Gretchen Stuppy CarlsonKyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan had been on our travel list for a while. Between the incredible mountains, alpine lakes, wide-open landscapes, the culture, and opportunities for hiking, this part of Central Asia seemed like the perfect destination for our family as our twins transitioned from high school to college.
And it did not disappoint.
We spent 13 days exploring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, traveling from Bishkek into the mountains, staying in yurts beside alpine lakes, completing the incredible Ala-Kul trek, and crossing into Kazakhstan to explore Charyn Canyon and Almaty. I’m sharing how to do this in roughly 2 weeks (we only had 13 days but we would have enjoyed another day at several places along our route.
This was one of those trips that combined some of our favorite things: challenging hikes, beautiful scenery, interesting places to stay, and the freedom to explore on our own. Did it go smoothly – not completely, but we made it to almost every destination and our car didn’t completely break down along the way.
It was also a trip that required some flexibility. Between mountain roads, border crossings, and a change of plans outside Almaty, there were a few things we had to figure out along the way.
In this guide, I’m sharing our complete 13-day Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan itinerary, including where we went, how we got around, and what I would recommend if you’re planning a similar adventure. We did this as a self guided tour – meaning we booked it all directly and drove ourselves around. This is entirely possible here or you can also book one or more guided tours.
If you’re only planning to visit Kyrgyzstan, start with our 10-day Kyrgyzstan itinerary.
I’ve spent decades exploring family adventures, epic hikes, and National Parks across the world. For more inspiration, check out my National Parks Page or see some of my favorite destinations to plan your next adventure and make sure to join my weekly newsletter.
Quick Look at Our 13-Day Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Itinerary
We started and ended our trip in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, but you could easily start and end in Almaty. Most of our time was spent exploring Kyrgyzstan before crossing into Kazakhstan near Karakol and continuing toward Almaty. Kazakhstan is a massive country, so we really barely scratched the surface.
Here’s how we divided our time:
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bishkek and Ala-Archa | Arrive, pick up rental car, hike |
| 2 | Konorchek Canyon and Song-Kul | Canyon hike and mountain drive |
| 3 | Song-Kul Lake | Yurt stay, horseback riding, lake |
| 4 | Southern Issyk-Kul | Scenic drive and lakeside stay |
| 5 | Skazka Canyon and Karakol | Canyon, waterfall, Karakol |
| 6 | Ala-Kul Trek | Hike to Sirota Yurt Camp |
| 7 | Ala-Kul Trek | Cross Ala-Kul Pass |
| 8 | Ala-Kul Trek | Continue to Altyn Arashan |
| 9 | Finished Trek: Karakol | Karakol |
| 10 | Border Crossing Charyn Canyon | Outside Almaty |
| 11 | Almaty | Shymbulak and city exploration |
| 12 | Almaty to Bishkek | Bus journey back to Kyrgyzstan |
| 13 | Depart Bishkek | Morning flight |
How long do you need? We completed this route in 13 days, but I would recommend allowing 14 days if you have the time. An extra day would give you more flexibility, especially around Almaty or the Kazakhstan lakes. We were originally planning to go to Kolsai Lakes, but decided against it in the end.
The trip basically goes around Issyk-Kul, a large lake in Kyrgyzstan.
Why Visit Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Together?
One of the things I loved about this trip was the variety. Not just in the activities, but the landscape. You would drive up into these gorgeous snow capped mountains with alpine lakes and then descend into red rock canyons. Mowt of our time here was spent outdoors, hiking, driving through mountain valleys, and staying in small guesthouses and yurts.
Kazakhstan offers many of these same landscapes, but we also got to explore the dramatic red-rock formations of Charyn Canyon and spend time in Almaty, a much larger city surrounded by mountains.
Combining the two countries also makes sense geographically. You can travel between Karakol and the Almaty region without returning all the way to Bishkek first, although you need to plan your border crossing and transportation carefully. Crossing the border with a car takes some extra planning.
