All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
Begin in Kazakhstan, at Almaty. The country’s former capital is still a cultural hub, with intriguing museums of its history and heritage at its sophisticated centre, and splendid scenery in its surrounds, encompassing a mountain-top ice rink and the blissful beauty of the Tien Shan alpine lake.
Travel north to the Tamgaly Petroglyphs before crossing the border into Kyrgyzstan for time in Bishkek, a gloriously green city, built on the site of a Silk Road settlement, close to the glacial gorge of Ala-Archa National Park. A ‘breather break’ of rustic simplicity, the Chon-Kemin valley climbs high above sea level, sparsely populated, undisturbed, threaded with hiking trails. Lake Issyk-Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca and is dominated by ruggedly beautiful mountains. Close to its eastern tip, Karakol is a celebrated base for explorers charting surrounding peaks and gorges.
Enjoy a special concert with Kyrgyz musicians and singers dressed in national costume. Traditional instruments played will include the ‘kyl kiak’, a two stringed upright bow instrument, a side blown fl ute and the ‘temir ooz kamuz’ mouth komuz, also known as a jaw harp.
Hotels in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are simple and unpretentious but well-located with a restaurant, bar and air-conditioned rooms with private facilities and satellite TV. There may be water and electricity shortages and, on occasion, alternative hotels may be used. WiFi (free) is available at all tour hotels although it can be intermittent. Food is nutritious, based on fresh local produce but can be repetitive and the provision of special dietary requirements may be limited.
Travel between the cities by road, whilst being the classic way to experience the country, involves some long journeys, some on uneven roads with only limited opportunities for comfort breaks.
Porters are unavailable at some hotels and during border crossings.
The order of sightseeing may vary in accordance with local conditions.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Hotel Kazzhol (per night) £65
Single supplement £33
per person in a twin/double room
Sorry - there are currently no available departure dates available for this tour.
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 9 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 9 lunches (packed lunch on Day 4 & 9) and 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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