Golden Ring of Jetysu 5-Day Tour

Embark on a distinctive travel itinerary in the Almaty Region, featuring highlights such as Altyn-Emel National Park, Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Tamgaly Tas Petroglyph Site, and numerous other captivating attractions.

  • Starting Point: Almaty
  • Available: Year-round
  • Best Period: From April to October
  • Tour Duration: 5 Days
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
tour information
act_select_error_adults
The number of single rooms cannot exceed the number of adults
Price per Person:
$ 1575
  • Tour Date:
  • Departure Time:
  • Adults:
  • Single Room:
Total:
Visa MasterCard Mir Union Pay Apple Pay pay_pal
Key Details
Included Features
Booking Procedure
Clothing Recommendations
Tariffs and service levels
Purchase Instructions
Why Choose Us?
Cancellation Policy

5 Days

Distance

1170 km

1152 km

18 km
Golden Ring of Jetysu 5-Day Tour
Private Tour
Ensure that you have a current and valid passport with you on the day of travel
The tour involves long hikes
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
A part of the tour route passes through roads with clayey soil, which may become muddy during rainy weather. In such cases, access to some sightseeing sites may be restricted or limited

Group Size: 1-18 people

What's Included in the Price?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off; private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • Twin or single room in a hotel or a guest house in Altyn Emel National Park (1 night), Chunja (1 night), and Saty (2 nights)
  • Lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 5, full meals on other days
  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide
  • Environmental and entry fees
  • A bottle of drinking water per person per day

Not Included:

  • Personal expenses of tour participants
  • 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 (Almaty)

+7 (7172) 76-00-56 (Astana)

Essential items for your tour:

  • Comfortable clothing (such as shorts, pants, leggings, a T-shirt, or a light long-sleeved sweater). A waterproof and windproof jacket. In colder weather, wear an insulated jacket or down jacket, along with a hat, scarf, and gloves.
  • A cap or hat for sun protection.
  • Trekking boots or sneakers with hard soles and high lacing.
  • Change of shoes for camp (light sneakers).
  • Extra socks.
  • Several sets of underwear.
  • Personal backpack.
  • Water container or thermos.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Trekking poles (optional).
  • 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 7 days* before its start, 50% of the total cost will be retained.
  • If you cancel less than 24 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

Your journey to Altyn-Emel National Park will begin when you meet your guide at 8:00 am at your hotel in Almaty. You will then board a comfortable minivan or SUV to start your adventure. The journey will take approximately an hour, during which you will travel on a highway, passing by the Kapchagai Reservoir, the largest lake in the Almaty region. This reservoir is a popular destination for beachgoers and gamblers, as it is one of the two areas in Kazakhstan where casinos are permitted. Your first sightseeing destination will be Tamgaly Tas Petroglyph Site, located on the banks of the Ili River. Your guide will provide fascinating insights about this place. You will then have the opportunity to walk around and enjoy the stunning views. On the opposite side of the river, you can observe the model of a medieval city, which was built for the filming of the movie «Nomad: The Warrior». After sightseeing at Tamgaly Tas, you will proceed to Basshi village, located within the Altyn-Emel National Park. You will have lunch and take an excursion to the Singing Dune. After hiking up to the top of the 150-meter dune, you will return to Basshi village for dinner and spend the night in one of the villagers' guest houses or a cozy local hotel.

After breakfast at 08:00, you'll embark on a drive of over 80 km (50 mi) on unpaved roads to the Aktau Mountains. Once you arrive, you'll have free time to explore and take in the beauty of the natural landscape. Then, you'll head to Basshi village for a lunch. After lunch, you'll head to the town of Jarkent, located 97 km (60 mi) away. Here, you'll visit a stunning wooden mosque-pagoda that is a true marvel of architecture. Next, your journey will lead you to Chundja village, where you'll enjoy dinner at a local café. Another 52 km (mi) onward, you'll find lodging in a comfortable hotel nestled by Chunja Hot Springs. Here, you can unwind after a bustling day and swim in the pool with radon water.

