7 Day 5 stans Tour Packages
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5 Stans itineraries for 7 days
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7 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Almaty and Bishkek
A captivating 7-day tour showcases Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan's highlights. The route winds through Kazakhstan's urban culture and natural wonders, before immersing in Kyrgyzstan's mountains, lakes, and nomadic traditions.
- Day 1
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Begin your trip in Almaty, Kazakhstan's biggest city. Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe hill in the early morning for the best city views. The ride takes about 10 minutes. Walk through the historic center afterward - you'll cover 3-4 miles between sites. The streets are well-maintained but summer heat can be intense so bring water and plan breaks in air-conditioned spots.
- Day 2
Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes
Leave Almaty at 7 AM for the 4-hour drive to Charyn Canyon. You'll get the best photos of the red rocks in morning light. After lunch drive another 2.5 hours to Saty village near Kolsai Lakes. The road gets rough after leaving the highway so consider motion sickness pills. Spend your afternoon at the first Kolsai Lake at 6,000 feet elevation. Pack a jacket since it gets quite cold after sunset.
- Day 3
Border Crossing & Karakol
Cross into Kyrgyzstan at Kegen border post. The crossing takes 1-2 hours and facilities are basic so bring snacks. Visit Karakol's wooden Orthodox church and Dungan Mosque in the afternoon. Local Dungan families host dinner with traditional music - wear modest clothing to show respect.
- Day 4
Altyn Arashan & Jeti-Oguz
Take a bouncy 90-minute ride in an old UAZ vehicle to reach Altyn Arashan hot springs. The springs stay at about 115°F year-round. Bring water shoes since the rocks get slippery. Later, move to your yurt camp in Jeti-Oguz valley with its famous red rock formations.
- Day 5
Barskoon Valley & Skazka Canyon
Start with an optional hike to Maiden's Braid waterfall. The hour-long trail is moderate but has some steep sections. Visit the waterfalls in Barskoon Valley and stop at the unusual Yuri Gagarin monument. See Skazka Canyon in the early afternoon when the colors are most vibrant. End your day at Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest salt lake in the world.
- Day 6
Traditional Shows & Bishkek
On your way to Bishkek, stop at Bokonbaevo village to watch eagle hunting. These demonstrations are set up for visitors but show real traditional methods. See how locals build yurts in Kizil Tuu. Visit the ancient Burana Tower near Tokmok - you can climb it for views but watch out for narrow worn steps.
- Day 7
Departure from Bishkek
The airport is 30 minutes from central Bishkek. Add extra time if traveling during rush hour (7-9 AM). If your flight's later, visit Osh Bazaar early to buy local crafts and snacks.
- Day 1
Osh to Edelweiss Meadow
Begin your adventure in Osh with breakfast before taking one of National Geographic's top 10 scenic drives on the Pamir Highway. The 4-5 hour journey goes through the stunning Taldyk Pass at 3615m. Leave early to avoid afternoon mountain winds and bring motion sickness medication for the winding roads. Your first night of acclimatization will be at Edelweiss Meadow Base Camp at 3600m.
- Day 2
Acclimatization at Edelweiss Meadow
This important acclimatization day includes a 3-4 hour hike to 4100m. Start between 7-8 AM when visibility is best for Lenin Peak photos. The terrain includes loose scree sections so trekking poles are essential. Make sure to take regular breaks and drink 3-4 liters of water. You'll get incredible views of the Alay Valley and Trans Alay Range from the viewpoint.
- Day 3
Base Camp to Camp 1
Today brings a demanding 6-7 hour climb to Solnechniy Camp 1 at 4400m. You'll cross Puteshestvennikov Pass at 4150m and traverse Lenin Glacier. Good mountaineering boots are crucial for safe glacier crossing. You'll sleep in basic tents at the moraine camp. Pack altitude medication as headaches are common at this elevation.
- Day 4
Summit Day - Yukhin Peak
Summit day starts early between 3-4 AM for the push to Yukhin Peak at 5130m. You'll face steep snow slopes up to 30 degrees so crampons and ice axe skills are necessary. Most groups take 6-7 hours up and 3-4 hours down. The weather can change quickly so bring extra layers and be prepared to turn back if needed.
- Day 5
Descent to Base Camp
Plan for a 5-hour descent back to Edelweiss Meadow at 3600m. Use trekking poles to protect your knees on the downhill sections and watch for loose rocks on the moraine. The heated yurts at base camp will feel luxurious after high-altitude camping.
- Day 6
Return to Osh
The drive back to Osh shows new angles of the Pamir Highway's incredible landscape. In Osh take a 30-minute sunset hike up sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain for city views. Wear good shoes as the stairs can be slippery.
- Day 7
Departure
Plan extra time to reach Osh airport due to morning traffic. Book an afternoon flight if possible since mountain weather can cause delays.
- Day 1
Uzbekistan Border to Osh
Plan for a 2-hour border crossing from Uzbekistan, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Osh on good roads. Visit Solomon's Throne (Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain), a UNESCO site that rises 200m above the city. According to a recent visitor: "The climb up Solomon's Mountain is steep but worth it for the stunning views of Osh. Bring proper walking shoes and water - there's little shade." Visit Central Asia's oldest bazaar in the late afternoon when it's cooler and prices are more negotiable.
- Day 2
Osh to Bishkek
Take the first morning flight to Bishkek (1 hour 15 minutes). Later flights often face delays because of mountain weather. Tour the city's highlights including Oak Park where locals gather to play traditional board games. Visit the State History Museum to learn about Kyrgyz nomadic culture. The Philharmonic building is best seen at sunset when its white marble takes on a pink glow.
- Day 3
Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake
The 260km journey to Issyk-Kul takes about 4 hours. Visit the 11th-century Burana Tower en route, the last remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagyn. A previous visitor suggests: "The stair climb inside Burana is narrow and dark - bring a phone flashlight." Continue to Issyk-Kul, the second-largest saline lake in the world. The lake never freezes despite its snowy surroundings. The northern shore offers the best swimming spots with clearer water.
- Day 4
Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs
Start early at the Cholpon-Ata petroglyph site, located an hour from most lake accommodations. Morning light makes the rock art easier to photograph. The site covers 42 hectares so consider hiring a local guide to locate the best Bronze Age carvings. Visit the nearby Ethnographic Museum to understand traditional Kyrgyz culture. Return to Bishkek in the afternoon (3-4 hours) through the scenic Boom Gorge.
- Day 5
Bishkek Departure
Most international flights depart early from Manas Airport. The 30km airport journey takes about an hour due to traffic. If time allows before departure, visit the Osh Bazaar for traditional felt products and local honey.
