Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Explore Charyn Canyon and Travel to 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.

2. Day 2 – Visit Kaindy Lake and Cross the Kegen Border to 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.

3. Day 3 – Discover Altyn Arashan Valley by 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.

4. Day 4 – Explore Jeti Oguz Gorge, Barskoon Gorge, 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.

5. Day 5 – Bishkek City Tour 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.