Cost Estimate and Online Booking

prices and reservations

tour information

Adults:

Children (aged 4-11):

On request

Tour Date:
Departure Time:

Adults:
Children (aged 4-11):

Key Details

Included Features

Booking Procedure

Clothing Recommendations

Tariffs and service levels

Purchase Instructions

Why Choose Us?

Cancellation Policy

7 Days

Distance

994 km

950 km

44 km

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup (Ust-Kamenogorsk)

Tour Duration: 7 Days

Available: from June to October

Private Tour

Elevation Gain: 290-2720 meters a.s.l.

Difficulty: Moderate

Age restriction: 16+

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 vehicle
Accommodation: 1 night in a guesthouse in Katon-Karagai, 1 night in a hotel in Ulken-Naryn, 1 night in a guesthouse, 1 night at a tourist base near Yazevoye Lake, and 2 nights in a tent camp
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)
Horse rent and grooming services.

Not Included:

Personal expenses of tour participants
Accommodation in Ust-Kamenogorsk before/after the tour
Rent of personal camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.)
Tickets to/from Ust-Kamenogorsk
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 Gore-Tex jacket and pants, windproof jacket, warm fleece jacket or Polartec jacket.
A cap or hat for sun protection + a warm hat or a beanie
Trekking boots or sneakers with hard soles and high lacing.
Change of shoes for camp (lightweight sneakers).
Several pairs of socks and a pair of warm socks.
Several sets of underwear.
Swimsuit.
Personal backpack.
Head torch with adjustable brightness and beam distance.
Water container or thermos.
Personal utensils.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
A personal first aid kit.
Personal hygiene kit.
Insect repellent.
Sleeping bag (can be provided upon request)

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 72 hours* before it starts 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 09:00, you will meet your guide at your hotel, board a comfortable off-road vehicle, and depart from Ust-Kamenogorsk for Zyryanovsk. After a brief tour of Zyryanovsk, we will continue our journey to Katon-Karagai village, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. The scenic route offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Beyond Katon-Karagai, a short 5 km drive will bring you to a cozy guesthouse at the foot of the Sarymsakty mountain, where a warm dinner and restful evening await.

Distance covered on this day – 335 km (208 mi)

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you'll embark on a horseback journey to a winter hut nestled in the heart of the Sarymsakty Gorge. Along the way, there will be several stops for rest and a lunch break. By late afternoon, you'll arrive at a scenic glade, home to a well-equipped tourist campsite. Here, we'll set up camp, enjoy dinner, and relax by the warmth of a fire.

Distance covered on this day – 11 km (7 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,895 m (6217 ft) above sea level
Altitude gain – 720 m (1378 ft)

After breakfast, we'll begin our ascent through the Sarymsakty Gorge, either on horseback or on foot, as the terrain features gentle slopes with no challenging climbs. The first highlight of the day is the Piala Waterfall, where we'll pause to take in the views. Continuing onward, we'll ascend to the foot of the Kyzylkum Pass, home to several mountain lakes. Here, you'll enjoy a picnic by the shore of one of these lakes. In the afternoon, we'll descend back to the camp.

Distance covered on this day – 22 km (14 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,895 m (6217 ft) above sea level
Altitude gain/loss – +705 m / -705 m (+2313 ft / -2313 ft)
Highest point – 2,600 m (8530 ft) above sea level

Today, we'll journey back to Katon-Karagai village, where you'll transition from horseback to a vehicle. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy lunch at a local tavern, explore the village, and visit the market. From there, we'll continue by car to the Yasnaya Polyana guesthouse. Here, you can unwind in a sauna, savor a delicious dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Daily distance covered – 11 km (7 mi) by horseback and approximately 60 km (37 mi) by car
Altitude loss – 720 m (2362 ft)

In the morning, you'll enjoy an art therapy session with artist Andrey, whose creativity and skill have produced incredible masterpieces. Under his guidance, you'll create a special souvenir inspired by Altai culture to take home with you.

Then, your journey continues to the village of Uryl. After lunch and a brief rest, we’ll head toward Yazevoye Lake. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into a tourist base and enjoy various activities, such as fishing, relaxing in the sauna, or taking in the views of Mount Belukha.

