Pure Kazakhstan Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Pure Kazakhstan Tour Highlights
This 7-day private tour combines Almaty with the canyons, dunes and mountain lakes of south-eastern Kazakhstan. After a tour of Almaty with the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, the wooden Ascension Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and a cable-car ride up Kok-Tobe, a four-day jeep journey takes you east into the wild.
In Altyn Emel National Park you explore the striped chalk hills of the Aktau Mountains, visit a 700-year-old willow revered by locals and climb the Singing Dune, which hums like an organ when the sand slides. On the way to the mountain village of Saty you stop in the border town of Zharkent with its Chinese-style mosque and local bazaar. From Saty you visit the Kolsay Lakes, the “Necklace of the Tien Shan” at 1,800 m, and Kaindy Lake, where the trunks of a spruce forest flooded after the 1911 earthquake still rise from the turquoise water.
On the way back to Almaty you walk down through the Valley of Castles of Charyn Canyon to the Charyn River for a picnic lunch. The last full day leads into the mountains right above the city: the Medeu high-mountain skating rink and the cable car up to the Shymbulak resort and the Talgar Pass (3,200 m), followed by the Almaty Museum of Arts and Republic Square.
Difficulty: Easy Mostly sightseeing and short walks, including about 2 km each way down to the Charyn River in Charyn Canyon and a short walk (or optional horse ride) to Kaindy Lake. Two long days by 4x4, partly off-road (450 km to Altyn Emel and 370 km to Saty), simple guesthouses with mostly shared facilities in Altyn Emel and Saty, and the Shymbulak cable car up to 3,200 m.
Tour Itinerary
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, Kok Tobe Mountain
- Almaty International Airport → Almaty (18 km)
- Almaty → Kok Tobe Mountain (3 km)
- Kok Tobe Mountain → Almaty (6 km)
Overnight: 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.
Altyn Emel National Park, Aktau White Mountains (Altyn Emel)
- Almaty → Altyn Emel National Park (450 km)
Overnight: Altyn Emel National Park (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, 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
- Altyn Emel National Park → Saty (370 km)
Overnight: Saty (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, 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.
Kolsai lakes, Saty, Kaindy Lake
- Saty → Kolsai lakes (15 km)
- Kolsai lakes → Saty (15 km)
- Saty → Kaindy Lake (23 km)
- Kaindy Lake → Saty (22 km)
Overnight: Saty (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, 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.
Charyn Canyon, Almaty
- Saty → Charyn Canyon (100 km)
- Charyn Canyon → Almaty (200 km)
Overnight: Almaty (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, 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)
Overnight: Almaty (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before noon and transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
- Almaty → Almaty International Airport (18 km)
Meals: Breakfast
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveler | $2,990 | $3,290 |
| 2–3 travelers | $1,760 | $1,820 |
| 4–5 travelers | $1,360 | $1,430 |
| 6–7 travelers | $1,300 | $1,370 |
| 8–9 travelers | $1,265 | $1,340 |
| 10–11 travelers | $1,250 | $1,320 |
Single room supplement — ★★★ $115, ★★★★ $175
Optional extras
Horse riding to Kaindy Lake (per person): $40 per person
Share this tour privately
Travelling alone or as a couple? Join other travellers who want to take this tour privately, or post your own request. The private price per person drops as the group grows.
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What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned transport with driver according to the program, including the airport transfers on arrival and departure; on days 2–5 (jeep tour in the Almaty region) by 4x4 SUV (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar), 3 travelers per car
- 3 nights in a hotel in Almaty (double/twin rooms, bed & breakfast; check-in after 14:00)
- 1 night in a guesthouse in Altyn Emel National Park (twin shared rooms)
- 2 nights in Saty village (guesthouse, 3* option) or at Kolsay Lake (mountain resort, 4* option)
- Meals: breakfast daily, 3 lunches, a picnic lunch box at Charyn Canyon and 1 dinner
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees according to the program
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour (guide-driver for small groups)
- Bottled mineral water (1 liter per person per day)
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned above
- Optional horse riding to Kaindy Lake (from 40 USD per person)
- Single room supplement in Almaty (115 USD with 3* hotels, 175 USD with 4* hotels)
- Medical expenses and insurance
- Porters at hotels, train stations and airports
- Tips and personal gratuities
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
-
Night 1
Almaty
Grand Sapphire Hotel or KazZhol Park Hotel or similar
-
Night 2
Altyn Emel National Park
Guesthouse in Altyn Emel or similar
-
Nights 3–4
Saty
Guesthouse in Saty or Kolsay Prestige Mountain Resort or similar
-
Nights 5–6
Almaty
Grand Sapphire Hotel or KazZhol Park Hotel or similar
Good to know
- Closed on Mondays: the Green Bazaar and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments in Almaty are closed on Mondays.
