KAZAKHSTAN GROUP TRIP KYRGYZSTAN
QUICK OVERVIEW
Date
Sep 20- Oct 4
Arrival Airport
Bishkek-Almaty
Accommodation
Homestays & Hotels
Duration
14 Nights
Meals
13 Breakfasts
Group size
12-14
KAZAKHSTAN + KYRGYZSTAN TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 01 : ARRIVE IN BISHKEK
Take a flight so as to arrive Bishkek by afternoon. Today we will be walking to the Osh Bazaar, see the Ala-Too square and I shall explain to you the various protests that took place at that point. If we are reaching late today, then we will covering the markets on last day .Today is story day : about Kyrgyz people, about mongol domination, Russian empire and soviet era. We will also teach some basic Kyrgyz. For started: Hi is Salam.
DAY 02 : BISHKEK - KARAKOL
Today we start our epic road journey through this Ex-Ussr country.The road has stunning natural scenery of mountains, valleys, and alpine lakes. Today is the day you will get to witness Issyk-Kul ( 2nd largest saline lake in the world ) . To give you a context of its size.
- Delhi is 1,484 kmยฒ ,
- Mumbai is 603.4 kmยฒ
- Issyk-Kul is 6,236 kmยฒ.
Our stay for tonight is in a cute simple hotel amidst the mountains .
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the world is from Kyrgyzstan- Rafael Fiziev.
DAY 03 : KARAKOL - ALTYN ARASHAN
This will be our first and major hike in the country . The 15 kilometre hike is not too difficult and can be covered in 6-7 hours with enough breaks. The people who donโt want to hike can opt for an additional 4X4 vehicle that will take you there in 2-3 hours.
After a long day, Plunge into the hot springs of Altyn Arashan. The stay in the valley is straight out a fairy tale: You will be staying in Yurts / mountain huts, the facilities will be very basic but you will not have anything to complain looking at the place we are at. If the weather is extremely cold, we will be coming back to our hotel in Karakol same day. The local guides will take the call 2 weeks prior the trip.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Epic of Manas is a longer poem than Homer's Odyssey. Every city you visit you will see a Manas statue indicating their love for poetry.
DAY 04 : ALTYN ARASHAN - KARAKOL
Trace our way back to hotel and get ready to resume our road trip next day. This itinerary is such designed that you get to see the natural landscapes as well as most of the cultural aspect of the place
DID YOU KNOW?
If Scrabble allowed place names Kyrgyzstan would give 30 points second to only Mozambique at 34.
DAY 05 : KARAKOL - CHOLPON ATA - KOCHKOR
Pack your beachwear today, as we will getting into the famous Issy-kul. Today we complete a circle of the lake. We will also go see the Old petroglyphs (around 1500 BC ) , imagine looking at a drawing someone drew 3520 years before (thatโs 58 lifetimes ).
Post that, you will see for yourself how felt carpets are made. This is a women-run organisation where, if you buy things from them. It goes into employment of more women in the region.
DID YOU KNOW?
The ancient trading route *The Silk Road* runs through Kyrgyzstan. The silk road sites comprise one of the countryโs three UNESCO heritage sites.
DAY 06 : KOCHKOR - SONG KUL
Today you will witness one of the most beautiful lakes in the world : Song Kul. There will be very less hiking today , we will be using a vehicle to reach Song Kul. Song Kul is at a height of 3016 m above the sea level. We will staying in yurts here today. I recommend carrying only essentials and keep remaining in the hotel locker room. The road is going to be very bumpy so dress appropriately. If the weather is extremely cold, we will be coming back to our hotel in Kochkor.
Kochkor used to be a stop for merchants going to and from Kashgar, on the other side of Torugart Pass in China.
DAY 07 : SONG KUL/KOCHKOR -BISHKEK
Today is our last day in the country so let's hit some nice pub. Carry one pair of clothes accordingly for a club. Expect some racism.
DID YOU KNOW?
Horse Milk is Kyrgyzstan's National drink. That rhymed, an ode to manas.
Day 08 : Border crossing to Kazakhstan
Today we will be crossing the border and entering Kazakhstan.
Back in the days when vyshakh first travelled to the region , he had attempted doing this. He said it was humiliating to know that Indians weren't allowed to cross border back then. Now , all of it has changed and we too will be crossing the border with a passport that slowly gaining some power.
Today is also Nauryz festival in Almaty. Nauryz is a very important holiday for Kazakhs, which marks the beginning of a new year. It is celebrated several days starting from 21st of March, the day of the spring equinox.
