From Astana's futuristic skyline to Kyrgyzstan's celestial mountains — experience the best of both countries, from modern capitals to pristine lakes, dramatic canyons, and authentic nomadic culture.
Astana's Futuristic Architecture
Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes Adventure
Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles
Authentic Yurt Experience in Kyrgyzstan
Touch down at Astana International Airport where our team will welcome you to the wind-swept steppes of Kazakhstan.
Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Watch the skyline evolve from flat horizons to futuristic skyscrapers as you approach the city center.
Rest after your flight or take a casual evening stroll to get your first glimpse of the glowing city lights.
Fuel up at the hotel.
Ascend the legendary "Tree of Life." Touch the golden handprint in the sphere for good luck and enjoy panoramic views of the capital's geometric design.
Walk the axis of the city, ending at the Khan Shatyr—a massive translucent tent that houses a shopping and entertainment center (and even an indoor beach!).
A dive into the modern history and political evolution of the country.
See the contrast between the calm waters and the sharp architecture of the "Left Bank" from a relaxing boat deck.
A bird's-eye view of the city followed by a walk through the lush city parks.
Transfer to the railway station for a classic Central Asian experience—an overnight train to Almaty. Sleep to the rhythm of the rails as you cross the vast steppe.
Wake up to the view of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Meet our team at Almaty Railway Station.
Settle into your hotel in this leafy, cultural capital.
Take a cable car ride up to the highest point in the city. At the top, enjoy fresh mountain air, a mini-zoo, and the famous Beatles statue. Watch the sunset paint the mountains pink before the city lights twinkle below.
Drive up into the clouds. Located in the Medeu Valley, this resort offers breathtaking alpine scenery at 2,200 meters above sea level. It's the perfect place for coffee with a view of snowy peaks.
Explore the city's rich history, including the colorful Zenkov Cathedral (built entirely of wood without a single nail) and the eternal flame at the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.
Leave the city behind and head into the wilderness.
Arrive at a local guesthouse in Saty for a traditional lunch.
Board rugged UAZ/PAZ vehicles to reach the "Sunken Forest." Witness the surreal sight of silver birch trunks rising straight out of the turquoise water.
Visit the first of the Kolsai lakes, often called the "Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan." The water acts as a perfect mirror for the surrounding pine forests.
Return to the guesthouse for a hearty home-cooked dinner and a peaceful night in the village.
Walk through a landscape that rivals the Grand Canyon. Admire the towering red sandstone formations shaped by wind and time over 12 million years.
Say goodbye to Kazakhstan at the Kegen border and meet your Kyrgyz guide.
Arrive in this charming lakeside town.
Visit the Dungan Mosque, built in the style of a Chinese pagoda without metal nails, and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, a beautiful wooden structure with a turbulent history.
Karagat Hotel or similar.
See the famous "Seven Bulls" red rock formation and the romantic "Broken Heart" rock.
Travel along the southern shore of the second-largest alpine lake in the world.
Explore eroded clay landscapes that look like dragons, castles, and animals.
Witness an ancient nomadic tradition where golden eagles display their hunting skills.
Arrive at Tamga. Tonight, you sleep in a traditional Yurt Camp (Novi Nomad), experiencing the lifestyle of the ancestors under a starry sky.
Depart the lake and head toward the lush Chon-Kemin Valley.
A stop for photos at these hidden, colorful canyons.
A place of untouched nature, roaring rivers, and pine forests.
Check into a cozy guesthouse. Enjoy the silence of the mountains and a warm dinner (extra).
Start the morning with a ride through the valley (extra cost).
Visit this ancient minaret, a remnant of the lost Silk Road city of Balasagun. Walk among the Balbals (ancient stone grave markers).
Enter the green capital of Kyrgyzstan. Check in to your hotel and rest.
Ramada / B Hotel / Crown or similar.
Just 40km from the city, hike along the river surrounded by glaciers and jagged peaks. Breathe in the juniper-scented air.
Return to the capital to explore Ala-Too Square, gaze at the eternal flame at Victory Square, walk through the Oak Park, and shop for souvenirs at the famous TSUM department store.
Check out and drive to the Kordai border crossing.
Transfer from the border directly to Almaty Airport.
Board your flight home with a camera full of photos and a heart full of memories.
May to September offers the best weather for this tour. Summer provides ideal conditions for mountain lakes, canyons, and outdoor activities in both countries.
This tour includes a classic overnight train journey from Astana to Almaty, providing a unique Central Asian travel experience across the steppe.
This tour includes moderate hiking and some off-road travel. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for full enjoyment of all activities.
Comfortable hiking shoes, layers for mountain weather, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Don't forget warm clothing for the yurt stay and overnight train.
