Central Asia Trip Summer 2025

An epic journey through Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan in Summer 2025!

Limited spots available. Apply to join now!

Overview

Dates: July 27 - August 4, 2025

Limited spots available on a first come, first served basis!

Apply to join now!

This 9-day journey is a symphony of raw experiences, breathtaking nature, and flavors that resonate with the spirit of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – an authentic landscape waiting to be explored.

From busy metropolitan Almaty to the serene beauty of the Kyrgyz countryside, this adventure will bring you deep into the rich culture of Central Asia. Live how Central Asian nomads have for thousands of years in a handmade yurt, experience a traditional Sakas Banya spa, and ride on horseback through some of the world's most beautiful scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive to Almaty International Airport, take a private transfer to our hotel, check in, and relax. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore Almaty.

Overnight: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meals included: None

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Day 2

We'll begin our first full day of the trip with a tour of the city of Almaty, visiting Panfilov Park and its famous Zenkov Cathedral. This Orthodox church was built more than a hundred years ago using only wood, making it one of the few remaining buildings of its kind in the world. We'll also see many of the city's former Soviet homes and administrative buildings.

In the afternoon, we'll board a cable car to a hilltop overlooking Almaty known as Kok Tobe. Boasting incredible views of the city, Kok Tobe is also an entertainment zone frequented by locals, and it's home to Almaty Tower, an iconic Soviet-era television tower.

In the evening, we'll head into the mountains for a traditional Kazakh dinner at one of Almaty's best restaurants, Qazaq Auyl.

Overnight: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Day 3

In the morning, we'll depart Almaty and make our way to Charyn Canyon. This canyon is an impressive natural wonder often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA. Its red rock formations, winding paths, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination.

We'll continue our journey onward to Kolsay Lake, nestled among the northern Tien Shan Mountains. Kolsay Lake is famous for its crystal clear water and lush surroundings.

We'll spend the evening relaxing at a mountain lodge overlooking the lake.

Overnight: Kolsay, Kazkahstan

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 4

Our day will start with a breakfast at the terrace with a view. After breakfast, we'll ride on horseback to Kaindy Lake, one of the most unique natural sights in Central Asia. Kaindy Lake is a "sunken forest" lake, featuring submerged trees sticking out of the water. The lake was created by an earthquake in 1911, which triggered a landslide that blocked a river and created the lake. The water is crystal clear and has a beautiful blue-green color. The surrounding forest is also stunning, with tall spruce trees and vibrant wildflowers.

In the afternoon, we will make our way back to Almaty. We will have an open evening for you to rest or perhaps check out Almaty's famous nightlife.

Overnight: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 5

In the morning, we'll get ready for a truly one-of-a-kind Central Asian experience: the Scythian Sakas Banya. This ancient bath ritual comes from Scythians tribes who lived in Central Asia around the 9th century BC. The whole ritual lasts 3 hours and includes 7 entries to special herbal saunas under the guidance of experienced bath attendants. Heating of the bathhouse starts 6 hours before the procedure and includes scrubbing with herbal balsams, steaming with the besom, herbal tea and bathing in the ice-cold mountain river. You'll definitely feel refreshed after this one!

In the afternoon, we'll head to the airport and fly together to Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, where we'll spend the night.

Overnight: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 6

In the morning, we'll begin our journey into the beautiful Kyrgyz countryside. We'll stop along the way at the ancient Burana Tower, a minaret and remnant of the 9th-century city of Balasagun. The tower is one of the oldest architectural constructions in Central Asia.

In the afternoon, we'll arrive to our yurt camp on the shores of beautiful Song Kul Lake. We'll spend our evening settling into our yurt accommodations, enjoying a delicious home-cooked traditional dinner, and relaxing by the campfire.

Overnight: Song Kul yurt camp, Kyrgyzstan

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 8

After breakfast, we'll depart our Song Kul yurt camp and begin the journey back to Bishkek. Along the way, we'll stop off at a local felt workshop and learn how the material used for yurts are handmade in a painstaking process that's remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Throughout the process of the workshop you will see the various stages of the felting process, from cleaning and carding the wool to shaping and coloring the finished product.

