Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan · Land Adventure

5-Day Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Adventure with Charyn and Issyk Kul

5 Days Round trip from Tamerlik Easy pace

View all 8 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon with its towering red rock formations
02 Visit the stunning alpine Kolsay Lake, surrounded by pine forests and mountain meadows
03 Discover Kaindy Lake and its famous submerged forest rising from turquoise waters
04 Admire the striking red sandstone cliffs of Jeti Oguz Gorge, including the Seven Bulls
05 Explore Barskoon Gorge waterfalls and visit the historic Yuri Gagarin Monument
06 Walk through the unique rock formations of Skazka Canyon along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake

Experience a 5-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Explore the dramatic Charyn Canyon, the alpine beauty of Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes, and the scenic Altyn Arashan Valley with its mountain hot springs. Travel through spectacular gorges such as Jeti Oguz and Barskoon, discover the unique rock formations of Skazka Canyon, and enjoy views of the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Along the way, experience authentic local culture with traditional meals in Dungan family homes, visit the historic town of Karakol, and explore the highlights of Bishkek before returning to Almaty.

Travel to the remarkable Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest where tall tree trunks rise dramatically from the turquoise water.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Almaty, Bishkek, Karakol, Issyk-Kul, Sharyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Explore Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Saty Village

Depart from Almaty in the morning and travel toward Charyn Canyon, one of the most impressive natural landmarks in the region.
Hike through the dramatic canyon landscapes for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour while observing the unique rock formations, often compared to a natural fortress.
Continue the journey toward Kolsay Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by dense pine forests and green mountain meadows.
Walk along the lakeshore and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this scenic mountain destination.
Travel onward to Saty Village and settle into a cozy guesthouse for the evening.
Enjoy a traditional dinner and experience local hospitality.

Overnight stay in Saty Village.

Meals included: Dinner.

Day 02

Visit Kaindy Lake and Cross into Karakol

Start the day with breakfast in the guesthouse.
Travel to the remarkable Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest where tall tree trunks rise dramatically from the turquoise water.
Explore the lake area and enjoy views of the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Continue the journey toward the Kegen border crossing between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Cross the border and proceed toward the historic town of Karakol.
Visit a Dungan family home in the evening and enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner while learning about the culture, traditions, and history of the Dungan Muslim Chinese community.
Check into a guesthouse in Karakol for the night.

Overnight stay in Karakol.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 03

Discover Altyn Arashan Valley by Soviet Era Ural Car

Begin the morning with breakfast at the guesthouse.
Travel by Soviet era Ural car to the spectacular Altyn Arashan Valley, a high mountain valley known for alpine scenery and natural hot springs.
Enjoy the adventurous ride through rugged mountain terrain toward the valley.
Spend time hiking through the beautiful landscape or relaxing in the peaceful mountain environment.
Visit natural hot springs and enjoy the refreshing alpine atmosphere.
Return to Karakol in the evening.
Enjoy dinner with the Dungan family, where traditional dishes are served and stories about their culture and heritage are shared.
Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers round trip.
Driving time: About 3 hours.
Altitude: Karakol 1700 meters to Altyn Arashan Valley 2600 meters.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 04

Explore Jeti Oguz, Barskoon, and Skazka Canyon

Begin the day with breakfast before departing Karakol.
Visit the scenic Jeti Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red sandstone cliffs known as the Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart formations.
Continue to Barskoon Gorge and discover its beautiful waterfalls surrounded by mountain forests.
Stop at the Yuri Gagarin Monument, which commemorates the visit of the first human in space to this region.
After lunch, travel to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon, where colorful rock formations resemble castles, animals, and mythical figures.
Continue along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake while enjoying views of one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.
Arrive at a guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 05

Tour Bishkek and Transfer to Almaty

Enjoy breakfast in the morning.
Travel to Bishkek with a driving time of approximately 5 to 5.5 hours.
Discover the capital city during a guided tour that includes Ala Too Square and other major landmarks.
Learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Kyrgyzstan while exploring the city.
Transfer to the airport in Almaty for departure.

No overnight accommodation is provided.

Meals are not included.

Where this trip takes you

Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Tamerlik 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transfer
English-speaking guide/driver
Overnights: 3 guesthouses, twin rooms
Breakfasts: 3, lunches: 1, dinners: 4
UAZ vehicles to Kaindy Lake and Altyn Arashan
Entrance fees to nature parks

What's Not Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Accommodation and meals in the cities of Bishkek and Almaty on the last day
Air tickets and visas
Coffee and snacks
Hot springs
Any activities not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

Warm clothes, a jacket, a warm hat, and warm pants
Waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, extra clothing, and socks
A plastic bottle for multiple uses (we support responsible tourism and strive to follow guidelines to make our tours sustainable)
Antiseptic sprays, antiseptic wipes, and hand sanitizer
Health insurance and other documentation should be in your handbag in case you lose your luggage
Put any prescription drugs in your carry-on luggage, ensuring that you store your medicine properly (considering temperature and humidity) and check the expiration date
Clothing with long sleeves to avoid sunburn, a raincoat, and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Insect repellent (for skin and clothes)
A personal first aid kit (most common issues include blisters, sunburn, allergies, diarrhea, and sore muscles after horseback riding. Bring painkillers, antihistamines, general antibiotics, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions.)

Know before you go

Bring 100 USD banknotes (new design issued in 2013 or later) because banks and exchange offices in Kyrgyzstan often refuse 10, 20, and 50 USD bills due to increased cases of counterfeit currency.
Ensure all USD banknotes are in perfect condition without stamps, tears, dark spots, or heavy wear, since damaged or old notes may not be accepted for exchange.
Avoid bringing euros, as they are currently difficult to exchange due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Carry plug adapters for European-style sockets (Type C or F) because Kyrgyzstan does not use American-style electrical outlets.
Bring a USB charger compatible with car chargers, since most vehicles only support Android-type charging cables and may not have connectors for iPhones.
Expect very friendly and welcoming locals, as people may approach travelers out of curiosity or to practice English.
Keep valuable belongings secure at all times, especially during trekking or camping, and avoid leaving items unattended.
Prepare for Kyrgyz cuisine that mainly includes beef, noodles, and traditional dishes, with black tea commonly served throughout the day.
Request coffee or vegetarian meals if needed, as hosts can usually accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice.
Expect roads in mixed or poor condition, particularly in mountainous regions and some highway sections, which may make travel slower and more rugged.
Prepare for basic toilet facilities during the trip, as many rural areas have simple wooden toilets or squat toilets rather than Western-style bathrooms.