Explore the old Silk Route in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with this 14-day adventure full of stunning natural landscapes, chances to connect to local people and traditional cuisine.
Kazakhstan
Ancient cathedrals, high-altitude lakes, wild landscapes and breathtaking mountain peaks are just a few of the highlights when you travel Kazakhstan with BODHI Retreats. Let our expert local guides take you to some of the world's most untouched and beautiful parts, such as the picturesque Kolsai Lakes or Big Almaty Gorge. Our Kazakhstan tour also offer a deep insight into the country's unique cultures and traditions. You’ll also spend plenty of time with locals, learning about Kazakh cuisine, local horseback sports and hunting with trained falcons.
Kyrgyzstan
A place where proud nomadic traditions meet an unspoiled and immense natural beauty – think rolling meadows and conifer forests, alpine lakes and some of the tallest peaks in the world.
Kyrgyzstan is slowly but surely appearing on the radars of intrepid travellers seeking new adventures in offbeat destinations.
Dominated by the exquisite Tian Shan mountain range (a magnet for climbers), the vistas alone are reason enough to visit. The towering peaks of the Tian Shan make way for lush pine forests, glistening blue lakes and vast summer pastures where you’ll find nomadic encampments and herders tending to their sheep and goats. Unsurprisingly, the trekking and horse riding opportunities are superb, with the ability to walk and canter for miles through verdant fields and wildflower-strewn valleys.
As well as introducing you to the most epic walking and riding trails, our experts will help you to take in some of Kyrgyzstan’s essential sights, from the sprawling Osh Bazaar in Bishkek to the 15th-century stone caravanserai of Tash Rabat – a true relic of the Silk Road. On the shores of the glorious alpine lake of Song-Kul, you can overnight in a nomadic yurt – a great way to experience the warm hospitality and semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people.
With all this and more, what’s holding you back from your next adventure?
Kazaksthan part
Arrival in Almaty airport. Meet with the driver and transfer to hotel
Arrival, check in hotel
Departure to an exchange office. Welcome dinner at 6 PM at Navat Chaikhana — a renowned restaurant chain in Almaty, Kazakhstan, celebrated for its authentic Central Asian cuisine and immersive cultural ambiance. Each location offers a unique dining experience, reflecting the rich traditions of the region Finish trip at 8 PM and transfer to hotel Arrival at the hotel at 8:30 PM.
Start City Tour at 9 AM: Visit to 28 Guardsmen Park (also known as Panfilov Park) – of the most famous parks in Almaty. It is dedicated to the 28 soldiers from the 316th Rifle Division, who heroically defended Moscow during World War II. The park features the impressive Memorial of Glory, an eternal flame, and the Ascension Cathedral. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Visit to Green Bazaar – a large market, where locals buy clothes, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and spices. It’s a great place to experience multinational culture, try local delicacies, and find souvenirs. Visit to The Almaty Central Mosque - one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan, accommodating up to 7,000 worshippers. Built between 1993 and 1999, it features stunning white marble architecture, a golden dome, and a 47-meter-high minaret. Visit to Kok-Tobe – a hill in Almaty with the best panoramic views of the city. It has a small amusement park, zoo, restaurants, and a famous Beatles monument. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Finish trip at 7 PM and transfer to hotel. Arrival at the hotel at 8 PM
Start the City Tour at 9 AM: Visit the Big Almaty Lake (optional at 6 AM) - a stunning alpine reservoir located 15 km south of Almaty, Kazakhstan, at an altitude of 2,511 meters. Surrounded by the majestic Tian Shan mountains, it is a popular destination for tourists and hikers, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that change color depending on the season. Visit to Medeo for a short walk around a famous high-altitude ice skating rink in Almaty, surrounded by mountains. Visit to Shymbulak Ski Resort by a cable car. In winter, people come for skiing and snowboarding, while in summer, it’s great for enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views. Finish trip at 4 PM and transfer to hotel. Arrival at the hotel at 5 PM
Two-Day Tour (Kolsay lake, Kaindy Lake, Black Canyon and Charyn Canyon)
We start tour at 8 AM. We will visit the Baiseit local village – a small local village known for its market. It's a popular stop for both locals and travelers to experience authentic village life, enjoy some sightseeing, and shop for fresh groceries like fruits, vegetables, and snacks. Visit to beautiful Kaindy Lake famous for its sunken forest. The lake was created in 1911 after a massive earthquake caused a nearby mountain to collapse. The water is clear, and you can see tree trunks sticking out of the lake. It’s a peaceful spot, surrounded by mountains, perfect for hiking, horse riding and sightseeing. You'll reach the lake by UAZ Buchanka, offering a unique and adventurous way to explore this stunning natural wonder. You will also enjoy a horseback ride back, adding an exciting and memorable touch to your journey. Lunch at the guesthouse in Saty Village. Visit to Kolsay Lake - a stunning series of three lakes located in the mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan. On this tour, you will visit the third of the three lakes, as the other two are accessible only by a 5-6 hour walk. You will go boating on the third lake, enjoying its calm waters, lush forests and breathtaking views Finish tour and transfer back to the guesthouse at 7 PM. Dinner at the guesthouse
