Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan-Duo
SHORT ITINERARY
Day 01 : Arrive in Bishkek
Well well well, Look what you have got yourself into: A trip of a lifetime.
As you take this trip, you will get to see these 2 countries for what it stands and not what our assumptions have taken over with the word "stan" in the end.
Did you calculate and saw that this duo trip helps you to save at least 48k INR in flight costs?
Try to arrive by evening today. ( Flights are mentioned towards the end of the itinerary ). We haven't planned anything in the itinerary for today. We will finish off getting the Sim card and currency exchange now. The average temperature will be -20 degrees °C.
DAY 02 : Bishkek : city tour ( xmas night )
Today we will be walking to the Osh Bazaar, see the Ala-Too square & I shall explain to you the various protests that took place at that point. If you are short of cold weather clothes, today we can get those also. Especially women have a lot of options for boots and Jackets in these markets.
Today is a story day : about Kyrgyz people, silk route, Mongol domination, the Russian empire and the soviet era. We will also teach some basic Kyrgyz and Russian. For started: Hi : Salam(Kyrgyz ) , Privyet ( Russian )
At night, We can step out to see the Xmas events & attend local concerts that usually happen around this time.
DAY 03 : Head to Chong-Kemin ( 2.5 Hr : 148 km )
Chon-KeminK is one of Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful valleys. It is popular with those who enjoy extreme sports.
We will have our first winter horse riding here. We will keep it short so that all of us can participate and have fun outdoors. Expect this to be one of the coldest days out there, so dress accordingly. You can refer to the packing list mentioned towards the bottom of the page.
We will check in to the hotel after our activity and enjoy some warm tea, meals and ambience in our simple homestay.
DAY 04 : Chong-Kemin- Karakol
Today we continue our epic road journey through this beautiful 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 km² ,
- Mumbai is 603.4 km²
- Issyk-Kul is 6,236 km².
Our stay for tonight has Sauna, so whoever is up for it. We can go to Sauna too once we are in the hotel. If you aren't aware : Russian Banya baths and Turkish Hammam baths are a big thing in the region.
On our way, we'll stop at Karakol to see the Holy Trinity Church. A majority of Russians who visit the region come here once during their trip.
The church's history begins in July 1869, when Karakol was established as a garrison town located on the outskirts of the Tsarist Russian Empire and a tiny brick stone foundations was erected. A chapel was built in the city center to serve the Cossacks and similar forces that have been brought in.
DAY 05 : Ski resort : Karakol
Quick Facts :
Slope distance available : 20km
No of lifts : 4
Altitude : 2,315M - 3,445M
Average temperature : -5 °C
For the people who have never skied before, get this: This mountain was used as a training base for Olympic athletes during Soviet times. 😀 .But don't worry, We will have instructors who will train you with basic Ski techniques if you have never Skied.
The slopes at Karakol ski resort, surrounded by pine forest, can delight both beginners and experienced skiers, and there are beautiful views to be had over Issyk-Kul lake and the wider Tien Shan range.
DAY 06 : Altyn arashan NAtional park
In summer, we usually hike up. But in winter, we drive up to the national park in a Soviet van. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top. We will spend about an hour here and head back to Karakol.
The views today are going to blow your mind and Ride today is going to shake up all of you :D. Yes, its a bumpy ride. You might have already guessed it looking at the Soviet Van below 😀 .
DAY 07 : Karakol- Bishkek
Today is our last day in the country, so we are going to take a closer look into the culture .
You will be meeting a Hunting eagle, get close to them and if you have strong arms even take a picture holding them.
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.
In the evening , we will head out to the a club in Bishkek and trust Kyrgyz people love to dance.
DAY 08 : Fly into Almaty: New year’s Eve
Ok. It's going to feel like we are flying into another country for a New year's Party. So we are dressing up to get on the flight.
