Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Almaty
Almaty- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Optional Activities
- Almaty Metro Experience - ride the 18-meter-deep Soviet-era metro system with themed stations featuring mosaics, murals and chandeliers
- Abay Opera House - watch an evening performance of ballet or opera at one of Central Asia's oldest opera houses
- Arbat Street - explore the vibrant pedestrian zone with street performers, local art and crafts, and cafes
Landmarks Almaty International Airport Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains - Day 2
Almaty
Almaty- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park and the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame
- Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) - tour the 56-meter wooden church built entirely without nails, survived 1911 earthquake
- Military History Museum - explore exhibits including World War II section with photographs, letters, uniforms and medals
- Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments - view over 1,000 traditional instruments with possible short live performance
- Green Bazaar - browse marketplace with spices, dried fruits, handmade crafts and sample regional delicacies
- Kok-Tobe Hill - cable car ride to 1,100 meters for panoramic city views, Beatles monument, TV Tower and other attractions
Optional Activities
- Visit attractions at Kok-Tobe Hill including Ferris wheel or mini-zoo
Landmarks 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) Military History Museum Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazar) Kok-Tobe Hill Shymbulak Mountains Beatles Monument TV Tower - Day 3
Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch at Charyn River, typically including sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Included Activities
- Leisurely 2-3 km walk along Charyn Canyon floor in Valley of Castles section
- Picnic lunch at the Charyn River
Landmarks Charyn Canyon National Park Valley of Castles (Dolina Zamkov) Charyn River Tian Shan Mountains - Day 4
Almaty to Bishkek
Almaty to Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Plaza)
Landmarks Almaty International Airport Manas International Airport - Day 5
Bishkek
Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Plaza)
Included Activities
- Light hiking at Ala-Archa National Park - easy riverside trail through alpine valley
- Ala-Too Square - view statue of Manas, Government House and national flagpole, possible changing-of-the-guard ceremony
- Oak Park - walk through peaceful park with centuries-old oak trees and sculptures
- State Historical Museum - explore over 80,000 artifacts including full-scale Kyrgyz yurt, traditional felt and leather crafts, embroidered clothing, horse gear, and exhibits from Russian Empire and Soviet eras
- Osh Bazaar - browse marketplace with fresh produce, spices, nuts, dried fruits, local clothing, handicrafts and woven carpets
Landmarks Ala-Archa National Park Tian Shan Mountains Ala-Too Square Statue of Manas Government House Oak Park State Historical Museum Osh Bazaar - Day 6
Bishkek - Issyk-Kul Lake
Bishkek - Issyk-Kul Lake- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Karven 4 Seasons)
Included Activities
- Burana Tower - climb to top for views of surrounding plains and mountains
- Balbals - explore medieval stone figures used as Turkic nomadic gravestones
Optional Activities
- Boat trip on Issyk-Kul Lake for scenic views
- Swimming or sunbathing at golden sandy beaches
Landmarks Burana Tower Issyk-Kul Lake Cholpon-Ata - Day 7
Cholpon-Ata to Bishkek
Cholpon-Ata to Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Kazzhol hotel)
Included Activities
- Petroglyphs Museum - explore 42-hectare open-air museum with ancient petroglyphs on black basalt stones from 2nd millennium BC to 4th century AD
Optional Activities
- Visit local markets in Bishkek to buy souvenirs
Landmarks Petroglyphs Museum Tian Shan Mountains - Day 8
Bishkek
Bishkek- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Manas International Airport