We will also stop off at the Tolon Museum, a new museum outside of Bishkek that is dedicated to sharing post-totalitarian art. Housed in an old Soviet wine factory, this museum is a fascinating look at an important part of Central Asia's history.

Overnight: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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Videos

The Guides

Doug Barnard is an American traveler and YouTuber. He has spent years traveling throughout the Middle East and beyond, and has led trips to Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, & more. See his experiences on his YouTube channel.

Hailing from Kazakhstan, Alina and Aigul started JV Hospitality as their passion project to showcase the untouched beauty of Central Asia. Having studied in the U.S. and traveled extensively around the world, they realized how little is known about their homeland and its rich historical heritage. They take pride in bringing travelers to the most hidden gem locations and introducing them to the food, natural wonders, and unbeatable hospitality of their nomadic land.

Inclusions & Price

Included:

8 nights lodging (3-4 star hotels & yurt camp)
Meals as indicated on itinerary
Airport transfers
All tours and tour guides
Flight from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan
Ground transportation throughout the trip

Excluded:

Flights to/from Central Asia
Meals not indicated on itinerary
Travel insurance
Souvenirs, snacks, alcohol
Some optional activities
Tips

Price:

Shared Twin Room: $3,500

Single Room: To be determined

Note: All yurts are shared by 4 people. Twin/single rooms to apply for hotel stays.

How to Join

There are limited spots available on the trip!

To apply to join, please send an email to trips@dougbarnardtravel.com.

A $750 deposit will be required to reserve your spot. This deposit is non-refundable except at the sole discretion of the tour organizers. A second payment of $1,000 is due 90 days before the start of the trip, and final payment is due 45 days before the start of the trip.

Guest Testimonials

"Doug is not just an amazing tour guide; he is, more importantly, an incredible human being. Being half Iraqi, I had a deep-rooted desire to explore the land where my father came from. Doug not only fulfilled that longing, but went above and beyond. His ability to simplify and make everything comfortable made the entire journey memorable. Touring Iraq with him was an unparalleled experience, and I can't imagine doing it with anyone else. If you're contemplating traveling with Doug, rest assured, you won't regret it. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore other places with him in the future."

~ Maryam E.

All testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should come on this trip?

Everyone is welcome on this trip! This journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, foodies, and cultural explorers alike. We'll experience everything from modern cities to stunning natural landscapes, rich traditions, and delicious Central Asian cuisine.

There may be light physical activity involved on this trip (walking, light hiking, etc.), but nothing overly strenuous. Temperatures in August typically range from 62-89° F (16-32° C), but it can get colder at the yurt camp at altitude. We will send a detailed recommended packing list to confirmed participants.

Do I need to get visas for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan?

Citizens of most western countries including the US and Europe can visit both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for tourism purposes visa-free. If you're unsure about visa requirements for your citizenship, get in touch with us!

What are the hotels like?

We will be staying in upscale hotels throughout the trip, with two nights in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp. All hotels offer wifi, air conditioning, and breakfast. There is limited wifi available at the yurt camp for purchase, but no cell signal. The hotel rooms are shared twin rooms, meaning that if you're traveling solo, you'll be paired up with a roommate. You can also request a single room for an additional cost. Yurts are spacious and are shared by four people.

What is the food like?

Central Asian food is rich, hearty, and diverse! While nomadic cuisine is known for meat and dairy, we'll have a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes. On this trip, we'll be visiting some of the best and most innovative restaurants in the region! Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.

What's the best way to get to & from Central Asia?

Depending on your point of origin, you may transit through Europe, Istanbul, or the Gulf. We can help you find good flights and even link up with other trip participants before your flight to Almaty, if possible.

Please note that the trip begins in Almaty, Kazakhstan and ends in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Participants should book arrival flights to Almaty International Airport and departure flights from Bishkek's Manas International Airport.

Have more questions? Email trips@dougbarnardtravel.com and we'll get back to you ASAP!

Central Asia Trip Summer 2025

Contents

Overview

Itinerary

Videos

The Guides

Inclusions & Price

How to Join

Guest Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions