Central Asia Trip Sept 2024

A journey through Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan for the World Nomad Games!

Limited spots available. Apply to join now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Dates: September 7-15, 2024

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

Apply to join now!

Embark on a thrilling journey to the heart of Central Asia with the World Nomad Games 2024. A huge and relatively new event, the World Nomad Games is the Olympics of the nomadic world, featuring traditional sports from Central Asia and beyond. Watch horseback wrestling, learn more about nomadic culture and enjoy the people watching – the World Nomad Games is a spectacle from start to finish.

This 8-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 areas of Kazakhstan to the serene beauty of Kyrgyz lakes - this journey is a genuine adventure that invites you to embrace the soulful culture of these nations.

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Kazakhstan! After arriving to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, our journey begins as we step foot into the enchanting cityscape of Astana, Kazakhstan.

Towering skyscrapers dominate the horizon, a testament to the city's modernity and ambition. Alongside the tranquil Ishim River, the city pulses with life, offering a captivating blend of tradition and progress. From bustling markets to sleek contemporary architecture, Astana captivates with its dynamic charm. With every sight and sound, the city beckons us to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Overnight: Best Western Hotel, Astana (or equivalent)

1/4

Day 2

The first day will start with immersing ourselves in the tapestry of tradition and culture at the Opening Ceremony of the World Nomad Games. Witness the solemn ritual of hoisting the State Flag of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the emblematic flag of the Games, accompanied by the national anthems of participating nations. Watch the Head of State deliver an address marking the official inauguration of this celebration of nomadic heritage.

Wrapping up the first day of exciting games, we indulge in a traditional Kazakh dinner at a local restaurant. The aroma of hearty dishes fills the air as we gather around tables adorned with vibrant textiles. Savory delights such as beshbarmak and manty await, offering a tantalizing taste of Kazakh culinary heritage.

Overnight: Best Western Hotel, Astana (or equivalent)

1/5

Day 6

The next day of our tour brings us to a visit center nestled in the mountains, offering a day of adventure and natural beauty. We'll kick off the morning with an electrifying ride on electro-bikes to a mountain lake, followed by a hike towards a beautiful waterfall. Amidst the picturesque scenery, we'll enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch with panoramic mountain views.

Next, we'll experience the Scythian Saka steam bath. This ancient bath ritual derives from Scythians tribes, which originated in Central Asia possibly 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 will definitely feel refreshed after this one-of-a-kind experience!

Overnight: Almaty Hotel (or equivalent)

1/4

Day 7

Our final day in Almaty begins with a visit to the most famous view point of the city, Kok-Tobe, which offers sweeping vistas of the city below. Here, we'll indulge in a culinary delight at a restaurant adorned with traditional Kazakh motifs, its yurt-shaped hall evoking a sense of cultural immersion. The main attraction, however, lies in the terrace's panoramic view, where Almaty's skyline is embraced by majestic mountain peaks, leaving us with unforgettable memories before our departure to Kyrgyzstan.

In the afternoon, we'll make our way to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. That evening, we'll enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region.

Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Bishkek (or equivalent)

1/6

Day 3

The World Nomad Games continue! Experience the thrill of 20 competitive and 10 demonstration sports set against the backdrop of Astana's finest sports grounds. From thrilling horse races to the ancient art of traditional wrestling, mesmerizing traditional intellectual games, martial arts competitions, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Following the second day at the games we will set off on a tour of Astana, where modernity meets tradition. During our exploration, we'll witness the most remarkable futuristic architectural marvels and monuments that define this bustling capital. From the awe-inspiring designs of buildings by Norman Foster to the grandeur of the largest mosque in Central Asia, each stop offers a glimpse into the city's architectural splendor. The day will culminate in a delightful dinner at a fusion restaurant, where flavors from around the world converge to create a memorable dining experience.

