Premium Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan (Walk, Taste & Cultural Immersion) 9D8N, Fully Guided

Salemetsiz be! Welcome to Kazakhstan. Your adventure begins in Almaty, the former capital, where wide, tree-lined boulevards and verdant parks create a serene atmosphere beneath the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains. At 6pm tonight, you will convene for a welcome meeting to meet your local leader and fellow travellers.

Should you arrive with time to spare, immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural tapestry. You may wish to visit the State Museum of Arts, which houses a vast collection of Kazakh and Russian art, or perhaps the Central State History Museum, where the nation's past comes to life. Another excellent option is the Kasteev House Museum, dedicated to the most celebrated Kazakh artist of the Soviet era or Zenkov Cathedral.

Following your meeting, we invite you to join your group for an inaugural dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant, a perfect introduction to the country's unique and hearty cuisine.

Tonight, you will retire to the elegant Renion Park Hotel, an oasis of tranquility nestled in the heart of Almaty. Here, you can unwind in the luxurious spa complex, indulging in a soothing massage or a refreshing swim before drifting off to sleep.

Today, you will embark on a guided exploration of Almaty's city centre, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Your journey begins at the expansive Republic Square, the city's main administrative and cultural hub. From there, you will proceed to the historic Panfilov Park, a serene green space dedicated to the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen who heroically perished defending Moscow during World War II. Within the park, you will discover the magnificent Zenkov Cathedral, a vibrant and intricately designed wooden structure that stands as the second tallest of its kind in the world. Your cultural immersion continues at the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, where you will encounter an impressive collection of traditional instruments, some of which are ancient relics that tell the story of the nation's rich musical heritage.

This afternoon, venture just outside the city to a local, family-owned winery nestled in the scenic countryside. Here, you will be welcomed by the owners for a delightful lunch and an exclusive wine tasting. This intimate experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the burgeoning wine production in Kazakhstan and hear personal stories from those who craft it.

You will return to Almaty in the late afternoon, with the remainder of your evening at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Following breakfast this morning, you will bid farewell to Kazakhstan and journey onward to Kyrgyzstan, a land of majestic mountains and nomadic traditions. Your overland transfer will be paused to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tamgaly-Tas. Situated on the banks of the Ili River, this open-air rock art gallery features thousands of ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age. Wander through this sacred space and marvel at the intricate carvings of deities, animals, and sun-headed figures etched into the stark, dramatic cliffs.

Savour a delightful picnic lunch amidst this historically rich landscape before continuing your drive to Bishkek, the vibrant capital of Kyrgyzstan. Nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Tian Shan range, this city of wide boulevards and marble-faced buildings offers a fascinating blend of Soviet architecture and Kyrgyz culture. Upon your arrival in the late afternoon, your leader will guide you on an introductory orientation walk, allowing you to acquaint yourself with the city's layout and atmosphere. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps discovering a local restaurant for dinner or simply soaking in the ambiance of this Central Asian hub.

Retire for the evening to the elegant sanctuary of Park Hotel Bishkek, perfectly positioned in the heart of the city's business and cultural district. Here, you can surrender to serenity in the state-of-the-art wellness centre, featuring a lavish spa and an inviting indoor pool, before savouring local delights at their elegant restaurant.

Today, you will embark on a captivating half-day tour of downtown Bishkek, accompanied by a local guide who will illuminate the city's rich history and culture. Your journey begins at Ala-Too Square, the city's central point, where you will find the magnificent statue of Manas, the revered hero of Kyrgyzstan's national epic. From there, you will visit the striking Russian Orthodox church and one of the few remaining Lenin statues in the former Soviet Union. Stroll through the tranquil Oak Park, the oldest in the country, before admiring the grand architecture of the Opera house and Victory Square, where an eternal flame commemorates the fallen of World War II.

After some free time to rest, a unique cultural experience awaits. You will meet a local designer and historian to delve into the intricate world of Central Asian textile design and manufacturing. In the evening, reconvene with your group for a final dinner in Bishkek, reflecting on the day's discoveries.

Travel time: Approx. 5 hours

Following a leisurely breakfast, your journey continues towards the majestic Lake Issyk-Kul. As one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, its vast, shimmering waters stretch 178 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide, a breathtaking expanse nestled amidst the Tian Shan mountains.

En route, you will pause to explore the historical Burana Tower, an impressive 11th-century minaret that stands as a silent sentinel in the Chuy Valley. Here, you will have the opportunity to delve into its storied past at the adjacent monument and museum, which houses a collection of ancient balbals—carved stone grave markers that whisper tales of a bygone era.

Your cultural immersion deepens as you are welcomed into the home of a local farming family for a delightful homemade lunch. This intimate experience offers a chance to converse with your hosts and gain a personal perspective on rural life in Kyrgyzstan.