Following breakfast, the journey commences at 08:00 towards the Lunar Canyon within Charyn Canyon National Park, covering a distance of 140 km (87 mi). The Lunar Canyon stands out with its yellow clay composition, characterized by a distinct roundness in the landscape, devoid of any sharp corners. After you explore the canyon, we will proceed to Saty village, a 96 km (60 mi) drive. Upon arrival, you will check in at the guest house, where you will be accommodated for the next two nights. Following lunch, we'll change our car to an all-terrain vehicle like UAZ (a Russian off-road car model), ideal for navigating the rugged 12 km (7.5 mi) mountain road to Lake Kaindy. After a leisurely exploration on foot, you'll return to Saty for dinner and overnight rest.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to Kolsay Lakes at 08:00. We will provide you with bottled water and lunch-boxes. Ensure to pack your own backpack with essentials for the trip. Upon reaching the Lower Kolsay Lake, your trek to the middle Kolsay Lake begins. The route lies through pine forests and alpine meadows alongside a pristine mountain river. Covering approximately 7 km (4.3 mi), this trek takes about 3-3.5 hours one way. An altitude gain exceeds 400 meters, from 1818 meters (5965 ft) to 2250 meters (7382 ft) above sea level. The route is suitable for healthy, moderately trained individuals. Indulge in a well-deserved lunch against the backdrop of the cold, crystal-clear lake surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks—a priceless reward after an active trek. In the afternoon, we'll trek back to the Lower Kolsay Lake before returning to Saty for dinner and an overnight stay.

Upon reaching Charyn Canyon, you'll first marvel at the panorama from the observation deck. Next, descend to the canyon bottom and take a 2 km (1.2 mi) stroll through the Valley of Castles, surrounded by walls of peculiar shapes. The trail gradually descends, leading you to an oasis on the Charyn River, where an eco-park with yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open-air café await during the summer. Following a break, we will go to another observation point for a stunning panoramic view. After spending approximately 3 hours in the canyon, we will drive back to Almaty. A local café in a village, reachable within a 1-hour drive from the canyon, will host lunch. You'll return to your hotel by 7:00 PM. 

Copy
Day 1

Your journey to Altyn-Emel National Park will begin when you meet your guide at 8:00 am at your hotel in Almaty. You will then board a comfortable minivan or SUV to start your adventure. The journey will take approximately an hour, during which you will travel on a highway, passing by the Kapchagai Reservoir, the largest lake in the Almaty region. This reservoir is a popular destination for beachgoers and gamblers, as it is one of the two areas in Kazakhstan where casinos are permitted. Your first sightseeing destination will be Tamgaly Tas Petroglyph Site, located on the banks of the Ili River. Your guide will provide fascinating insights about this place. You will then have the opportunity to walk around and enjoy the stunning views. On the opposite side of the river, you can observe the model of a medieval city, which was built for the filming of the movie «Nomad: The Warrior». After sightseeing at Tamgaly Tas, you will proceed to Basshi village, located within the Altyn-Emel National Park. You will have lunch and take an excursion to the Singing Dune. After hiking up to the top of the 150-meter dune, you will return to Basshi village for dinner and spend the night in one of the villagers' guest houses or a cozy local hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast at 08:00, you'll embark on a drive of over 80 km (50 mi) on unpaved roads to the Aktau Mountains. Once you arrive, you'll have free time to explore and take in the beauty of the natural landscape. Then, you'll head to Basshi village for a lunch. After lunch, you'll head to the town of Jarkent, located 97 km (60 mi) away. Here, you'll visit a stunning wooden mosque-pagoda that is a true marvel of architecture. Next, your journey will lead you to Chundja village, where you'll enjoy dinner at a local café. Another 52 km (mi) onward, you'll find lodging in a comfortable hotel nestled by Chunja Hot Springs. Here, you can unwind after a bustling day and swim in the pool with radon water.