Nauryz means โnew dayโ, it is celebrated in the Great Steppes from ancient times.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bread is considered holy in Kyrgyzstan and should not be wasted. Be conscious when you place your order!
DAY 09 : visit to Big Almaty Lakeย ย
Let's try some Uzbek food for Lunch . Manti, Plov, Samsa, Lagman , Shahlik are some of the dishes you should try in any UZBEK restaurant.
Today we will start our day with big Almaty lake. The lake is closed for tourists since 2020 , but since you are travelling with us. Let's just say we know where to pull the strings. We will have the whole lake to ourselves and will have a private tour to the lake.
For dinner, Let's head to a Georgian Restaurant. Kubdari, Kachapur, Shkmeruli , Pkhali, Ajika and Tkemali are some of the dishes you shouldn't miss . Almaty has a lot of Georgian restaurants and i love that about this city.
DAY 10 : Shymbulak Ski Resort ,Panfilov park, Green market
First, we will head out to the infamous Ski resort just 30 mins away from the town . Its so cool to reach there as you listen to just 5 tracks via the Gandola.
we will be back in the city by evening to check out the Green bazaar. This takes about an hour or so only. Once done we will head to see Palfinov park and Republic square. Just like how we did in Bishkek, today we will take you through the history of Kazakhstan.
Today we are trying Kazak food for Dinner : Kurt, Kuurdak ,Beshbarmak, Tandyr Nan are some of the dishes you should try in any Kazak restaurant.
DAY 11 : Head to Kolsai lake 1 and Kandai lakeย
Today after a quick Nap in Sati, we will head to kolsai lake 1. Whoever wants to hike up to kolsai lake 2 can join us and the remaining people can take a walk around Lake 1 and relax at the cafe there.
The hike is about 15km , both the side.
Today evening, our team will be split into different Homestays. You will be staying with the locals and Kazakhstan participants. I believe this will give us a chance to talk with the locals and get to know them better.
We will also have a campfire and some games with our Kazakhstan group.
Note : The pictures shown are from both winters and Summer. Winters will of course have more snow and a differentย viewย ofย course.
DAY 12 : Head to Charyn Canyon
Today is happening day, You will see lakes, Steppes, and Canyons and all in just 6-8 hours. Isn't that awesome?
I am not writing many things in detail here as many companies have been copying our itineraries exactly the same. So I will leave the intricate details for the people who sign up for the trip ๐
DAY 13 : Altyn Emel national park and sand dunes
Head out from the hotel after breakfast and head to Singing Dunes. This heap of Sand is a mystery. No one knows how in the middle of flat land, this dune came to being.
Today we will have to carry something to eat because there are no options to eat out. Click here to see stories
How does singing dune make sound?
When the wind takes the sand away or if something touches the sand, it starts to fall, and theย duneย begins its song. Its one of those things you gotta witness to believe.
What does the Myth say ?
Some people say it's of a Devilish creature who fell asleep for so long that it turned into a dune and some say that the sounds are of a buried city which once existed in the region.
After a picnic in the steppes , we will head to the Aktau mountain ranges to see the array of shades play over the mountains.
I know a lot of people might not be into seeing Barren lands but trust me this is Mars like feeling. I was one of the people who wasn't fascinated by these terrains but boy, how wrong was I ๐
DAY 14 : Drive to Almatyย and PARTY
Next day, we will start heading to Almaty, which is 3 h 30 min away (320 km) . This route Is not on the tourist map but since we are doing a roadtrip, I want you to see the real backcountry lifestyle in small Kazakh towns.
Today is all about remembering how different our perspectives were about central Asian countries in general.
We will also stop at a man main reservoir which also acts as a beach. A quick dip would with our group would be super cool , What say !
Note : The pictures shown are from both winters and Summer. Winters will of course have more snow and a differentย viewย ofย course.
DAY 15 : Depart from Almatyย
We will take an early morning flight today. Since the past night was the Last one , we would probably wont sleep. Click here to see stories.
ROUTE MAP
Indrani Mukherjee
If good times fly fast, then OJs Kazakastan trip was just a minute.
Vyshak has got a knack of looking at things differently and guess that's how he curates his outings uniquely, landing the off-beat locations, with fun elements thrown in each day -
like randomly pulling over to catch a gorgeous sunset, hitting up a shooting range and amazed at how good we are (lol!) or take a midnight stroll to a meadow through sleeping Basshi, with ONLY moonlight to guide us.
