Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Updated September 2026, Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary was originally published in October 2020

Planning a Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan itinerary for two weeks? This route combines the best of southeastern Kazakhstan with the mountains, lakes, canyons, and cities of eastern and northern Kyrgyzstan.

This two week Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan itinerary starts in Almaty and travels through Altyn Emel National Park, Charyn Canyon, Lake Kaindy, and Kolsai Lakes before crossing into Kyrgyzstan at the Karkara border. From there, you’ll explore Karakol, hike to Ala Kul, visit Jeti Oguz and Skazka Canyon around Issyk Kul, and finish in Bishkek.

I’ve traveled extensively through both countries, and this is the route I’d recommend if you want to experience some of the biggest highlights of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan without spending your entire trip in transit.

Start your KZ planning here: The Kazakhstan Travel Guide
I also recommend grabbing copies of Bradt Kazakhstan & Bradt Kyrgyzstan to kickstart your planning

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Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary at a Glance

Can You Visit Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan in 2 Weeks?

Yes, but you’ll need to keep moving. Two weeks is enough to see many of the major highlights of southeastern Kazakhstan and northern and eastern Kyrgyzstan, but this itinerary isn’t designed for slow travel.

The biggest advantage is that Almaty and eastern Kyrgyzstan connect naturally by road, allowing you to combine Kazakhstan’s spectacular canyons and alpine lakes with Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountains and Issyk Kul. The trade-off is that several days involve long drives or changing vehicles.

If you have three weeks or more, I’d slow this itinerary down and add extra time in Almaty, Karakol, or around Issyk Kul.

How to Travel Between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

This Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan itinerary is easiest with a rental car, private driver, or organized tour, particularly for the remote destinations in southeastern Kazakhstan. Public transportation is possible for parts of the route, but getting between places like Altyn Emel, Charyn Canyon, Lake Kaindy, and Kolsai Lakes can involve multiple taxis and transfers.

The most convenient international border crossing for this itinerary is the Karkara Border Crossing, which connects the Kegen area of southeastern Kazakhstan with the Karakol region of Kyrgyzstan.

Once you’re in Kyrgyzstan, marshrutkas, shared taxis, private drivers, and tour operators make it relatively straightforward to travel around Issyk Kul and onward to Bishkek.

Transportaion Options for a Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Best Time for a Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Trip

The best time for this itinerary is generally June through September, when mountain roads and hiking routes are accessible and the higher elevations around Kolsai, Kaindy, Ala Kul, and Altyn Arashan are more practical to visit.

July and August offer the warmest conditions, but they’re also the busiest months. June and September can be a nice compromise, although weather in the mountains is less predictable.

If the Ala Kul trek is a priority, check current trail and weather conditions before setting out, as snow can linger at higher elevations well into the summer.

A Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Days 1–2: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty is the perfect starting point for a Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan itinerary. The lush former capital sits in southeastern Kazakhstan, backed by the snow-capped Tien Shan, with hip cafes and restaurants, museums, parks, and plenty of landmarks.

While you’re here, don’t miss out on the bird’s eye view of the city from the top of Kok Tobe, grabbing a drink at the historic Hotel Kazakhstan, and make sure to relax at the Arasan Baths in the heart of the city.

Feeling adventurous? Order a taxi via Yandex and make a short trip just outside the city to beautiful Big Almaty Lake.

Where To Stay In Almaty

Budget
Almaty Backpacker’s
| Booking.com |

Midrange
Hotel Mildom
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Luxury
Rixos Almaty Hotel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Looking for more ideas? Check out my Almaty Travel Guide

Days 3–4: Altyn Emel National Park & Charyn Canyon

The great thing about starting from Almaty is that the city is the perfect jumping-off point for further exploration into southeastern Kazakhstan.

Famous for its unusual Singing Dunes and the colorful mineral-laden Aktau Range, Altyn Emel National Park is somewhere truly unique and not to miss. As you transit out of the national park, make sure to pay a visit to Charyn Canyon’s impressive Valley of Castles, reminiscent of scenes right out of the Grand Canyon.

For this section and the next (Altyn Emel, Charyn Canyon, Lake Kaindy, and Kolsai Lakes), I recommend booking a four day tour including all these stops, as certain parts can be difficult to visit using shared taxis. If you are self-driving, don’t sweat it- you can arrange your own visit. 

Where To Stay

You can opt to stay back in the main village of Basshi, nearest to Altyn Emel National Park, but if you don’t mind roughing it a bit, you can camp inside the park. For Charyn Canyon, you can camp in the area, or you can opt to sleep in Saty Village near Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes. 

Everything you need to know before you go: A guide to Charyn Canyon

Days 5–6: Lake Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes

Lake Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes are easily my favorite part of southeastern Kazakhstan.

Lake Kaindy is one of the most unique lakes, the world over, owing to its strange and unusual sunken forest. The icy-cold waters of earthquake-created Lake Kaindy are home to what appears to be a forest of upside-down trees rising from the depth of the lake and above its surface.

Kolsai is a chain of three beautiful lakes, nicknamed the ‘pearls of the Tien Shan’, two of which can be visited by a day hike (out and back).

If you’re not up to spending a whole day hiking, don’t worry- Kolsai Lake I is located just a short jaunt downhill from the parking lot at the end of the road. 

Plan your visit: Lake Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes Guide

Where To Stay

Saty Village is the nearest place to stay to both the lakes, making it a perfect place to base yourself for the couple of days you plan to be out here exploring the lakes. If you have your own tent, it’s entirely possible to camp at both Lake Kaindy and over at Kolsai Lakes too.

