Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan Adventure - Across Canyons, Lakes & Nomadic Horse Trails
Highlights
#CoreMemories
Why we love this experience
A Sotravel Signature Experience
Loved by thousands of travellers—our highly rated, time-tested adventures that bring people back year after year.
From Canyons to Alpine Lakes
Journey from Kazakhstan into Kyrgyzstan through Central Asia’s most cinematic landscapes
Multi-Day Horseback Riding
Saddle up for a 2-day horseback journey across the high steppe, descending from the shores of Son-Kul Lake to mountain passes and hidden valleys
Experience the Nomadic Life
Sleep in yurts at 3,000 m, meet herders, and experience centuries-old nomadic traditions that few travellers ever get to witness
There’s a place where the vastness of the steppe meets towering mountains, where nomadic traditions still thrive, and where adventure takes on a whole new meaning. This Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan Adventure is not just a journey—it’s a deep dive into the wild heart of Central Asia.
Your adventure begins in Almaty, Kazakhstan, a city where Soviet-era architecture meets modern charm, nestled against a backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains. From here, you’ll venture into the wild—through the dramatic Charyn Canyon, the surreal waters of Kaindy Lake, and the serene beauty of Kolsay Lakes, where reflections of the sky ripple on alpine waters.
Crossing into Kyrgyzstan, the landscapes unfold in a stunning display—Karakol’s alpine valleys and the red sandstone cliffs of Djety Oguz Gorge. The adventure keeps escalating: cycling through rugged valleys, hiking past “Seven Bulls” rock formations, and staying in a yurt camp under the vast sky of Son-Kul Lake, where Kyrgyz herders have lived for generations.
And then there’s the thrill—riding across the open steppe on horseback and witnessing the ancient art of eagle hunting, a tradition passed down through centuries.
View full itineraryWhat's included
Day 1: Dinner Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner Day 3-4: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5-8: Breakfast, Lun..Day 1: Dinner Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner Day ..
Airport transfers to and from Almaty airport. Private vehicle throughout the trip.Airport transfers to and from Almaty airpor..
Twin-sharing 3-star hotels in Almaty and Karakol. Twin-sharing guesthouses in Saty Villa..Twin-sharing 3-star hotels in Almaty and Ka..
English-speaking guide throughout the tripEnglish-speaking guide throughout the trip
Almaty and Bishkek short guided tours Entrance tickets to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay & Kaindy..Almaty and Bishkek short guided tours Entra..
Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience aut..Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers..
Flights not included. By joining you will receive our recommended routes.Flights not included. By joining you will r..
4.5
Past memories
Latest reviews
"Good itinerary"
"The trip was well paced, many amazing sights and t ...
"Very good itinerary with a mix of everything good! ...
"This trip provides an amazing range of activities ...
"Came for the view but left with other great memori ...
"Itinerary and activities were planned well without ...
"A wide range of activities that is perfect for the ...
"Awesome company from different walks of life, with ...
"i loved the company, everyone was like-minded and ...
"i loved the energy of the group and our local guid ...
"It was well planned, lots of adventure, the scener ...
"such an amazing and well-planned out trip! loved h ...
"The trip is super enjoyable with great company! Tr ...
"The awesome friends made on this trip! The funny t ...
"The people, the scenery, the vibes and horse ridin ...
"Great and responsibility duck leader and guide. Wh ...
"The activities planned was a good. It caters to mu ...
"Getting to make new friends and exploring new coun ...
"Cool experiences, great tour guides, well planed i ...
"I love the scenery. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are ...
"- saw a huge variety of scenery, felt like I went ...
"Our local guide was amazing! He was so fun and I h ...
"The people. The Sights. Love it all. "
"Craziest and funniest group of people who were all ...
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Itinerary
Accommodation highlights
Traditional Kyrgyz Yurt
Additional Information
Arrival information
Fly to Almaty International Airport (ALA); you will be picked up at 8:00 AM and transferred to the trip hotel.
Pick up
8:00 AM
Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Arrive and check in
Accommodation
How does accommodation & rooming work?
By default, solo travelers are matched with same-gender roommates. If you're traveling with friends, you can choose to room together. Private rooms are sometimes available at an additional fee at checkout.
Trip confirmation & minimum participants
Most trips require a minimum of 4 and cap at 20 participants. Booking early helps the trip reach confirmation faster — and you'll enjoy our early bird discount.
Is flight included?
Flights are not included, giving you flexibility to book your own. We recommend booking after your trip is confirmed. Once you've booked, we'll send you a detailed trip pamphlet with recommended flight options and more details about your trip.
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancel before the deadline shown at checkout and receive a full refund in credits. If we cancel the trip due to insufficient participants, you'll receive a full cash refund.
Physical level
This itinerary offers a touch of physical challenge. Expect some longer walks, moderate hikes, or other physical activities that require a good level of fitness. Activities include hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, ranging from 2 to 4 hours. Some physical preparation can help boost your experience.
Can I combine this trip with another trip?
You can pair this trip with the Uzbekistan, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan trip and get a little discount too! We’ve arranged back-to-back trip dates, giving you the option to experience the full 5 Stans. Fly to Tashkent according to the recommended arrival time (at your own expense) and continue your journey!
Sotravel SignatureKazakhstan rewards good judgement.
Design your own custom Kazakhstan
The map is vast, roads are variable and the best moments rarely happen on command. We design with that reality—not against it. That means sensible drive days, trusted locals, the right accommodations and enough time at each location to feel its magic.
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Why choose to travel with us?
Guides & leaders you can trust
Our guides and leaders are carefully selected and trained to deliver a safe and unforgettable Sotravel adventure.
Can't do alone adventures
We put together adventures that are best experienced with a group of like-minded individuals.
Just show up and enjoy yourself
Our team has done the heavy lifting on our end so all you have to do is show up for your adventure!
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