Eight Days Across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
An overland journey from Almaty connects Altyn-Emel’s desert scenery with forested lakes, canyon walks and the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. For travellers curious about Central Asia, eight days offer a varied introduction to two neighbouring countries.
The attraction of travelling overland through southeastern Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is the way the scenery changes. Bare, coloured slopes give way to a sweep of sand, then forest, water and mountain valleys. The road connects these landscapes, with village stays and local meals providing pauses between the sightseeing days.
Starting in Almaty, this eight-day route spends its opening days in Altyn-Emel National Park before reaching Kazakhstan’s lakes and Charyn Canyon. It then crosses into Kyrgyzstan for Karakol, southern Issyk-Kul and Bishkek. It is a rewarding introduction for Malaysian travellers who enjoy scenery and photography, provided they are comfortable with full days and substantial driving.
Days one and two the desert landscapes of Altyn Emel
An 8am departure from Almaty begins the journey to Basshi, the village used as a base for Altyn-Emel. The drive takes roughly four hours before lunch, followed by an afternoon exploring the Aktau and Katutau mountains. Aktau’s coloured slopes are particularly rewarding in afternoon light, while Katutau provides further rock formations to explore on foot.
Reaching this scenery takes patience. From Basshi, the road to Aktau covers approximately 80 kilometres of rough terrain. A comfortable vehicle helps, but the bumps remain part of the journey. Dinner and a guesthouse night in Basshi bring the first day to a close.
The next morning is devoted to the Singing Dune, around an hour from the village. There may be opportunities to see kulans or goitered gazelles en route, although wildlife appearances cannot be promised. After exploring the dune and returning for lunch, the journey continues towards Saty.
A brief stop at the Tiger Mountains and a visit to Zharkent Mosque add variety to the afternoon. The mosque’s distinctive wooden architecture offers a welcome change of focus after the park’s open landscapes. This is another long travelling day, with around five hours of driving before allowing for sightseeing and breaks.
Day three a whole day for Kaindy and Kolsai
Two nights in Saty mean there is no need to pack up before the lake visits. Kaindy comes first, with submerged spruce trunks rising from the water. Its unusual appearance invites a slower look: a wide view and a closer composition of the trees tell quite different stories.
The included local UAZ transfer reaches the nearer parking area, leaving approximately 300 metres to walk. Longer walking options can be discussed with the guide. After lunch back in Saty, the route continues to the first Kolsai Lake, about 15 kilometres away.
Here, forested slopes surround the water and the afternoon is set aside for a shoreline walk, photographs and time to relax. Boat rental and horse riding are optional extras. Dinner and a second night in Saty complete a day with less time spent moving between overnight bases.
Day four Charyn Canyon and the road into Kyrgyzstan
Charyn’s Valley of Castles fills the first half of the day. The usual walk to the river and back is around seven kilometres; an upper-viewpoint route is approximately three to four kilometres. A local canyon taxi is included, although a wait may be necessary. Agree the walking option with the guide rather than assuming everyone must follow the longest route.
Lunch in Kegen precedes the Kegen–Karkara border crossing into Kyrgyzstan. Allow flexibility here, as formalities affect the afternoon’s timing. Karakol is the overnight stop, with a short city visit possible if enough time remains.
Days five and six along southern Issyk Kul
From Karakol, the route turns towards Jeti-Oguz and its red Seven Bulls formations, then continues through Barskoon. When conditions permit, Arabel Plateau introduces high-altitude scenery. This part of the journey is conditional: Arabel is omitted in winter, and heavy rain or delays can also prevent a visit.
Fairytale Canyon, also called Skazka, follows with colourful rock formations on the southern side of Issyk-Kul. Its shapes reward a walk at an unhurried pace, with the guide adjusting the time available to the weather and daylight. Dinner and a guesthouse or yurt stay in Kadji-Sai end the day beside the lake.
The following morning brings a meeting with a berkutchi, an eagle handler, for an introduction to the tradition of working with birds of prey. The demonstration is included and provides an opportunity to ask questions about the practice.
Walks in Ak-Sai and Konorchek canyons complete the day’s sightseeing, with lunch in Balykchy between them. Distances depend on the group’s interests, the conditions and the remaining time. The overnight stop is a guesthouse in Chon-Kemin, before the final stage towards Bishkek.
Days seven and eight history mountains and a choice of finish
Burana Tower brings the region’s history into focus before the planned visit to Ala-Archa for mountain views and a walk. The aim is to include both, although weather, traffic or a preference for more time in one place may require choosing between them.
A short introduction to Bishkek can focus on its historic centre, a bazaar or a city walk. After a hotel night, the standard final day returns to Kazakhstan through Korday. A walk in Almaty is possible if border procedures and traffic leave sufficient time. Alternatively, arrange a Bishkek finish and devote day eight to exploring the city more fully. Confirm that choice when booking.
Planning an eight day journey
SilkTravel’s 8-Day Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Tour from Almaty includes private transport, an English-speaking guide, seven nights, all meals, programme entry fees, the eagle demonstration, the Kaindy UAZ transfer and Charyn’s local taxi. Flights, insurance, optional riding or boat hire, and accommodation upgrades are additional.
Halal meals can be arranged; share this and any other dietary requirements before departure so meals can be planned along the route. Accommodation is selected around your preferences and availability, with the exact properties, room types and bathroom facilities confirmed before booking. Yurt facilities may be shared. Discuss how much walking and driving your group is comfortable with.
Bring shoes with grip, a warm layer and weather protection. Confirm the seasonal route for your dates: mountain access, road conditions and daylight can change what is practical. Full sightseeing days can average around ten hours before dinner and check-in. Choosing a few priorities with the guide leaves room to enjoy the scenery instead of simply counting stops.
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