Kazakhstan
5 Days / 4 NightsPrivate2–6 guestsMay–October, subject to mountain road conditions
Discover the many faces of southeastern Kazakhstan in five carefully planned days.
Explore Almaty at an easy pace, travel through the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon, spend a night near the mountain lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy, enjoy a relaxed morning at Medeu and Shymbulak, and finish the journey among the ancient petroglyphs of Tamgaly.
This itinerary combines nature, culture and city life without trying to fit everything into a single exhausting day.
Highlights
A gentle introduction to Kazakhstan. Welcome to Almaty. After airport pick-up and hotel check-in, take some time to rest after your journey. The first day is intentionally relaxed. There are no long drives and no mountain programme, giving guests time to settle in before exploring the city.
Begin at one of Almaty’s most atmospheric local markets and discover dried fruits, nuts, sweets, spices and regional products.
Walk through historic Panfilov Park and visit the colourful wooden Ascension Cathedral.
Continue through selected streets and landmarks while your guide introduces the history of Almaty — from old Verny to the modern city.
Day 1 is deliberately easy, giving you time to settle in before the journey into the region begins. Overnight: Almaty.
From red-rock canyon to alpine lake. Leave Almaty early in the morning and travel east across the open landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan.
Explore the famous Valley of Castles, with its dramatic red and orange rock formations. Enjoy viewpoints, photography and a walk through the canyon at a pace suited to your group.
Continue into the mountains towards Lower Kolsai Lake. After lunch, enjoy the lake at a more relaxed pace. Walk along the shore, take photographs or simply enjoy the mountain scenery.
Overnight: Saty / Kolsai area.
The sunken forest of Kaindy. After breakfast, travel towards Kaindy Lake, one of the most unusual landscapes in the region.
The lake is known for the trunks of submerged spruce trees rising from its mountain waters. The final road section can be rough, so suitable local transport will be arranged when required. Enjoy time for walking and photography. An optional horse ride may be available locally depending on conditions.
Evening: free evening in Almaty. Overnight: Almaty.
Mountains in the morning, city lights at night. The fourth day begins later and has a much gentler pace.
Travel into the mountains above Almaty and stop at Medeu for views, fresh air and photographs.
Take the gondola towards Shymbulak and spend the morning enjoying the mountain atmosphere without rushing. Depending on seasonal operations, guests can explore the resort, continue higher by cable car, enjoy viewpoints or stop for coffee and lunch.
Free time and rest.
Meet your guide again in the early evening for a relaxed introduction to modern Almaty after dark. The exact route can include Republic Square, central avenues, pedestrian streets, illuminated landmarks and selected viewpoints. A restaurant reservation can be arranged for the end of the evening.
Overnight: Almaty.
Depending on the season, weather and your interests, choose one of the following experiences.
Best for: Active travellers, couples, families with older children and small groups.
Leave Almaty in the morning and travel towards the Ili River.
After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, begin a scenic rafting trip along the Ili. The river section used for recreational rafting is relatively gentle and is suitable for beginners when operated under appropriate conditions and with professional instructors. Current operators generally run Ili rafting from around May to September, while some offer a broader April–October/November window depending on conditions.
The rafting route can finish near Tamgaly-Tas, where Buddhist images and Tibetan/Oirat inscriptions are carved into riverside rocks.
End of journey.
Finish the journey among the ancient petroglyphs of Tamgaly.
Day 1 — City: historic and modern Almaty. Day 2 — Canyon and lake: Charyn and Kolsai. Day 3 — Kaindy: mountain landscape and sunken forest. Day 4 — Mountains and evening city: Medeu, Shymbulak and Almaty after dark. Day 5 — Ancient Kazakhstan: Tamgaly petroglyphs and rafting on the Ili.
Enough to slow the journey down without constantly changing hotels.
Transport, guide and pace are arranged around your group.
The itinerary is not five consecutive days of lakes and mountains.
Tell us your preferred dates and group size. We'll confirm availability and final arrangements.
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