Golden Ring of Dzungaria Tour

Embark on a route through the less-explored trails of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains. This expedition promises encounters with Kazakhstan's tallest waterfall, ancient petroglyphs, the remnants of bygone settlements, an azure mountain lake, and various other natural landscapes!

  • Starting Point: Hotel Pickup (Almaty)
  • Tour Duration: 9 Days
  • Available: From May to October
  • Best Period: From June to September
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.

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

9 Days

Distance

1451 km

1430 km

21 km
Golden Ring of Dzungaria Tour
Starting Point: Hotel Pickup (Almaty)
Tour Duration: 9 Days
Available: From May to October
Best Period: From June to September
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

What's Included in the Price?

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off; private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation at Taubulak Eco-Camp, Sarkand hotel, and a guest house in Lepsi
  • Meals (lunch and dinner on Day 1, full meals on Days 2-8, breakfast and lunch on Day 9)
  • Services of a professional English-speaking guide
  • Environmental and entry fees
  • A pass to the border zone
  • Camping equipment for common use (tents, tables, chairs, cooking utensils)

Not Included:

  • 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 (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).
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, windproof jacket, warm fleece jacket or Polartec jacket.
  • A cap or hat for sun protection.
  • 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.
  • Personal backpack.
  • Head torch with adjustable brightness and beam distance.
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
  • Water container or thermos.
  • Sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • 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
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

After meeting your guide at your hotel at 7:00 AM, you'll depart from Almaty to Taldykorgan. Upon reaching the city at approximately 10:00 AM, we will visit the Museum of Local History. After lunch, we'll proceed to Taubulak Eco-Camp, covering a distance of 132 km (82 mi), with 61 km (38 mi) passing through mountainous terrain. Throughout the 6-hour journey, there will be 2-3 stops of 10-15 minutes each at picturesque locations in the Dzungarian Alatau. Upon arrival at Taubulak Eco-Camp by 5:00 PM, you'll be accommodated for some rest. After dinner, you'll have free time to prepare for the start of your route.

Overnight stay in Taubulak Eco-Camp 

Following breakfast at the camping site, we'll trek to Burhan-Bulak Waterfall. Near the waterfall, you will have a picnic and free time to explore the area. In the afternoon, we will go back to the camp. Upon your return, you'll have dinner and some well-deserved rest.

Overnight stay in Taubulak Eco-Camp

Begin your day at 6:00 AM. Following breakfast and the disassembly of the camp, we will head to Bayan-Jurek Ridge, where ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years await exploration. After lunch, our journey continues to the Kalakai Prehistoric Monument and the nearby ruins of ancient settlements. The vicinity also houses numerous burial mounds and graves of various types and eras, some of which we will explore. Be prepared for a bit of searching, as many intriguing spots are concealed by tall grass. Subsequently, we will proceed to Zhansugurov village for accommodation in a guest house, followed by dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Overnight stay in a guest house in Zhansugurov

Following breakfast, we'll proceed to the town of Sarkand, where we'll visit the Zhongar-Alatau National Park office. Our journey continues along a picturesque mountain road to Ekiasha village, established in 1911. Here, you'll see the Aulie Tas Rock and enjoy a picnic in its vicinity. Subsequently, we'll head to Topolevka village, home to the largest concentration of Sievers wild apple-trees in Kazakhstan. This apple variety is recognized as the precursor to all cultivated apple varieties in the world. This apple owes its name to the German scientist Johann Sievers, who first described this tree during a Central Asia expedition in the late 18th century. After settling into the village, dinner will be served, and you'll have the chance to unwind and rest.

Overnight stay in a village

Following breakfast, we'll venture to the highest apiary in the Dzungarian Alatau, once supplying honey to the last emperor of Russia. Here, you'll have a home-cooked dinner and try honey. After lunch, we'll continue our journey to Lake Jasylkol. Upon reaching the lake, you'll participate in setting up the camp, enjoy a dinner by the fire, and then unwind for the evening.

