| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking / Hiking |
Little-studied and rarely visited mountain gorges and valleys with breathtaking panoramas, alpine meadows, rushing rivers, alpine lakes, and unforgettable impressions of the wild beauty of Zhetysu—all in one adventure!
Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: June – October
Best Season: June – August
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty – Turgen Gorge – Asy Plateau
After meeting your guide at the hotel and boarding a comfortable off-road vehicle, you will depart from Almaty to Turgen Gorge. There, you will make your first stop and enjoy a sightseeing walk to Bear Waterfall.
After the walk, you will continue driving up the gorge. Upon reaching Asy Pass, you will stop for a picnic at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the plateau.
Asy Plateau is a vast plain located at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountain ridges rising above 3,000 meters. On the southwest side, the valley is framed by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Forest areas stretch along the rivers, mainly consisting of Tien Shan spruce. The plateau extends for about 40 km and reaches up to 15 km in width.
Along the Asy River, there are ancient burial mounds and rock carvings, representing one of the highest concentrations of petroglyphs in Kazakhstan. Today, the plateau serves as an important national pasture. It is also home to a well-known mountain observatory.
Later, you will continue to a suitable campsite location for dinner and rest.
Total car mileage: approximately 135 km
Overnight in a tent camp (2,500 m above sea level)
Day 2: Asy Plateau – Taban Karagai Plateau
Wake up, breakfast, and camp dismantling. Transfer to Kyzylauyz Pass, offering panoramic views of the Kungei Alatau mountain range.
At the pass, you will stop to admire the scenery and take a short break. Then, continue toward Taban Karagai Plateau. On the way, you will stop for lunch, and if you are lucky, you may collect mushrooms for dinner. In the afternoon, transfer to the overnight campsite.
Taban Karagai Plateau is located in the southeastern part of the Trans-Ili Alatau Ridge. Such places are often described as “paradise on Earth.” The highest point reaches 3,200 meters above sea level, and evidence suggests it was once covered by glaciers.
As the glaciers melted, they left behind large boulders and rock debris, beautifully integrated into the rolling landscape where herds of horses and sheep graze peacefully.
In summer, the plateau is covered with a vibrant floral carpet. The untouched beauty and diversity of nature captivate even the most experienced travelers.
Upon arrival, you will set up camp, have dinner, and rest.
Total car mileage: approximately 120 km
Overnight in a tent camp (2,300 m above sea level)
Day 3: Taban Karagai Plateau – Kaindy Lake
Wake up, breakfast, and camp dismantling. You may take a short walk to enjoy the surroundings and capture photos.
Drive across the plateau to an unnamed pass for a short stop and rest. Then descend along a scenic and occasionally challenging mountain road to Saty Settlement.
In Saty, enjoy lunch with locals before heading to Kaindy Lake. Explore the lake area and take a walk.
In the evening, return to a guest house with access to showers and a sauna. Dinner and rest.
Kaindy Lake, also known as Birch Lake, is the youngest lake in the Kolsai region. It was formed in 1911 after an earthquake triggered a landslide, creating a natural dam. Submerged spruce trees still rise above the water surface.
The lake’s cold water preserves the trees, making them visible beneath the clear surface.
Total car mileage: approximately 90 km
Overnight in a guest house
Day 4: Kaindy Lake – Kensu Gorge
Breakfast at the guest house and departure to Kensu Gorge. Along the way, you will make several stops at interesting locations.
The first stop is Bistyubinskoye Reservoir for a short walk. Then continue to Kensu Gorge, where the road becomes more challenging, including swampy sections and off-road terrain.
Kensu Gorge lies on the eastern slope of the Kungei Alatau Ridge and stretches for 45 km. The upper parts feature alpine landscapes, while the lower slopes include spruce forests and juniper thickets.
The gorge contains eight moraine lakes formed by ancient glaciers, including one heart-shaped lake. Due to its remote location, the area remains largely unexplored by tourists.
Upon arrival, set up camp, have lunch, and enjoy a walk. Dinner and rest in the evening.
Total car mileage: approximately 120 km
Overnight in a tent camp (2,800 m above sea level)
Day 5: Kensu Gorge – Tekes Gorge
Breakfast, camp dismantling, and departure to Tekes Gorge. Stop in the border town of Kegen for lunch at a local café and a visit to the market.
Continue to the Tekes River valley.
The Tekes River is one of the main sources of the Ili River. It originates at 3,535 meters near the Khan Tengri mountain massif and flows through a wide valley between major mountain ridges.
The valley features fertile soil, rich pastures, and scenic landscapes. Despite its beauty, it remains little-known among tourists.
Upon arrival, set up camp, enjoy dinner by the fire, and rest.
Total car mileage: approximately 200 km
Overnight in a tent camp (2,500 m above sea level)
Day 6: Tekes Gorge – Tuzkol Lake
Early wake-up and breakfast. Free time to visit a nearby waterfall.
Return to camp for lunch, then depart for Tuzkol Lake.
Tuzkol Lake is a saline lake with varying salt concentration, sometimes reaching levels comparable to the Dead Sea. It is fed by underground mineral springs.
On clear days, the majestic Khan Tengri Peak is visible from the lake. The area offers stunning views and a unique atmosphere.
Upon arrival, set up camp and have dinner. Note: no campfire due to lack of firewood.
Total car mileage: approximately 70 km
Overnight in a tent camp (1,900 m above sea level)
Day 7: Tuzkol Lake – Temirlik Canyon
Early wake-up. If the weather permits, enjoy views of the high peaks at sunrise. Breakfast, camp dismantling, and departure to Temirlik Canyon.
Stop in Kegen for a snack. Optionally visit Tuyuk village for scenic views.
Temirlik Canyon is named after the Temirlik River. The canyon hosts unique flora, including the rare Sogdian ash tree, a relic species.
The area is also home to diverse birdlife, including black storks, nightingales, and swallows.
Upon arrival, set up camp and enjoy dinner by the fire.
Total car mileage: approximately 250 km
Overnight in a tent camp (970 m above sea level)
Day 8: Temirlik Canyon – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
Breakfast, camp dismantling, and a short drive to the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon.
Charyn Canyon is a unique natural formation often compared to the Grand Canyon. Its dramatic rock formations and towering cliffs create a spectacular landscape.
Walk through the Valley of Castles, known for its необычные rock formations shaped by wind and water over millions of years.
After exploration, descend into the canyon on foot. Later, enjoy lunch at a panoramic viewpoint before returning to Almaty.
Total car mileage: approximately 330 km
Additional Information
Tour Price: Please contact us for the price per person (based on 2 people traveling together).
Group discounts available. Children are charged at the adult rate.
Tour Rates Include:
Hotel pick-up/drop-off and private transportation
Professional English-speaking guide
Environmental and entry fees
Accommodation (6 nights in tents, 1 night in a guest house)
Meals as per the itinerary
Drinking water
Chef services (for groups of 6+)
Tour Rates Exclude:
Personal expenses not mentioned in the program
Booking Terms:
Full payment is required. Accepted methods: cash, wire transfer, and bank card.
Cancellation Policy:
50% non-refundable if canceled less than 7 days before departure
100% non-refundable if canceled less than 24 hours before departure or in case of no-show
Group Size:
Minimum 1 person, maximum 16 people
Age Restriction:
4+ years
Required Equipment:
Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, fleece jacket, windproof jacket, layered clothing, hiking boots, camp shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, head torch, batteries, thermos (1–1.5 L), personal hygiene items, first aid kit, insect repellent.
Note: A valid passport is required on the day of travel.
