Peaks and Petroglyphs

Fly direct and overnight from London Heathrow to Almaty.

Early morning arrival and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Kazzhol Almaty for two nights. An afternoon tour of the city includes the Zenkov Cathedral and the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, both built with wood but without nails, and sited within Panfilov Park.
(B, L)

A dramatic drive this morning takes you up to the Medeo Ice Rink. Set in a forested valley, at 1,691m above sea level, it claims the crown as the highest skating rink in the world. Afternoon visit to Almaty’s Historical Museum.
(B, L)

Travel (3 hrs) to visit the Tamgaly Petroglyphs, where 5,000 rock carvings date from as early as the second millennium BC. Cross the border into Kyrgyzstan and continue to Bishkek (3 hrs). Enjoy a ‘Special Event’ Kyrgyz folk concert. Two nights at the 4-star Ambassador Hotel or similar.
(B, L, D)

A morning visit to the wild and wonderful gorge of Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning glacial canyon, hemmed with the highest peaks of the Alatau mountain range. Return for an afternoon tour of Bishkek, where Soviet buildings still form the framework, but the contemporary city is a mix of market stalls and modern malls, museums and marble-fronted public buildings.
(B, L)

Visit the Burana Tower minaret, standing tall and isolated in its rugged landscape, as it has since the 11th century. A little smaller than it was, after being ransacked and (much later) restored, it is all that is left of the ancient city of Balasagun. Continue to Chon-Kemin, off the beaten track and forming a pocket of pristine nature and perfect tranquillity, it is a unique environment of semi-deserts, glaciers, conifer forests and lush meadows. Overnight at the special category Ashu Guesthouse.
(B, L, D)

Travel to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to Cholpon-Ata and visit the Saka-Usun petroglyphs. Perhaps take an optional cruise on the lake (bookable locally). Overnight at the 4-star Caprice Hotel or similar.
(B, L, D)

Follow the lake’s north-eastern shore enroute to Karakol, the region’s capital town. A city tour includes the Przhevalsky Museum, the Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church. Continue to Djety-Oguz Gorge. Overnight at the 4-star Green Yard Hotel.
(B, L, D)

Travel through the picturesque Karkara-Kegen valleys, cross the border back into Kazakhstan (10 hrs). Two nights at the Hotel Kazzhol, Almaty.
(B, L, D)

Travel to the Tien Shan mountains, to visit Big Almaty Lake, a natural alpine reservoir.
(B, L, D)

Return flight.
(B)