Puro Kazajstán

Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural and economic heart! Your guide meets you at the airport and takes you to the hotel (check-in after 14:00), where you can leave your luggage and get ready to explore the city. The sightseeing starts in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, one of Almaty’s most beloved landmarks. Here you see the Eternal Flame, the beautiful wooden Ascension Cathedral that survived a major earthquake, and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments with rare exhibits dating back to the 17th century. Next comes the lively Green Bazaar, where you can taste dried fruits, nuts and local delicacies – a perfect way to dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon a walking tour through the modern center takes you past the Abay Opera House, along cozy Panfilov Street with its cafés and street performers, and to Arbat Street with its handmade crafts. The day ends with a cable-car ride up Kok-Tobe Hill (1,100 m) for panoramic views over the city and the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan. Return to the hotel for the night.

Almaty, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), Almaty Green Bazaar, Montaña Kok Tobe

• Almaty International Airport → Almaty (18 km)
• Almaty → Montaña Kok Tobe (3 km)
• Montaña Kok Tobe → Almaty (6 km)

Durante la noche: Almaty (Hotel)

After an early breakfast set off by 4x4 across the Almaty region to Altyn Emel National Park, one of Kazakhstan’s most remarkable nature reserves (450 km today, including the drives in the park). Its name, “Golden Saddle”, comes from the shape of a nearby mountain ridge, and the park is a land of contrasts: endless steppes, colorful hills and rocky mountains home to rare wildlife. After lunch at the guesthouse explore the Aktau Mountains, a range of ancient chalk hills known as the “Lunar Mountains”. They shimmer in layers of white, pink, red and green – a truly otherworldly sight. Then visit the legendary 700-year-old willow tree, revered by locals as a guardian of wisdom and life. In the evening return to the guesthouse for dinner and a well-deserved rest under the peaceful desert sky.

Parque Nacional de Altyn Emel, Aktau White Mountains (Altyn Emel)

• Almaty → Parque Nacional de Altyn Emel (450 km)

Durante la noche: Parque Nacional de Altyn Emel (Guesthouse)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast continue the off-road journey through Altyn Emel National Park. The first stop is the legendary Singing Dune, which “sings” like a pipe organ when dry sand slides down its slopes. From the top enjoy sweeping views over the desert, the Ili River valley and the distant mountain ridges. Then drive towards the mountain village of Saty, the gateway to the Kolsay and Kaindy lakes (370 km today). On the way stop in Zharkent, a small border town known for its mix of cultures and traditions: visit its Chinese-style mosque, now a museum, and stroll through the local bazaar to get a feel for daily life in eastern Kazakhstan. Lunch at a local café. Arrive in Saty in the evening, check in at the guesthouse or mountain resort and rest surrounded by alpine scenery.

Singing Dune (Altyn Emel), Zharkent, Saty

• Parque Nacional de Altyn Emel → Saty (370 km)

Durante la noche: Saty (Guesthouse)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch

After breakfast set out to explore two of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes (75 km of driving in total today). The first stop is Kolsay Lake, often called “the Necklace of the Tien Shan”. Nestled among forests and snow-capped peaks at 1,800 m above sea level, it is an ideal place for a peaceful walk and great photos. Then visit a local family in Saty village for a homemade lunch and a taste of genuine mountain hospitality. In the afternoon continue to the mysterious Kaindy Lake, formed after an earthquake in 1911 flooded a spruce forest. The tree trunks still rise from the turquoise water, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape. After a short off-road drive you can walk or ride a horse to the lake (horse riding at extra cost). Return to the guesthouse or mountain resort for the night.

Lagos de Kolsai, Saty, Lago Kaindy

• Saty → Lagos de Kolsai (15 km)
• Lagos de Kolsai → Saty (15 km)
• Saty → Lago Kaindy (23 km)
• Lago Kaindy → Saty (22 km)

Durante la noche: Saty (Guesthouse)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch

After breakfast begin the return journey to Almaty (about 300 km), with a stop at one of Kazakhstan’s true natural treasures – Charyn Canyon. Often called the “Little Brother of the Grand Canyon”, it stretches for more than 150 km and reveals red and orange cliffs shaped by wind and water into fantastic “castles”. Explore the famous Valley of Castles, walking down through the gorge to the Charyn River (around 2 km one way). On the riverbank enjoy a picnic lunch (lunch box included) with views of the canyon walls glowing in the sunlight. In the afternoon drive back to Almaty, arriving in the late evening. Check in at the hotel and rest.

Cañón de Charyn, Almaty

• Saty → Cañón de Charyn (100 km)
• Cañón de Charyn → Almaty (200 km)

Durante la noche: Almaty (Hotel)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch

After breakfast head into the Ili Alatau mountains, where Almaty meets the clouds. The first stop is Medeu, the legendary high-mountain skating rink at 1,691 m above sea level. The rink is closed for renovation until 2027, but the area remains a favorite spot for fresh air, stunning views and a leisurely walk surrounded by alpine scenery. Next ride the cable car up to the Shymbulak mountain resort. The ride goes over three stages up to the Talgar Pass (3,200 m), with breathtaking panoramas of the snow-capped Zailiyskiy Alatau range; at the top enjoy the crisp mountain air and the cozy cafés. If the cable car is under maintenance, an eco-transfer takes you to the resort base instead. Back in the city visit the Almaty Museum of Arts, a vibrant space for Kazakh contemporary art, international exhibitions and multimedia installations. The last stop is Republic Square, the symbolic heart of modern Almaty with the Golden Warrior monument, elegant fountains and wide boulevards – perfect for photos and people-watching. Return to the hotel.

Medeu, Shymbulak, Almaty

• Almaty → Medeu (15 km)
• Medeu → Shymbulak (5 km)
• Shymbulak → Almaty (20 km)

Durante la noche: Almaty (Hotel)

Comidas: Desayuno

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before noon and transfer to the international airport for your flight home.

• Almaty → Almaty International Airport (18 km)

Comidas: Desayuno