| Duration: | 6 Day(s) - 5 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Photography Tours |
Route: East Kazakhstan Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: May – October
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
East Kazakhstan is situated in the eastern part of Kazakhstan, bordering China and Russia. It occupies the western and southern parts of the Altai Mountain system, the Zaysan Basin, and the Kalba and Tarbagatay ranges. The Irtysh River, with its developed system of tributaries—an important water artery of Siberia—passes through the region.
While traveling through East Kazakhstan, you can encounter diverse natural landscapes, ranging from deserts and steppes to taiga, alpine meadows, and rocky mountains.
This diversity contributes to the richness of the local flora and fauna. The unique geographical and geopolitical position, along with varied landscapes, has also led to a blend of cultures and traditions in the region. All of this will provide you with an incredible experience within a short period of time.
Day 1: Ust-Kamenogorsk – Topkayn (10 km from Katon-Karagay)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Topkayn (320 km from Ust-Kamenogorsk). The road is very picturesque, and we will have a picnic lunch along the way.
Arrival at Topkayn village. Check in at Qaton-Qaragay Resort & Spa (2/3/4 half-lux accommodation). Free time or optional activities such as an antler bath or a walk in the larch forest.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.
Day 2: Topkayn – Rakhmanovskie Kluchi (Rakhman Springs)
Breakfast at the resort. Check-out and departure to Rakhmanovskie Kluchi (130 km from Topkayn). Today, we travel to one of the most remote corners of East Kazakhstan.
After passing the Bukhtarma and Berel rivers, we will drive along a mountain road with stunning views. In clear weather, we may see Belukha Mountain (4509 m), the highest peak of the Altai Mountains.
Check in at the guesthouse (2/3/4 standard accommodation) and lunch.
Rakhmanovskie Kluchi is a sanatorium built on radon thermal mineral springs at an altitude of 1760 m. Although it is currently closed, we can still walk around the area, visit the beautiful Rakhman Lake, and try one of the thermal springs.
Return to the guesthouse. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Rakhmanovskie Kluchi – Uryl
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Check out and departure to the Berel Burial Mounds in the Bukhtarma Valley.
This archaeological site is famous worldwide due to the burial sites of nomadic nobility and the highly artistic artifacts discovered there, created in the Scythian-Siberian animal style. Excursion to the museum and the necropolis.
Departure for Uryl village. Arrival and check-in at Yasnaya Polyana guesthouse (2/3/4 standard accommodation). Lunch.
This location is known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Altai dwellings called “ails” (hexagonal houses).
Free time. Optional sauna and swimming in an icy stream.
Dinner and overnight stay. You may also purchase handcrafted Altai souvenirs.
Day 4: Uryl – Urunkhayka (Lake Markakol)
Breakfast. Check out and departure to Lake Markakol (90 km).
The route follows the Old Austrian Road, built between 1914 and 1916 by Austrian and Czech prisoners of war to reinforce the border with China. It connects the Katon-Karagay and Kurchum districts.
Although the 60-km road is currently in poor condition, it passes through breathtaking landscapes at altitudes above 2000 m. Burkhat Pass offers spectacular views of Belukha Mountain, while Alatay Pass reveals the majestic peaks of the Kurchum Range.
Lunch (outdoor picnic) on the shore of the Kara-Koba River.
Arrival at Urunkhayka village. Check in at the guesthouse (standard accommodation). Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Urunkhayka (Lake Markakol)
Free day. You may enjoy a motorboat excursion or short hikes along the lakeshore.
Lake Markakol is a stunning природный site known for its crystal-clear water and breathtaking scenery, especially at sunrise and sunset. It is located within a protected nature reserve of the same name.
After lunch at the guesthouse, enjoy more free time.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Urunkhayka – Ust-Kamenogorsk
Early breakfast. Check-out and departure to Ust-Kamenogorsk (565 km).
The journey offers continuously changing landscapes—from taiga to desert. After approximately 230 km, we will stop at Kiin-Kerish, a unique natural formation known for its colorful clay cliffs that resemble flames rising from the steppe.
This area has no water or shade, and summer temperatures can exceed 40°C, making it a truly adventurous stop.
Lunch (outdoor picnic), followed by continuation to Ust-Kamenogorsk.
After passing Kurchum village, we will take a ferry across the Bukhtarma Reservoir.
Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE:
Please contact.
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in the mentioned guesthouses on a twin/double/bunk-bed sharing basis (5 nights)
Transportation, according to the program, in a comfortable minivan
Sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
All environmental and entrance fees during the tour
Meals: Full board
Drinking water (1L per person per day)
Sauna in Uryl and Urunkhayka
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in Ust-Kamenogorsk, if required
Meals not mentioned in the program
Single supplement
Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required
Personal and other unspecified expenses
Motorboat excursion in Urunkhayka
Antler bath in Topkapi