Kyrgyzstan is up next! Start planning with my full-on Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

Day 7: Karkara Border Crossing & Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

After six days exploring southeastern Kazakhstan, it’s time to cross from Kazakhstan into Kyrgyzstan at the Karkara Border Crossing. Start early and make your way toward Kegen, the nearest Kazakh town to the border.

If you aren’t traveling by your own transport, you can get a taxi from Saty to Kegen and then, once in Kegen, grab another taxi to the border. I recommend contacting a hotel or guesthouse in Karakol to book and have them arrange a car to meet you at the border to take you down to Karakol, as you can expect not to find cars waiting on the Kyrgyz side of the border. 

Karakol is a culinary gem in the east of Kyrgyzstan, thanks to influences that arrived in the city from several cultures, including Kyrgyz, Dungan (Hui), Uyghur, Tatar, and Russian.

I highly recommend either going on the Karakol Foodie Tour or attending a Dungan family dinner, both of which can be arranged through the tourism office of Destination Karakol. If you aren’t feeling up to either of those, at very least head over to Ashlan Fu Alley at the Bugu Bazaar (I recommend Ashlan Fu Saida!) to try a delicious cold bowl of Ashlan Fu. 

Make sure to visit the Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Soviet Antique shop, and Karakol’s several museums. 

Karakol is a foodie paradise 
Check out my must-eat guide to Karakol

Where To Stay In Karakol

Budget
Snow Leopard Hostel
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |

Midrange
Caravan Hotel
| Booking.com |

Midrange
Gostinitsa Karagat
| Booking.com |

Plan your time in Karakol: The Karakol Travel Guide

Days 8–10: Altyn Arashan & Ala Kul Trek

Dramatic green valleys, snow-dusted peaks, a glacial lake, and a hot spring? The Altyn Arashan-Ala Kul Hike is a two night/three day, 38 kilometer stunner that takes in some of the most gorgeous scenery Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan has to offer. 

Check out this guide to the Ala Kul Hike by Jack & Jill Travel, but do note they kick it into high gear and fast forward this hike to complete it in two days. Several local operators around Karakol offer guided hikes to Ala Kul as well. 

There are yurts available for rent at Sirota Basecamp near Ala Kul, and cabins for rent in Altyn Arashan. Don’t miss out on taking a dip in the hot springs at Altyn Arashan, too! Not to worry, though, if you have your own tent, it’s possible to camp along the trek as well.

Also note: the road out of Altyn Arashan is not for the faint of heart- you’ve been warned. 

Day 11: Jeti Oguz

Jeti Oguz is one of my favorite stops along Issykul. It’s a photographer’s paradise with red-burnt rocks set in a green valley.

Several interesting rock formations can be found, including the famed ‘Seven Bulls’ and the ‘Broken Heart Rock’. Another not-to-miss is the trek over to the nearby Kök Jaiyk, better known as the Valley of Flowers. 

You can easily spend the night here in Jeti Oguz. You could try Nomads’ Eco Lodge, however, there are several guesthouses for rent in the village of Jeti Oguz. There are also yurts available to rent in the Valley of Flowers. 

Looking for more info? Check out my guide to Jeti Oguz

Day 12: Skazka Canyon & Southern Issyk Kul

Skazka Canyon is truly a highlight as you round Issykul Lake toward Bishkek. Skazka, which is commonly referred to by its nickname of ‘Fairy Tale Canyon’, features unusual orange-and-red rock formations worth a trek around. The most notable being a narrow spine of rock that reminded me of a stegosaurus. 

Continuing along the southern coast of Issykul, other notable stops include Bokonbayevo to check out an eagle hunting demonstration, and further adventures from Tamga and Barskoon.

You could make a beeline and get to Bishkek in the evening, or you can opt to spend the night en route.

Days 13–14: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Round off the end of your two week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan itinerary in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek. Bishkek has a handful of things to do, but it’s not overwhelming- and that’s what I love about it. 

While there aren’t too many things to do in Bishkek, there are still a few must-see stops while you’re here. I recommend visiting the Osh Bazaar, it’s massive and sprawling, and I honestly get lost there for an entire day every time I’m back in Bishkek. Ala-Too Square along Chuy Avenue is a must-see, as well as a stroll along green-and-leafy Erkindik Park. 

If you’re looking to get one more ashlan fu fix before you leave Kyrgyzstan, a visit to Dordoi Bazaar, located northeast of the city, is in order. It’s also worth mentioning that Bishkek does have a nice array of foreign as well as Central Asian restaurants to try. Bishkek also has an emerging craft beer and brewery scene, as well as a scattering of fun coffee shops and vibrant nightlife. 

Looking for more ideas? Check out my top things to do in Bishkek + travel guide post

Where to stay in Bishkek

Budget
Ololo Yurt
| Booking.com |

Midrange
Salut Hotel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Splurge
Hotel Asia Mountains 1
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Hit the Highlights on This Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Two weeks goes surprisingly far in this part of Central Asia. Starting in Almaty gives you easy access to some of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular landscapes before the route naturally continues into Kyrgyzstan through the Karkara border crossing.

From the strange sunken forest of Lake Kaindy and the red cliffs of Charyn Canyon to the alpine landscapes around Ala Kul and the southern shore of Issyk Kul, this route packs a lot into 14 days.

If you have more time, don’t simply add more destinations. Slow down. An extra day around Karakol or Issyk Kul, or a few additional days in the mountains, will give you a much better feel for Kyrgyzstan than racing from one attraction to the next.

Have any questions about this two week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan itinerary?

Ask in the comments section below.

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