The walking distance is about 3 km (1.9 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp along the lake shore

On this day, we will trek to the source of the Agynykaty River. After the exploration, we'll return to the camp for lunch. Then, we'll descend to the apiary and proceed to the village of Lepsi. Upon reaching Lepsi, you'll be accommodated in a guest house, where you can enjoy the bathhouse facilities. Later in the evening, you'll have dinner and the opportunity to rest.

The walking distance is about 3 km (1.9 mi)
Overnight stay in a guest house

After breakfast at the guest house, you'll explore the Museum of Local History in Lepsi. For lunch, you'll return to the guest house, and later in the day, you'll embark on a brief excursion to historical sites near the village. Following the excursion, you'll return to the guest house for dinner and a rest.

The walking distance is about 3 km (1.9 mi)
Overnight stay in a guest house

After breakfast, we will journey to the village of Cherkassk to explore the memorial dedicated to the Cherkas Defense of 1918-1919. This memorial commemorates the uprising of peasants against the newcomers from the Russian Empire. Following the tour of the museum and the memorial, a countryside picnic awaits you before moving on to the abandoned Koilyk settlement. Although deserted today, exploring the settlement up close reveals numerous intriguing aspects. Subsequently, we will proceed to the town of Sarkand, where you will stay overnight, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Sarkand

After breakfast and hotel check-out in Sarkand, departure is scheduled for 9:00 AM. Lunch will be provided on the way to Taldykorgan. Anticipate arriving in Almaty in the evening, around 8:00 PM. 

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Day 1

After meeting your guide at your hotel at 7:00 AM, you'll depart from Almaty to Taldykorgan. Upon reaching the city at approximately 10:00 AM, we will visit the Museum of Local History. After lunch, we'll proceed to Taubulak Eco-Camp, covering a distance of 132 km (82 mi), with 61 km (38 mi) passing through mountainous terrain. Throughout the 6-hour journey, there will be 2-3 stops of 10-15 minutes each at picturesque locations in the Dzungarian Alatau. Upon arrival at Taubulak Eco-Camp by 5:00 PM, you'll be accommodated for some rest. After dinner, you'll have free time to prepare for the start of your route.

Overnight stay in Taubulak Eco-Camp 

Day 2

Following breakfast at the camping site, we'll trek to Burhan-Bulak Waterfall. Near the waterfall, you will have a picnic and free time to explore the area. In the afternoon, we will go back to the camp. Upon your return, you'll have dinner and some well-deserved rest.

Overnight stay in Taubulak Eco-Camp

Day 3

Begin your day at 6:00 AM. Following breakfast and the disassembly of the camp, we will head to Bayan-Jurek Ridge, where ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years await exploration. After lunch, our journey continues to the Kalakai Prehistoric Monument and the nearby ruins of ancient settlements. The vicinity also houses numerous burial mounds and graves of various types and eras, some of which we will explore. Be prepared for a bit of searching, as many intriguing spots are concealed by tall grass. Subsequently, we will proceed to Zhansugurov village for accommodation in a guest house, followed by dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Overnight stay in a guest house in Zhansugurov

Day 4

Following breakfast, we'll proceed to the town of Sarkand, where we'll visit the Zhongar-Alatau National Park office. Our journey continues along a picturesque mountain road to Ekiasha village, established in 1911. Here, you'll see the Aulie Tas Rock and enjoy a picnic in its vicinity. Subsequently, we'll head to Topolevka village, home to the largest concentration of Sievers wild apple-trees in Kazakhstan. This apple variety is recognized as the precursor to all cultivated apple varieties in the world. This apple owes its name to the German scientist Johann Sievers, who first described this tree during a Central Asia expedition in the late 18th century. After settling into the village, dinner will be served, and you'll have the chance to unwind and rest.

Overnight stay in a village

Day 5

Following breakfast, we'll venture to the highest apiary in the Dzungarian Alatau, once supplying honey to the last emperor of Russia. Here, you'll have a home-cooked dinner and try honey. After lunch, we'll continue our journey to Lake Jasylkol. Upon reaching the lake, you'll participate in setting up the camp, enjoy a dinner by the fire, and then unwind for the evening.