Day 3

Following breakfast, the journey commences at 08:00 towards the Lunar Canyon within Charyn Canyon National Park, covering a distance of 140 km (87 mi). The Lunar Canyon stands out with its yellow clay composition, characterized by a distinct roundness in the landscape, devoid of any sharp corners. After you explore the canyon, we will proceed to Saty village, a 96 km (60 mi) drive. Upon arrival, you will check in at the guest house, where you will be accommodated for the next two nights. Following lunch, we'll change our car to an all-terrain vehicle like UAZ (a Russian off-road car model), ideal for navigating the rugged 12 km (7.5 mi) mountain road to Lake Kaindy. After a leisurely exploration on foot, you'll return to Saty for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 4

After breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to Kolsay Lakes at 08:00. We will provide you with bottled water and lunch-boxes. Ensure to pack your own backpack with essentials for the trip. Upon reaching the Lower Kolsay Lake, your trek to the middle Kolsay Lake begins. The route lies through pine forests and alpine meadows alongside a pristine mountain river. Covering approximately 7 km (4.3 mi), this trek takes about 3-3.5 hours one way. An altitude gain exceeds 400 meters, from 1818 meters (5965 ft) to 2250 meters (7382 ft) above sea level. The route is suitable for healthy, moderately trained individuals. Indulge in a well-deserved lunch against the backdrop of the cold, crystal-clear lake surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks—a priceless reward after an active trek. In the afternoon, we'll trek back to the Lower Kolsay Lake before returning to Saty for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5

Upon reaching Charyn Canyon, you'll first marvel at the panorama from the observation deck. Next, descend to the canyon bottom and take a 2 km (1.2 mi) stroll through the Valley of Castles, surrounded by walls of peculiar shapes. The trail gradually descends, leading you to an oasis on the Charyn River, where an eco-park with yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open-air café await during the summer. Following a break, we will go to another observation point for a stunning panoramic view. After spending approximately 3 hours in the canyon, we will drive back to Almaty. A local café in a village, reachable within a 1-hour drive from the canyon, will host lunch. You'll return to your hotel by 7:00 PM. 

Tamgaly Tas Petroglyph Site
The Singing Dune
Jarkent Mosque
Aktau Mountains
Lake Kaindy
Kolsay Lakes
Charyn Canyon
Tamgaly Tas Petroglyph Site

Tamgaly Tas is a unique monument from the distant past that features images of Buddha and texts in various languages, including Tibetan and Kalmyk, carved onto old rocks. The carvings contain prayer-like meanings, and their origins remain a mystery that scientists have been trying to unravel for over 150 years.

The Singing Dune

The Singing Dune is a sandy hill reaching 150 meters (492 ft) in height and approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) in length. Made up of very fine, pure sand, the Singing Dune emits a unique sound resembling that of organ music when the wind blows. Prior to a sandy storm, it sounds like a drum. From the top of the dune, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Jarkent Mosque

The Jarkent Mosque is an architectural marvel, constructed entirely without the use of a single nail. Its captivating design, featuring vibrant patterned roofs and towers envisioned by a Chinese architect, showcases intricate national ornaments, openwork carvings, and floral drawings embellishing the walls of this unique structure.

Aktau Mountains

The Aktau Mountains, also known as the White Mountains, are a world-renowned paleontological field. The Paleogene lacustrine deposits in the mountains contain well-preserved remains of ancient animals that are estimated to be 25-30 million years old. These remains include giant rhinos, crocodiles, and turtles. The mountains themselves are visually stunning, with huge conical shapes reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids and a magical array of colors and shapes.

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.

Kolsay Lakes

The Kolsay Lakes form a series of mountain lakes, each positioned at varying altitudes. The Lower Kolsay Lake resides at an altitude of 1818 meters (5965 ft) and stands out for its easy accessibility by car, making it the most frequented lake. The Middle Kolsay Lake, the largest among the three, is nestled at an altitude of 2250 meters (7382 ft). A natural dam of fir trees blocks its waters, and the shores boast the rare sight of blooming white edelweiss. At an elevation of 2850 meters (9350 ft), the Upper Kolsay Lake is the smallest and coldest of the trio. Remarkably pristine and seldom visited by tourists, it remains the cleanest and most untouched among the three lakes.

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.

Have questions?

Chat directly with our manager on WhatsApp!

Similar tours

View all offers

transportation services

Here you can choose transportation services. Use the filter to specify the type of transport, desired comfort level, capacity, and travel direction. Explore over 100 available options.

