The Great Nomad Loop: Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

The Great Nomad Loop is a 12-day expedition across two of Central Asia's most spectacular countries — Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan — weaving together dramatic canyons, crystal-clear alpine lakes, nomadic traditions, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

Beginning in the vibrant city of Almaty, the journey takes you east through the Tian Shan mountains, past the extraordinary Charyn Canyon, along the shores of the Kolsai Lakes, and across the scenic Kazakh–Kyrgyz border into the charming town of Karakol.

From there, the route follows the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, descends into remote canyon systems, and climbs to the high-altitude pastures of Song-Kul Lake — one of the most authentically nomadic places on Earth. The final leg returns through the Chon-Kemin Valley and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tamgaly Petroglyphs.

This tour offers the perfect balance of nature, adventure, culture, and authentic local experiences: eagle hunting demonstrations, yurt building workshops, horseback riding across jailoos, nights under the stars in traditional Kyrgyz yurts, and encounters with communities whose way of life has remained unchanged for centuries.