KAZAKHSTAN & UZBEKISTAN
A Cross-country Winter Backpacking Trip
KAZAKHSTAN & UZBEKISTAN
A Cross-country Winter Backpacking Trip
Trip Date: 31-Jan to 9-Feb, 2025
🎿 Step into the enchanting heart of Central Asia, where winter weaves its magic across endless steppes, snow-capped mountains, and glistening lakes. Kazakhstan, a land of contrasts, beckons you to embrace its frost-kissed wonder.
🎿 This isn’t just another winter trip—it’s a journey into a world where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Begin your adventure in Almaty, the cultural heart of Kazakhstan, where you’ll lose yourself in the charm of bustling bazaars and explore stunning landscapes. Wander through snow-blanketed forests, marvel at the majestic Big Almaty Lake, or enjoy exhilarating winter sports in nearby resorts.
🎿 One of the highlights of the journey is the train ride from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan (Almaty to Tashkent), a scenic and unforgettable experience that takes you through snowy expanses, rugged mountains, and quaint villages along the ancient Silk Road. The journey (overnight + half day) allows you to relax in the comfort of the train as the wintry landscape unfolds outside, offering a peaceful yet awe-inspiring transition between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
🎿 Upon arriving in Tashkent, dive into the vibrant winter culture of Uzbekistan. Explore the lively bazaars, visit the remarkable Amir Timur Square, and stroll through parks adorned with winter’s beauty. Don’t miss a thrilling day at the Amirsoy Ski Resort, just outside the city, where snow-covered slopes and cozy mountain chalets await winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape into the mountains.
🎿 Whether you seek the rush of adventure or the peace of winter landscapes, this journey through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan promises a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, from snowy peaks to ancient cities.
🎿 Pack your coziest jackets and your sense of wonder—Central Asia in winter is calling, with memories waiting to be made at every turn.
Take flights from your city on this day, ensuring you arrive in Almaty early in the morning of the next day (Sat,1-Feb).
Arrive at Almaty International Airport in the morning.
The trip begins with a journey to the mesmerizing Big Almaty Lake, a stunning turquoise jewel nestled amidst towering snow-capped peaks.
Next, venture into the breathtaking Ile-Alatau National Park, a paradise for nature lovers. Wander along snow-covered trails.
Finally, gaze at the vast winter sky from the Tien-Shan Astronomical Observatory, perched high amidst the remote beauty of the mountains. Here, under the expansive starlit sky, the wonders of the cosmos unfold before you, offering a magical experience of stargazing like no other.
Inclusions:
➭ Accommodation: Double / Triple / Quad occupancy
➭ All transports including airport pickup
➭ Meals: None
🇰🇿 Day-3 (Sun, 2-Feb): Escape to the Mountains
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the serene Issyk Lake, its calm waters reflecting the rugged cliffs and snow-dusted landscapes around it.
Next, venture to the breathtaking Assy Plateau, a vast expanse of snow-covered wilderness offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Experience the timeless beauty of traditional Kazakh life, with yurts scattered across the landscape and livestock grazing peacefully, even in the cold of winter.
Conclude your day with a visit to the stunning Turgen Gorge, famous for its frozen waterfalls and dense, snow-clad forests—nature’s icy masterpiece waiting to be explored.
Inclusions:
➭ Accommodation: Double / Triple / Quad occupancy
➭ All transports
➭ Meals: NIL
🇰🇿 Day-4 (Mon, 3-Feb): Alpine Adventures
Visit the Ascension Cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of wooden architecture, set amidst a picturesque park.
Wander through the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, where snow-dusted paths lead you past striking monuments and statues that honor the heroes of World War II, creating a moment of quiet reflection.
Glide effortlessly across the pristine ice at the iconic Medeu Skating Rink, the world’s highest outdoor rink, where the sharp mountain air and dramatic peaks create a perfect blend of adventure and breathtaking scenery.
Next, take a short journey to Shymbulak Ski Resort, Central Asia’s premier winter sports destination. Whether you’re carving down the slopes on skis or a snowboard, or simply enjoying a scenic cable car ride to take in the panoramic mountain views, Shymbulak promises an unforgettable experience for every kind of winter enthusiast.
