7 Day Central Asia Tour Packages
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Central Asia itineraries for 7 days
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Asia travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Almaty and Bishkek
Central Asia's finest attractions unfold over 7 days, from Almaty to Bishkek. The route weaves through Kazakhstan's metropolitan culture and natural landmarks before immersing in Kyrgyzstan's peaks, pristine lakes, and nomadic heritage.
- Day 1
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Begin your Central Asian adventure in Almaty. Visit Zenkov Cathedral early for the best morning photos. Spend time exploring the historic center. Later take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill to watch the sunset over the city with the Tian Shan mountains in the background. Bring a light jacket since evenings can get cool.
- Day 2
Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes
Leave early for Charyn Canyon, about 4 hours from Almaty. The Valley of Castles offers excellent hiking but bring sturdy shoes for the loose trails. Travel on to Saty village by Kolsai Lakes for your guesthouse stay. You'll be at 1,800m elevation so take it slow if you're not used to the altitude.
- Day 3
Border Crossing & Karakol
Cross from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan at Kegen border post. The crossing involves a short walk and typically takes under an hour. Spend your afternoon in Karakol exploring the wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral and Chinese-style Dungan Mosque. Finish your day enjoying dinner with a Dungan family to experience their unique Muslim Chinese cuisine.
- Day 4
Altyn Arashan & Jeti-Oguz
Take a bumpy 2-hour ride in an old Soviet UAZ to Altyn Arashan valley. Visit the simple but authentic hot springs - pack quick-dry towels and water shoes. Head to Jeti-Oguz valley in the afternoon to stay in a yurt camp. The nights get cold so bring warm clothes.
- Day 5
Barskoon Valley & Skazka Canyon
Start early to see Jeti-Oguz's "Broken Heart" and "Seven Bulls" formations. Walk to Maiden's Braid waterfall (2 hours round trip) before the day heats up. Visit the waterfalls in Barskoon valley then explore Skazka Canyon. End your day swimming at Lake Issyk-Kul in Kaji-Say - the water stays surprisingly warm from June through September.
- Day 6
Cultural Shows & Bishkek
Watch an eagle hunting show in Bokonbaevo early morning for the best light. Stop at Kizil-Tuu village to learn about yurt making and try it yourself. Visit the ancient Burana Tower near Tokmok but watch your step on the worn stairs.
- Day 7
Departure from Bishkek
Spend your last morning in Bishkek. Stop by Osh Bazaar for felt souvenirs and local honey if you have time. Some friendly bargaining is normal here.
- Day 1
Osh to Edelweiss Meadow Base Camp
Leave Osh early to make the most of daylight. The 6-hour drive on the Pamir Highway goes over Taldyk Pass at 3,615m. Pack motion sickness pills if you need them. Get your water bottles filled in Osh since the altitude increases dehydration. At Edelweiss Meadow Base Camp (3,600m) you can stay in traditional yurts or camping tents. Take it easy with a 2-hour walk to Lukovaya Meadow for initial acclimatization.
- Day 2
Acclimatization Day
This is a key day for adjusting to the altitude. Head out before 8 AM for a 3-4 hour hike up to 4,100m when weather conditions are best. You'll see great views of Lenin Peak and the Alay Valley. Remember to pace yourself and follow the basic rule: climb high sleep low. Get back to base camp early to rest and drink plenty of water. Get your gear ready for tomorrow's move up.
- Day 3
Ascent to Camp 1 "Solnechniy"
The climb to Camp 1 at 4,400m takes 6-7 hours and it's demanding. Go over Puteshestvennikov Pass (4,150m) early because the Lenin Glacier gets tougher in afternoon sun. Bring microspikes for the icy morning glacier crossing. You might get headaches at this altitude. Paracetamol can help but watch for serious altitude sickness signs.
- Day 4
Summit Day - Yukhin Peak
Start at 4 AM for summit day. The path to Yukhin Peak (5,130m) includes steep snow slopes up to 30 degrees. You'll definitely need trekking poles. Watch your step on the final ridge. Most groups take 6-7 hours up and 3-4 down. Start heading back by 1 PM no matter what because weather often gets worse later.
- Day 5
Descent to Base Camp
It's a 5-hour walk down to Edelweiss Meadow with great views of Achik-Tash Valley. Be careful on the loose rocks in the moraine. Use those trekking poles to protect your knees. A hot shower at base camp will feel amazing after all that climbing.
- Days 6-7
Return to Osh and Departure
The drive back to Osh takes about 5 hours. Use your last afternoon to climb Suleiman-Too Mountain in central Osh. A quick 30-minute hike gives you perfect sunset city views. Visit Osh Bazaar early on your final morning before flying out for better prices and smaller crowds.
- Day 1
Uzbekistan Border to Osh
Cross the border from Uzbekistan early (from Tashkent, Ferghana, or Andijan). The crossing can take 1-2 hours so pack water and snacks. In Osh visit the sacred Suleyman Mountain. You'll need good shoes for the steep steps. Head to the historic Osh Bazaar later in the day when it's cooler. The bazaar is most vibrant on weekends.
- Day 2
Osh to Bishkek
Book the earliest flight to Bishkek (about 1 hour) since later flights often face delays. Spend your day exploring Oak Park and Central Square. Make sure to visit the State History Museum before 3 PM to get the full experience. Remember to bring small bills in som for entry fees.
- Day 3
Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake
Start early for the 260km drive to Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit the Burana Tower on the way before 11 AM to avoid crowds. Skip the tower climb if you have mobility concerns as the stairs are quite narrow. Next stop is Issyk-Kul, the second-largest saline lake in the world. A recent visitor noted: "Our driver stopped frequently so we could view the beautiful sights. A tiny criticism is that tinted windows made it difficult to fully enjoy the scenery."
- Day 4
Cholpon-Ata
Visit the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs in the morning light for the best photos. The site is about an hour from most lake accommodations. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven ground at the petroglyph site. Stop by the Ethnographical Museum to learn about local traditions. Take the 3-4 hour drive back to Bishkek in the afternoon.
- Day 5
Departure from Bishkek
Plan to leave for Manas International Airport early. The morning traffic means you need at least 90 minutes to get there. Book afternoon flights if you're heading to other Central Asian destinations because morning fog can cause delays.
