18-Day Northern Asia Undiscovered Gems: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan & Mongolia in January
Embark on an unparalleled journey through the heart of Northern Asia’s most enigmatic landscapes. This 18-day expedition is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the thrill of the 'undiscovered' without compromising on the finer things in life. In January, these regions transform into a shimmering white wonderland, offering a stark, poetic beauty that few Westerners ever witness.
From the cosmopolitan luxury of Almaty’s skyscraper hotels to the rugged, frost-tipped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains and the silent, snowy expanse of the Mongolian Gobi, you will experience the height of Central Asian hospitality. Expect private heli-skipping, gourmet horse-steak dinners, and five-star spa retreats amidst the sub-zero temperatures of the great northern frontier.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & Sky-High Luxury
VIP Airport Arrival
Fast-track through immigration at Almaty International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer in a Mercedes S-Class.
Check-in at The Ritz-Carlton
Settle into your suite overlooking the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, situated in the prestigious Esentai Tower.
Esentai Mall Personal Shopping
Enjoy a private shopping session at Central Asia’s premier luxury mall, featuring high-end boutiques and the Saks Fifth Avenue gallery.
Dinner at Seven Bar & Restaurant
Indulge in modern European cuisine with panoramic views of the city lights glowing against the mountain backdrop.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Alpine Elegance
Medeu Ice Rink Experience
Visit the world's highest Olympic-sized skating rink, a masterpiece of Soviet engineering nestled in a stunning mountain gorge.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort
Take the luxury gondola to the highest point for a private ski lesson or simply to enjoy the crisp air at 3,200 meters.
Gourmet Lunch at S.N.e.G
Savor a high-altitude lunch at this boutique hotel restaurant, known for its locally sourced ingredients and exceptional mountain vistas.
Traditional Banya Experience
Relax with a private session at Arasan Wellness & Spa, a luxury take on the traditional Kazakh steam bath experience.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon Expedition
Private Helicopter Tour
Skip the 4-hour drive and take a private helicopter to Charyn Canyon, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Central Asia'.
Champagne Picnic at the Valley of Castles
Enjoy a catered luxury picnic featuring local caviar and premium spirits while overlooking the dramatic red rock formations.
Kolsay Lakes Aerial View
Fly over the 'Pearls of the Tien Shan', seeing the frozen turquoise waters of Kolsay Lake from a perspective few ever see.
Dinner at Baursak City
Experience authentic Kazakh hospitality with a contemporary twist, sampling traditional 'Besbarmak' in a refined setting.
Day 4: Almaty to Bishkek (Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan) - The Great Crossing
Luxury Cross-Border Transfer
Depart Almaty in a private executive SUV for a scenic drive across the border into Kyrgyzstan, with expedited border processing.
Bishkek City Introduction
Arrive in Kyrgyzstan’s capital and take a private tour of Ala-Too Square, seeing the changing of the guards in their winter uniforms.
Check-in at Hyatt Regency
Retreat to the Hyatt Regency Bishkek, the city's premier international luxury hotel located near the Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Fine Dining at Frunze
Dine at the city’s most prestigious restaurant, located in a beautiful park and serving exquisite Kyrgyz-fusion cuisine.
Day 5: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan - Culture & Craft
Osh Bazaar Guided Tour
Explore the vibrant markets with a private guide, focusing on high-quality felt crafts and rare Central Asian spices.
Lunch at Supara Ethno-Complex
A short drive from the city, this complex offers a luxury look into Kyrgyz nomadic heritage and traditional architecture.
Silk Road Heritage Visit
Visit the Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun, standing tall against the winter sky.
Opera Performance
Enjoy a private box for a performance at the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theater, a gem of neoclassical architecture.
Day 6: Bishkek to Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan - The Eternal Lake
Drive to Lake Issyk-Kul
Head toward the world's second-largest alpine lake, which never freezes despite the surrounding snowy peaks.
Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs
Explore the open-air museum of ancient stone carvings, dating back to the 8th century BC, dusted in winter snow.
Check-in at Aurora Resort
Stay at this historic, high-end sanatorium-style resort, offering luxury wellness treatments and private lake access.