End your day with a cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill, offering panoramic views of the city nestled against the backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains.
Inclusions:
➭ Accommodation: Double / Triple / Quad occupancy
➭ Cable car ticket to Ski resort
➭ All transports
➭ Meals: NIL
🇰🇿 Day-5 (Tue, 4-Feb): Majestic Canyons and Frozen Lakes
Walk along the rim of the awe-inspiring Charyn Canyon, where dramatic cliffs and deep gorges are transformed into a winter wonderland beneath a blanket of snow. Known as the “Grand Canyon’s little brother,” this breathtaking landscape will leave you in awe.
Next, head to the picturesque Kolsay Lake, a series of stunning turquoise lakes tucked within the Tien Shan mountains. Hike along the trail to catch mesmerizing views of the sparkling lakes, framed by snow-capped peaks—nature’s perfect canvas.
Inclusions:
➭ Accommodation: Double / Triple / Quad occupancy
➭ All transports
➭ Meals: NIL
🇰🇿 Day-6 (Wed, 5-Feb): Adventure, Culture, and the Journey Beyond
Hike to the magical Ozero Kaindy (Kaindy Lake), renowned for its submerged forest of pine trees. The sight of these eerie trees rising from the clear, cold water, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, creates an unforgettable and hauntingly beautiful scene.
After a mesmerizing exploration of the majestic mountains, return to Almaty by late afternoon, with the memories of towering peaks still fresh in your mind.
Dive into the lively Green Bazaar, a vibrant hub of local culture. Savor the colors, aromas, and flavors as you indulge in traditional Kazakh delicacies, each bite a glimpse into the region’s rich culinary traditions.
Board the overnight train from Almaty to Tashkent (Uzbekistan), a scenic and comfortable journey that winds through the vast, open expanse of the Kazakh steppe.
The train ride itself becomes an adventure, offering a unique chance to soak in the endless beauty of Kazakhstan’s landscapes, where the vast horizon stretches out before you at a leisurely pace tracing the whispers of the ancient Silk Road.
Inclusions:
➭ Overnight sleeper train ticket
➭ All transports
➭ Meals: NIL
🇺🇿 Day-7 (Thu, 6-Feb): A New Dawn in Tashkent
Arrive in Tashkent by afternoon, greeted by the crisp winter air and the charm of a new day.
Take a city tour of Tashkent, beginning with a visit to the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, where vibrant stalls of spices, textiles, and local delicacies awaken your senses. Then, take a leisurely stroll through Amir Timur Square, surrounded by picturesque fountains and Soviet-era architecture.
Next, head to the observation deck of the Tashkent TV Tower, which offers panoramic views of the sprawling city, its parks, and the distant mountains.
Inclusions:
➭ Accommodation: Double / Triple / Quad occupancy
➭ All transports
➭ Meals: NIL
🇺🇿 Day-8 (Fri, 7-Feb): Chasing Adventure at the Ski Resort
Set out for an exhilarating day trip to Amirsoy Ski Resort, nestled in the majestic Chimgan mountains. Here, snowy slopes and alpine vistas await, offering skiing, snowboarding, or simply soaking in the serene beauty.
Inclusions:
➭ Accommodation: Double / Triple / Quad occupancy
➭ Cable car ticket to Ski resort
➭ All transports
➭ Meals: NIL
🇺🇿 Day-9 (Sat, 8-Feb): Winter Wonders
Start your day with an early drive to Charvak Lake, where the serene blue waters meet the snowy embrace of winter. Stroll along the shore, take in the crisp mountain air, and capture the breathtaking scenery of this winter haven.
After soaking in the lake's beauty, head toward the Chimgan Mountains, just a short drive away. Enjoy a light hike or simply bask in the majestic views of the snow-capped peaks.
As night falls, you'll make your way to Tashkent airport.
Inclusions:
➭ Accommodation: NIL
➭ All transports
➭ Meals: NIL
🇺🇿 Day-10 (Sun, 9-Feb): Farewell
Catch the early morning flights back to India from Tashkent International Airport (TAS), carrying with us memories of an unforgettable journey.
➭ ₹ 44,000 (approx.).
➭ As this is an exploratory trip, there will be +/- 10% of the package cost.