The walking distance is about 3 km (1.9 mi)
Overnight stay in a tent camp along the lake shore

Day 6

On this day, we will trek to the source of the Agynykaty River. After the exploration, we'll return to the camp for lunch. Then, we'll descend to the apiary and proceed to the village of Lepsi. Upon reaching Lepsi, you'll be accommodated in a guest house, where you can enjoy the bathhouse facilities. Later in the evening, you'll have dinner and the opportunity to rest.

The walking distance is about 3 km (1.9 mi)
Overnight stay in a guest house

Day 7

After breakfast at the guest house, you'll explore the Museum of Local History in Lepsi. For lunch, you'll return to the guest house, and later in the day, you'll embark on a brief excursion to historical sites near the village. Following the excursion, you'll return to the guest house for dinner and a rest.

The walking distance is about 3 km (1.9 mi)
Overnight stay in a guest house

Day 8

After breakfast, we will journey to the village of Cherkassk to explore the memorial dedicated to the Cherkas Defense of 1918-1919. This memorial commemorates the uprising of peasants against the newcomers from the Russian Empire. Following the tour of the museum and the memorial, a countryside picnic awaits you before moving on to the abandoned Koilyk settlement. Although deserted today, exploring the settlement up close reveals numerous intriguing aspects. Subsequently, we will proceed to the town of Sarkand, where you will stay overnight, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Sarkand

Day 9

After breakfast and hotel check-out in Sarkand, departure is scheduled for 9:00 AM. Lunch will be provided on the way to Taldykorgan. Anticipate arriving in Almaty in the evening, around 8:00 PM. 

Dzungarian Alatau Mountains
Burhan-Bulak Waterfall
Kalakai Prehistoric Monument
Aulie Tas Rock
Lake Jasylkol
Lepsi District
Lepsi Village
Cherkassk Village
Koilyk Settlement
Sarkand
Dzungarian Alatau Mountains

The Dzungarian Alatau Mountains form a natural boundary with China, stretching over a length of 400 km (250 mi). Nestled within these mountains is the captivating Kora Gorge. At the gorge's base flows the Kora River, originating high in the mountains amidst ancient glaciers. During winter and early spring, the river's waters are serene and transparent. However, as the snow covering the mountain slopes begins to melt, the river transforms into a turbulent force, cascading rigorously over massive boulders and effortlessly toppling age-old trees. The road winding alongside the river is accessible only for cross-country vehicles, offering a thrilling experience for those bold enough to traverse it. As far as the eye can see, lush forests abound, featuring a mix of spruce, fir, birch trees, and meadows adorned with a vibrant carpet of flowers.

Burhan-Bulak Waterfall

Burhan-Bulak Waterfall, the highest in Central Asia, is perched at an elevation of 2000 meters (6562 ft) above sea level. Comprising three cascades, its total height reaches 168 meters (551 ft). A torrent of ice-cold water plummets down, creating a resounding stream that bathes the surroundings in a myriad of sprays. Clear streams flow against the backdrop of reddish rocks adorned with emerald moss. The captivating scene is further enhanced by dozens of colorful rainbows. When winter arrives, the waterfall dons an icy garment. However, to witness the true grandeur of Burhan-Bulak Waterfall, one should visit in July, when the volume of water reaches its peak.

Kalakai Prehistoric Monument

The Kalakai Prehistoric Monument is a circular arrangement of stones with a diameter of 100 meters (109 yd). At its center lies a massive glacial boulder, a remnant from the bygone era of glaciers. Adjacent to it, a cross made of large stones is aligned with the cardinal points: north-south and east-west. In its entirety, the monument bears a resemblance to a colossal sundial and calendar. With the mountains situated to the north and south and the plain stretching east and west, this circle enables precise tracking of sunrise and sunset, solstices, and equinoxes. Within this complex, there is another significant stone adorned with drawings and containing sacrificial wells. Near the monument, numerous Scythian mounds add to the historical landscape.

