Highlights of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

What's Included

• Accommodation
  Hotels (3 nts), village guesthouse (3 nts), yurt (1 nt, multishare up to 4 people per yurt), village homestay (1 nt)

• Meals
  8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

• Yurt Building Demonstration

  Experience a yurt building demonstration in Barskoon as part of your G for Good Moment.

• Welcome Moment

  Meet your CEO and group in Bishkek for a welcome moment.

• Overnight in a Yurt

  Enjoy an overnight stay in a yurt at Song Kol as part of your Local Living Moment.

• Tamga Village Stay

  Experience a stay in Tamga Village as part of your Local Living Moment.

• Half-day City Tour in Bishkek

  Participate in a half-day city tour of Bishkek.

• Burana Tower Visit

  Visit the historical Burana Tower.

• Felt-making Workshop Visit

  Attend a felt-making workshop to learn about traditional Kyrgyz crafts.

• Karakol City Tour

  Enjoy a half-day city tour of Karakol.

• Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum

  Visit the Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum.

• Saty Village Stay

  Stay in Saty Village as part of your itinerary.

• Kaindy Lake and Sunken Forest Exploration

  Explore Kaindy Lake and the sunken forest.

• Charyn Canyon Stop

  Stop at the stunning Charyn Canyon.

• City Tour in Almaty

  Take a city tour in Almaty, visiting key sights.

• Transport

  Transport to/from all included activities and between destinations is provided.

What's Not Included

• Tipping and Gratuities

  Tipping and gratuities are not included.

• International Travel

  International travel to and from the tour is not included.

Transport

Private van, walking.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of comfort and local culture with stays in hotels, village guesthouses, a yurt (multishare up to 4 people), and a village homestay, offering a unique insight into the traditional lifestyles of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Group Size

Max 16, avg 14

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with private van transfers and enjoy scenic walks, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Minimum Age

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.

Local Dress

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.

Important Notes

ACCOMMODATION NOTE:

Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.



CULTURE

Central Asia is a region which may be very different to anything you have experienced before. Mixture of Soviet heritage and Islam, summer heat and winter cold, religious conservatism, traffic and crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge.



DRESS CODE

Though you can see lots of people in traditional clothes, Central Asia has adopted western style clothing as well. Don't hesitate to pack your usual travel clothes: in summer it can be shorts and t-shirts, sandals etc. We recommend not to bring tank tops/singlets and any types of clothes with bare shoulders and backs - it is unacceptable in most areas, even in bigger cities. Our tour takes us to many religious sights, where dress code is very strict. We recommend women to have a headscarf in their day bags to cover up when going inside mosques (it's also a great help in the heat in summer). Best things to pack for the hot Central Asian climate is loose, long clothing - long trousers and sarongs or long skirts for women. In colder months (from the end of October through the end of April) it can rain and snow - bring warm clothes, jackets and comfortable warm shoes for walking.



ALTITUDE CONSIDERATIONS

This trip operates at altitudes over 800m (max altitude 3016m at Song Kul ). Whilst we travel slowly allowing plenty of time to acclimatize you may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance especially on long driving days.



MONEY

Due to the restrictions on changing money in Central Asia region, only notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition will be accepted for exchange. Usually 50 and 100 USD/EUR notes get better exchange rate. We recommend to bring smaller denominations as well - many vendors accept them if you don't have local currency.



RAMADAN

According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.



COMBO TRIP

Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

Group Leader

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.

What to Take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.



Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures travellers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.