➭ We do have EMI option, but there will be processing fee and interest.
➭ Option to pay advance amount through credit cards / wallets are also possible. Do request us at the time of payment.
☑ All accommodations, transports & activities as per the day-wise itinerary above
☑ Sleeper train tickets from Almaty to Tashkent
☑ Airport pickup & drop
☑ Cable car ticket in Ski resorts
☑ Tourist Visa (Currently its free in Kazakhstan; ₹2500 in Uzbekistan)
☑ CAC trip lead cost
✖ Flight tickets (Approx ₹27,000 from/to Chennai)
✖ Travel insurance (Approx ₹700)
✖ Entry tickets (Approx ₹2,000)
✖ All meals
✖ All activities (skiing, snowboarding, etc.)
✖ Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks, landslides, floods and/or any factors beyond control. If flights get cancelled due to weather, we will arrange alternative stay at minimal cost.
We would like to inform you that exploratory trips work much different than other regular trips in CAC.
Once you are confirmed for the trip, participants are added to a Splitwise group to track and equally share all actual expenses, including accommodations, transportation, and activities.
All day-to-day actual expenses will be recorded in the Splitwise app by participants.
Any balances need to be settled before the trip ends.
The total trip cost will not exceed the amount published in the itinerary.
This system ensures transparency and shared responsibility for expenses among participants, while also guaranteeing that the overall cost remains within the advertised budget.
❄ Basics:
Total number of slots: 12
Age group: 18 to 40
A valid Indian Passport with at-least 6 months validity is required.
Visa arrangements will be done by CAC, and cost is included.
Gender ratio: To encourage female travelers, we will ensure that there is a min of 40% female participants.
First preference for solo participants and couples. However, there will be an additional sur-charge for couples requesting for a Double bedroom for themselves.
Group registrations of more than 3 persons will most likely get rejected.
Please note that there could be small changes in the itinerary due to local restrictions, and suitable alternative plans will made in such cases.
All activities are subject to weather conditions and local govt. rules.
If for any reason your visa is rejected by Uzbekistan Immigration, we will provide the complete refund of the trip cost paid by you.
We will assist you in getting your currency exchanged before your travel.
❄ Flights:
Flights to Kazakhstan and from Uzbekistan can be booked by the participant, since that will be cheaper. We will be sharing all the info you will need for booking your flights. We can help you if you really need any flight booking assistance.
However, we will try to travel together from India. At the time of trip confirmation, we will let you know which flights needs to be booked, so that the entire team travels together.
Landing in Kazakhstan: You are expected to land in Almaty International Airport (ALA) before 7AM on 01-Feb (Sat).
Departing from Uzbekistan: You can depart from Tashkent International Airport (TAS) at any time 09-Feb (Sun).
Please book flights only after you make the advance payment for the trip, and after receiving an acknowledgement from CAC regarding your slot confirmation.
❄ Weather:
Almaty - Max 7 °C | Min -10 °C
Tashkent - Max 10 °C | Min -2 °C
❄ Food:
Kazakhstan - the cuisine is centred around meat, especially beef, mutton, and horse. There are vegetarian options available but would be limited as compared to Non-Veg dishes. Meals cost between 5 - 15 USD.
Uzbekistan - both non-veg and veg options are available costing around 2 - 10 USD.
❄ Payment details:
Advance payment of ₹15,000 is required to confirm your participation (Non-refundable).
Payment details will be shared if you are shortlisted for the trip.
❄ Cancellation policy:
No refund of the advance payment will be provided.
❄ Registration & Selection process:
If you are interested in this trip, please register yourself by clicking on the link at the end of this itinerary.
If you are selected for the trip, you will receive an invite from us to join the trip. and to make advance payment. Please note that the selection process will be at the complete discretion of Coimbatore Adventure Club
Registering for the trip does not guarantee a slot in the trip.
❄ Important notice:
Coimbatore Adventure Club reserves the right to remove any participant from the trip at any time if they engage in any illicit or inappropriate behavior. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all travellers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
❄ Contact us:
For any booking-related query, the central contact point is +91 94888 00444 (only WhatsApp). If you would like to have a talk with us, please put a WhatsApp message on this number and we will call you.