Wild Routes Cycling Tour

A one-week cycling tour for adventurers who love exploring remote and wild places. Highlights include Charyn Canyon, Lake Tuzkol, Lake Kaindy, Bartogay Reservoir, and a stunning panorama of Khan Tengri, Kazakhstan's highest peak.

  • Starting Point: Hotel Pickup (Almaty)
  • Tour Duration: 7 days
  • Available: from April to October
  •   Best Season: June, August - October
Highly qualified staff
We invest over 300 hours each year in training our staff and guides to ensure top-notch service.
Charity
Our company contributes up to 1% of your service cost to support charitable causes and create a positive impact.
Guarantee
We guarantee the quality of our services. If we do not meet your expectations, we will refund your money.
Experience
With over 26,000 satisfied guests from 67 countries and 10,000+ tours completed, our experience speaks for itself.

Cost Estimate and Online Booking

prices and reservations
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On request
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Key Details
Included Features
Booking Procedure
Clothing Recommendations
Tariffs and service levels
Purchase Instructions
Why Choose Us?
Cancellation Policy

7 days

Distance

Wild Routes Cycling Tour
Private Tour
Elevation Gain: 500-700 meters per day
Difficulty: Moderate
Age restriction: 16+
The route is perfect for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers. Most of the trail follows well-maintained dirt roads with gentle ascents and descents.
Ensure that you have a current and valid passport with you on the day of travel.
If you have any specific dietary requirements, please inform us at the time of booking so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Local cuisine typically includes lamb or beef, dough, and milk products.

Group Size: 1-10 people

What's Included in the Price?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off; private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus or SUV
  • Accommodation in a guest house and a resort
  • Meals (lunch and dinner on Day 1, three meals on Days 2-6, breakfast and lunch on Day 7)
  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide
  • Environmental and entry fees
  • Camping equipment for common use (tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils, ropes)

Not Included:

  • Bike rent
  • Personal expenses of tour participants
  • Accommodation in Almaty before/after the tour
  • Rent of personal camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal utensils, etc.)
  • Any additional transfers
  • Visa services and registration in Kazakhstan (if required)
  • Additional services not specified in the itinerary

Booking Procedure

  • Select the tour you want to book.
  • On the tour page, use the calendar to choose your desired date and the number of participants. Fill in your personal information and click the Buy Online button.
  • To secure your booking, you need to pay the full cost of the tour. For details on the online payment process, refer to the Purchase Instructions tab.
  • After payment, save your voucher and the electronic receipt containing your order details and payment information.

Alternative booking options:

You can also book a tour by contacting our managers and paying in cash or via bank transfer. To reach our managers, click the round button in the lower right corner of the screen or message us on WhatsApp at +7 (700) 348-00-00 (responses available in English).

Alternatively, you can call us at:

+7 (727) 326-96-16, +7 (702) 006-57-87, or +7 (7172) 76-00-56

Essential items for your tour:

  • Comfortable clothing (such as shorts, pants, leggings, a T-shirt, or a light long-sleeved sweater).
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, warm fleece jacket or sweater.
  • A cap or hat for sun protection.
  • Comfortable footwear for cycling and hiking.
  • Change of shoes for camp (lightweight sneakers).
  • Several pairs of socks and a pair of warm socks.
  • Several sets of underwear.
  • Water container or thermos.
  • Personal utensils.
  • Sunscreen.
  • A personal first aid kit.
  • Personal hygiene kit.
  • Insect repellent.

Tour Pricing Options

The prices for this tour are based on the Standard tariff, which includes reliable tourist transport in good condition, the services of an experienced guide and driver, hotel stays, and meals.

In addition to the Standard tariff, we offer the following options:

  • Economy: We provide lower-class vehicles for transfers, and accommodations consist of more budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. This option is ideal for tourists looking to minimize costs.

Note: Be cautious of companies that misrepresent their Economy tariff as Standard. These companies may offer lower-priced tours with poor service quality, such as outdated vehicles and inexperienced guides. They might also operate illegally and neglect essential safety standards.

