Almaty (Kazakhstan) | Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) | Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) | Kek Sai
The following are Northern Stans: Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Welcome to Bishkek, the vibrant gateway to Kyrgyzstan's mountains and nomadic culture! Arrive anytime and take a moment to settle in, refresh, and soak up the city's unique energy. Stroll through leafy boulevards, admire Soviet-era architecture, or relax in one of the city's cafes as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Start the day with a visit to Ala-Too Square, the heart of Bishkek, and take in the surrounding landmarks. Continue to Osh Bazaar, a lively market where colorful spices, fresh produce, and local crafts offer a true taste of daily life in Bishkek. Next, visit Victory Square and the WWII Memorial, reflecting the country's history and resilience. The afternoon is free to explore the city, visit local cafes and simply enjoy the rhythm of Bishkek at your own pace.
Check out some of the main highlights of this Soviet-esque capital city. Learn about the history of the city and daily life.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bishkek at your own pace.
Depart Bishkek and journey to the historic Burana Tower, exploring the ancient minaret and the surrounding open-air balbal stones, remnants of centuries-old nomadic culture. Continue to your yurt camp, where the afternoon is yours to settle in and take in the views. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner featuring traditional Kyrgyz dishes.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the historical site of Burana and climb the stairs to check out the view from the top. A large minaret, along with some grave markers and remnants of a castle and mausoleums, are all that remain of the 9th century city of Balasagun.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided hike, reaching a stunning viewpoint over the surrounding valley. Take in the sweeping landscapes before returning to the yurt camp. Enjoy lunch at the camp, then spend the afternoon learning about the nomadic lifestyle and trying your hand at traditional games. In the evening, dive into Kyrgyz culture with a hands-on cooking experience, preparing Oromo and baursak before enjoying them for dinner under the stars.
Enjoy a guided hike in the Jaichy region, culminating at a panoramic viewpoint above the valley.
Enjoy dinner featuring a hands-on experience preparing traditional Kyrgyz dishes, including oromo and baursak.
Depart for the striking Fairytale Canyon, where jagged rock formations and colorful cliffs make for a landscape straight out of a storybook. Spend time exploring the canyon, taking in the dramatic scenery and snapping photos along the way. Continue to Barskoon Village to learn about local sustainable initiatives and even participate in yurt building, providing a hands-on glimpse into Kyrgyz traditions. Stop for lunch before driving to Karakol, where you'll check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town at your own pace.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
On the Southern Shore of Lake Issyk Kul, visit the breathtaking Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairytale Canyon. It's nickname speaks for itself, with natural rock formations that tower like princess castles in faraway lands.
Visit the Ak-Orgo workshop, a G Adventures-supported project working to preserve Kyrgyz traditions and create employment opportunities in Barskoon. Observe how traditional yurts are built, then take part in constructing one yourself. Afterwards, enjoy an included lunch at the village.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy free time to explore Karakol at leisure.
Depart Karakol and journey to the border, where you'll cross into Kazakhstan on foot, a small adventure marking your entry into a new country. On the Kazakh side, meet your vehicle and continue toward Charyn Canyon. Take time to explore the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," before continuing on to Almaty. Check in to your hotel upon arrival and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or unwind after your journey.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Enjoy the views of the beautiful Charyn Canyon. Breathe the fresh air and snap a few photos of this stunning landscape.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy free time in the evening to explore Almaty at your leisure.
Start the morning with a visit to Panfilov Park, home to the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, before strolling through the park and soaking in the city's history. Next, head to the Green Bazaar for a guided walk through bustling stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, and local treats - a true taste of daily life in Almaty. The afternoon is free to explore Almaty at your own pace and enjoy the city's unique atmosphere.
Constructed entirely of wood, this cathedral is a lasting remnant from the early twentieth century. Built without the use of any nails, this cathedral survived an earthquake in 1911 and continues to stand today. Located in a park, enjoy the colourful design from afar, or visit the cathedral itself to observe its stunning interior artwork.
Also known as the "Green Bazaar," this was once a key trading centre in the city. Explore this traditional outdoor Kazakh market and roam around the varied stalls. Find anything from local spices and meats to souvenirs or furniture. Stay for a meal or opt to sip on tea while watching the hustle and bustle of the market unfold.
Enjoy the afternoon free to explore Almaty.
Enjoy your final moments before departing at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Northern Stans: Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan tour:
Max 16, avg 14
Your G for Good Moment: Ak-Orgo Visit and Yurt Building Experience, BarskoonYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group, Bishkek. Guided tour of Bishkek. Free time in Bishkek. Included traditional dinner. Lunch in yurt camp. Hands-on Kyrgyz traditional dish preparation. Lunch at Ak Orgoo. Free time in Karakol. Visit to Charyn Canyon. Free time in Almaty. Visit Osh Bazaar. Visit Victory Square & WWII Memorial. Visit Burana Tower. Guided hike in Kek Sai. Visit to Skazka Canyon. Visit to Barksoon Village with yurt building experience. Overnight in a yurt. Visit Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral. Visit Green Bazaar. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Hit Bishkek's highlights from Ala-Too Square to the stalls of Osh Bazaar, Sleep in a mountain yurt camp in the shadow of the ancient Burana Tower, Hike panoramic valleys, try Kyrgyz cooking, and yes - build an actual yurt, Gawp at Fairytale Canyon's red rocks before crossing into Kazakhstan, End on a high with Charyn Canyon's dramatic gorges and the buzz of Almaty
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotels/guesthouses (5 nts), yurts (2 nts). Please note that there will be shared bathroom facilities when staying in the yurts.
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Private vehicle, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Central Asian dress is quite conservative. Plan to pack loose-fitting light clothing appropriate for hot weather and plan to cover knees, shoulders and chest. For women, a hair scarf is recommended, though they are easy to buy in country.
Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketConservative Dress:o Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)o Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Standard: Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.