About Zarina
Altai is my Motherland and I'm happy to guide goodwill travellers here, It is one of the most pristine and glorious places of power of the Earth. Our village guest house in Katon-Karagai and comfortable Toyota Grand Hiace minibus are at Your service.
My Family leads a healthy lifestyle, grow and cook natural food, practice Yoga and Nordic walking. From 2014 I organise journeys for Kazakhstanis and international people to Kazakhstan Altai.
We hosted people from France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and other EU countries, BVI, India and others..
I may design your wishful route, drive 4x4 spacious minibus, recommend authentic places to stay, nourish by natural (preferably vegetarian) food, guide You through the famous and unknown sights of Altai and to the foot of the sacred Belukha mountain.
You may choose to ride a horse, trecking and Nordic walking. Wish You will enjoy the experience and the powerful energy of Altai.
Reviews
★★★★★
With my friend, we booked this tour because it looked like an amazing experience. What we didn't expect was that it would become so much more than a tour.
With Zarina, it never felt like a guide simply taking her guests around. From the beginning, we just went with the flow, and very quickly it felt like spending time with someone we had known for much longer.
We hiked through incredible landscapes, camped by the lake surrounded by stunning views, watched the sunrise together at 3:30 in the morning, shared stories, laughed, sang, had deep conversations and genuinely got to know each other beyond the usual tourist experience.
But what made it even more special was discovering a way of life deeply connected to nature and to the land. The food, the ingredients, the simplicity of the lifestyle; so much came directly from what the earth and the surrounding nature provide. It made the whole experience feel incredibly authentic.
Even Zarina's mother became part of our little adventure, preparing delicious homemade food for us and adding another beautiful touch of warmth and hospitality. At some point, it really stopped feeling like we were guests and started feeling like we were part of a family.
The tour itself and the places we visited were absolutely amazing, but Zarina is what made the experience unforgettable. She is a beautiful soul, full of positive energy, kindness and genuine passion for sharing her world with others.
I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone looking for something beyond a normal tour: something made of breathtaking nature, local life, real human connection and memories that will stay with you long after the journey is over.
Mic
★★★★★
The trip was awesome!
The host is having a cozy stay called Altai-arai with a stunning mountain view!
The mother of Zarina was extremely kind and she prepared really nice food for us!
Gratitude!!!
★★★★★
Very interesting experience in beautiful Altai mountains. We were lucky with the weather (and views). Zarina and her mother were very nice hosts.
★★★★★
Zarina hosted us for 4 days. Despite being late in the season, she organized a wonderful stay.
Her mom cooked us tasty food. We enjoyed it very much an we recommend her to any nature lover.
It was great pleasure to be together with Federico and Lise! They are beautiful couple, open minded, easy going and experienced travellers. They enjoyed our nature even during off-season, told a lot our compliments to our home meals, shared lovely gifts from Switzerland and became a part of our family during their stay 💛 I hope they will come again to discover more in the other seasons 🏔🤗
★★★★★
Zarina is a gem - we felt so lucky to be getting to know her and her mother! Altai is such a special place and there’s no better guide to introduce it than Zarina.
★★★★★
The way I was treated and taken care of during my stay at ALTAI a'RAI made me feel like I was a family member of Zarina, not just a tour group member. No need to mention about her ability and professionalism, Zarina has well surpassed all those in the tick list. I'd like to once again express my sincere thanks to Zarina and super Mama for the wonderful time. I won't hesitate to come back to ALTAI a'RAI again when my opportunity is open.
★★★★★
Our stay in Katon-Karagay with Zarina and her family was an absolutely heartwarming experience surrounded by breathtaking nature. Zarina is incredibly responsible, kind, and made sure everything was perfectly arranged. Her driver, Taskhyn, was experienced, punctual, and drove safely through the stunning landscapes – even though he doesn’t speak English, he was always professional and reliable.
At Zarina’s guest house, we were warmly welcomed by her mother, Saule, who took exceptional care of us and quickly became a dear friend. Saule’s hospitality is unmatched, and she shared her deep knowledge of the local herbs and berries while we foraged together in the Altai mountains. The spontaneous shaman ritual she organized was a unique and memorable experience, adding to the richness of our visit. On the day of our departure, she even prepared delicious Manti dumplings for us to enjoy during our journey.
The natural beauty of Katon-Karagay is simply stunning, with highlights like Rahmanov Lake, Yazovoe Lake (Karakol), the majestic Muztau (Belukha Mountain), and the historic Old Austrian Road. Exploring these incredible spots with Zarina’s family made the experience truly unforgettable. The warmth, kindness, and knowledge of Zarina, Saule, and their family combined with the breathtaking scenery made this trip one of our most memorable adventures.
A
Alex & Ati of Indy
August 2024
★★★★★
I had a wonderful time in Altay with Zarina.
She is an excellent driver and guide.
It’s all about good vibe and energy.
The guesthouse she runs with her mother in Katon-Karagay is really cost and you will be closed to many attractions the region has to offer.
As for the the food, everything is home-made and natural.
Thanks a lot for this good time!
View all 8 reviews →
