Itinerary
Day 1 – Your unforgettable journey to Altyn-Emel National Park will begin when you meet your guide at 8:00 am at your hotel. You will then board a comfortable minivan 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 incredible 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 enjoying 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 ample time to explore and take in the beauty of the natural landscape. The geological formations, with their varied hues and textures, are awe-inspiring and make for a perfect backdrop for your sightseeing experience. 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. The Lunar Canyon stands out with its yellow clay composition, characterized by a distinct roundness in the landscape, devoid of any sharp corners. Post-exploration of the canyon, we will proceed to Saty village, a 96 km 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 or PAZ (Russian car models), 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 a 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.