  • Comfort: This option features high-comfort vehicles in excellent condition, with the most experienced guides accompanying tourists. Tourists stay in high-class hotels.
  • VIP: Luxury transport is provided, and guests stay in upscale hotels. Premium services are offered throughout the entire trip.

If you wish to adjust your tariff, please inform your manager before booking the tour.

For more information about our rates and transport options, refer to this section.

Purchase Instructions

  • Choose your desired date and fill in all required information. The total order amount will be displayed based on your selections.
  • Click the Buy Online button to be redirected to a secure payment page. Here, enter your bank card details to complete your payment.

We accept payments via Visa, MasterCard, and other electronic payment systems. The total amount will be charged in the national currency of Kazakhstan – tenge. The conversion to Kazakhstani tenge will occur at the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan on the day of payment. You can view the current exchange rates for the Kazakhstani tenge against other currencies on this page.

  • Once your payment is successful, an electronic receipt with your order details and payment information will be sent to the email address you provided. Additionally, you can download and print a voucher for the paid service during your browser session. Please ensure you save this voucher.

For details about the payment service and the security measures for electronic transactions, refer to this page.

Why Choose Us?

Highly Qualified Staff
We invest over 300 hours each year in training our staff and guides to ensure top-notch service.

Charity
Our company contributes up to 1% of your service cost to support charitable causes and create a positive impact. 

Guarantee
We guarantee the quality of our services. If we do not meet your expectations, we will refund your money.

Experience
With over 26,000 satisfied guests from 67 countries and 10,000+ tours completed, our experience speaks for itself. 

Cancellation Policy:

  • If you cancel the tour less than 3 days* before its start, 50% of the total cost will be retained.
  • If you cancel less than 48 hours* before the tour or do not show up, 100% of the total cost will be retained.

*Please note that if a cancellation notice is received outside of our working hours (evening, night, or weekends) and our managers have not confirmed receipt of your cancellation or change request in writing, the company reserves the right to consider the request when business hours resume. Therefore, we encourage you to notify us of any changes or cancellations as early as possible.

During non-working hours, you can try to reach us through our duty phone, corporate email, or corporate messengers. Duty managers monitor these channels and can respond promptly. If you have the contact information for your guide, driver, or other responsible parties (often listed in your voucher), we recommend reaching out to them directly as well.

Tour Schedule

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

At 7:00 AM, your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin the journey from Almaty to the starting point of the cycling route. The first cycling segment covers 20 km (12 mi) along a quiet asphalt road with minimal traffic (typically only 1–2 cars per hour, and sometimes none at all). This scenic road leads to the Bartogay Reservoir, where you will pause for a picnic and some relaxation by the shore.

Afterward, we’ll drive to Charyn National Park to continue your cycling adventure. You’ll descend into the Valley of Castles on your bicycle and have time to rest by the river. Later, you’ll cycle back to the starting point, where a vehicle will transfer you to the village of Kurmety. In Kurmety, you’ll enjoy dinner at a guesthouse, where you will also spend the night.

After breakfast at 9:00 AM, you will be driven to the starting point of the cycling trail leading to the Kaindy Gorge. From there, we’ll begin the most challenging and exciting section of the cycling route — the ascent to Lake Kaindy.

Upon reaching the lake, you’ll enjoy lunch, take some time to rest, and explore the lake’s shores. Afterward, we’ll descend to the nearest settlement. For the night, you’ll stay at a local guesthouse, where you can enjoy dinner and refresh with a shower.

Today, you will cycle through the scenic Chilik River Valley. Along the way, you’ll stop at one of the picturesque clearings for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Afterward, you’ll return to the guesthouse to relax, enjoy a sauna, have dinner, and unwind for the evening.

After breakfast at 8:00 AM, you’ll head to the starting point of the next section of the cycling route. The day begins with a 40 km (25 mi) drive by car, after which you’ll switch to bicycles and ride along a newly paved serpentine road. This scenic and almost deserted route offers stunning views.

