Stans IV
Jul 29th, 2023 – Aug 5th, 2023
8 days · 7 nights
Wander Expeditions
5+ years group traveling
Itinerary
Day 1: Kok Boru & Song Kul
- In Wander Expeditions we like to start early on Day 1, and fully maximize our time together, so we ask you to arrive at least a day early. You can use that time pre-Expedition to wander around Bishkek, get your bearings and rest.
- Day 1 kicks off with a Kok Boru game in Chon Kemin. It's the Kyrgyz national sport and one of the most authentic local experiences you can have. From there we'll have lunch at a local guest house and continue our roadtrip to Song Kul via the Kalmakashuu Pass.
- We'll overnight in a yurt camp and share a traditional dinner with the nomads.
Day 2: Songkul to Aksai
- We'll begin our day admiring the beautiful and scenic Songkul Lake. Then we leave our camp and head to Kochkor, to witness first hand how traditional Kyrgyz carpets are made.
- The afternoon will be in Aksai, where we will experience eagle hunting and a sunset horseback ride through the desert canyons.
- Overnight and dinner in Aksai yurt camp.
Day 3: Road to Karakol
- Early morning wake up call to continue our journey to Karakol, the easternmost town in Kyrgyzstan and base to many of the mountain treks and climbs in this area of the country. On the way, we plan to stop at the stunning Skazka canyon, have a picnic lunch in Barksoon valley and mesmerize at the jaw dropping view of Jety Oguz.
- We'll reach Karakol before nightfall and visit its interesting Chinese influenced mosque as well as it's quaint wooden church.
- Overnight in a Karakol.
Day 4: Alty Arashan
- From Karakol we'll take off on a day trip to the mountains through the beautiful Aksuu Valley. We'll reach Altyn-Arashan's thermal pools, a gorgeous setting where we will relax and unwind and sink in all the beauty of Kyrgyz outdoors.
- Overnight in Karakol.
Day 5: Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan.
- Today we'll cross overland into Kazakhstan through the mountain passes that are only open in Summer.
- We'll explore the incredible Charyn Canyon, with 154km in lenght, it's one of the biggest in the World, and a little brother to the Colorado Canyon in USA.
- We'll have some time in the evening to explore the little village life in the mountainous settlement of Saty.
- Overnight in Saty.
Day 6: Kolsai Lake
- Today, we visit Kolsai Lake, an alpine wonder in the southern region of Kazakhstan. From there we continue on to Basshi village and the singing dunes, a sandy desert with some of the biggest dunes you will ever see!
- Overnight at a local guesthouse
Day 7: Journey to Almaty
- In the morning, we'll visit the white canyons of Altyn Emel and Ak Tau, before heading back after lunch to Almaty, the country's second biggest city.
- Overnight in Almaty.
Day 8: Almaty
- We'll explore Almaty in the morning, before heading out and flying back home.
What this expedition offers
Things to know
Our selection process
Takes only 10 minutes and it helps us create the best travel family!
Absolutely unforgettable. Traveling through Central America was so much more than a trip. It was an experience built around connection and shared adventure. From volcano hikes to pyramid sunrises, every destination was stunning, but what truly made it special was the group I shared it with. I’ve come home with a head full of memories, several crazy stories, and a few friends for life.
The best introduction to this part of the world. West Africa is sometimes called "Africa for beginners". I can see it. Mostly laid back, beautiful coast, incredible sightseeing and smiley locals. Add in the mix the Vodun culture, the colourful dances and thrilling rituals and you have an adventure to remember. Benin has quickly rose to being one of my favourite countries and the expedition family some of my favourite people.
History, history, history! Wow, is all I can say. Libya's recent history has created an isolation from tourism, and made this a relatively untouched Mediterranean gem. The Roman and Phoenician ruins are just mind-blowing. The trip out to the Algerian-Libyan border of The Sahara Desert is long, but well worth it to see Ghadames. Definitely say, "Yes"!
What a hilarious group of explorers who made the long drives fun! The guys were great dancers,too, when faced with rejection by the local females at the bar/dance hall, they had no problem dancing with themselves! Music, song and "car dancing" kept the mood going the whole time. Views were outstanding in The Pamir region.
I really cherish the people I met on my 1st "YES", I said to Afghanistan. It was a small group of very empathetic and adventurous people. We were all nervous at first, until we settled into the pace of our Expedition led by Elena. The people, the lead, the guide and drivers, and the shop keepers were so welcoming and professional. Kindest and most generous people I've met in recent years. I highly recommend everyone visit Afghanistan.
Such a beautiful place with very beautiful people. Patagonia is a very unique and must see place. The crew is what makes it happen.
Wander Expeditions
Details
Experience unforgettable group trips with Wander Expeditions! Discover unique destinations while forming lasting connections. Our curated travel families ensure a fun, flexible, and fearless adventure for all.
To help protect your payment, always communicate and make payments through our official channels.