Pure Kazakhstan
Journey Through Earth’s Untouched Wonders
| Country: | Kazakhstan | |
| Tour length: | 7 days / 6 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Almaty – Altyn Emel – Zharkent – Saty village – Kolsay & Kaindy – Charyn Canyon – Almaty | |
Step into the wild heart of Central Asia on this unforgettable journey through southern Kazakhstan, where vast steppes meet snowy peaks and ancient canyons glow in the desert sun.
Your adventure begins in Almaty, the country’s vibrant cultural capital, before heading east into landscapes that seem almost otherworldly — the shimmering dunes and painted hills of Altyn-Emel National Park, the red cliffs of Charyn Canyon, and the crystal-clear alpine waters of Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes.
Explore nature at its purest: hear the “singing” of the sands, walk through the Valley of Castles, and see submerged trees rising from Kaindy’s turquoise depths. Along the way, discover Kazakh hospitality in cozy guesthouses, taste homemade food, and share moments that feel timeless under the open steppe sky.
From mountain trails to desert silence, “Pure Kazakhstan” offers a perfect balance of breathtaking scenery, local culture, and the serene beauty of untouched nature — a journey that stays with you long after it ends.
- Itinerary
Services & Cost - Useful Information
| Tour itinerary 2026: | ||
| Day 1. | Almaty, arrival. Welcome to Almaty — Kazakhstan’s cultural and economic heart! After meeting your guide at the airport, transfer to your hotel (check-in after 14:00). Leave your luggage and get ready to explore the city. We start our sightseeing from the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, one of Almaty’s most beloved landmarks. Here you’ll see the Eternal Flame, the beautiful wooden Ascension Cathedral that survived a major earthquake, and the Museum of Musical Instruments, showcasing rare exhibits dating back to the 17th century. Next, we head to the lively Green Bazaar, where you can taste dried fruits, nuts, and local delicacies — a perfect way to dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through Almaty’s modern center: admire the Abay Opera House, stroll along cozy Panfilov Street lined with cafés and street performers, and browse handmade crafts at Arbat Street. We finish the day with a cable-car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill (1,100 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views over the city and the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountains. Return to the hotel for rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 2. | Almaty – Altyn-Emel National Park by road (450 km). After an early breakfast, we set off on a scenic jeep journey across the Almaty region toward Altyn Emel National Park, one of Kazakhstan’s most remarkable nature reserves. Its name, “Altyn Emel” or “Golden Saddle”, comes from the shape of a nearby mountain ridge — and the park itself is a land of contrasts: endless steppes, colorful hills, and rocky mountains home to rare wildlife. After lunch at a cozy guesthouse, we explore the breathtaking Aktau Mountains, a range of chalk hills dating back over 400 million years. Known as the “Lunar Mountains”, they shimmer in layers of white, pink, red, and green — a truly otherworldly sight. We’ll then visit the legendary 700-year-old willow tree, revered by locals as a guardian of wisdom and life. By evening, we return to the guesthouse for dinner and a well-deserved rest under the peaceful desert sky. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. |
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| Day 3. | Altyn Emel - Zharkent – Saty village by road, 370 km. After breakfast, we continue our off-road adventure through Altyn Emel National Park. Our first stop is the legendary Singing Dune, a natural wonder that “sings” like a pipe organ when dry sand slides down its slopes. From the top, enjoy sweeping views over the desert, Ili River valley, and distant mountain ridges — a truly unforgettable sight. After exploring, we drive toward the mountain village of Saty, gateway to the Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes. En route, we stop in Zharkent, a small border town known for its mix of cultures and traditions. Here we’ll visit the Dungan Mosque–Museum and stroll through the local bazaar to get a feel for daily life in eastern Kazakhstan. Lunch at a local café. Arrival in Saty by evening, check-in at a cozy guesthouse or mountain resort, and rest surrounded by alpine scenery. Meals: breakfast, lunch. |
