Kazakhstan Almaty Tour

After breakfast, your driver guide will accompany you to Almaty Museum, where you can get insights into the city’s history through numerous cultural relics like ancient weapons, traditional Kazakh attire, jewelry, instruments, and the city’s ancient water supply system.

Then, let’s head to Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, built to honor the 28 soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting against the Nazis to defend Moscow, and admire the Ascension Cathedral, aka Zenkov Cathedral, the world’s second tallest wooden church. Savor the architectural aesthetics hidden within its cream-colored facade adorned with dreamy mint green and pale pink lines, golden onion-shaped domes, bright crosses, and magnificent interior. Also, be stunned by its miraculous survival from the catastrophic earthquake of 1911, which almost destroyed the entire city.

We’ll then make our way to the bustling Green Bazaar, aka Zeleny Bazar, the city’s top classic marketplace full of Central Asian charm. Browse the neatly arranged stalls loaded with fresh fruits, nuts, spices, and meat and dairy products, such as the authentic Kazy sausage and salty Kurt yogurt balls, as well as handicrafts like Kazakh embroidery tablecloths.
► Tip: At the bazaar entrance, there is a money exchange with a green sign, which is said to offer the most favorable exchange rate in Almaty, approximately USD 1≈KZT 500. If necessary, you can exchange some here.

Our next stop is the Medeu Gorge in the suburbs. Encircled by snowy peaks, it is a world-class winter mountaineering destination and also beckons hikers with its breathtaking summer scenery. We’ve specially included a cable car ride for you to reach the 3,200-m (10,500-ft) Shymbulak Ski Resort, one of the largest of its kind in Central Asia. As the cable car ascends slowly, take in panoramic views of the pine-covered gorge, and on sunny days, you can even behold the distant Heavenly Mountains, one of the world’s seven major mountain ranges.

Before dusk, let’s drive to Almaty’s highest point, Kok-Tobe Hill, for a stunning sunset. After an eco-friendly electric bus ride to the top, appreciate the iconic Almaty TV Tower, the retro Beatles statues, and the city nestled among forest-clad peaks glowing under a fiery dusk. Afterward, during the cable car ride down the hill, immerse yourself in the charming night city view.

Finally, your driver guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Renion Park Hotel, Almaty (3 stars) or similar

This morning, your driver guide will escort you on a 3.5-hour drive to Basshi Village, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Altyn Emel National Park, a marvelous blend of deserts, gobi, floodplains, covered forests, and dry riverbeds. The name “Altyn Emel” means “golden saddle” in Mongolian and was given by Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire’s legendary figure, who was deeply impressed when he saw the mountains here being bathed in a golden glow by the setting sun.

After hotel check-in and lunch, let’s plunge into the park and go directly to Singing Dune. You may find that it looks no different from other sand dunes in appearance, but its name conveys its uniqueness: in dry weather, when there is wind and sliding, the dune will emit a low rumbling sound. The volume will change gently and melodiously when the wind speed is low, and become wild and rough when it is high, spreading far and wide, resembling a melodious symphony. Want something interesting? Take off your shoes, climb to the top and then slide down to create a musical feast yourself! Take care to wear a lightweight mask to shield yourself from the sand.

At last, your driver guide will escort you back to your hotel in Basshi Village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basshi Hotel

After picking you up at your hotel, your driver guide will show you around the Aktau Mountains, another core geological wonder in the Altyn Emel National Park. Once you set foot on this land of sandstone and multi-colored clay, your guide will tell you that you are standing on the seabed of an ancient ocean millions of years ago! Saunter through the gullies of the desolate canyon dotted with drought-resistant creosote bushes and sand thistles and touch the colorful, clearly textured rock layers - you’ll feel as if you’re on Mars or a fantastic fiction movie scene.

Next, after returning to Basshi Village for lunch, let’s move to a well-selected resort famed for its hot springs and check in. Slip into your swimsuit and unwind in the mineral-rich Chundzha Hot Springs, which boast 140+ deep underground water sources. Due to volcanic magma, the water temperature remains about 39°C (102°F) all year round, beckoning people from around Almaty. To avoid feeling dizzy, it’s recommended that you just soak for 15-20 minutes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kara Dala Hot Springs Resort or similar

Today, enjoy a 1.5-hour private road trip to the Charyn Canyon National Park, home to one of the most striking canyons in Kazakhstan. After 12 million years of river erosion, it stretches for around 154 km (96 miles), running across the Kazakh steppe, resembling a crack in the grassland. Among its five main branches, each being an astonishing geological marvel, your driver guide will accompany you to tick off four of them today.
► Insider Tips:
1. There’s very weak or no signal; check with your important contacts beforehand.
2. Expect no stores inside the canyon, and it’s wise to bring some snacks and bottled water with you.
3. The ultraviolet rays here are extremely strong, so be sure to wear sunscreen and sunglasses.