This itinerary is especially good for adventurous travelers who enjoy hiking, independent travel, and getting a little off the beaten path and want to see both countries.
We did this trip as a family, but it would also work well for couples or groups of friends.
Our 13-Day Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bishkek and Visit Ala-Archa National Park
We arrived in Bishkek very early in the morning (like 5:30 in the morning), picked up our rental car, and headed almost immediately into the mountains. I’ll go into more details below about the rental car as this is a key piece of how and why we planned out trip.
After a quick breakfast in the city, our first stop was Ala-Archa National Park, located about an hour from the city. I was worried about being tired after 36 hours of travel, but we were excited to stretch our legs.
Ala-Archa is one of the easiest places to experience Kyrgyzstan’s incredible mountain scenery without a long drive. There are several hiking trails, ranging from relatively easy riverside walks to challenging routes high into the mountains. Like everywhere else in the country, there was a lot of construction and a number of lodging options were being built up in the park.
Since we’d just arrived after a long journey, we chose the easier Ala-Archa River Trail, also known as the Survivors Path.
This was a great introduction to the country and gave us a chance to stretch our legs without committing to a strenuous hike on our first day.
From here we drove from there another 2 hours to a simple stay in Alay Guest House.
Where we stayed: Alay Guest House, Bishkek.
For more information, see our guide to things to do in Bishkek.
Konorchek Canyon
Day 2: Konorchek Canyon and Drive to Song-Kul Lake
On our second day, we left our stay after a fantastic breakfast and started the drive toward Song-Kul Lake. This is a beautiful drive that starts out on major roads and slowly becomes a dirt trail.
Along the way, we stopped at Konorchek Canyon, one of the more surprising landscapes in Kyrgyzstan.
The canyon is filled with red and orange rock formations, narrow passages, and towering cliffs. It feels completely different from the green mountains and alpine valleys that Kyrgyzstan is famous for. You don’t need long to step at the canyon, so it’s worth a short detour.
After exploring the canyon, we continued toward Song-Kul Lake.
The drive into Song-Kul is an adventure in itself, climbing into the mountains along winding roads before reaching the wide-open grasslands surrounding the lake.
Song-Kul sits at an elevation of around 3,000 meters, and the landscape is incredible. Horses graze across the surrounding hills, yurts dot the shoreline, and the mountains seem to stretch in every direction.
We spent the night in a yurt camp beside the lake.
Where we stayed: Rima Yurt Camp, Song-Kul.
Planning tip: Roads into Song-Kul are seasonal and can be rough. Make sure your rental vehicle is suitable for the route and that the roads are open before heading up. Our car actually overheated on the way up this road and we ended up stopping and a few of us had to get a ride – thus that start of our car drama.
Day 3: Explore Song-Kul Lake
We dedicated a full day to Song-Kul Lake, and I’m so glad we did. Song Kul is one of those places that is hard to actually describe and photos don’t do it justice. It is expansive and makes you feel small.
This is one of those places where the experience is as much about slowing down and enjoying the landscape as it is about checking off activities.
We spent time exploring the area and enjoying the scenery, including a horseback ride and some hiking.
Horseback riding is one of the best ways to experience Song-Kul. Horses are an important part of Kyrgyz culture, and riding through the open grasslands is a memorable way to see the lake and many people do a multi-day horseback ride to get to the lake.
You can also walk along the shoreline, explore the surrounding hills, or simply spend time relaxing at your yurt camp.
The weather can change quickly at this elevation, and even in summer, nights can be cold. Bring plenty of warm layers.
Where we stayed: Rima Yurt Camp, Song-Kul.
Day 4: Drive to Issyk-Kul Lake
After two nights at Song-Kul, we headed toward Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.
The drive takes you through changing landscapes, from high mountain pastures to valleys, villages, and eventually the enormous lake. A lot of the main road along the lake was under construction and will be a much faster drive in the future.
We chose to stay along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul near Tosor and Bokonbayevo as Feel Nomad Yurt Camp. You could easily stay here for a day or two and do some hiking and enjoy the lake.
