About this tour

This tour combines the popular sites of the Almaty region. 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 of Dune. So many experiences and views within 3 days. If it's your first visit to Almaty and you have 3 days start with this tour!

Kolsay lakeKaindy LakeCharyn CanyonKazakhstan

History

Horseback Riding

Yurt Stay

Wildlife

Offroad

Homestay

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Almaty to Altyn Emel

Day 1: Almaty – Altyn Emel National Park (240 km) – Aktau mountains – Katytau mountains Departure from Almaty to the Altyn-Emel (240 km). Upon arrival at the Eco-park of AE 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: Altyn Emel to Charyn Canyon

Day2: Altyn –Emel “Singing dune”(40km) – Charyn canyon (150km) – Saty village( 100km) After breakfast head to Singing Dune (40 min way), climb up, enjoy the view, taking the picture of the Ili river, which is seen from the hill, and listen to the 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. The absolute height of the ridges of the dunes reaches 600-650m. The features of the singing dunes with a strong wind emit a roar similar to the sound of a jet engine. 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. Lunch at the guest house. Check-out. Head to Charyn canyon named “Valley of Castles”. See the panorama of the canyon and then walk down to the river (2 km). Rest at the riverside. Head to Saty village (1,5 hours way) Dinner, overnight in the guest house.

Day 3: Charyn canyon to Almaty

Day 3: Kolsai, Kaindy & Black Canyon Kolsai Lake: Morning walk or boat trip (summer) at the mirror-like alpine lake. Kaindy Lake: 4x4 Off-road adventure to the unique "Sunken Forest" with spruce trees rising from turquoise water. Hike to the panoramic viewpoint. Black Canyon: Final photo stop at the dramatic deep gorge on the way back. Evening: Return to Almaty.

What's included

Included

Lunch

Accommodation

Driver

Breakfast

Dinner

Entrance Tickets

Notes on included services

Comfortable 4wd car, 3 days/2 nights accommodation with 3 times meals, entrance tickets to eco-parks.

Notes on not included

horse-back riding, boat renting cost

What to know

*Make sure to bring your passport. It will be checked at eco-parks

Route & locations

Almaty to Altyn Emel