Let’s start with the Temirlik Canyon, famous for its red cliffs carved by Temirlik River. It has been named “temir,” which means “iron” in Kazakh, due to its red rocks, and scientists believe that ancient people once mined iron ore here. As you stand at the top of one red cliff, the vast and imposing rock walls unfolding before you will only bring you a sense of awe. Then, proceed to Bestamak Canyon, aka the Small Canyon, and immerse yourself in the dreamlike atmosphere created by its vibrant red-orange and pink rock formations under sunlight. After a packed lunch here, we’ll continue our visit to the Moon Canyon, whose bizarre rock terrain resembles the lunar landscape so closely that it was once mistaken for an alien base. When you see its rock layers present different hues of yellow or gradient colors under the sunlight, you’ll understand why it’s locally called the Yellow Canyon. At last, finish our walk at the Charyn Canyon, admiring the amazing setting sun casting its rays on the land, creating a rich, saturated orange hue.

After leaving the park, let’s drive for 1.5 hours to Saty Village, a vital basecamp for visiting scenic lakes in southeastern Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a sumptuous Kazakh-style dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch-box, Dinner
Accommodation: Saty Village Guest House

In the early morning, set out from Saty Village with your driver guide to Kolsai Lakes, a collection of three sub-alpine mountain lakes dubbed “Pearls of the Northern Heavenly Mountains.” As we drive past the winding mountain road into the Heavenly Mountains, the narrow and deep Lower Kolsai Lake gradually come into view. While taking a relaxing light hike around the lake, appreciate the crystal-clear deep blue water shining brightly under the sunlight and the dense fir-covered mountains reflected on its surface.

► FYI: For the physically fit and adventurous, the popular round-trip 14-km (9-mi) hike between Lower and Middle Kolsai Lakes, which takes about 6 hours, can be an option. Additionally, from April to October, horse rental services are also available, with a cost of USD 30-40 per person for a round trip. It may take the same time as hiking due to the difficult terrain. If interested, contact us to customize the itinerary for you.

To spice up your travel experience, we’ll then have an excursion to Kaindy Lake, another hidden treasure in the Heavenly Mountains that features a miracle of “underwater forest.” As we approach, the ashen pine forest submerged in the turquoise lake water will take your breath away - each bare pine stump pierces the lake surface in a straight line, like the masts of a sinking ghost fleet, lonely yet awe-inspiring; while the tree trunks underwater have been preserved intact due to the coldness of water, resembling a dreamlike underwater forest.
► Note: The road to Kaindy Lake is bumpy, with deep potholes and waterlogged sections. You can bring some anti-motion-sickness medication for emergency.

Finally, your driver guide will escort you back to your hotel in Saty Village for dinner and saunas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch-box, Dinner
Accommodation: Saty Village Guest House

Today, let’s delve into Charyn Canyon National Park again for a 2-hour hike in the Valley of Castles, the park’s most spectacular canyon renowned for its massive rocks mimicking ancient castles. Upon reaching the entrance viewing platform, choose either the ground floor or the top route. The former is a classic flat path, nearly 3 km (1.86 miles) long, taking around 40-50 minutes one way. While walking, marvel at the towering red cliffs rising like castle towers - such an extraordinary craftsmanship of nature! At the end of the trail, meet the winding Karyn River and take a break along this oasis. On your return, retrace your steps or take a shuttle minibus - be aware that you may wait for long due to few vehicles available. If you prefer an elevated perspective, choose the 2-km- (1.24-mile-) top trail, which features relatively gentle terrain and offers breathtaking panoramic views, allowing you to take in the full sweeping length of the rift valley and the entire castle-like rock formations.

After that, return to the Tourist Center and take a brief rest before we hit the 3.5-hour private road trip back to Almaty. Upon arrival, your driver guide will help you check in at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Renion Park Hotel, Almaty (3 stars)

Today, at the agreed time, your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Almaty International Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels! If you are still craving more of Kazakhstan, consider extending you trip to Astana, the futuristic capital, or the ancient Silk Road cities of Otar and Taraz. Feel free to contact us; we’re always ready to customize a bespoke itinerary for you!

► Recommended Spot before Departure (at your own expense)
If time permits, consider a visit to the Museum of Musical Instruments for KZT 1500 (USD 3) on your own, a 10-minute-walk from your hotel. Browse the precious musical instruments from 34 countries, including dombras in 13 types, a Chinese zither, and variously shaped percussion instruments. Also, don’t miss the multimedia exhibition hall for an auditory feast.

Meal: Breakfast