The journey then leads you to the village of Kyzyk-Tuu, a hub for the ancient craft of yurt making. Here, you will meet a local artisan dedicated to preserving this vital tradition. In his workshop, you will witness the meticulous process of constructing a yurt without the use of electrical tools, from bending the wooden frames to creating the thick felt layers, known as 'kiiz', that provide insulation. You may even be invited to participate in assembling one of these iconic nomadic dwellings yourself.

As evening approaches, you will settle into a traditional yurt camp for the night, sleeping in structures handcrafted by the very artisans you met earlier. After a scenic walk with your group to admire the surrounding landscape, gather around a crackling campfire for a memorable dinner beneath a canopy of stars, truly embracing the spirit of the nomad.

Note: The yurt camp (twin share) will be basic, but comfortable and all yurts will have electric heaters. As sacred dwellings, they don't have their own bathrooms, so you’ll have shared facilities tonight. A night in a yurt is an essential part of visiting Kyrgyzstan and worth sacrificing the usual levels of comfort and amenities.

Travel time: Approx. 4 hours

After breakfast this morning, you will depart from the tranquil yurt camp and journey eastward towards Karakol, a town that once served as the furthest outpost of Tsarist Russia and later, the USSR.

Your first stop will be the captivating Skazka Canyon, aptly named 'Fairytale Canyon'. Here, you are invited to wander through a surreal landscape where erosion has sculpted the red-hued sandstone into an array of fantastical shapes and formations. The rugged, Mars-like beauty of these stone peaks offers a striking contrast to the lush meadows and alpine lakes that define so much of Kyrgyzstan’s scenery.

Following lunch, your adventure continues to the Jety Oguz Valley. The valley's name, meaning 'Seven Bulls,' is derived from a series of seven magnificent, reddish-brown cliffs that stand as silent sentinels over the landscape. Take a moment to walk through this gorgeous valley, absorbing the dramatic scenery before carrying on to Karakol. Upon arrival, you will discover a town rich in history, founded as a Russian military outpost. Its charming, tree-lined streets are still home to a few remaining 'Gingerbread houses'—traditional wooden homes with intricate carvings—that whisper tales of a bygone era.

As evening descends, you will settle into the tranquil embrace of the Green Yard Hotel in Karakol, a serene oasis where modern comfort meets natural beauty. Here, surrounded by a picturesque garden, you can unwind in the spa complex, rejuvenate with a swim in the pool, and savour the elegant simplicity that defines this charming retreat.

Note: Because of the nature of the terrain, the visit to Skazka Canyon relies on dry weather.

Your day begins with a tour of the city, led by your local guide. Your first stop is the Przhevalsky Museum, an institution dedicated to the famed Russian explorer of Central and East Asia, whose expeditions uncovered new knowledge of the lands of China and Mongolia. From there, you will meander through the scenic streets of Karakol, where you can admire the remaining 'Gingerbread' houses, quaint wooden cottages adorned with intricate carvings that offer a glimpse into the town's past.

Next, you are invited to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a local market, a perfect opportunity to browse for unique souvenirs and keepsakes. Your cultural exploration continues with visits to two of the city's most significant spiritual landmarks: the Dungan Mosque, a striking wooden structure built without a single nail, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an orthodox church of remarkable beauty.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own leisure, allowing you the freedom to revisit a favourite spot or discover new corners of the city at your own pace. This evening, a special experience awaits as you are welcomed into the family home of a Dungan local. Here, you will partake in a masterclass on their unique cuisine, learning the secrets of a culinary tradition carried by the Hui people who fled China after the 1877 revolt. Today, they form a vibrant community throughout Central Asia, particularly in Karakol. Share a memorable dinner with your hosts before returning to your hotel for a restful evening.

Prepare for a captivating journey today as we travel back across the border into Kazakhstan. An early start is rewarded with a scenic drive, so be sure to secure a window seat to witness the dramatic landscapes unfold before you. We will make several stops to stretch our legs and capture photographs of the breathtaking terrain.

A highlight of our journey is a visit to Charyn Canyon, a magnificent natural wonder often compared to the Grand Canyon. Over millennia, the forces of wind and water have sculpted the canyon's striking red sandstone into an array of fantastical shapes and formations. We will embark on a short, invigorating hike down to the canyon floor, pausing at incredible viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of this geological masterpiece.

After our exploration, we continue our drive to Almaty. Upon arrival, you will have time to settle in and freshen up at the hotel before we gather for a final farewell dinner. Join your group for an evening of traditional Kazakh cuisine as we raise a toast to the unforgettable adventure we have shared.

Savour one last relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey on the Silk Road before making your own arrangements for your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.