Aulie Tas Rock

The Aulie Tas Rock is a boulder that, when viewed from a specific angle, takes on the shape of a heart. Nestled in a hilly area, the stone remains hidden from casual onlookers and cannot be seen from the nearby roads. Only those who have been there before can find the way to it. The main boulder is split into two parts, creating a narrow passage between them. According to local lore, only a person with pure thoughts can successfully pass through this passage. At the stone's base, there is a notch resembling a womb with a baby, showcasing clear imprints of hands, knees, and forehead. Legend has it that a girl, struggling to become a mother, frequented this stone seeking help. The imprints of her hands, etched into the solid granite, tell the story. Although the outcome of her plea remains unknown, the stone continues to draw pilgrims to this day.

Lake Jasylkol

Lake Jasylkol graces the northern slope of the Dzungarian Alatau Ridge, nestled at an elevation of 1640 meters (5380 ft) above sea level. Extending over a length of 2,070 meters (1.2 mi), this lake remained largely untouched by human activity until the 1980s. Fed by the Agynykatty River, which originates from the glaciers of Dzungarian Alatau, the waters of Lake Jasylkol exhibit captivating hues of blue and green. Journeying to this pristine lake offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in unspoiled nature and revel in its enchanting vistas.

Lepsi District

The Lepsi district is situated in the high mountainous region along the upper reaches of the Lepsy River, at an elevation of 1000 meters (3280 ft) above sea level. The surrounding area is exceptionally picturesque and remains largely untouched by human economic activity. Dense forests, pristine lakes, and crystal-clear rivers characterize this landscape. The local population is primarily involved in cattle breeding and agriculture. With numerous honey apiaries in the vicinity, the conditions are favorable for producing high-quality honey, making beekeeping a common occupation. The local honey is renowned as one of the best in Kazakhstan. Notably, in the Oi-Jailau valley on June 4, 1846, an agreement was signed, marking the accession of the Senior Juz (southern territory of modern-day Kazakhstan) to the Russian Empire.

Lepsi Village

Archaeological findings suggest that Lepsi was already inhabited in the 12th century, as evidenced by the discovery of burial stones, known as balbals, dating back to the 10th-12th century. According to local narratives, three mounds in Lepsi once held Turkic stone sculptures made of granite. The first mound was situated near the village council steps, the second stands by a local resident's house, and the third, as the tales go, is buried in the vicinity of Amur Creek.

This region holds profound historical significance for Kazakhstan, as it was here that an agreement for the annexation of the Senior Juz (territories of southern and southeastern Kazakhstan) by the Russian Empire was signed. This agreement was seen as vital, given the Kazakhs' inability to defend their lands against the Jungars and Chinese, prompting them to seek protection from the Russian Empire.

Cherkassk Village

The Cherkas Defense (1918-1919) unfolded amid the Russian Revolution and was marked by intense conflict. It pitted newly settled peasants against Semirechye Cossacks, long-established residents, affluent farmers, and wealthy Kazakh bais (nobles). In essence, it represented a clash between the White movement and Alash Autonomy (a Kazakh proto-state) against the Bolsheviks.

Koilyk Settlement

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Koilyk settlement stood as the premier trade, industrial, and cultural hub in the northeastern part of the Jetysu Region. Encircled by a protective wall towering up to 4 meters, the settlement boasted a renowned marketplace. Notably, in addition to Muslim residents, Christians also called Koilyk home and had their own church.

Sarkand

Sarkand was first mentioned in written records in 1857. Originally established as a village by Siberian Cossacks, Sarkand saw an influx of 22 families from Kopal and Lepsi in 1858. Its first school was opened in 1872. In 1928, the Sarkand District was officially formed, comprising Cherkassk and Lepsi counties. By 1968, it had attained town status. Today, Sarkand is a charming albeit modest town. The primary activities of its residents revolve around agriculture, with an emphasis on wine production. Additionally, the town hosts a small brewery and a cheese production plant.

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