7 Days Tour From Almaty
About this tour
This tour includes almost all the natural sights of the Almaty region. We have active and relaxing options for this program. Here the tour combines a relaxing part on Hot springs resort. An Ideal variant for families or people who want to have a passive rest as well in an intensive Itinerary of "Wild nature tour". You will see 2 of the most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan; a small version of the Grand Canyon; a place that resembles Mars; hear the Singing dune; take pictures in the background of the unusual color of the Tigers mountains. You will live among nature and feel the national coloration of aul (Kazakh village). Experience the life of nomads hiking at the lakeside, and taste cuisinу at the hospitable Kazakh guesthouses.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan to Altyn Emel National Park, Алматы, Kazakhstan
Our road is directed to the north through the town of Kapshagai. Not far from this town (30km), there is Tamgaly Tas. Here, in a picturesque place near the Ili River, Buddhists left rock paintings of Buddha (18th century), and there are also inscriptions in Turkic runes. You can climb up to the rocks and see the panorama of the Ili river. Some locals love to come here for fishing. Head to Altyn-Emel, 240 km. Upon arrival at the Eco-park in Basshy we will check in at the guest house and have a delicious lunch. Head to Aktau mountains (77 km off-road). Aktau mountain is a kind of open-air paleontological museum. Here nature has created beautiful gorges from steep walls with multicolored layers of rocks: from green in the lower part to colorful and white in the upper Trekking in the Aktau mountains. Head to Katutau mountains (50 km offroad). Katutau mountains were formed as a result of volcanoes. Rocks, caves, and figures of frozen lava are of dark red color and have different shapes. In ancient times the mountains were inhabited by people; there are petroglyphs with images of animals. Return to Bashy. Dinner and overnight at the guest house. Lunch and Dinner are included.
Day 2: Әнші құм төбесі, Kazakhstan to Shonzhy, Kazakhstan
After breakfast, we will check out and take the lunch box with us. Head to Singing Dune (40 min way), climbing up, enjoying view, walk till the end of the ridge and make picture of the Ili river, which is seen from the hill, listen to dune’s sound as you go down. “Singing dune” is located in the place between the mountains Big and Small Kalkan. The dunes area is 240 hectares. Now singing dune “by popular vote” is included in the list of 7 wonders of Kazakhstan and has the official status of the state natural monument of national importance. After lunch, we will check out and head to Hot springs resort. On our way, we will stop to see “The Tigers mountains” Interesting colors of those landscapes will impress you. Stay on those colorful hills and make pictures. After the intensive tour around the region, you will eventually have a chance totally relax. Get a radon mineral water bath and swim in the pools. There are a lot of resorts with different levels of comfort. From 8000 KZT – 15000kzt per person including breakfast.
Day 3: Shonzhy, Kazakhstan
Different levels of comfort. I can recommend some of them and you can choose after having a look at their website, we will book in advance. This part is not included in the quotation. But the driver accommodation is included ( basic level resort).
Day 4: Shonzhy, Kazakhstan to Kolsai Lake, Kazakhstan
12:00 Check–out and head to Saty village (2 hours way). We will pass by the Moon canyon and we will stop to take pictures of these unusual shapes of rocks. It’s also called Yellow canyon or “The valley of yurts”. the shapes of the rocks are reminiscent of the houses of nomads, and the landscape is reminiscent of the landscape of the moon. it was in this canyon that the remains of an ancient man and tools of the Stone Age were found. It attracts the attention of many geologists and archaeologists. Head to Saty village. Lunch at the guest house. You will experience famous Kazakh hospitality. Kolsai lake so-called “Natural mirror” is a pearl of the Tyan-Shan mountains. You will see the reflections of hills and trees on the surface of the lake. You can rent a boat and enjoy views from different parts of the lake or you can try horseback riding in this beautiful area. Don’t worry if you have never done it before – the horses are trained and almost all the tourists here do it for the first time. I will show you one of the interesting hiking routes to the caves. Not many tourists know about these places. You will see high rocks around you and enjoy the sound of the river. Overnight at the guesthouse
Day 5: Kolsai Lake, Kazakhstan to Kaindy, Kazakhstan
After breakfast at the guesthouse, we will drive to Kaindy lake. The way takes around one hour. a 12km way but is quite bumpy. Kaindy lake is located 2,000 meters above sea level. The area is often referred to as a "sunken forest". The cold water helps preserve the tree trunks, which are overgrown with algae and various other water plants.
Day 6: Ozero Kaindy, Kaindy, Kazakhstan to Turgen, Kazakhstan
After breakfast, we will head to Charyn canyon named “Valley of Castles”. The way takes 1/5 hour. On our way, we will see the Black Canyon. Upon arriving at “Valley of Castles” see the panorama of the canyon from the observation deck and then walk down to the river (2 km). Rest at the riverside. After this tour, we will head to Tourgen gorge (2 hours way). Tourgen Guest house. Overnight
Day 7: Turgen'skoye Ushchel'ye, Kazakhstan to Lake Issyk, Kazakhstan
After breakfast check out driving to Tourgen gorge. There are many options to rest here. You can do hiking up to “Bear waterfall” (1,5 km), Fishing trout at the trout farm, and enjoy the view of Issyk lake. Tourgen gorge is covered with fruit trees. In autumn the leaves have yellow and red colors. The lake is especially beautiful in autumn as the reflection of colorful trees makes Issyk lake looks fairy. Possible to include the Asy plateau as well.
What's included
English-speaking drivers in a high season might be unavailable (0n request), If there is no then Kazakh speaking driver with a translator application and a little bit of English. Or + guide $50/day
Hot spring resorts accommodation
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Almaty, Kazakhstan to Altyn Emel National Park, Алматы, Kazakhstan