Total driving distance for the day – 50 km (31 mi)

On this day, you'll wake up early for a light breakfast before embarking on a short 2-kilometer walk to the opposite shore of Yazevoye Lake, where you can enjoy the dawn views of Mount Belukha. After returning to camp for a full breakfast, we'll depart for Berel village. Along the way, we'll visit Yazevyi Waterfall, where you’ll have time to explore and take in the natural beauty.

Next, we'll take a short drive to the Berel Burial Mounds. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the museum, showcasing artifacts uncovered during excavations. After the tour, you’ll head to Klimov’s Manor for a homemade lunch, followed by a brief rest. Continuing along the right bank of the Bukhtarma River, we will arrive in Ulken-Naryn village, where you’ll stay overnight in a hotel.

Driving distance for the day – 195 km (121 mi)
Overnight stay in a hotel

After breakfast, we will head to the ferry crossing of Bukhtarma Reservoir, an experience in itself that is sure to leave lasting impressions. After crossing the reservoir, we will continue our journey. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site, followed by a departure to Ust-Kamenogorsk. We will drop you off at your hotel, or at the airport or railway station.

The total distance covered on this day – 310 km (193 mi)

Copy

Day 1

At 09:00, you will meet your guide at your hotel, board a comfortable off-road vehicle, and depart from Ust-Kamenogorsk for Zyryanovsk. After a brief tour of Zyryanovsk, we will continue our journey to Katon-Karagai village, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. The scenic route offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Beyond Katon-Karagai, a short 5 km drive will bring you to a cozy guesthouse at the foot of the Sarymsakty mountain, where a warm dinner and restful evening await.

Distance covered on this day – 335 km (208 mi)

Day 2

After breakfast at the guesthouse, you'll embark on a horseback journey to a winter hut nestled in the heart of the Sarymsakty Gorge. Along the way, there will be several stops for rest and a lunch break. By late afternoon, you'll arrive at a scenic glade, home to a well-equipped tourist campsite. Here, we'll set up camp, enjoy dinner, and relax by the warmth of a fire.

Distance covered on this day – 11 km (7 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,895 m (6217 ft) above sea level
Altitude gain – 720 m (1378 ft)

Day 3

After breakfast, we'll begin our ascent through the Sarymsakty Gorge, either on horseback or on foot, as the terrain features gentle slopes with no challenging climbs. The first highlight of the day is the Piala Waterfall, where we'll pause to take in the views. Continuing onward, we'll ascend to the foot of the Kyzylkum Pass, home to several mountain lakes. Here, you'll enjoy a picnic by the shore of one of these lakes. In the afternoon, we'll descend back to the camp.

Distance covered on this day – 22 km (14 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp at 1,895 m (6217 ft) above sea level
Altitude gain/loss – +705 m / -705 m (+2313 ft / -2313 ft)
Highest point – 2,600 m (8530 ft) above sea level

Day 4

Today, we'll journey back to Katon-Karagai village, where you'll transition from horseback to a vehicle. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy lunch at a local tavern, explore the village, and visit the market. From there, we'll continue by car to the Yasnaya Polyana guesthouse. Here, you can unwind in a sauna, savor a delicious dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Daily distance covered – 11 km (7 mi) by horseback and approximately 60 km (37 mi) by car
Altitude loss – 720 m (2362 ft)

Day 5

In the morning, you'll enjoy an art therapy session with artist Andrey, whose creativity and skill have produced incredible masterpieces. Under his guidance, you'll create a special souvenir inspired by Altai culture to take home with you.

Then, your journey continues to the village of Uryl. After lunch and a brief rest, we’ll head toward Yazevoye Lake. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into a tourist base and enjoy various activities, such as fishing, relaxing in the sauna, or taking in the views of Mount Belukha.

Total driving distance for the day – 50 km (31 mi)

Day 6

On this day, you'll wake up early for a light breakfast before embarking on a short 2-kilometer walk to the opposite shore of Yazevoye Lake, where you can enjoy the dawn views of Mount Belukha. After returning to camp for a full breakfast, we'll depart for Berel village. Along the way, we'll visit Yazevyi Waterfall, where you’ll have time to explore and take in the natural beauty.

Next, we'll take a short drive to the Berel Burial Mounds. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the museum, showcasing artifacts uncovered during excavations. After the tour, you’ll head to Klimov’s Manor for a homemade lunch, followed by a brief rest. Continuing along the right bank of the Bukhtarma River, we will arrive in Ulken-Naryn village, where you’ll stay overnight in a hotel.

