Ultimate Almaty Nature Escape – 8 Days Kazakhstan Tour

Guests arrive at Almaty International Airport anytime between 07:00 and 23:00, where they will be welcomed by the tour representative and transferred to the hotel. After check-in at Holiday Inn Almaty and some time to rest after the flight, the program begins with a short walking tour through the heart of the city.

The walk starts at Panfilov Park, one of the greenest and most historic places in Almaty. Here visitors will see the famous Zenkov Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden cathedrals in the world built without nails. The tour continues along Arbat Walking Street, a lively pedestrian area full of street artists, small cafes, and souvenir shops where travelers can get their first taste of Kazakh urban life.

In the evening, the group gathers for dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional and international cuisine.

Panfilov Park

• Zenkov Cathedral

• Arbat pedestrian street

• First introduction to Almaty culture

After breakfast at the hotel, depart toward Medeo Gorge located in the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains. Medeo is home to the world-famous high-altitude ice skating rink and offers beautiful mountain scenery and fresh alpine air. Guests will have time to walk around the area and enjoy the impressive landscape.

Later continue toward Koktobe Hill, one of the best viewpoints overlooking the city of Almaty. Visitors will take the famous cable car to the top where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The area also features a small amusement park, cafes, and walking areas ideal for photography.

Lunch will be enjoyed at Koktobe with spectacular views over the city. In the afternoon the group returns to the hotel. Dinner will be arranged at a local restaurant.

Medeo high-altitude skating rink

• Tien Shan mountain scenery

• Koktobe cable car ride

• Panoramic views of Almaty

After breakfast, depart for Big Almaty Lake located in the Ile-Alatau National Park. The scenic drive takes travelers through mountain roads surrounded by forests and dramatic peaks.

Upon arrival, visitors will see the stunning turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake, one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the region. The lake sits high in the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Tian Shan landscape.

Guests will then enjoy a horseback riding activity in the nearby mountain area, offering a unique way to experience the alpine environment. A picnic lunch will be served with beautiful mountain views.

After some free time for photography and walking, the group returns to Almaty in the afternoon for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Big Almaty Lake turquoise waters

• Tien Shan mountain landscapes

• Horse riding experience

• Scenic picnic lunch in nature

After an early breakfast, depart from Almaty and travel north toward Altyn Emel National Park, one of the largest and most spectacular protected areas in Kazakhstan. The road leads through vast steppe landscapes before reaching Basshi village, which serves as the main gateway to the national park.

Upon arrival in Basshi, check in at a local guesthouse before continuing toward the famous Singing Dune located about 40 km inside the park. This enormous sand ridge rises about 150 meters high and stretches over 3 kilometers. In dry weather conditions, the dune produces a deep humming sound, similar to the sound of an organ, which has inspired many local legends.

Enjoy a picnic lunch while surrounded by the impressive desert scenery. Guests will have time to explore the dune, walk along the sand ridge, and take photographs of the dramatic landscape.

In the late afternoon, return to Basshi village for dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse.

• Altyn Emel National Park

• The mysterious Singing Dunes

• Central Asian desert landscapes

• Scenic picnic lunch in nature

After breakfast at the guesthouse, depart toward Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” On the way, stop at the impressive Dragon Mountains for panoramic photographs of the colorful rock formations.

Upon arrival at Charyn Canyon, explore the spectacular Valley of Castles, where centuries of erosion have created towering sandstone formations. Guests will have time to walk along the canyon rim and enjoy breathtaking views over the dramatic landscape.

Lunch will be served during the visit while enjoying one of the best viewpoints of the canyon.

In the afternoon continue toward Saty Village, located in the Kolsai Lakes region. After arrival, check in to a guesthouse with twin rooms. Dinner will be served at the guesthouse before resting for the night.

• Dragon Mountains viewpoint

• Charyn Canyon – Valley of Castles

• Scenic canyon photography

• Mountain village atmosphere

After breakfast, depart from Saty Village toward Kaindy Lake. The journey continues by off-road vehicles through forest trails until reaching the lake. Kaindy Lake was formed after a powerful earthquake in 1911 triggered a landslide that created a natural dam. The lake is famous for its hauntingly beautiful submerged spruce forest, where tree trunks still rise from the clear turquoise water.

Guests will have time to walk around the lake and take photographs of this unique natural phenomenon.

Later return to a local guesthouse for lunch before continuing to Kolsai Lake, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Kazakhstan. Here guests can enjoy horseback riding along the lakeshore, kayaking on the calm waters, or simply walking around the scenic surroundings.

In the evening return to the guesthouse in Saty Village for a traditional family-style dinner. During warm seasons, guests may optionally stay in a traditional Kazakh yurt. The evening ends with a campfire gathering where travelers can relax and share their impressions of the journey.

• Kaindy Lake sunken forest

• Kolsai Lake alpine scenery

• Horse riding activity

• Kayaking on mountain lake

• Traditional campfire evening

After breakfast at the guesthouse, depart from Saty Village and begin the scenic drive back to Almaty. The journey takes travelers through beautiful mountain landscapes and steppe scenery of southeastern Kazakhstan.

Upon arrival in Almaty around midday, enjoy lunch in the city. The afternoon is free for rest after the expedition days or for exploring Almaty independently. Guests may visit local shopping centers, walk along Arbat street, or relax in a café.

In the evening, the group gathers for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the final overnight stay in Kazakhstan.

• Scenic return journey through mountain landscapes

• Free time in Almaty for shopping or relaxation

• Farewell dinner in Kazakhstan

This is the last day of the trip, we will organize group transfer for Almaty international airport till the noon.

Nice breakfast