Fresh Trout Dinner
Enjoy a meal of locally caught Issyk-Kul trout prepared with wild mountain herbs in the resort’s private dining room.
Day 7: Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan - Eagle Hunting Tradition
Private Berkutchi Demonstration
Meet a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter for an exclusive demonstration of this ancient hunting art in the snowy valleys.
Yurt Building Workshop
Participate in a private session with master craftsmen to learn the engineering secrets of the nomadic yurt.
Thermal Springs Soak
Relax in the Ak-Suu Kench hot springs, where the contrast of the hot mineral water and the falling snow is sublime.
Nomadic Star Gazing
With zero light pollution, enjoy an expert-led astronomy session on the shores of the silent, winter lake.
Day 8: Issyk-Kul to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan - Frontier Spirit
Scenic Drive to Karakol
Travel along the southern shore of the lake, stopping at the fairy-tale 'Skazka' Canyon for a short walk through red sand formations.
Dungan Mosque & Orthodox Church
Visit these unique architectural sites in Karakol, reflecting the diverse religious and ethnic history of the region.
Check-in at Hotel Karagat
Relax in the best hotel in Karakol, known for its upscale amenities and proximity to the region's best ski slopes.
Dungan Family Dinner
Enjoy a private 'Ashlan-Fu' tasting and a multi-course dinner hosted by a local Dungan family in their traditional home.
Day 9: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan - Backcountry Luxury
Private Heli-Skiing or Snowmobiling
Take a helicopter to the untouched powder of the Karakol valley for an exclusive day of off-piste skiing.
Mountain Peak Lunch
A luxury picnic is set up on a high ridge, featuring hot Kyrgyz dumplings and mulled wine.
Jeti-Oguz (Seven Bulls) Visit
Drive to the famous red rock formation for sunset photos against the backdrop of the massive Jeti-Oguz mountains.
Après-ski Spa Night
Return to your hotel for a deep-tissue massage and a relaxing evening by the fireplace.
Day 10: Karakol to Almaty (Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan) - Return North
The Long Road Home
Begin the private overland journey back to Almaty, taking the northern route through the Kegen border crossing.
Lunch in the Steppe
Stop at a high-end roadside eatery specializing in 'Shashlik' (grilled meats) prepared over fruitwood fires.
Return to Almaty
Re-check into the Ritz-Carlton Almaty for a night of familiar luxury before your flight to Mongolia.
Late Dinner at Villa dei Fiori
Celebrate your return to the city with world-class Italian cuisine in a stunningly designed mansion.
Day 11: Almaty to Ulaanbaatar (Kazakhstan/Mongolia) - The Mongol Conquest
Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Take a premium flight from Almaty to the coldest capital in the world, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Check-in at Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Arrive at the height of Mongolian luxury, located in the heart of the city’s business district.
Blue Sky Lounge Cocktails
Visit the 'Sail' building for a cocktail with views of the vast, frozen city and Genghis Khan Square.
Modern Mongol Dinner at Hazara
Enjoy upscale North Indian and Central Asian flavors in an exquisitely decorated setting popular with the elite.
Day 12: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Empire of the Great Khan
Chinggis Khaan National Museum
Explore this state-of-the-art museum with a private historian, viewing artifacts from the Great Mongol Empire.
Lunch at The Bull Hot Pot
Warm up with a luxury Mongolian hot pot experience, choosing from premium wagyu beef and local lamb.
Gandan Monastery Visit
Witness the chanting monks at Mongolia's most important Buddhist monastery, home to a massive golden statue.
Traditional Music Performance
Attend a private performance of throat singing and the horsehead and the Morin Khuur (horse-head fiddle) at a boutique venue.
Day 13: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Cashmere & Culture
GOBI Cashmere Flagship
Visit the world's largest cashmere store for a private styling session and purchase world-class garments at origin prices.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Discover this hidden gem of Buddhist architecture, standing in stark contrast to the surrounding glass skyscrapers.
Art Gallery of Mongolia
View modern Mongolian fine arts, focusing on the unique 'Mongol Zurag' style of painting.