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| Day 4. | Saty village, trip to Kolsay & Kaindy by road, 75 km. After breakfast, we set out to explore two of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes. Our first stop is Kolsay Lake, often called “The Necklace of the Tien Shan.” Nestled among pine forests and snow-capped peaks, the lake shimmers at 1,800 meters above sea level — an ideal place for a peaceful walk and incredible photos. We’ll then visit a local family home in Saty village for a homemade lunch, offering a taste of genuine mountain hospitality. In the afternoon, we continue to the mysterious Kaindy Lake, formed after an earthquake in 1911 that flooded a spruce forest. The tree trunks still rise from the turquoise water, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape. After a short off-road drive, you can walk or ride horseback to the lake — both options promise breathtaking views. Return to your guesthouse or mountain resort for rest and overnight stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch. |
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| Day 5. | Saty village – Charyn Canyon – Almaty by road. After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Almaty, with a stop at one of Kazakhstan’s true natural treasures — Charyn Canyon. Often called the “Little Brother of the Grand Canyon,” it stretches for more than 150 km and reveals striking red and orange cliffs shaped by wind and water into fantastical “castles.” We’ll explore the famous Valley of Castles, walking down through the gorge to the Charyn River (around 2 km one way). At the riverbank, we’ll pause for a picnic lunch (lunch boxes included) and take in the breathtaking views of the canyon walls glowing in the sunlight. In the afternoon, we drive back to Almaty. Arrival by late evening, check-in at the hotel, and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 6. | Almaty. After breakfast, we head into the Ili Alatau Mountains, where Almaty meets the clouds. Our first stop is Medeu, the legendary high-mountain skating rink perched at 1,691 meters above sea level. Even though it’s closed for renovation until 2027, the area remains a favorite spot for fresh air, stunning views, and a leisurely walk surrounded by alpine scenery. Next, we ascend by cable car to Shymbulak Mountain Resort — the jewel of Kazakhstan’s mountains. The ride unfolds over three scenic stages, reaching the Talgar Pass (3,200 m) with breathtaking panoramas of the snow-capped Zailiyskiy Alatau range. At the top, enjoy crisp mountain air, cozy cafés, and unforgettable views. (If maintenance is underway, an eco-transfer will be provided to the resort base.) Returning to the city, we visit the Almaty Museum of Arts, a vibrant space showcasing Kazakh contemporary art, international exhibitions, and multimedia installations. Our final stop is Republic Square, the symbolic heart of modern Almaty, featuring the Golden Warrior Monument, elegant fountains, and wide open boulevards — perfect for photos and people-watching. Return to the hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 7. | Almaty, departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out before noon and transfer to the international airport for your flight home. Meals: breakfast. |
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Tour price includes:
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Tour price does not include:
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| RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR TRIP: |
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Please note that the Green Bazaar, Museum of Musical Instruments, and Falcon Show are closed on Mondays. |
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The temperature outside the city can be significantly lower than in Almaty — we recommend bringing warm clothes for travel to mountain and park regions. |
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Due to the limited number of rooms in guesthouses at Altyn Emel and Kolsay National Parks, early booking is strongly advised. |
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The recommended group size for traveling in the Almaty region is up to 20 people. |
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Accommodation details:
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Transport during Jeep tour:
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Information on the hotels
| City | Hotels 3* | Hotels 4* |
| Almaty | Grand Sapphire Hotel 3* or similar | Kazzhol Park Hotel 4* or similar |
| Altyn Emel National Park | Guest house | Guest house |
| Kolsay Lakes | Guesthouse at Saty Village on full board basis (15 km from Kolsay Lake) |
Kolsay Prestige Mountain resort (at Kolsay Lake) |
Transportation
On this route will be used the following type of transport (depending on the number of people in a group):
| Group size | Venicle |
| 1-2 travelers | Sedan for 3 seats or similar |
| 3-7 travelers | Minivan for 10 seats |
| 8-14 travelers | Minibus for 18 seats |
| 15+ travelers | Coach for 42 seats |
Photos of the tour:
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