VI
EN
Every year, as April 30th approaches, travel enthusiasts eagerly plan a memorable trip. For Pham Minh Thuy, an IT professional currently living and working in Hanoi, last year's holiday took her to two mysterious and majestic Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The 15-day journey was not only a trip through stunning landscapes but also provided unforgettable experiences about the people, culture, and nature of these places.
Scenery along the road from Almaty to Saty
"April 30th isn't the best time to visit Central Asia because many areas are still frozen and uninhabitable, such as Ala Kul and Son Kul... But on the other hand, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the snow-capped mountain scenery at this time is truly spectacular," Minh Thúy shared.
The highlight of the trip is the trekking routes through turquoise lakes, vibrant red canyons, and endless grasslands. Witnessing majestic snow-capped mountains or riding horses across vast plains is an experience not easily found anywhere else.
The highlight of the trip is the trekking routes through turquoise lakes, vibrant red canyons, and endless grasslands.
Flight itinerary and things to note
Minh Thúy and her friends flew from Hanoi to Almaty with a transit stop in Delhi. The night flight saved them waiting time, although they still had to go through the "special" immigration procedures of New Delhi airport. "The most memorable moment was when we arrived at the Air Astana check-in counter; there were more staff than passengers. They were very welcoming and even escorted us to the security gate," she recounted.
Regarding flight costs, a total of 4 legs (round trip) would cost approximately 15 million VND. If you book early for sale tickets, the price can be significantly reduced. A small note: Kazakhstan is visa-free for Vietnamese citizens, but if you have a layover in India, you will still need to apply for a transit visa.
Jyrgalan
Cherry blossoms along the road from Jyrgalan to Karakol
Days spent wandering along magnificent roads.
During their 15-day trip, 9 days were dedicated to a land tour booked through Apple Hostel Bishkek, costing $850 per person, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and some activities such as horseback riding and eagle shows. "The cost was reasonable and suitable for budget-conscious backpackers like us. Depending on your budget and needs, you can choose a suitable land tour. The drivers, although not speaking English, were extremely enthusiastic, communicating mainly through body language, which was sometimes a fun experience. Four of us fit comfortably in a 7-seater off-road vehicle; throughout the journey, the vehicles were quite nice, high-quality, and very comfortable," Thúy recounted.
Road to Altyn Arashan
Russian vans transport tourists to Altyn.
Thúy's itinerary spanned from the emerald-green lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy to the majestic canyons of Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon. One of the most memorable moments of the trip was when the group trekked from Kolsai 1 to Kolsai 2. She described it as follows: "In the morning, Kolsai 1 was a brilliant emerald green, but by afternoon the lake water had transformed into a magical blue. The 8km trek was quite challenging, but the breathtaking scenery made all the fatigue disappear."
Kolsai 1 morning
Road from Kolsai 1 to Kolsai 2
Must-see destinations
Kaindy Lake is one of Kazakhstan's most impressive natural wonders. The crystal-clear lake, with its towering trees rising from the water's surface, creates a mystical scene, like a forest submerged beneath the water's surface. Not far away, Charyn Canyon emerges with its majestic red cliffs, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Central Asia, where spectacular trails lead visitors deep into the canyon.
Charyn Cayon as seen from above.
Charyn Canyon, with its towering red cliffs, is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Central Asia.
Another memorable stop was Altyn Arashan, a hot spring area nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, where the group had to travel in legendary Russian vans along a bumpy road. "Altyn Arashan was the most beautiful spot on the trip, even though there was no phone signal or Wi-Fi, and electricity was scarce. At night, if you wanted to charge your phone, you had to take it to the homestay's dining area to plug it in because there was no electricity in the bedroom. But the place felt incredibly beautiful and healing. If I come back, I hope to spend two days in Altyn just eating, lying on the grass, admiring the springs, and wandering around," Thuy shared.
Tiny amidst Altyn Arashan
Hot spring pool at Altyn
When visiting Kyrgyzstan, one of the unmissable experiences is horseback riding across the steppes of Chon Kemin. This region offers a picturesque landscape with vast stretches of lush green grasslands, herds of livestock grazing peacefully, and an endless expanse of blue sky. Horseback riding here is not just a recreational activity, but also a way to experience the life of Central Asian nomads.
Eagle Show
Horse riding in Chon Kemin
Things to keep in mind when traveling to Central Asia
When traveling in Central Asia, ensuring communication is crucial. Beeline SIM cards are a better option than Airtel due to their stable coverage, especially when traveling outside of cities. Additionally, the weather in late April can be highly variable, ranging from freezing cold mornings and scorching midday sun to icy cold nights, so it's essential to bring appropriate clothing.
Regarding transportation, the drivers in Kyrgyzstan don't speak English but are incredibly enthusiastic and attentive, treating us like family. They take us to meals, constantly ask about our well-being, creating a strong bond even though communication is primarily through body language. "While we were driving, we saw some beautiful cherry blossoms and insisted on stopping to take pictures for an hour, but the driver was still very happy, and even took us to lunch, exchanged money, bought us SIM cards, and so on," Thuy said. However, in some remote areas, hygiene conditions may not be as expected. For example, in Altyn Arashan, toilets are several meters away, with rather rudimentary facilities, requiring tourists to prepare in advance.
Road from Karakol to Jyrgalan
Karakol
A Central Asian journey is not just about beautiful destinations, but also about cultural experiences and memorable moments with your travel companions.
For Thuy, the Central Asian journey was not just about beautiful destinations, but also about cultural experiences and memorable moments with her travel companions. "People in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan may seem cold, but once you interact with them, they are very warm and hospitable. The roadside stops, the driver's offer of tea, or the simple but warm meals at the homestay made me feel much closer to Central Asia," she said.
And if you're looking for a truly unique trip this April 30th, why not try visiting this fascinating land?
