Introduction

Welcome to Your Central Asian Adventure

Where Ancient Traditions Meet Wild Landscapes

Journey Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day expedition through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where you'll discover dramatic canyons, pristine alpine lakes, and authentic nomadic culture. From eagle hunting demonstrations to starry skies in mountaintop yurt camps, this journey combines out there adventure with cultural immersion.

Your Travel Organizer

Far Corners Tours specializes in small group, adventure travel, centred around cultural immersion & social development. Contact us at:

✉️ Email: info@farcorners.tours
📞 Phone: Available upon booking
🌐 Website: www.farcorners.tours

Watch this introduction to our Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan adventure:

Dive Deep Into Your Central Asian Adventure

A 10-day journey blending nomadic culture with breathtaking landscapes

Deep canyons, ice-cold lakes, and ancient traditions await

Journey Overview

Your Travel Organizer

Trip Map

Travel Day

Your Journey to Almaty Begins

Welcome to Kazakhstan

Flight to Almaty International Airport

Departurevaries

DestinationAlmaty International Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstanvaries

Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA). Your Far Corners expedition leader will meet you at the arrival hall.

✓ Airport pickup included ✓ Meet your expedition leader ✓ Hotel transfer arranged

Important Travel Information

Please ensure you have: - Valid passport (6 months validity) - Travel insurance documents - Local currency or ATM card - Printed hotel booking confirmation

Download Arrival Instructions

Airport Map

Download Boarding Pass

Day 1

Exploring Almaty

Discover Kazakhstan's Cultural Heart

Almaty City Tour

Panfilov Park, Almaty, Kazakhstan

DateMonday, Sep 1, 202509:00

Duration03:00

Begin your journey with a comprehensive city tour including visits to the iconic Panfilov Park and the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, a unique wooden structure built without nails.

Sunkar Falcon Center Visit

Sunkar Falcon Center, Almaty

DateMonday, Sep 1, 202514:00

Duration02:00

Experience the ancient art of falconry at the unique Sunkar falcon nursery. Watch a spectacular demonstration of hunting birds in action.

Welcome Dinner

Traditional Restaurant, Almaty City Center

DateMonday, Sep 1, 202519:00

Join your fellow travelers for a traditional Kazakh feast featuring local specialties and wine tasting.

Overnight in Almaty

City Center Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Check inMonday, Sep 1, 202515:00

Check outTuesday, Sep 2, 202512:00

Rest in comfort at a centrally located 4-star hotel.

✓ First taste of Kazakh culture ✓ Historical city exploration ✓ Traditional welcome dinner

Day 2

Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes

Journey to Kazakhstan's Natural Wonders

Drive to Charyn Canyon

DepartureAlmaty City CenterTuesday, Sep 2, 202507:00

DestinationCharyn Canyon National Park

Early morning departure for Charyn Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon's little brother.

Charyn Canyon Hike

Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles

DateTuesday, Sep 2, 202510:30

Duration03:00

Explore the dramatic Valley of Castles with its otherworldly rock formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river.

Transfer to Kolsai Lakes

DepartureCharyn CanyonTuesday, Sep 2, 202514:00

DestinationKolsai Lakes

Continue your journey to the pristine Kolsai Lakes in the Tian Shan mountains.

Evening Lake Walk

Kolsai Lakes

DateTuesday, Sep 2, 202517:00

Duration01:30

Take a peaceful walk around Kolsai Lake, surrounded by dense spruce forest and mountain peaks.

Yurt Stay at Kolsai

Kolsai Lakes Yurt Camp

Check inTuesday, Sep 2, 202516:00

Check outWednesday, Sep 3, 202510:00

Experience traditional nomadic living in a comfortable yurt camp by the lake.

✓ Dramatic canyon landscapes ✓ Alpine lake beauty ✓ First night in a yurt

Day 3

Kaindy Lake & Karakol

Cross Borders into Kyrgyzstan's Beauty

Kaindy Lake Exploration

Kaindy Lake, Kazakhstan

DateWednesday, Sep 3, 202509:00

Duration02:30

Visit the surreal Kaindy Lake with its famous sunken forest, created by an earthquake in 1911.