Overnight: Best Western Hotel, Astana (or equivalent)

1/6

Day 4

Today, our journey leads us to Ethnoaul, a unique concert venue hosting daily cultural events. Here, we explore the largest exhibition-fair, showcasing the finest craftsmanship of Kazakhstan. Engaging in master classes, we uncover the secrets of these artisans' crafts. As evening falls, we'll experience the traditional musical competition of aytys, featuring both seasoned performers and budding talents. Amidst it all, the Universe of Nomads festival unveils the modern nuances shaping the world of nomadic culture.

As the day winds down, we will gather for dinner at a one-of-a-kind restaurant, where an array of cuisines awaits amidst stunning decor and live music performances. Then, we'll venture to a local art club where we'll learn more about the rich tapestry of nomadic culture, history, and traditions of the Central Asian populace.

Overnight: Best Western Hotel, Astana (or equivalent)

1/5

Day 5

Early in the morning we'll fly to Almaty, “the apple of Kazakhstan's eye." This city boasts a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition, offering a glimpse into the country's rich history and promising future.

Kazakhstan is known for its multi-cultural population, so to add some flavors, for lunch we invite you to try traditional georgian food in the heart of the city center. In the afternoon, we will tour some of the city’s most prominent parks, including Panfilov Park and it’s famous Zenkov Cathedral. This all-wooden Orthodox church is one of the few remaining buildings of its kind in the world.

Next, we'll venture to Platforma, a modern food hall housed within the historic walls of the legendary Alma-Ata restaurant, which used to be the largest in USSR. This place brings together the finest restaurateurs, chefs, and culinary enthusiasts of the country under one roof. Almaty undoubtedly has the best nightlife in Central Asia, with plentiful drinking spots and unique speakeasy-style bars, which we will get to explore after dinner.

Overnight: Almaty Hotel (or equivalent)

1/3

Day 8

Today, we'll set off for a truly unique yurt experience in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. At our yurt camp near Song Kul lake, you'll immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking landscape of the region. Along the way to the camp, we will admire the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and the valleys dotted with yurts and flocks of grazing livestock. The road curves through narrow passes, revealing breathtaking vistas of pristine wilderness. After our arrival, you will be free to explore and enjoy the virgin nature of the lake and its surroundings.

Song Kul Lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is surrounded by mountains and it is the highest alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan, situated at an altitude of 3,013 meters. Herders of the Naryn region come to the lake to use it as a pastureland. Our day will be filled with traditional activities like eagle hunting and horse riding, allowing you to experience the local culture first-hand.

Overnight: Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan

1/4

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)
8 breakfasts
Airport transfers
All tours, tour guides, & entry fees
Flight from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan
Ground transportation throughout the trip

Excluded:

Flights to/from Central Asia
Meals besides breakfast
Travel insurance
Souvenirs, snacks, alcohol
Visas (if applicable)
Tips

Price:

Shared Twin Room: $3,400 per person

Single Room: $3,650

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 in lieu of extraordinary circumstances. 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. You can expect the weather to be mild, with temperatures in September generally ranging from 42-79° F (6-26° C). We will send a detailed recommended packing list to confirmed participants.

What are the World Nomad Games?

The World Nomad Games, conceived and first organized in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2014, is an international sports competition dedicated to ethnic sports practiced in Central Asia. Included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, the World Nomad Games are being held in Kazakhstan for the first time this year. In addition to a spectacular opening ceremony, you can expect to see traditional sports such as wrestling, falconry, horse racing, archery, and more. There will also be a variety of cultural events hosted in conjunction with the Games. You can learn more about the World Nomad Games here.

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 one night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp. All hotels offer wifi, air conditioning, and breakfast. The 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.

What is the food like?

Central Asian food is rich, hearty, and diverse! While nomadic cuisine is known for meat and dairy dishes, 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 Astana, if possible.

Please note that the trip begins in Astana, Kazakhstan and ends in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Participants should book arrival flights to Astana's Nursultan Nazarbayev 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 Sept 2024

Contents

Overview

Itinerary

The Guides

Inclusions & Price

How to Join

Guest Testimonials

Frequently Asked questions