Museums in Almaty are closed on Mondays; the Falcon Show is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Temperatures vary between the city and surrounding areas; therefore, warm clothing is recommended for travel outside the city.
Note:
- It is recommended to plan tour dates on weekdays, as many tourists visit the national parks of the Almaty region and the Kyrgyz Republic on weekends and holidays.
- Accommodations in the Almaty region are arranged in mini hotels, where each room has its own private bathroom.
- Please inform us in advance if any guests are vegetarian or have food allergies.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
Kazakhstan or similar
Green Yard or similar
Tour Enquiry
Off-road and Trekking Tour Reviews
No tour reviews have been posted yet.