As the asphalt ends, cross-country terrain begins. You’ll stop at the Bestobe Reservoir, where you can take a break while enjoying the panoramic views. The steep shores prevent access to the water, but the scenery is still worth it.

From there, you’ll continue to Kegen village, where you'll have lunch at a local café. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore the village market before heading to the day’s final destination – the Tekes River Valley. Once there, you’ll set up camp and enjoy dinner around a cozy campfire.

Today will be a full day of cycling. The route is relatively easy. The first section follows the Tekes Gorge along the riverbank. Afterward, you’ll tackle a short uphill stretch before reaching the shores of Lake Tuzkol. Along the way, there will be several stops for rest and lunch. By the end of the day, you’ll set up camp, enjoy dinner, and relax.

In the morning, you will cycle through the Shalkodesu Valley, covering approximately 60 km (37 mi) to reach the base of the Ketmen Pass. We will drive over the pass in vehicles because the climb is steep and challenging and cycling would take much time.

At an altitude of 3,200 meters (10500 ft) above sea level, you’ll have the chance to admire breathtaking views, weather permitting. Around lunchtime, we’ll enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot along the route. Afterward, we’ll descend from the pass and head to a recreation center featuring hot mineral springs, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast at the resort at 9:00 AM and packing your belongings, we will begin the drive back to Almaty. The journey will take approximately 3-4 hours. We will stop for lunch in the village of Baiseit along the way. You can expect to arrive in Almaty around 5:00 PM.

Copy
Day 1

At 7:00 AM, your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin the journey from Almaty to the starting point of the cycling route. The first cycling segment covers 20 km (12 mi) along a quiet asphalt road with minimal traffic (typically only 1–2 cars per hour, and sometimes none at all). This scenic road leads to the Bartogay Reservoir, where you will pause for a picnic and some relaxation by the shore.

Afterward, we’ll drive to Charyn National Park to continue your cycling adventure. You’ll descend into the Valley of Castles on your bicycle and have time to rest by the river. Later, you’ll cycle back to the starting point, where a vehicle will transfer you to the village of Kurmety. In Kurmety, you’ll enjoy dinner at a guesthouse, where you will also spend the night.

Day 2

After breakfast at 9:00 AM, you will be driven to the starting point of the cycling trail leading to the Kaindy Gorge. From there, we’ll begin the most challenging and exciting section of the cycling route — the ascent to Lake Kaindy.

Upon reaching the lake, you’ll enjoy lunch, take some time to rest, and explore the lake’s shores. Afterward, we’ll descend to the nearest settlement. For the night, you’ll stay at a local guesthouse, where you can enjoy dinner and refresh with a shower.

Day 3

Today, you will cycle through the scenic Chilik River Valley. Along the way, you’ll stop at one of the picturesque clearings for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Afterward, you’ll return to the guesthouse to relax, enjoy a sauna, have dinner, and unwind for the evening.

Day 4

After breakfast at 8:00 AM, you’ll head to the starting point of the next section of the cycling route. The day begins with a 40 km (25 mi) drive by car, after which you’ll switch to bicycles and ride along a newly paved serpentine road. This scenic and almost deserted route offers stunning views.

As the asphalt ends, cross-country terrain begins. You’ll stop at the Bestobe Reservoir, where you can take a break while enjoying the panoramic views. The steep shores prevent access to the water, but the scenery is still worth it.

From there, you’ll continue to Kegen village, where you'll have lunch at a local café. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore the village market before heading to the day’s final destination – the Tekes River Valley. Once there, you’ll set up camp and enjoy dinner around a cozy campfire.

Day 5

Today will be a full day of cycling. The route is relatively easy. The first section follows the Tekes Gorge along the riverbank. Afterward, you’ll tackle a short uphill stretch before reaching the shores of Lake Tuzkol. Along the way, there will be several stops for rest and lunch. By the end of the day, you’ll set up camp, enjoy dinner, and relax.

Day 6

In the morning, you will cycle through the Shalkodesu Valley, covering approximately 60 km (37 mi) to reach the base of the Ketmen Pass. We will drive over the pass in vehicles because the climb is steep and challenging and cycling would take much time.