This side of the lake is quieter and offers beautiful views across the water toward the mountains.
Depending on your route and how much time you have, there are several places to stop along the way, including scenic viewpoints and short hikes.
We spent the night at Feel Nomad, a lakeside accommodation that gave us a chance to relax before continuing toward Karakol.
Where we stayed: Feel Nomad, near Tosor.
Day 5: Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall, and Karakol
Today is another day with some incredible scenery as you continue east along the southern part of the lake.
We continued along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, stopping at Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon.
This colorful canyon is filled with unusual rock formations in shades of red, orange, and yellow. There are several short trails through the formations, and it’s a fun place to explore for an hour or two. It is right off the main road so you don’t need to go out of your was.
We also planned to include Barskoon Waterfall on our route toward Karakol, but ran out of time.
The Barskoon Valley is a beautiful area with several waterfalls and hiking opportunities. It’s worth allowing some extra time here if you enjoy short hikes.
From here, we continued to Karakol, one of the main adventure towns in Kyrgyzstan.
Karakol is a popular base for trekking in the Tian Shan Mountains, and it was our starting point for the next part of our trip.
Where we stayed: Bird’s Nest, Karakol on our first night in town.
Days 6–9: Trek to Ala-Kul Lake and Altyn Arashan
This was one of the biggest adventures of our trip and really what we built our trip around.
We spent four days trekking through the mountains near Karakol, hiking toward Ala-Kul Lake and crossing the high mountain pass before descending to Altyn Arashan.
Ala-Kul is an incredibly beautiful alpine lake surrounded by steep mountain peaks. Reaching it requires some serious hiking, but the views are worth the effort.
Our trek followed this general route:
- Day 6: Begin the trek from the Karakol area and hike to Sirota Yurt Camp.
- Day 7: Continue toward Ala-Kul Lake, cross the high pass, and descend toward Keldike.
- Day 8: Continue through the mountains toward Altyn Arashan.
- Day 9: Finish the trek and return toward Karakol for the night
This is a challenging trek, especially with the elevation gain and altitude. We had some cold weather and even a little snow during our early July visit.
If you’re planning to include Ala-Kul in your itinerary, I recommend allowing several days at higher elevations beforehand to help with acclimatization.
You can also replace this trek with shorter hikes around Karakol if you don’t want to commit to a multi-day mountain adventure.
Read our full Ala-Kul trekking guide for more details about the route and our experience.
Ala Kul Trek
Day 10: Cross the Border from Kyrgyzstan into Kazakhstan
After finishing our trek, we continued from the Karakol area toward Kazakhstan.
One of the most useful things about this route is that you can cross the border east of Issyk-Kul and continue toward the Saty and Charyn Canyon region without driving all the way back to Bishkek. This is a much quieter border crossing – literally in the middle of no-where. You will approach the border and get out of your car and cross the border on foot while whoever is driving (Dave in this case) will cross over the border in the car).
We were traveling in a rental car, so we needed to make sure we had the appropriate permission and paperwork to take the vehicle between the two countries.
Our border crossing was relatively straightforward and took about an hour from start to finish. It was a bit hot standing outside in the sun so be ready for the weather since you’re outside.
From the border, we continued into Kazakhstan and headed to Charyn Canyon for the afternoon.
Charyn Canyon is sometimes compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, and while it’s much smaller, the landscape is beautiful.
The most popular section is the Valley of Castles, where a trail descends between towering red and brown rock formations toward the Charyn River.
We hiked into the canyon and loved the scenery. The trail is relatively easy to follow, but there is very little shade, and the heat can make the walk more challenging than you might expect.
You can also walk along the rim for beautiful views into the canyon.
Read our complete guide: How to Hike Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan.
Important: Not all rental companies allow international border crossings, and the rules can vary by crossing point and vehicle. Confirm the current border requirements, opening hours, and rental-car documents before your trip.
We spent the night in a yurt between the canyon and Almaty.