French-Mongolian Fusion at Rosewood
Dine at Rosewood Kitchen, a favorite for its high-quality cuts of meat and extensive international wine list.
Day 14: Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park - Into the Wild
Drive to Terelj National Park
Head into the granite peaks and larch forests of Terelj, which become a silent, snowy cathedral in January.
Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Visit the massive 40-meter tall silver statue of the Great Khan, rising out of the frozen steppe.
Check-in at Terelj Hotel & Spa
Experience the ultimate in remote luxury at this five-star property, featuring a heated indoor pool and palatial suites.
Fireside Dinner
Enjoy a formal multi-course dinner in the hotel’s grand dining room, overlooking the frozen Tuul River.
Day 15: Terelj National Park, Mongolia - The Winter Steppe
Dog Sledding Expedition
Travel across the frozen landscape on a private dog-sledding tour led by professional mushers.
Lunch in a Luxury Ger
Visit a nomadic family for a traditional meal, but with a luxury setup including heated floors and fine linens.
Ariyapala Meditation Temple
Hike up the snowy path to this meditation center for incredible views and a peaceful winter atmosphere.
Mongolian Barbecue Night
Experience 'Khorkhog', meat cooked with hot stones, prepared by the hotel's executive chef in an outdoor fire pit.
Day 16: Terelj to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - The Final Stretch
Morning Spa at Terelj
Indulge in a signature Mongolian 'Milk and Honey' spa treatment before departing the park.
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Take the scenic drive back to the capital, stopping for photos of 'Turtle Rock' encased in ice.
Check-in at The Blue Sky Hotel
Stay in the iconic sail-shaped building for your final nights, offering the best views of the city skyline.
Farewell Dinner at Terrazza
Enjoy fine Italian dining with a view of the illuminated Central Square, reflecting on your epic journey.
Day 17: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Imperial Souvenirs
Bogd Khaan Winter Palace
Visit the winter residence of the last king of Mongolia, seeing his collection of taxidermy and royal gifts.
Lunch at Veranda
A cozy, upscale spot near the temple, perfect for a long lunch of handmade pasta and Mediterranean wine.
Zaisan Memorial Sunset
Take the stairs (or a private lift) to the Zaisan Memorial for a 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Final Night Gala
Host a private dinner in the Shangri-La’s Naadam restaurant, celebrating the completion of your northern odyssey.
Day 18: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Departure
Final Mongolian Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty breakfast of 'Boortsog' (fried dough) and clotted cream before your flight.
Private Transfer to Airport
Your chauffeur will take you to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure.
Duty Free Shopping
Pick up last-minute Mongolian vodka and rare pine nuts as gifts for home.
Departure Flight
Board your flight out of Northern Asia, taking with you memories of a frozen, golden empire.
Best Time to Visit Asia
Northern Asia is a region of extremes. While the traditional tourist season is the mild summer (June to August), the adventurous luxury traveler will find January to be the most rewarding time for 'Undiscovered Gems'. In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, January offers world-class skiing and the beauty of frozen alpine lakes. Mongolia in January is for the truly bold, offering a 'deep freeze' experience with temperatures as low as -30°C, providing the most authentic look at nomadic winter life and incredibly clear, star-filled skies.
Visas & Border Crossings
For this multi-country route, most Western travelers (US, UK, EU) enjoy visa-free entry to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for stays under 30 days. Mongolia has also recently expanded its visa-free list for tourism. The border crossing between Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) is straightforward via private car, but requires valid documentation and patience for the 'Korday' crossing. Flying is recommended for the hop to Mongolia to avoid the logistical complexities of crossing through China or Russia in winter.
Getting Around Asia
In the vast expanses of Northern Asia, the method of transport is part of the luxury experience. Within cities like Almaty and Ulaanbaatar, private chauffeured SUVs are the standard for premium travel. For inter-country travel, Air Astana provides high-quality business class service across Central Asia. In Mongolia, a 4x4 vehicle (typically a Lexus or Toyota Land Cruiser) with a professional driver is mandatory for any travel outside the capital due to the rugged winter conditions and lack of paved roads in remote areas.
