| Duration: | 5 Day(s) - 4 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
An exceptional opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the natural attractions of the Almaty region! This route includes Aktau and Katutau Mountains, the Singing Dune, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and the uniquely beautiful Kaindy Lake...
Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: January - December
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty - Tamgaly Tas - Altyn Emel National Park
Departure from Almaty at 08:00. During a drive of over an hour on the highway (120 km), you will pass the artificial Kapshagai Reservoir, the largest in the Almaty region, with the casinos of "Kazakh Las Vegas" on its banks. Then you will arrive at Tamgaly Tas, the first sightseeing destination, located on the banks of the Ili River.
Tamgaly Tas is a unique monument of the distant past, where you will see images of Buddha and inscriptions in Tibetan, Kalmyk, and other languages with spiritual meanings carved into ancient rocks. It remains unknown when and how these drawings appeared and who created them; scientists have been trying to solve this mystery for over 150 years.
Upon arrival, your guide will share fascinating insights about this remarkable place, after which you can walk around and enjoy the scenic views. On the opposite side of the river, you will also see a medieval-style film set built for the movie "The Nomad."
After sightseeing at Tamgaly Tas, you will continue your journey with a drive of about two hours to Basshi village (185 km), located within Altyn Emel National Park. Lunch will be served in the village, followed by an excursion to the Singing Dune (80 km).
The Singing Dune, reaching a height of 150 meters and stretching about 3 km in length, is located in one corner of Altyn Emel National Park, a few kilometers from the Ili River, between the Big and Small Kalkan Mountains. This sandy hill consists of very fine, pure sand that begins to "sing" in windy weather, producing a sound similar to organ music. Before a sandstorm, the dune can sound like a drum.
From the top of the dune, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surroundings. To the south, a thin strip of the Ili River is visible, along with the purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, rising beyond the white peaks of the Ketmen Ridge.
To the west, the horizon is dominated by the steep slope of the Big Kalkan, while the Small Kalkan lies to the east. In the north, the blue-violet ridge of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, along with Chulak Mountain, Matai, and Altyn Emel, can be seen. If the weather is dry and windy, the dune will "sing," and its sound can be heard from several kilometers away.
After hiking up the 150-meter dune, you will return to Basshi village for dinner and an overnight stay in a local guest house or a cozy hotel.
Day 2: Altyn Emel National Park - Zharkent - Chundja - Hot Springs
After breakfast at 06:30, departure at 07:30 to the Aktau Mountains (83 km).
The Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) are a world-renowned paleontological site. Within layers of Paleogene deposits, well-preserved remains of ancient animals dating back 25–30 million years have been discovered, including fossils of giant rhinos, crocodiles, and turtles. These large, conical mountains resemble Egyptian pyramids and present a magical landscape of diverse shapes and colors.
A walk through this “Martian” landscape requires nothing special except attentiveness on the soft sandy surface and a bit of imagination while listening to the guide’s stories about ancient life.
Return to Basshi village for lunch. Then transfer to Zharkent town (97 km) and visit the mosque museum.
This wooden mosque, built without a single nail, is a masterpiece of architecture. Its brightly decorated roofs and towers, designed by Chinese architect Hon Pik, along with intricately carved interiors featuring multi-cultural ornaments and floral patterns, create a truly unique and historical atmosphere.
Transfer to Chundja village (98 km).
Chundja is known for its hot radon springs. After a long journey, you can relax in pools filled with naturally heated water, with temperatures ranging from 37°C to 50°C. The water contains radon, which in small amounts is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Dinner and transfer to the hot springs (52 km). Accommodation, rest, and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 3: Hot Springs - Moon Valley - Saty Settlement - Kaindy Lake - Saty Settlement
After breakfast, depart at 08:00 for the Moon Valley of Charyn Canyon (140 km). Sightseeing at Moon Valley.
Moon Valley is a canyon of yellow clay, distinguished by its rounded landscape and absence of sharp edges, resembling the surface of the Moon.
Due to seasonal snowmelt, the valley floor becomes flat and light-colored, while the surrounding formations create a surreal, crater-like environment. Walking here feels like stepping onto another planet. Only the presence of saxaul plants reminds you that you are still on Earth.
Transfer to Saty settlement (96 km), where you will have lunch and switch to all-wheel-drive vehicles such as UAZ or PAZ (Russian models), suitable for the uneven mountain road (12 km) leading to Kaindy Lake.
Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is located among pine forests at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level and is famous for its unique formation. It was created in 1911 after an earthquake triggered a landslide that formed a natural dam, flooding the valley.
The water is extremely cold, preserving the submerged trees, whose branches remain visible beneath the clear surface. The dry trunks rising above the water resemble the masts of submerged ships. This mystical landscape is truly unforgettable and must be experienced in person.
After exploring the lake, return to Saty settlement for dinner, rest, and an overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 4: Saty Settlement - Kolsai Lakes - Saty Settlement
Breakfast followed by departure at 08:00 to Kolsai Lakes. Bottled water and lunch boxes will be provided, so please carry a backpack.
Kolsai Lakes, known as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan," consist of a chain of three lakes. The first lake is easily accessible and is the largest and most popular. Horseback riding is available for those interested.
The second and third lakes require hiking along scenic mountain trails. The altitude difference between the lakes is about 700 meters.
Alpine meadows and forests surround the lakes and are rich in flora and fauna. The water is clean and cold, home to rainbow trout. Wildlife such as marals (red deer), mountain goats, wolves, and even bears can sometimes be seen.
The trekking distance between the first and second lakes is about 7 km and takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours one way. The route is moderately easy and suitable for people with average fitness levels.
After lunch by the lake, return to Saty settlement. Dinner and overnight stay in the guest house.
Day 5: Saty Settlement - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
After breakfast, depart at 08:00 for Charyn Canyon (115 km). Upon arrival, enjoy panoramic views and descend to the canyon floor for a 2 km walk through the famous Valley of Castles.
Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder, often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA, though smaller in size. The canyon walls reach heights of 150–300 meters, with dramatic rock formations shaped by wind and water over millions of years.
The Valley of Castles stretches over 2 km, with widths ranging from 20 to 80 meters. Walking among these formations feels like exploring a natural fortress created by time.
At the end of the trail, you will reach the Charyn River, where you can relax near a small eco-park with traditional yurts and a seasonal open-air café.
After some rest, return to the viewpoint and continue your journey back to Almaty (230 km).
Lunch will be served at a local café en route. After an enriching 5-day journey, you will arrive at your hotel in Almaty at approximately 19:00.
TOUR PRICE: On request
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:
Twin accommodation in a hotel or guest house in Altyn Emel National Park (1 night)
Twin accommodation in a hotel at the hot springs (1 night)
Twin accommodation in a guest house in Saty settlement (2 nights)
Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation as per the program in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
All environmental and entrance fees
Meals: Lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 5, full board on other days
Drinking water (1 liter per person per day)
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in Almaty, if required
Meals not mentioned in the program
Single supplement charges
Optional activities such as horseback riding or boating
Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required
Personal expenses
Recommendation on Clothing:
Wear comfortable, sporty clothing suitable for the weather. A windproof and waterproof jacket is recommended in colder seasons. Choose closed, comfortable walking shoes (boots in cold weather, sneakers in warm weather). Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a personal backpack for carrying lunch during trekking at Kolsai Lakes.