At an altitude of 3,200 meters (10500 ft) above sea level, you’ll have the chance to admire breathtaking views, weather permitting. Around lunchtime, we’ll enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot along the route. Afterward, we’ll descend from the pass and head to a recreation center featuring hot mineral springs, where you will spend the night.

Day 7

After breakfast at the resort at 9:00 AM and packing your belongings, we will begin the drive back to Almaty. The journey will take approximately 3-4 hours. We will stop for lunch in the village of Baiseit along the way. You can expect to arrive in Almaty around 5:00 PM.

Bartogay Reservoir
Charyn Canyon
Lake Kaindy
Chilik River
Bestobe Reservoir
Lake Tuzkol
Ketmen Pass
Baiseit Village
Bartogay Reservoir

The Bartogay Reservoir is nestled in the floodplain of the Chilik River, held back by a dam standing 60 meters high and stretching 330 meters long. The reservoir is designed to store water during winter and irrigate fields in summer through a channel. From June to September, water is released from the dam for irrigation, creating a spectacular view as streams burst into the air. The cascading water breaks into tiny droplets, forming a shimmering cloud of mist.

Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon bears a resemblance to the Grand Canyon in the USA, albeit on a smaller scale. The steep canyon slopes reach heights of 150-300 meters (500-1000 ft), and what truly stands out is the remarkable dissection of the terrain – a dense, chaotic network of numerous ravines. Particularly captivating is the Valley of Castles, where the wind and water have sculpted walls resembling castles and towers. This valley showcases nature's unique architectural prowess, crafting magnificent structures over millions of years. Walking amid these towers and columns, you can marvel at the wild imagination of nature for hours.

Lake Kaindy

Lake Kaindy was formed by a powerful earthquake more than a century ago. The seismic activity triggered a landslide, forming a natural dam that blocked a valley. The water submerged the surrounding trees, resulting in the picturesque underwater forest that graces the lake's depths today. Despite the passage of time, the lake has remarkably preserved its submerged forest. The cold water in Lake Kaindy slows down the decomposition process, preventing the decay of the trees. As a result, the submerged forest remains remarkably well-preserved.

Chilik River

The Chilik River, a major tributary of the Ili River, is the largest river in the Ile Alatau Mountains. Known for its turbulent waters, rapids, and fast current, it attracts many rafting enthusiasts. The river spans nearly 450 kilometers (280 mi), ultimately flowing into the Kapchagai Reservoir.

Bestobe Reservoir

The Bestobe Reservoir is relatively young, having been created in 2011 after the construction of the Moinak Hydroelectric Power Station on the Charyn River. With few tourists visiting, it offers a perfect escape for those looking to connect with nature, unwind, and leave their worries behind. There are no beaches, infrastructure, or resorts, which is exactly what draws people seeking peace and tranquility.

Lake Tuzkol

Lake Tuzkol is a saline, undrained lake. Its salt concentrations fluctuate throughout the year, at times nearing those of the Dead Sea. Locals believe the lake is nourished by underground mineral springs, and its mud is considered therapeutic. On clear days, the majestic Khan Tengri, a seven-thousander peak, can be seen from the lake. Visit once, and you'll find yourself drawn back to its unique charm again and again.

Ketmen Pass

The Ketmen Pass is situated on the ridge of the same name, at an elevation of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, which means snow can be found on the pass even in summer. The journey to the pass is stunning, with the landscape transitioning from steppes to alpine meadows as you gain altitude. From the pass, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Ili River valley and the majestic mountains of the Central Tien Shan.

Baiseit Village

Founded in the late 19th century, the village of Baiseit, holds historical significance as a former stop on the Silk Road. Today, it is an essential pause point for travelers heading to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, and Chunja Hot Springs. Baiseit village stands out with its alley of pyramidal poplars and a bustling bazaar that runs along the route, attracting tourists. Notably, open gates allow a view into every yard from the road. It follows the customs of the predominantly Uyghur population in this village.

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