Driving distance for the day – 195 km (121 mi)
Overnight stay in a hotel

Day 7

After breakfast, we will head to the ferry crossing of Bukhtarma Reservoir, an experience in itself that is sure to leave lasting impressions. After crossing the reservoir, we will continue our journey. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site, followed by a departure to Ust-Kamenogorsk. We will drop you off at your hotel, or at the airport or railway station.

The total distance covered on this day – 310 km (193 mi)

Katon-Karagai Village

Sarymsakty Mountains

Piala Waterfall

Yasnaya Polyana

Yazevoye Lake

Berel Necropolis

Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site

The village of Katon-Karagai was established during the Soviet era by merging two settlements: Katon-Karagai, founded in 1868, and Altai Village, founded in 1871, which were originally located two miles apart. Today, the two settlements are united as one. While the early 20th century marked a period of growth for Katon-Karagai, the early 21st century has seen a significant decline. Many houses are now reduced to grass-covered mounds, and numerous buildings lie in ruins, leaving a somber impression. Despite this, the surrounding natural beauty is breathtaking, attracting many tourists who stop by on their way to Katon-Karagai National Park.

The Sarymsakty mountain range lies in the southern Altai, stretching approximately 60 km (37 mi). Its highest peak, Mount Berkutaul, reaches 3,373 meters (11066 ft) above sea level. To the south, the ridge is bordered by the Kurchum River, while the Bukhtarma River defines its northern edge. The ridge exhibits contrasting landscapes: the northern side features steep, imposing cliffs and expansive glaciers, while the southern side is gentler, teeming with diverse vegetation ranging from cedar forests to alpine meadows and tundra. The Sarymsakty Gorge is located near the village of Katon-Karagai. It is a favorite among visitors, boasting cascading waterfalls and numerous alpine lakes, many of which remain unnamed.

Katon-Karagai National Park is renowned for its pristine rivers, lakes, and stunning cascading waterfalls, many of which remain unnamed. One of the few with a name is Piala Waterfall, located at an altitude of 2,370 meters (7775 ft) above sea level. The waterfall earned its name from its unique formation: a mountain river cascades into a round, bowl-shaped lake resembling a piala, a ceramic bowl used in Central Asia for drinking tea. The roar of the falling water can be heard well before you reach it. On hot days, you can even swim in its waters.

Yasnaya Polyana is a guest house that defies easy description. It offers everything needed to fully immerse yourself in Altai culture, escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, and recharge with the surrounding beauty. The log cabins are handcrafted by the owners, with each detail reflecting their love and care for the guests. A traditional wood-burning stove adds to the rustic charm, complemented by numerous handmade furnishings created by the house's owner. The food at Yasnaya Polyana is simple, yet nourishing, following a village-style tradition. The menu features homemade local dairy products, meat, berries, and mushrooms. And, of course, there's fragrant herbal tea served from a samovar.

Yazevoye Lake is a favorite destination for tourists heading to the foot of Mount Belukha or even its summit, as it lies along one of the most popular trails in the region leading to the Kok-Kol base camp. The camp remains active to this day, welcoming numerous tourist groups. Though modest in size, with a length of just 3 kilometers, Yazevoye Lake continues to captivate visitors with its serene beauty and charm.

The Berel Necropolis was discovered in 1865 when renowned archaeologist Vasiliy Radlov conducted the first excavations. However, the site gained widespread recognition in 1998 due to a remarkable discovery in one of its largest burial mounds. Archaeologists unearthed a royal tomb containing the remains of a ruler, his queen, and thirteen red horses adorned in ceremonial decorations, preserved for nearly two millennia. It is a unique structure, built to honor an individual who held the highest status within the nomadic Scythian-Saka tribes of the Altai region. Besides this tomb, the Berel burial ground comprises over 100 mounds from the early nomadic era.

The Ak-Baur Petroglyph Site is located 40 km from Ust-Kamenogorsk. At the base of Ak-Baur Hill, you'll find the grotto, which features a natural opening in its roof and rock images inside, created using red ochre. This color is not found in any other petroglyphs in Eastern Kazakhstan. The paintings depict animals and mountains. In many ancient cultures, mountains were revered as the abodes of local deities. They symbolized the center of the world, a sacred space where heaven and earth converge. The reverence for mountains played a foundational role in the development of early religious practices.

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