Hiking In Sayram-ugam National Park & Kazakh Village
About this tour
One-day easy hike in the mountains of the Sayram-Ugam National Park of the Western Tien Shan ridge to the legendary lower Sayram Lake + overnight stay in a Kazakh mountain village. The national park and mountain village are located 70 km from Shymkent. Hiking along a mountain trail through a valley and gorges in the wild. The length of the path to the lower Sayram Lake is about 9 km one way. The final destination of the hike is the beautiful mountain lake Sayram, 2350 m above sea level. However, the route can be changed or adjusted at the request and capabilities of the guests. Overnight stay in the Kazakh mountain village of Upper Kaskasu in the house of a local Kazakh family with meals.
The national park is full of wild gorges and canyons, high-mountain lakes and rivers, mountain peaks and glaciers. Large areas of the park are covered with evergreen juniper forests, wild apple trees and apricots. Relaxation, meditation and real rest. Unique juniper forests and an amazing world of flora and fauna. Mountain rivers with crystal clear glacial water. Fresh mountain air filled with the aromas of herbs.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Shymkent to Sayram-Ugam National park
Day 1 Shymkent – Sayram-Ugam National Park – Kaskasu village 8 am – pick up from a hotel and drive to the Sayram-Ugam National Park from Shymkent (70 km). Short stop in Sayram city and visit to the local green bazaar. 10 am – arrival at the Sayram-Ugam National Park. Parking in the Sairam-Su mountain valley. 10.30 am – start of the hike to the Lower Sayram Lake along the trail. The total length of the trail is about 9 km. The ascent to the lake along the trail will take about 3-4 hours, depending on your health and pace. 13:00 – short stops and rest on the trail in the juniper forest. Unique juniper forests and an amazing world of flora and fauna. 14:00 – arrival at the Lower Sairam Lake. Snack, rest and photo session at Lower Sairam Lake. 16:00 – descent from the lake and return to the parking lot in the Sayram-Ugam Nature Park. 18:00-19:00 – departure from the National Park and transfer to the mountain village of Kaskasu. 20:00 – short acquaintance with a Kazakh family. Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 2: Sayram-Ugam National park to Kaskasu village
Day 2 Early wake up and breakfast with the family. Getting to know the family farm: a cattle yard, an apple orchard, a river in the garden, cows, sheep, horses, chickens. Visiting the milking station in the village to try the famous mare's milk (kumys). Kumys is a natural energy drink and a cure for many diseases. Excursion around the village and an easy walk to the Kyryk Kyz hill - a local landmark and a secluded place for the local youth of the village. Descent to the village. Transfer to the Sayram town. Lunch in Sayram town and tasting local famous Uzbek samsa. Afternoon transfer to Shymkent. End of tour.
What's included
The tour price includes an English-speaking guide, a car with a driver, transportation services, entrance tickets. Overnight stay with a family + two meals a day.
Meals and accommodation in the city are not included in the tour price.
What to know
Come and see us! Have a nice trip with us.
Route & locations
Shymkent to Sayram-Ugam National park