9 Days Horseback Ride Adventure Tour

Explore undiscovered Zhetysu—from desert landscapes to the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan. During this tour, you will visit moraine lakes (Akkol and Karakol), observe the stunning “Martian hills,” and see relic willow trees.

Day 1: Almaty – Narynkol / 5 hours driving / 3 hours horse ride

Breakfast and a meeting with your driver. Transfer to the town of Narynkol.

After reaching the frontier post and completing document checks, we will stop at a small site from the Soviet era that once served as a climbers’ camp, located at the foot of Khan Tengri (2300 m above sea level).

Here, you will have lunch and meet your guide, followed by instructions on horseback riding. The starting point of your 3-hour horse ride is a scenic route along the Akkol River, passing through forested areas to reach the moraine lake Akkol (3080 m above sea level). Return to camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 2: Bayankol (25 km) / 4–5 hours horse ride

This entire day is dedicated to another moraine lake—Karakol. After breakfast, we proceed along the gorge to Karakol Lake. Here, you will witness the diversity and beauty of the Tien Shan.

You will also see the famous Khan Tengri Peak—the highest mountain in Kazakhstan—located at the junction of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. It belongs to the Tien Shan mountain range and rises to 7010 m (23,000 ft). Many brave climbers attempt to ascend Khan Tengri despite its dangerous rock formations and near-vertical slopes.

During this journey, you will observe how the landscape changes with altitude, from coniferous forests and alpine meadows to tundra and permanent snow zones. Return to camp. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Bayankol Gorge – Tekes Waterfall (20 km) / 4–5 hours horse ride

Horse riding through the Bayankol Gorge to Tekes Waterfall (approximately 40 km total distance). Picnic lunch en route.

Bayankol Gorge is located on the northern macro-slope of the Central Tien Shan. The river originates from glaciers flowing down from the Saryjaz Ridge.

This region offers views of accessible six-thousanders such as Marble Wall and Plateau Peak, as well as five-thousanders like Border Guard, Karlytau, Kazakhstan Peak, Bayankol Peak, and Semenova Peak. Bayankol attracts tourists, mountaineers, and nature lovers eager to see Khan Tengri.

The gorge features picturesque canyons and dense coniferous forests. Its fauna includes red deer (maral), Siberian mountain ibex (teke), roe deer, wild boar, Tien Shan bears, and wolves. Entry requires a border zone permit. Overnight in tents by the river. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Bayankol Gorge – Tekes Waterfall (20 km) / 4–5 hours horse ride

Horse riding through Bayankol Gorge to Tekes Waterfall. Picnic lunch.

The Tekes Waterfall has carved out a deep pool in the surrounding rocky slopes. Though small in size, it is a spectacular sight.

You will first view the waterfall from above, then carefully descend to its base. There, you can enjoy the cool atmosphere, shade, and icy mountain water—especially refreshing after a long journey. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Tekes Waterfall – Tuzkol Lake (15 km) / 4–5 hours horse ride

Horse riding from Tekes Waterfall to Tuzkol Lake (approximately 30 km total distance). Picnic lunch.

Lake Tuzkol lies in an intermontane depression between the Yelchin-Buiuryuk and Karatau mountains, which are spurs of the Ketmen Ridge in the Northern Tien Shan. The lake is about 5 km long and up to 1 km wide.

Its surface area is 3.2 sq km, with a depth of up to 3 m. The water is highly saline, similar to the Dead Sea, though salinity varies seasonally. The surrounding area is a bare steppe with sedge and salt-tolerant vegetation.

The valley is surrounded by mountains and inhabited by wildlife such as wolves, lynx, and occasionally bears. It is also an important nesting ground for waterfowl, with around 35 bird species including ogar, grey crane, and demoiselle crane. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Tekes Waterfall – Tuzkol Lake (15 km) / 4–5 hours horse ride

Horse riding from Tekes Waterfall to Tuzkol Lake. Picnic lunch. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Tuzkol Lake – Shalkodesu Valley (22 km) / 4 hours horse ride

Horse riding from Tuzkol Lake to Shalkodesu Valley.

Shalkodesu Valley is a traditional transhumance area, known as “Zhailau” by Kazakhs. In summer, the valley comes alive with lush grass and fresh air. Kazakh nomadic traditions are reflected in the use of yurts—portable homes ideally suited to their lifestyle.

After long winters, shepherds bring their yurts to the Zhailau, where goats and sheep graze freely. The varied landscape makes this an excellent place for rest. Picnic lunch. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8: Shalkodesu Valley – Ketmen Pass (50 km) / 5 hours horse ride

Horse riding from Shalkodesu Valley to Ketmen Pass. Picnic lunch.

Despite its proximity to Almaty, the Ketmen Mountains are rarely visited, preserving their pristine beauty. The region is covered with alpine vegetation and dotted with streams of crystal-clear water flowing through remote gorges and forming small waterfalls.

It is said that at an altitude of 3300 m, there was once a coal deposit active in pre-war times. The untouched wilderness and fresh air make this place truly unforgettable. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9: Charyn Canyon – Almaty (310 km) / 5 hours driving

Trip to Charyn Canyon.

Often described as the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon, it is believed to have once been part of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Erosion by the Charyn River and natural elements has created a dramatic landscape.

Charyn Canyon stretches approximately 150 km and reaches depths of up to 300 m. Free time to explore. Departure for Almaty. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

PRIVATE TOUR PRICE:

Please contact.

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Camping accommodation (8 nights), including a tent (2 persons), sleeping bag, mat, and pillow

Transportation according to the program

Sightseeing with an English-speaking guide

All environmental and entrance fees, including border zone permits

Meals: Full board

Drinking water (1L per person per day)

Horse rental, horseman, and cook services

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Accommodation in Almaty, if required

Meals not mentioned in the program

Photo and video charges

Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required

Personal and other unspecified expenses

Please Note:

Tour prices may vary depending on the number of participants

Departure and arrival times in Almaty are approximate

The schedule may change while maintaining the same level of service

The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather conditions for safety reasons

A border permit is required for this region; processing takes approximately 14 days

What to Bring:

Sturdy shoes (tough-soled trainers or mountain boots), a cap or Panama hat, a warm hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.