Border Crossing to Kyrgyzstan

DepartureKaindy Lake, KazakhstanWednesday, Sep 3, 202512:00

DestinationKarakol, Kyrgyzstan

Cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and continue to the city of Karakol.

Karakol City Tour

Karakol City Center

DateWednesday, Sep 3, 202516:00

Duration02:00

Explore Karakol's Russian colonial architecture and visit the wooden Orthodox church and Chinese-style Dungan Mosque.

Traditional Dungan Dinner

Dungan Family Home, Karakol

DateWednesday, Sep 3, 202519:00

Enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local Dungan family, learning about their unique culture and cuisine.

Hotel in Karakol

Karakol City Center Hotel

Check inWednesday, Sep 3, 202515:00

Check outThursday, Sep 4, 202509:00

Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Karakol, preparing for tomorrow's trek.

✓ Underwater forest discovery ✓ Cross into Kyrgyzstan ✓ Cultural dinner experience

Days 4-6

Mountain Trek Adventure

Three Days in Terskey Ala-Too Mountains

Experience the majesty of Kyrgyzstan's mountains on this challenging but rewarding three-day trek.

Day 4: Karakol Valley Trek

Karakol Valley Trailhead

DateThursday, Sep 4, 202508:00

Duration06:00

Begin your trek through Karakol Valley, hiking to the remote campsite near Kurgak-Tor. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks and immerse yourself in the pristine mountain environment.

Day 5: Ala-Kol Lake

Ala-Kol Lake, Terskey Ala-Too

DateFriday, Sep 5, 202507:00

Duration07:00

Trek to the stunning turquoise Ala-Kol Lake (3,560m) and cross the dramatic mountain pass (3,860m). The challenging hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Tian Shan range.

Day 6: Altyn Arashan Hot Springs

Altyn Arashan Hot Springs

DateSaturday, Sep 6, 202508:00

Duration05:00

Descend to Altyn Arashan valley and enjoy a relaxing soak in natural hot springs before returning to Karakol. This therapeutic end to your trek helps soothe tired muscles and rejuvenate your spirit.

✓ Alpine lake views ✓ Mountain pass achievement ✓ Hot springs relaxation

Mountain Camping

Terskey Ala-Too Mountains

Check inThursday, Sep 4, 202517:00

Check outSaturday, Sep 6, 202515:00

Two nights camping in the mountains with full support team and equipment provided. Experience the serenity of sleeping under the stars in the heart of the Tian Shan range.

Day 7

Djeti-Oguz & Eagle Hunting

Ancient Traditions Come Alive

Djeti-Oguz Gorge Hike

Djeti-Oguz Gorge

DateSunday, Sep 7, 202509:00

Duration02:30

Explore the famous 'Seven Bulls' red rock formation and enjoy a scenic hike through the gorge. Marvel at the unique geological features and lush valleys that characterize this picturesque area.

Eagle Hunting Demonstration

Bokonbaevo Village

DateSunday, Sep 7, 202514:00

Duration02:00

Meet a traditional eagle hunter and witness this ancient art form in action. Learn about the strong bond between hunter and bird, and gain insights into this centuries-old practice of the nomadic people.

Local Family Lunch

Bokonbaevo Village

DateSunday, Sep 7, 202513:00

Share a traditional meal with a local family, learning about their way of life. Savor authentic Kyrgyz dishes and engage in cultural exchange with your hospitable hosts.

Yurt Camp at Issyk Kul

Issyk Kul Yurt Camp

Check inSunday, Sep 7, 202517:00

Check outMonday, Sep 8, 202510:00

Spend the night in a traditional yurt camp by Lake Issyk Kul, Central Asia's largest lake. Experience nomadic living with modern comforts, surrounded by stunning mountain and lake views.