Since our flight lands around 9 pm, We will drop the luggage at the hotel and step out to have a good COLD❄️ New year's night :D. Some clubs can be very strict about dress code. So Carry clothes/ shoes accordingly.
DAY 09 : Rest day: visit to Big Almaty Lake.
Today we will start our day late, after our Lunch.
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.
we will visit the closest lake to the city: one of the most beautiful ones at that : Big Almaty lake. We walk around the lake and while we are at it, get some cool shots. The colour of the lake is strikingly turquoise.
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 lake
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 10km , 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.
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 🙂
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 the dune 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 😀
DAY 14 : Drive to Almaty
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.
Note : The pictures shown are from both winters and Summer. Winters will of course have more snow and a different view of course.
DAY 15 : Depart from Almaty
We check out at 11 am, you can book any flight today. Click here to see stories.
COST ( excluding 5% GST )
1290 USD / Person ( Before July 15 )
1310 USD / Person ( After July 15 )
Note: Indian customers can pay using todays conversion rate from INR-USD
Write to us if you only want to do 1 trip
FLIGHTS CONSIDERATION :
GROUP TRIP DATES:
SLOTS AVAILABLE :
HOW TO BOOK A SLOT ?
You can block the slot by paying a token amount of 21,000 INR ( ~255$ ) for this trip either by UPI or by Bank transfer. As discussed the total amount is 1,05,000 INR ( ~1290$ ). Once it’s done, please share the payment details with us via the WhatsApp button on right bottom of the site. Choose UPI or Bank transfer by clicking on the tab below.
SCAN TO PAY
UPI : 9746721789.ibz@icici
BANK DETAILS :
A/C HOLDER'S NAME: Orange jacket Adventures LLP
A/c No : 169105000957
RTGS/NEFT IFSC CODE : ICIC0001691
BANK NAME AND BRANCH: ICICI , Thoppumpady
Account type : Current account
UPI : 9746721789.ibz@icici
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Homestay/ Lodging/ Hostel
- Horse ride in Chong-Kemin
- Ski resort entry
- Transportation : Bishkek Airport to Almaty Airport
- All Breakfast
- Permits
- Local Transportation
- Visa assistance
- A Trained Outdoor leader to keep you safe. I Promise 🙂
- Cost of any Extra Day
- Lunch and dinner
- All flights
- Any expenses due to deviation from itinerary
- Ski lesson cost
- Cost of renting Ski gear
- Flight tickets
- Visa ( 45$ ) and letter of invitation( 50 $ )
- 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.
All this been said if you or me can find a replacement for the slot. I will be happy to refund the entire amount. 🙂
Here is our 9 point checklist that we follow with regards to OJ trips.
- Our trippers will be asked to get -ve RTpcr certificate before they arrive.
- You will staying at a hotel where we are the only guests. its more like a guesthouse.
- Your tempo traveller will be sanitised before it reaches you.
- Your driver is also tested -ve RTpcr before our trip starts.
- We ask our trippers to keep themselves away from any crowded space 2 weeks before the trip.
- We ask our trippers to be careful of the restaurants and hotels that they might go before and after your trek.
- Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, cold, shortness of breath or fever ) are being asked to reschedule their trips/ treks.
- On treks, we are providing hygiene sleeping bags to everyone. You will be using this throughout the trek and only return on the last day
- On treks, every tent will have only 2 people compared to 3 ( which is the usual number at pre-covid era )
- Thick winter jacket/ Parkha jackets
- Warm hoodies ( 2 nos )
- Synthetic / cotton pants ( 3 nos )
- Full sleeves tees/ shirt ( 4 nos )
- Sunhat
- Woollen head-scarf/ muffler
- 2 pairs of thermals
- Woolen monkey cap/balaclava.
- Warm merino wool socks
- Swimwear ( For Sauna ) . I know . I know. Just pack it.
- Wind and water resistant pants for Skiing,
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Long Boots for cities
- Sandals/FlipFlops
- Towel
- Very warm scarf
- Gloves
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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