Kazakhstan
4 Days / 3 NightsPrivate2–6 guestsMay–October
Discover Almaty and some of the most impressive landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan without changing hotels.
This four-day private journey combines a relaxed introduction to Almaty, a full-day adventure to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake, a morning in the mountains at Medeu and Shymbulak, and time to enjoy the city at your own pace.
All 3 nights are in Almaty.
Highlights
A relaxed introduction to the city. Welcome to Almaty. After airport pick-up and hotel check-in, take some time to rest after your journey. Your first day is intentionally easy, with no long drives or mountain programme. In the afternoon, meet your guide and begin exploring the historic center of Almaty.
Visit one of the city’s best-known local markets, filled with dried fruits, nuts, spices, traditional sweets and regional products. There will be time to walk around, discover local flavours and experience the atmosphere of everyday Almaty.
Continue to one of the city’s most historic parks and learn about important chapters in Almaty’s history.
Visit the colorful wooden cathedral located in the heart of Panfilov Park.
Continue through the city center, combining historic streets with modern Almaty. Depending on arrival time, the programme can be shortened or adjusted.
Day 1 is intentionally relaxed, giving you time to settle in before exploring the region. Overnight: Almaty.
The landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. Today is the longest and most adventurous day of the journey. Depart Almaty early in the morning and travel east through the wide-open landscapes of the Almaty Region.
Explore the spectacular rock formations of Charyn Canyon and its famous Valley of Castles. Enjoy time for viewpoints, photography and a walk through the canyon. The walking distance can be adjusted depending on the group and weather conditions.
Arrive at Lower Kolsai Lake, surrounded by forested mountain slopes. Spend the afternoon enjoying the scenery, walking beside the lake and relaxing away from the city. Lunch will be arranged during the journey. After Kolsai, return to Almaty.
This is a full-day journey with significant driving time. Comfortable private transport and regular stops are included. The advantage is that you return to the same hotel and do not need to pack or change accommodation. Overnight: Almaty.
A relaxed morning in the mountains. After the long journey on Day 2, today starts later and at a much easier pace. Travel from Almaty into the nearby mountains.
Begin at Medeu, surrounded by the peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Enjoy the mountain scenery, fresh air and time for photographs.
Take the gondola from Medeu towards Shymbulak. Spend the morning enjoying the resort without rushing. Depending on seasonal operating conditions, you can continue higher by cable car, explore the resort area, enjoy panoramic viewpoints or stop for coffee and lunch.
Free time to relax. Return to your hotel, visit a café, go shopping or simply rest.
In the evening, meet your guide again for a different view of the city. Enjoy a relaxed evening drive and walk through modern Almaty. The programme includes Republic Square, central avenues, pedestrian streets, illuminated city landmarks and city viewpoints. The evening can finish with a restaurant reservation if requested.
Overnight: Almaty.
Enjoy breakfast and a slow final morning in Almaty. Depending on your flight time, there will be time for coffee, a short walk, shopping or simply relaxing at the hotel. Hotel check-out followed by private airport transfer.
For guests with a late flight, an additional activity can be arranged on request.
Families are welcome. On request, AlmaBooking can arrange child seats, a flexible walking pace, additional rest stops, family-friendly restaurant suggestions, and a babysitter or family assistant in Almaty.
All three nights are in Almaty — no packing and changing accommodation.
City, canyon, mountain lake and alpine scenery in one journey.
No large bus groups or fixed group schedule.
After the full-day Charyn and Kolsai trip, Day 3 is intentionally more relaxed.
See a different side of the city after sunset.
Tell us your preferred dates and group size. We'll confirm availability and final arrangements.
AlmaBooking