Almaty
Astana

Reserve your transportation:

  • Explore a diverse range of directions and transport types
  • Easily select by category and capacity
  • Enjoy special discounts for off-peak season car bookings
  • Rest assured with our guarantee of high-quality transport services
Go to the transport selection

Book a transport

  • The largest selection of directions and types of transport
  • The most convenient selection by category and capacity of transport
  • Special discounts for booking cars in low season
  • Guarantee of high-quality provision of transport services
Go to the transport selection

Hotels

We cooperate with the best hotels in Kazakhstan and abroad
to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible

Choose a hotel

A wide range of hotels

A large selection of hotels in different cities of Kazakhstan and abroad for a comfortable stay

the best prices

The cost is lower than on most booking services

Convenience and reliability

An easy and user-friendly booking process. We ensure the security and reliability of all transactions

Exclusive offers

Unique offers and promotions available only to those who book a hotel through our website

Our guides

You can select a guide based on feedback from previous program participants or share your experience by leaving a review after completing the tour.

Almaty
Astana
Go to the guides section

Reviews

Each review is from an actual tourist, submitted on our website or through feedback forms following their tour experience.


Share your impressions of the tour Golden Ring of Jetysu 5-Day Tour

Your email address will not be published
Please Rate 1-10
arrow
Back to the program

Jody Bijary
18 november 2023, 11:58

10

This trip covered some long distances so if you do not like driving a lot it may be tough. However, I liked the scenery from the windows and Anton chose some stunning routes during the trip.
The trip was all about nature and I saw some incredible mountains, lakes and sand dunes. I loved the flexibility to see everything with options to walk, ride or get a truck.
The lakes were all spectacular. I loved this whole trip and really recommend it. I was also grateful to finally do this trip after COVID cancelled it. Thanks to Anton for kindly allowing me to use my credit.
The van was huge but really comfortable.
Great food on the whole trip. There was not one bad meal.
The accommodation was all clean and comfortable.

Lucia
12 september 2022, 17:16

9

Very nice, very professional and knowledgeable. Very friendly, very good driver. Very clean, got cleaned immediately after dirty.
We only had breakfast included which was Russian style. The restaurant places the guide/driver recommended were very good.
One place we needed to put the sheets on our bed ourselves.
Very nice trip

Rudolf
12 september 2022, 17:11

9

Guide - 10
Driver - 10
Vehicle - 10
Meals - 7 (partly excellent when recommended by guide, others good)
Accommodation - 8 (partly less comfort and service)

Song Pingping
30 september 2019, 17:28

Well organized tour and guide, especially for the hiking. Everything is just perfect! Friendly diver, with warm smile. Nice local food,delicious. Comfortable hotel.

Дарья Костина
10 july 2017, 15:52

10

Замечательная девочка!!! Очень заботливая!!! С ней уютно и весело! Водитель-потрясающий человек, с таким не пропадешь! Именно такие люди вращают нашу планету!!! Еда прекрасная, особенно если Слава советовал! Это моя 69 страна и благодаря супер профессионалам вашей фирмы и красоте этой страны- одно из самых потрясающих впечатлений!!!

Tomaz
15 june 2017, 15:35

10

Excellent!!!

    Thank you for the request!

    Request for:

    After submitting the request, our manager will contact you to clarify the details of the order

    After selecting the date and entering the data, you will see the total amount of the order. When you click the "Buy Online" button, you will be redirected to a secure payment service page where you need to enter your bank card details to make a payment. Payment is possible using Visa, MasterCard and other electronic payment systems. According to the requirements of the legislation, the final payment amount will be made in the national currency of Kazakhstan - Tenge (TENGE - KZT). The conversion into Tenge is made at the official exchange rate of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the day of payment. You can get acquainted with the exchange rate of the national currency of Kazakhstan, in relation to other currencies, on the page

    After successful payment, an electronic receipt with information about the order and data on the payment made will be sent to the e-mail you specified. Also, during the session of your browser on the site, you will have access to download and print a voucher for the paid service. Save it. Information about the payment service and guarantees of the security of electronic payments can be found on this page