✓ Red rock formations ✓ Eagle hunting tradition ✓ Lakeside yurt experience

Day 8

Son-Kul Lake Adventure

High-Altitude Lake Experience

Journey to Kyzart

DepartureIssyk Kul Yurt CampMonday, Sep 8, 202508:00

DestinationKyzart Village

Morning transfer to Kyzart village, the starting point for Son-Kul Lake adventure.

Horse Trek to Son-Kul

Son-Kul Lake

DateMonday, Sep 8, 202510:00

Duration04:00

Experience the traditional way of travel in Kyrgyzstan with a guided horse trek to Son-Kul Lake (3016m). Non-riders can travel by vehicle.

Traditional Nomad Lunch

Son-Kul Yurt Camp

DateMonday, Sep 8, 202513:00

Enjoy local specialties including kumis (fermented mare's milk) and fresh bread with honey.

Sunset Walk by the Lake

Son-Kul Lake Shore

DateMonday, Sep 8, 202518:00

Duration01:30

Take in the stunning mountain views during a peaceful lakeside walk at sunset.

Son-Kul Yurt Stay

Son-Kul Lake Yurt Camp

Check inMonday, Sep 8, 202514:00

Check outTuesday, Sep 9, 202510:00

Experience a night in a traditional yurt by the pristine alpine lake.

✓ Horse trek adventure ✓ High-altitude lake views ✓ Authentic nomad experience

Day 9

Journey to Bishkek

Ancient Tower and Traditional Sports

Drive to Burana Tower

DepartureSon-Kul LakeTuesday, Sep 9, 202509:00

DestinationBurana Tower

Morning departure from Son-Kul Lake to the historic Burana Tower.

Burana Tower Visit

Burana Tower Complex

DateTuesday, Sep 9, 202511:30

Duration01:30

Explore this ancient minaret from the Karakhanid period and climb to the top for panoramic views.

Kok Boru Demonstration

Local Sports Field

DateTuesday, Sep 9, 202514:00

Duration01:00

Watch the thrilling traditional nomadic sport of Kok Boru, similar to polo but with unique Central Asian rules.

Farewell Dinner

Traditional Restaurant, Bishkek

DateTuesday, Sep 9, 202519:00

Celebrate your journey with a festive farewell dinner in Bishkek, featuring traditional music and cuisine.

Hotel in Bishkek

City Center Hotel, Bishkek

Check inTuesday, Sep 9, 202516:00

Check outWednesday, Sep 10, 202512:00

Final night in a comfortable hotel in Kyrgyzstan's capital city.

✓ Historical tower exploration ✓ Traditional sports viewing ✓ Celebratory final dinner

Day 10

Bishkek & Departure

Final Moments in Central Asia

Morning Bishkek Tour

Ala-Too Square, Bishkek

DateWednesday, Sep 10, 202509:00

Duration03:00

Explore Bishkek's highlights including Ala-Too Square and the State History Museum.

Final Lunch

Local Restaurant, Bishkek

DateWednesday, Sep 10, 202513:00

Last chance to enjoy local cuisine at a traditional restaurant.

Airport Transfer

DepartureBishkek City CenterWednesday, Sep 10, 2025varies

DestinationManas International Airport

Transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight.

✓ Final city exploration ✓ Last taste of local cuisine ✓ Farewell to Central Asia

Loading Map…

Your Journey Through Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

1. Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

2. Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

3. Kolsai Lakes

Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan

4. Kaindy Lake

Kaindy Lake, Kazakhstan

5. Karakol

Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

6. Altyn Arashan

Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

7. Djeti-Oguz

Djeti-Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

8. Son-Kul Lake

Son-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

9. Burana Tower

Burana Tower, Kyrgyzstan

10. Bishkek

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Gallery

Journey Highlights in Pictures

Capturing the Magic of Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

Photo Collection

A curated collection of images from your upcoming adventure through Central Asia.