Overnight stay in the guesthouse
Two-Day Tour (Kolsay lake, Kaindy Lake, Black Canyon and Charyn Canyon)
Breakfast at guesthouse. We startthe tour at 10 AM. Visit to Black Canyon – stunning natural wonder in Kazakhstan. It’s called "Black" due to the dark- colored rock formations that make up the canyon's walls. These rocks were shaped by centuries of erosion and volcanic activity. Visit to Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon in the US — a must-see destination for travelers. Take a walk or ride down in a Safari Jeep through the Valley of Castles, a unique area with stunning rock formations that resemble ancient castles. The journey will lead you to the Charyn River, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the canyon. While at the canyon, you can test your skills with an archery experience. Finish trip at 2 PM and transfer to the guesthouse Arrival at the guesthouse at 3 PM. Lunch at 3:30 PM. Dinner at 7:00 PM
Crossing the Kegen-Karakol Border
Breakfast at 9 AM. Departure at 10 AM. Arrival at the border at 1 PM. Today you will be met at the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by a local guide with transport to begin your journey in Kyrgyzstan. After the meeting we will head towards Karakol city, upon arrival we will check into a hotel. After Karakol you will begin a sightseeing tour of the old wooden Russian church (built without nails), the Dungan Mosque (Dungan is an ethnic minority of Chinese Muslims who moved from Western China) and Kupechesky Proezd Street, which resembles an old Russian village of the 19th century. Afterwards you will have a real encounter with culinary traditions that are hundred years old. At a traditional dinner in a family of native Dungans from 8 national dishes, you will learn which dishes are prepared for which occasions. In addition to the meal, you will have a master class on preparing real Dungan Ashlyan-fu - the calling card of Karakol.
This morning we are heading to the Altyn Arashan gorge. To get there we need a special Russian off-road vehicle UAZ. The whole day we will spend time in nature and in the evening we will return back to the city of Karakol. “Altyn-Arashan” in Kyrgyz means “golden hot springs”. The valley is famous for its healing radon sources. Free time, during which you can swim in hot radon water and experience its healing properties. Dinner and night in guest house. Trek time 6-7 hours
Today After breakfast we will again continue our journey, driving toward to Bokonbaev villagge along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul is more diverse in landscape and less populated. We will visit Jeti Oguz valley(Seven Bulls and Broken Heart), hiking to waterfull and will visit the Skazka canyon gorge with beautiful sculptures, similar to fairy- tale heroes and built by nature from red sand. After discovering this stunning place, you meet a berkutchy, a kyrgyz eagle hunter, who will show you how does he train his golden eagle for hunting, and tell you about his passion for this majestic bird. In the evening relax by the lake.
Today after breakfast we will continue our journey, from Bokonbaev villagge along the southern shore of Lake Issyk- Kul. On the way we will visit a yurt maker which will demonstrate us his passion into an workshop. Upon arrival in Kochkor we will witness a master class Shirdak -a felt carpet, one of the most complex in its technique of making felt products among the nomadic Kyrgyz. For the Kyrgyz, shirdaks, along with kiyizs, were essential household items.
Overnight at the guest house.
In the morning transfer to the unique lake Son-Kul (3016 meters above sea level). Lunch on the way Kochkor village than we continue toward Kalmak- Ashuu pass. Arrival on the territory of the lake, In this amazing place there is a colorful yurt camp. You will be offered to taste kumyz - a national drink made from a mixture of mare's milk. In addition, you will taste other dairy products. Son-kul lake is best places for horse riding. Here you check your horse riding skills.
Overnight in the yurt
Today after breakfst we move toward Bishkek capital of Kyrgyzstan. On the way we will visit the Burana Tower an ancient minaret located near the town of Tokmok. This minaret was built for the residents of the city Balasagun, one of the three capitals of Karakhanids. We can see the ruins of the city that flourished during the Great Silk Road, visit the local Museum with exhibits of finds during the excavations, which tell us about this ancient settlement. And also take a look at the collection of Balbals, Turkic tombstones stone sculptures. After that we keep our way to the Colpon Ata town. Arrival in the capital Bishkek.
In the morning we start our city tour. We will visit the heart of the city, Ala-Too Square where the State Historical Museum is located. We can enjoy a walk in the Oak Park, one of the favorite places of local people. Bishkek is known as the greenest city in Central Asia thanks to its countless parks and alleys making the city a great place to live. After the tour we will go to the Osh bazaar(eastern market). Afternoon we will go to the Ala-Archa National Park - one of the most famous attractions of Kyrgyzstan. The Ala-Archa Gorge is located only 40 kilometers from Bishkek and therefore it is very easy to get here and there is all the necessary tourist infrastructure: a good asphalt road, shops, hotels, cafes, and places to relax among the picturesque nature.
13 day tour
per person in shared room
Important We require a 30% deposit to confirm a booking, with full payment due 14 days prior to trip departure.
