Description
Spend a magical week in Kazakhstan and enjoy the best sights of the nomad’s land such as Kolsay Lake, Charyn canyons, and the dunes of Altyn Emel.
Kazakhstan
Culture tours
Culture tours
7-day The Wonders of Kazakhstan
Itinerary
Day 1. Airport – Almaty – Medeo – Almaty
We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to Almaty city. Standard check-in at hotel after 15:00.
We go towards Medeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends. Some hoking or walking in the area (optionally cable car).
Then we return to Almaty, where we visit Zenkov Cathedral, one of the most beautiful, magnificent architectural monuments in the city.
After we go to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. It is famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride. Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you will see the famous 372-meter-high TV Tower, which is visible from afar and offers great views of the mountains and the city, plus a few attractions at the top.
Dinner in the restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals included: not included
Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Optionally: cable car to Shymbulak-1. Possible to pay on spot.
Note: it is highly recommended to book an extra night at the hotel, as most flights to Almaty arrive late at night or early in the morning.
Day 2. Almaty – Altyn Emel – Basshi
After breakfast, we go to Altyn Emel National Park.
We arrive at Altyn Emel National Park. Here we begin our visit to the “singing” dune located between the mountains of Big and Small Kalkan. This sandy hill is made up of very fine sand, which begins to “sing” when it is windy, and the sound coming out is very reminiscent of an organ.
Then we drive to Basshi village, located near Altyn Emel (ca. 50 km), to have dinner and rest in the guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Note: guesthouses in this area are simple and mostly with shared bathroom and WC.
Day 3. Basshi – Aktau Mountains – Basshi
After breakfast, we will visit the Aktau Mountains, located in the southeast of the Altyn-Emel National Park, south of the Dzungarian Alatau ridge, 72 km from the village of Basshi. The length of the Aktau mountains from east to west is 30 km, from north to south, up to 2 km. The total area is about 50 km2. The remains of ancient animals (crocodiles, turtles, giant rhinos, primitive predators) have been preserved here, the age of which is estimated at 25-30 million years. Walking along the canyons of the Aktau mountains.
Then transfer to the Katutau mountains – about 25 km from the Aktau mountains. Walking in the area.
In the evening, we return to the village of Basshi.
Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Note: guesthouses in this area are simple and mostly with shared bathroom and WC.
Day 4. Basshi – Charyn Canyon – Saty
After breakfast, we drive to Charyn Canyon.
Charyn canyon is located in the national park. It is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States. The erosion made by the Charyn River has created dramatic and impressive landscapes.
When you arrive, you will admire the great panorama, and you will walk down to the bottom of the canyon to walk about 2 km in the labyrinth of the Valley of the Castles.
Then we drive towards Saty village (2,5h drive). You can take a shower, have dinner, and rest in the guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 5. Saty – Kaindy Lake – Kolsay Lake – Saty
After breakfast, you board the Russian 4*4s, as they are perfectly capable of going through a mountain road (15 km) to Lake Kaindy, located 2,000 meters above sea level. It was formed in 1911 due to the earthquake, which caused a landslide that blocked the valley by a natural dam, and the waters flooded the valley.
Then we will visit the famous Kolsay Lake-1. Kolsay lakes are one of the most beautiful places in Kazakh nature. They are located at 1800, 2250, and 2700 meters above sea level. They are distinguished by a unique watershed mountain landscape, consisting of three natural zones, and a variety of rare plants and animals.
You can walk around Lake Kolsay-1. Optionally, you can hike to Lake Kolsay-2 (16 km, 6-7 hours).
After you will return to Saty village. Dinner and rest in the guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 6. Saty – Almaty
After breakfast, transfer to Almaty.
Upon arrival is free time.
Dinner in the restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 4*
Day 7. Almaty – Airport – Departure
Transfer to the airport. Departure.
Route
Show map
7 days
Start
Finish
Almaty
Medeo
Altyn Emel
Basshi
Aktau Mountains
Charyn Canyon
Saty
Kaindy Lake
Kolsay Lake
Almaty
What's included
- Private Transportation
- English-speaking driver (1-4 pax)
- Accommodation as per program
- Meals as per program: (B -6 / L -0 / D -0)
- Walking in Medeo Gorge
- Almaty City Tour: Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral
- Cable car in Kok Tobe
- Altyn Emel National Park & Singing Dune
- Aktau & Katutau Mountains
- Charyn Canyons
- Kaindy Lake
- Kolsay Lake-1
- Mineral water 1L/per person/per day
What's excluded
- International flights
- Single room supplement - 205 USD
- Personal Expenses & Personal Insurance
- Full board (set menu) - 300 USD
- Optional activities
- Services not mentioned as included
Essential Information
Additional information
Check-in at hotels after 15:00, check-out before 12:00
Extra night in Almaty:
- 115 USD per SGL room
- 125 USD per DBL/TWN room
- Set menu includes: salad, soup, main course, bread, tea & water
Get in touch
Private tour
Private tour
Season
February - November
Duration
7 days
994 USD
4 pax
1177 USD
3 pax
1543 USD
2 pax
2881 USD
1 pax
Price per person
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