Wednesday 17 May 2023 Highlights: The Green Bazaar (Almaty), Flight diversion
Today I say goodbye to Kazakhstan but first I still had a morning in Almaty. The day started with the most comprehensive breakfast buffet so far. After breakfast Anne, Birgitta and myself headed out to find the Green Bazaar.
Additional note: This plane was diverted to Khŭjand Airport due to bad weather in Dushanbe. Diversion was announced 1 hour 20 minutes into flight. We stayed on the ground in Khŭjand for just over 1 hour.
Tuesday 16 May 2023 Highlights: Hiking Charyn Canyon, Zenkov Cathedra, Panfilov’s Park, Independence Square
An early start to the day with breakfast at 6.30 am. This was to allow us to explore one of the major highlights of Kazakhstan in Charyn Canyon and get to Almaty for a city tour.
Kolsay Lakes National Park, Kazakhstan – Soviet era transportation used today
Monday 15 May 2023 Highlights: Border crossing, Exploring Kolsay Lakes National Park
Today we left Kyrgyzstan for the next stop in the tour, a short visit to Kazakhstan. From Karakol it took us a few hours to reach the border with a several stops in between. Border control was very strict, I had my passport checked for powder and with a literal microscope.
Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan Border crossing
While I eventually got though one of our drivers was held up for almost an hour but eventually we got into Kazakhstan.
Crossing delays – Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan Border (more…)
Sunday 14 May 2023 Highlights: Hiking Jeti-Oguz Gorge, Hiking Karakol National Park
Today we set off to hike Jeti-Oguz Gorge which was about 30 minute drive on semi-rough and bumpy road. We started with a stop at Heartbreak Ridge, the natural landscape of Kyrgyzstan is a treasure of the world.