Planning tip: If you have an extra day, I would consider spending more time around Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes rather than trying to fit everything into one day.
Day 11: Shymbulak and Almaty
Our original plan for this day was to visit Big Almaty Lake and explore more of the mountains outside Almaty on a bike.
Unfortunately, the road was closed, so we had to change our plans.
Instead, we headed to Shymbulak, a mountain resort located just outside the city.
Shymbulak is best known as a ski resort, but in the summer, it’s a fantastic place to visit for mountain views, hiking, and riding the gondolas.
We rode a series of three gondolas up into the mountains, eventually reaching Talgar Pass at more than 3,100 meters.
The views were incredible, with rugged peaks, glaciers, and mountain valleys stretching in every direction.
We had originally planned to do more hiking, but between a delayed morning with a police stop, and a knee issue, we decided to keep things shorter and enjoy the scenery.
One of the things I liked about Shymbulak is that you don’t have to do a strenuous hike to enjoy the mountains. You can ride the gondolas, take short walks, and still experience some incredible alpine scenery.
After our mountain adventure, we returned our rental car and spent the afternoon and night in Almaty.
Where we stayed: GlowNest Apartment near MEGA, Almaty.
For more information, see our guide to visiting Shymbulak in summer.
Day 12: Take the Bus from Almaty to Bishkek
After exploring Kazakhstan, it was time to return to Bishkek for our flight home.
Instead of driving, we took the bus from Almaty to Bishkek.
This is a useful transportation option if you’re planning a similar trip and don’t want to rent a car for the entire journey. We actually used a rental car company out of Almaty so it was easiest to return it here.
The route crosses the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and generally takes several hours, depending on traffic, the bus service, and how long the border crossing takes. We ended up taking the bus through the border and then instead of waiting for the bus to clear customs, we took a taxi the rest of the way to Bishkek.
We spent our final night back in Bishkek, which made it easy to get to the airport the following morning.
Where we stayed: Golden Hotel, Bishkek.
Planning tip: I recommend returning to Bishkek the day before an international flight rather than relying on a same-day border crossing. Transportation and border delays can happen.
Day 13: Depart Bishkek
Our final morning was spent getting to the airport and catching our flight out of Bishkek.
We flew onward to Prague for the next part of our travels.
While this was technically a travel day, it brought our Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan adventure to 13 days.
If you have an afternoon or evening flight instead, you could use the extra time to explore Bishkek, visit a cafe, or pick up a few souvenirs before heading home.
How to Get Around Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Transportation is one of the biggest things to consider when planning this itinerary.
We traveled independently and used a combination of a rental car and public transportation.
Renting a Car
For most of our trip, we had a rental car, which gave us the flexibility to explore smaller towns, stop at viewpoints, and visit places that would have been more difficult to reach by public transportation.
We rented through Iron Horse Nomads, arranging a vehicle that could be used for our route. We chose this since they allow their cars to go to Song Kul Lake AND we could cross the border.
If you’re planning to rent a car, make sure you understand where the company allows you to drive. Some mountain roads are rough, and certain destinations may be restricted.
You’ll also need to confirm that your rental company allows you to cross the border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
While this was the right choice, we did have issues. Our car oberheated almost the entire trip and we had to adjust our plans multiple times to either add fluids or stop and get it looked at.
Crossing the Border
We crossed from Kyrgyzstan into Kazakhstan after visiting Karakol.
The crossing itself was straightforward for us, but it’s worth researching before your trip.
Make sure you have the correct documents for everyone traveling, including any necessary visas, as well as your vehicle’s registration, insurance, and written permission from the rental company.
It’s also worth checking which crossings are open to international travelers and whether they allow private vehicles.
Taking the Bus Between Almaty and Bishkek
We returned to Bishkek by bus from Almaty. The bus is inexpensive and so easy. Make sure you book tickets a few days in advance as there is limited space. Also note that there is no air conditioning and it gets HOT on the bus.
This is a good option for travelers who want to connect the two cities without renting a car.
