Jeep Safari Tour Around East Kazakhstan

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 Altay Mountain system, Zaysan basin, Kalba, and Tarbagatay ranges. The Irtysh River with its developed system of inflows, an important water artery of Siberia passes through the region. Traveling through East Kazakhstan you can easily meet different natural areas – from desert and steppe to taiga, alpine meadows and Rocky Mountains.

This fact has influenced the richness and diversity of local flora and fauna. The unique geographical and geopolitical position, as well as the diversity of the landscape, have contributed to the mixture of cultures and traditions in this area. All these things will provide you an incredible experience in the short time of this trip.

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 somewhere a halfway.

Arrival at Topkayn village. Check-in at the Qaton-Qaragay Resort & Spa (2/3/4 Half lux accommodation). Free time or taking an antler bath, walking in the larch forest.

Dinner & night stay at the Resort.

Day 2. Topkayn – Rakhmanovskie Kluchi (Rakhman Springs)

Breakfast at the Resort, check out. Departure to Rakhmanovskie Kluchi (130 km from Topkayn). We will go to one of the farthest corners of Eastern Kazakhstan this day. Having passed two white rivers (Bukhtarma and Berel), we will find ourselves on a mountain road with stunning views, and in case of clear weather, we will see the top of the Altay Mountains - Belukha (4509 m).

Check-in at the guesthouse (2/3/4 Standard accommodation) and lunch.

Rakhmanovskie Kluchi is a sanatorium built on radon thermal mineral springs at the altitude of 1760 m. It is temporarily closed but we can still walk through its territory to get to the beautiful Rakhman Lake and try one of the thermal springs.

Return to the guesthouse and dinner. Night stay at the guesthouse.

Day 3. Rakhmanovskie Kluchi - Uryl

Breakfast at the guesthouse. Check out of the guesthouse. Departure to the Berel Burial Mounds, located in Bukhtarma Valley. Thanks to the burial places of the nomadic nobility found there and the highly artistic items made in a special manner peculiar to the art of the early nomads, in the Scythian-Siberian animal style, the monument has gained worldwide fame. Excursion in the museum and directly in the necropolis.

Departure to Uryl village. Arrival at Uryl village. Check-in at the guesthouse Yasnaya Polyana (2/3/4 Standard accommodation) and lunch. This location is famous for its coziness and Ails - hexagonal national Altay dwellings.

Free time for your own. Sauna with swimming in an icy stream.

Dinner and night stay. You can also buy some handcrafted Altay souvenirs there.

Day 4. Uryl – Urunkhayka (lake Markakol)

Breakfast. Check out of the guesthouse. Departure to Markakol lake (90 km). Our path will lay via the Old Austrian Road, built-in 1914-1916 by Austrian and Czech World War I prisoners of war to strengthen the border with China. It connects the Katon-Karagay and Kurchum districts.

This 60-km long road is currently in bad condition, but it passes through amazingly beautiful places at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. Burkhat pass offers a breathtaking view of the legendary Belukha Mountain and Alatay pass opens a picturesque view of the majestic peaks of Kurchum range.

Lunch (outdoor picnic) will be on the shore of the glorious Kara-Koba River.

Arrival at Urunkhayka village. Check-in at the guesthouse (4 Standard accommodations). Dinner and night stay.

Day 5. Urunkhayka (lake Markakol)

Day off. There will be free time for the group to have a motor boat excursion or short hiking along the coast. Lake Markakol is an amazingly beautiful place known for its incredible landscapes, especially during sunset or dawn. It gained wide popularity and recognition among travelers thanks to its crystal-clear water. The lake is located in the nature reserve of the same name.

After lunch in the guesthouse, we will continue having free time.

Dinner and night stay.

Day 6. Urunkhayka – Ust-Kamenogorsk

Early breakfast. Check out of the guesthouse. Departure to Ust-Kamenogorsk (565 km).

The road is still extremely beautiful with its stunning views turning from taiga to desert. After about 230 km we arrive at the place with an unusual landscape called Kiin-Kerish. Like bursts of flame, the multi-colored clay cliffs of the Kiin-Kerish brighten up the steppe. There is no water, no shade, and summer temperatures often rise above 40 C, so this is quite the adventure.

Lunch (outdoor picnic) and departure to Ust-Kamenogorsk.

After Kurchum village we will use the ferry to cross the Bukhtarma reservoir.

Arrival to Ust-Kamenogorsk.

PRIVATE TOUR PRICE:

Please Contact.

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:

1. Accommodation in mentioned guesthouses on TWIN / DBL / bank bed sharing basis (5 nights)
2. Transportation according to the program in a comfortable minivan
3. Sightseeing according to the program with English speaking guide
4. All environmental and admission fees during the tour
5. Meals: full board
6. Potable water 1L per person per day
7. Sauna in Uryl, Urunkhayka

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

1. Accommodation in Ust-Kamenogorsk, if required
2. Meals not indicated in the program and/or not included in the tour price
3. Single accommodation supplement
4. Visa support and registration on the territory of Kazakhstan, if required
5. Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program
6. Motor boat in Urunkhayka
7. Antler bath in Topkayn