The Wonders of Almaty Region
with Local Traveler
Explore the iconic canyons, dunes, and alpine lakes of Almaty Region on a 5-day adventure with a local guide
5 Days of Unforgettable Adventures
Tour duration: 5 days and 4 nights
Discover Almaty Region in a way few travelers do. Over five days, join experienced explorer-guide Alexander Bubenin on scenic hikes through the colorful Aktau Mountains, volcanic Katutau ridges, the mystical Singing Dune, Charyn Canyon, and the alpine lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy.
This is not just sightseeing — it’s an immersive trekking experience along hidden trails, enriched with stories, insights, and a personal perspective that transform famous landmarks into unforgettable adventures.
This is not just sightseeing — it’s an immersive trekking experience along hidden trails, enriched with stories, insights, and a personal perspective that transform famous landmarks into unforgettable adventures.
Tour program
Aktau & Katutau Mountains
day 1
Hiking in the Aktau Mountain
Multicolored hills painted in white, red, and blue layers, formed over millions of years. These “painted mountains” are among the most unique landscapes in Kazakhstan
Photo stop at the Katutau Mountains
Once volcanic, these rugged lava formations resemble natural sculptures
Scenic drive across the steppe and mountains
Epic sunset
on the road
08:00
08:00
Departure from Almaty. Scenic drive across the steppe
13:00
13:00
Arrival in Bashi village, Altyn Emel national park, Lunch
14:30 – 16:30
14:30 – 16:30
Hiking in the Aktau Mountains (~2 hours)
17:00 – 17:30
17:00 – 17:30
Photo stop at the Katutau Mountains
Evening
Evening
Overnight stay in Bashi guesthouse
Singing Dune, Zharkent Mosque, Charyn Canyon
day 2
Walking tour at the dune
A 150-meter-high dune stretching 3 km, famous for the mysterious “singing” sound of sliding sand — a natural phenomenon found in only a few deserts worldwide.
Zharkent Mosque
A wooden mosque built in 1895 by Chinese architect Hon Piqu.
Charyn Canyon
The “little brother of the Grand Canyon”, famous for its Valley of Castles and striking red cliffs that look especially stunning at sunset.
Stay in wooden yurts overlooking Charyn
Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over the canyon, away from the tourist crowds.
08:00
08:00
Departure to the Singing Dune (~1.5 hours)
09:30 – 11:00
09:30 – 11:00
Walking tour at the dune
12:30 – 13:30
12:30 – 13:30
Transfer to Zharkent
13:30 – 15:00
13:30 – 15:00
Visit the Zharkent Mosque and enjoy lunch in town
15:00 – 19:00
15:00 – 19:00
Transfer to Charyn Canyon
19:00 – 20:00
19:00 – 20:00
Evening walk in the Valley of Castles
Lunar Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Saty village
day 3
Early morning hike through
the Valley of Castles
Before the tourist groups arrive, we’ll explore the canyon in complete tranquility — just you, nature, and the morning light.
Breakfast in the yurt
Lunar Canyon
Named for its surreal yellow-orange formations, Bestamak looks like a lunar landscape glowing under the sun.
Visit Kaindy Lake
A turquoise lake created by an earthquake in the early 20th century, famous for its submerged spruce forest — tree trunks rising eerily from the water.
06:30 – 08:30
06:30 – 08:30
Early morning hike in Charyn Canyon.
09:00
09:00
Breakfast after the hike
09:30 – 11:30
09:30 – 11:30
Drive to Bestamak Canyon (Lunar Canyon)
12:30 – 13:30
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch in Saty village
14:00 – 16:30
14:00 – 16:30
Visit Kaindy Lake
Evening
Evening
Overnight stay in Saty
Full-Day Hike to Kolsai Lake 2
day 4
Kolsai Lake 1
A picturesque mountain lake at 1,818 m, surrounded by spruce forests and alpine meadows. Easily accessible and tranquil, it’s perfect for walks and picnics.
A scenic 7 km hike
will lead us to the second Kolsai Lake
The trail passes through spruce forests, mountain streams, and alpine meadows with breathtaking mountain views.
Kolsai Lake 2 at 2,252 m
the reward for the journey is crystal-clear water and panoramic views of untouched nature
07:30
07:30
Breakfast in Saty guesthouse
08:00
08:00
Transfer to Kolsai Lake 1. Start of the trek
08:30 – 13:00
08:30 – 13:00
Hike from Kolsai 1 (1,818 m) to Kolsai 2 (2,252 m)
13:00 – 14:00
13:00 – 14:00
Picnic lunch (lunchboxes) at Kolsai Lake 2
14:00 – 18:00
14:00 – 18:00
Descent back to Kolsai Lake 1
Evening
Evening
Return to Saty village. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse or yurt
Turgen Gorge & Kairak Waterfall
day 5
Turgen Gorge
A lush green valley with hot springs, waterfalls, and dense forests. Its main highlight is the 40-meter Turgen Waterfall
We’ll explore the surroundings and set off on a short hike
Kairak Waterfall
Named for its surreal yellow-orange formations, Bestamak looks like a lunar landscape glowing under the sun.
The trail to it winds through spruce forests and scenic mountain paths, turning the journey itself into an adventure
07:30
07:30
Breakfast in Saty. Departure towards Almaty
12:00 – 13:00
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch on the way
14:00 – 16:00
14:00 – 16:00
Stop at Turgen Gorge. Short hike to the Kairak Waterfall
18:00 – 19:00
18:00 – 19:00
Arrival back in Almaty
Price per person
4 tourists
$725
Price per person
3 tourists
$900
Price per person
2 tourists
$1100
Price per person
1 tourist
$1950
The number of days and the route can be adjusted upon individual request.
The price includes transfer from Almaty, meals, and accommodation along the entire route.
Transfers are provided in a well-equipped modern SUV (LC Prado).
The price includes transfer from Almaty, meals, and accommodation along the entire route.
Transfers are provided in a well-equipped modern SUV (LC Prado).
Submit your request
and embark on this
unique journey
and embark on this
unique journey