A 4-day tour around the Almaty region
This 4-day journey is the best way to discover the most stunning natural landmarks of the Almaty region during the warm season. The tour includes more time in the mountains, with plenty of hiking opportunities and unique landscapes.
Day 1 – Altyn Emel. We start our adventure with a trip to Altyn Emel National Park, visiting the Aktau Mountains, often called the 'Geological Museum under the open sky.'
Day 2 – Singing Dune & Charyn Canyon. The famous Singing Dune, then Charyn Canyon — the Valley of the Castles. In the evening, a traditional Kazakh dinner in Saty village.
Day 3 – Kolsay Lakes. Lower Kolsay Lake (1,818 m) and a hike (or optional horseback ride) to Middle Kolsay Lake (2,252 m).
Day 4 – Kaindy Lake. The mystical Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest.
Starting / Ending Point
Almaty City
Total Distance
1200 km round trip
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Start Time
08:00 AM (Almaty)
Season
May-October
Language
English | Russian
Difficulty
Mid-High
Activity
Included
Not Included
What to Bring
Aktau Mountains — a 'Geological Museum under the open sky'
The Singing Dune and Charyn Canyon
Lower and Middle Kolsay Lakes
The mystical Kaindy Lake and its submerged forest
4-day Jeep Adventure: Altyn Emel, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes
A 4-day tour around the Almaty region
08:00 – Pick-up from Almaty and departure
12-00 – Arrive in Basshy village and enjoy lunch
13-30 – Visit the Altyn Emel National Park Museum
14-10 – Drive to the Katutau and Aktau Mountains. Stop to see the ancient 700-year-old willow tree. Explore the Aktau Mountains with a circular hike to the most scenic viewpoints. Walk through the rugged landscapes of the Katutau Mountains
19:00 – Return to Basshy village, check in to your accommodation, and have dinner
08:00 – Breakfast. Check out
09:00 – Drive to the famous Singing Dune
10:20 – Climb to the top of the dune, take in the panoramic views, and listen to its unique “singing” sound.
12:30 – Lunch
13:30 – Transfer to Sharyn Canyon
16:00 – Excursion to Sharyn Canyon, Valley of the Castles – walking 1.5 km along the canyon floor, visiting panoramic spots
20:00 – Arrival in Saty village, accommodation, dinner
08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Trip to the Kolsay Lakes National Park
09:15 – 10:30 – Visit to the Lower (First) Kolsay Lake – walking, optional boating.
10:30 – 17:00 – Optional 3-hour / 8 km hike or horseback ride to the Middle (Second) Kolsay Lake. Rest and enjoy the views at the Middle Lake. Return to the Lower Lake
18:00 – Arrival in Saty village, accommodation, dinner
08:00 – Breakfast, check-out
09:00 – 12:00 – Trip to Kaiyndy Lake – walking or horseback riding (optional), visiting scenic spots
12:00 – 13:15 – Lunch at a guesthouse in Saty village
13:15 – Departure from Kolsay Lakes National Park. Stop at the Black Canyon viewpoint
18:30 – Drop-off at your Hotel
To confirm your reservation, a 30% deposit of the total tour cost is required. The remaining balance is payable at the start of the tour.
Changes or cancellations must be made no later than 72 hours before the tour start time. In this case, a 90% refund of the total cost will be provided. Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the tour start are non-refundable.
Tours require a minimum number of participants and suitable weather conditions. If these requirements are not met, the tour will be canceled at least 48 hours before the start. Customers will be offered an alternative date/tour or a full refund.
In the event of force majeure, the tour may be canceled, and customers will receive a full refund.