Eh loved all bits of Kazak right from the national park hikes surrounded by snow-peaked-pine-tree-covered mountains, turquoise glacial lakes and dramatically patterned canyons
to 4*4 drives overlooking beautiful steppes with running horses, lively Almaty city walks & overnight road trips mellowed by music on OJ multiverse!
From being lighthearted kids rolling on Altyn Emel's singing sand dunes & having snowball fights at Shyambulak,
to soaking sun on chilly Charyn river and being moved by a breathtaking sunset in rapt silence.
Relishing on some Russian, Georgian & Kazak cuisines in their authentic setup and all time favourite fresh cheesecakes across cafรฉs (owe one to my cheesecake chum!)
Topping it all with great company of folks bonded together over journey, games (not forgetting 'hum kab milenge' mafia), laughter, fights & fun.
Be ready to get out of the comfort zone to truly enjoy these trips!
Takeaway quote from this one : โYou donโt choose your life, you live oneโ
GROUP TRIP DATES :
FLIGHTS CONSIDERATION :
COST ( excluding 5% GST )
1650 USD / Person ( Both countries )
750 USD / Person ( Only Kazakhstan )
Note: Indian trippers can pay using todays conversion rate from INR-USD
Price goes up in
HOW TO BLOCK A SLOT ?
Step 1 : Block the slot
You can block the slot by paying a token amount of 10,000 INR for this trip either by UPI , credit card/ EMI or by Bank transfer.
Be Proud Of You. A Trip Is Gift To Self. When Was The Last Time You Gifted Yourself ?
Step 2 : Refer & EARN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Homestay/ Lodging/ Hostel
2. Ski resort entry
3. Transportation: Bishkek Airport to Almaty Airport
4. All Breakfast
5. Permits
6. Local Transportation
7. Visa assistance
8. A Trained Outdoor leader to keep you safe. I Promise
- 1. Cost of any Extra Day
- 2. Lunch and dinner
- 3. All flights
- 4. Any expenses due to deviation from itinerary , cabs for evening dinner/clubbing.
- 5. Kyrgyzstan Visa ( 45$ ) and letter of invitation( 50 $ ) . We will guide you through , its all done online.
Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge
Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge
Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival ,there will be 50% cancellation charge
Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges
Note that the cancellation charge is on the trip amount. All this been said if you or me can find a replacement for the slot. I will be happy to refund the entire amount. ๐
- *Mandatory : Original ID Proof
- You need to bring your voters ID / Passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining) for getting the permit along with 2 passport size photographs.
- Clothes : 2 Fleece jacket , 3 Synthetic / cotton pants ,4 Full sleeves tees , Sunhat , Woollen head-scarf/ muffler ,Towel , 2 pair of thermals , 1 down jacket ( zero degree equivalent ), Water proof jacket or poncho.
- Shoes & socks: High ankle shoes , cotton socks
- Skin care essentials : Sunglasses with UV protection ,Lip balm Cold cream, Sunscreen lotioniv)Other accessories : LED Torch/ headlamps (If already bought)
March to September are the best months.
Most people come alone for my trips. About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner.Honestly It really doesn't matter. I have seen on all the batches I have lead. Most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone.
Each trek/ trip is rated according to the number of days we spend outdoors . If you aren't sure where to start, go with an easy trip or trek.
For trips,
I dreamed of trips where we could go out hike , get exhausted , come back to hotel and have a great evening. This is exactly why some of my trips have Day hikes in it. It is a perfect chance for people who have never hiked in their entire life. Don't worry, We are there :).
For treks,
you can start with Sandhakphu or Chandrashila . You can also benchmark yourself for the treks.
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3-3.5 km , then you can go ahead with an easy trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3.5-4 km , then you can go ahead with an moderate trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 4-5 km , then you can go ahead with an difficult trek
If you have never done a high altitude trek, then start with a easy or Easy- moderate trek. That way you will understand how your body reacts to high altitude and you can check you cardio strength too.
Usually, most batch sizes are between 12-20 people who are aged between 16-38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy things than regular trips .
For example : If we find a very pretty waterfall/ a beautiful sunset / Rainbow on the way. We would stop the vehicle right away to catch the beauty of it.
We usually sleep very late on these trips as we play a lot of group games and most people feel they will miss the precious time with the group members and decides to stay awake.
Here are few places you can read more about the brand and trips
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Made with โฅ in the mountains | ยฉ 2025