- Warm clothes: outside the city it can be much colder than in Almaty – bring warm clothes for the mountains and the national parks.
- Book early: the guesthouses in Altyn Emel and at the Kolsay Lakes have only a few rooms, so early booking is strongly advised.
- Altyn Emel guesthouse: 13 rooms with private WC/shower; the other rooms share facilities on the floor.
- Saty guesthouse: up to 10 rooms, only 2 of them with private WC/shower.
- Other lodges at the Kolsay Lakes: mostly double rooms (one king-size bed) and a few twin/triple rooms with shared WC/shower on the floor; twin rooms must be booked 2–3 months in advance.
Transport
In Almaty the tour uses comfortable air-conditioned vehicles; the vehicle depends on the size of the group:
- 1–2 travelers: sedan with 3 seats
- 3–7 travelers: minivan with 10 seats
- 8–14 travelers: minibus with 18 seats
- 15 or more travelers: coach with 42 seats
On the jeep tour through the Almaty region (days 2–5) you travel by 4×4: Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol or similar with 3 passengers per car, or a Toyota Sequoia with up to 5 passengers per car.
Kazakhstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kazakhstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kazakhstan before booking.
The official currency is the tenge (KZT), and Kazakhstan has the most advanced banking system in the region.
ATMs and exchange
ATMs are widespread in the major cities, in banks, hotels and shopping centres, but most dispense only tenge. Every city has exchange offices for US dollars, euros, roubles, pounds, Chinese yuan and Kyrgyz som, and changing dollars or euros into tenge is easy at banks and exchange offices.
Paying by card
International cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and large supermarkets. Smaller shops usually take cash only and often have little change, so carry smaller notes.
The security situation is stable, but it can change. A few precautions go a long way.
Documents
Always carry original identification such as your passport, as police patrols may ask for it. When approached by a police officer, driver or official, ask to see their identification.
Crime and scams
- Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag theft and car break-ins is common. Keep valuables out of sight and be vigilant, especially at night.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended or with strangers.
- Be careful of online scams.
- Stay away from demonstrations and political gatherings, and leave the area if there is unrest nearby.
Getting around
- Avoid walking alone and arrange transport in advance. Do not use unofficial taxis.
- On trains, keep your passport and travel documents safe and lock the compartment, especially on night trains.
- Roads are well maintained in and around the major cities, but rural roads may be in poor condition.
Laws and customs
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is banned near schools, playgrounds and medical facilities, in public places such as museums, public transport, airports, stations and underpasses, and in cars carrying children.
- Possessing or using illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence.
- Photography is restricted near military sites, border areas, airports and some official buildings. Avoid sharing images that could be seen as disrespectful to religion, culture or national symbols.
- Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but tolerance varies, especially outside the major cities.
Kazakhstan's visa rules depend on your passport. Check whether you need a visa for your visit.
Passport
If you enter visa-free, your passport only needs to be valid for the length of your stay. With a visa, it must be valid for six months beyond the end of your stay.
Visas and registration
For a tourist visa from an embassy or an electronic visa, you first need a letter of invitation (LOI). You may need to register after arriving in the country.
The best times to visit Kazakhstan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), avoiding the hot summers and snowy winters.
Summer and winter
Kazakhstan has a harsh continental climate, at its most extreme in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Temperatures can rise above 40°C in June to August and drop to −20°C in December to February.
Before you travel, make sure the places you are going can provide any medical help you might need, and that your travel insurance covers treatment and unexpected medical evacuation.
Medical care
Medical staff often speak little English.
Medicines
Non-prescription medicines are easy to buy. For prescription medicines you need a prescription from a local doctor, or a foreign prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian.
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