Allow extra time for the border crossing and avoid scheduling a flight immediately after the bus journey.
Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
For this particular itinerary, I recommend visiting between late June and early September.
We started our trip on June 28 and still encountered cold weather and snow at higher elevations.
The timing is especially important if you’re planning to hike Ala-Kul or stay at Song-Kul Lake, since mountain roads and trekking routes can remain snow-covered into early summer.
July and August generally offer the most reliable access to the higher mountain areas, although weather conditions can change quickly.
Lower-elevation destinations such as Bishkek, Almaty, and Charyn Canyon can be very hot in summer, so be prepared for a wide range of temperatures.
How to Adjust This Itinerary
If You Have 14 Days
If you have an extra day, I would add it in Kazakhstan.
You could spend more time exploring Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes or give yourself an additional day in Almaty to visit Big Almaty Lake, explore the city, or take another hike in the surrounding mountains. This also gives you a day to adjust if the weather is bad and you need to delay or adjust your Ala Kul Trek.
An extra day also provides some flexibility if weather or road conditions change your plans.
If You Don’t Want to Do the Ala-Kul Trek
The Ala-Kul trek was one of the highlights of our trip, but it isn’t for everyone.
If you’re not interested in a challenging multi-day hike, you could replace those four days with shorter hikes around Karakol, more time exploring Issyk-Kul, or additional days in Kazakhstan.
This would also make the itinerary easier for families with younger children or travelers who prefer shorter hiking days.
If You Only Have 10 Days
With 10 days, I would recommend focusing on one country rather than trying to squeeze everything into a shorter trip.
Kyrgyzstan alone has more than enough to fill 10 days, and you can follow our 10-day Kyrgyzstan itinerary for a route focused on the country’s mountains, lakes, and hiking.
Tips for Planning a Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Road Trip
There are a few things I would keep in mind when planning this trip.
Build flexibility into your itinerary. Mountain weather, road conditions, and border crossings can change your plans. We experienced this firsthand when our planned visit to Big Almaty Lake didn’t work out.
Don’t underestimate driving times. Distances may not look particularly long on a map, but mountain roads can be slow, and you’ll probably want to stop frequently for the scenery. Google maps is not great – use Yandex and instead of taxis or Uber use Yandex go.
Bring clothing for every season. We experienced warm weather at lower elevations and cold, snowy conditions in the mountains.
Carry some cash. While cards are useful in the cities, cash is important for smaller guesthouses, rural areas, and some activities. There are more ATM’s than just a few years ago.
Book key accommodations in advance. This is especially helpful for popular yurt camps and trekking accommodations during the summer season.
Plan for altitude. Song-Kul and Ala-Kul are both at high elevations. Allow time to acclimatize, pay attention to symptoms of altitude sickness, and don’t underestimate the physical demands of the trek.
Is Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan a Good Family Trip?
We did this trip with our family, and I think Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are fantastic destinations for adventurous families.
There are so many opportunities to hike, explore mountains, ride horses, and experience a part of the world that feels very different from more traditional family vacation destinations.
That said, this isn’t necessarily an easy trip.
Some driving days are long, transportation can take a little extra planning, and the Ala-Kul trek is physically demanding.
For families with younger children, I would recommend shortening the hiking days and spending more time around Song-Kul, Issyk-Kul, and the lakes in Kazakhstan.
For families with older kids or teens who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures, this can be an incredible experience.
Final Thoughts on Our Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Itinerary
We absolutely loved our time in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
From the open grasslands around Song-Kul to the incredible mountains surrounding Ala-Kul and the red-rock scenery of Charyn Canyon, this trip was filled with landscapes that we’ll remember for a long time.
It was also the kind of trip that reminded us why we love independent adventure travel. Not everything went exactly according to plan, but some of the unexpected stops became part of the experience.
If you’re considering a trip to Central Asia, I would highly recommend putting both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on your list.
And if you have the time, don’t rush. There is so much more to explore in both countries, and we would happily go back for another adventure.
More Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Travel Guides
