Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
This carefully crafted journey blends scenic trekking, breathtaking natural landmarks, and diverse landscapes, offering an immersive experience of Kazakhstan’s untamed beauty. From dramatic canyons to serene alpine lakes, this unforgettable route captures the very essence of the Almaty region.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Three National Parks in Five Days – Immerse yourself in Kazakhstan’s most spectacular landscapes, visiting Altyn-Emel National Park with its Singing Dune and Aktau Mountains, the dramatic Charyn Canyon, and the stunning Kolsay Lakes, all in one unforgettable adventure.
- Stay in cozy guesthouses, enjoy traditional Kazakh hospitality, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and history.
- Travel in a private SUV with professional guides and enjoy a carefully curated itinerary for an unforgettable journey through Kazakhstan.
- During our entire trip we will cover a distance of 1,500 km by SUV and 42 km of hiking.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Aktau (White Mountains), Altyn-Emel
Accommodations
Overnight at a Guest House in Basshi village
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Aktau Mountains
After breakfast, we set off for Altyn-Emel National Park, home to some of Kazakhstan’s most unique landscapes. Our journey takes us to the Aktau Mountains, also known as the White Mountains, a breathtaking natural wonder with multicolored rock formations sculpted over millions of years. Here, we’ll explore the surreal terrain, take in panoramic views, and learn about the park’s fascinating geology. After a day of discovery, we’ll settle into a cozy guesthouse for a restful night, surrounded by the tranquility of the steppe.
Singing Dune, Altyn-Emel
Accommodations
Overnight at a hotel in Zharkent
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Singing Barkhan
Today, we continue our exploration of Altyn-Emel National Park, beginning with the famous Singing Dune—a towering sand dune that produces an eerie, melodic sound when the wind moves across its surface. Climbing to the top rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the Ili River and the vast Kazakh steppe.
Zharkent Mosque
Departure to Zharkent town (30 km). Visit The Jarkent Oriental Mosque (1 of 3 Oriental Mosques in the World).
Charyn Canyon
Accommodations
Overnight at a Guest House in Saty village
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Charyn State National Nature Park
After breakfast, we leave Altyn-Emel behind and head towards one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural wonders—Charyn Canyon. Often compared to the Grand Canyon, this breathtaking landscape stretches for over 150 kilometers along the Charyn River, with towering red rock formations sculpted by time. We’ll explore the famous Valley of Castles, where surreal cliffs create a labyrinth of winding trails, perfect for photography and short hikes. Your guide will share insights into the canyon’s geology, history, and local legends as you take in the dramatic scenery. After a day of adventure, we settle into a comfortable guesthouse in Saty village for the night.
Kolsay Lakes
Accommodations
Overnight at a Guest House in Saty village
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Lower Kolsai Lake
Today, we venture into the majestic Kolsay Lakes, often referred to as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan." This breathtaking alpine lake system, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks, offers a serene escape into nature. We’ll start at Kolsay Lake 1, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline or take a scenic boat ride.
Upper Kolsai Lake
For those seeking adventure, an optional hike to Kolsay Lake 2 rewards you with even more stunning vistas (Also available: horse ride at additional cost). After a day immersed in pristine mountain landscapes, we unwind at a cozy guesthouse in Saty village, preparing for the final leg of our journey.
Kaindy Lake
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Lake Kaindy
After breakfast, we set off to explore Kaindy Lake, one of Kazakhstan’s most unique and mysterious natural wonders. Famous for its submerged forest, this surreal lake was formed after an earthquake-triggered landslide in 1911, leaving behind tall spruce tree trunks rising eerily from the water. The lake’s deep turquoise hue, combined with the ghostly tree remains, creates an unforgettable landscape. Here, you’ll have time to walk along the shore, take stunning photographs, and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Almaty
In the afternoon, we begin our return journey to Almaty.
Options
Golden Ring of Zhetysu 5 Day Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
1.5L Drinking Water per Guest Per Day
National Park Permits & Entrance Fees
Pet-Friendly Travel: Bringing your furry friends along is welcome! A fee of $10 per day applies.
Pickup points
Salem Hotel On Abaya
Abaya Avenue 157A Almaty Kazakhstan
Sunshine Alma-Ata Hotel
No.110 Foreman nova Street Almaty Kazakhstan
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding Experience with OUTFITTER KZ and Vladislav
RigvedRaut,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family has traveled extensively, and we can honestly say this was one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken. A huge thank you to Vladislav from OUTFITTER KZ for organizing and guiding us through an incredible journey across Kazakhstan. Every aspect of the trip was perfectly planned and executed. From the stunning landscapes of Bestube Valley, Tuzkol, Tekes Valley, Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon to the wonderful accommodations, delicious meals, picnics in nature, and unique yurt experience, everything exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of Kazakhstan without ever feeling rushed. What truly made the difference was Vladislav himself. He was professional, knowledgeable, punctual, friendly, and always attentive to every detail. His passion for Kazakhstan and its nature, culture, and history made every day more meaningful and enjoyable. Traveling with family can sometimes be challenging, but Vladislav made the entire experience comfortable, seamless, and stress-free. The vehicles were comfortable, the accommodations were excellent, the food was wonderful, and every recommendation he made turned out to be perfect. We always felt safe, well looked after, and welcomed. Kazakhstan is a breathtaking country, and thanks to Vladislav, we were able to experience it in the best possible way. We highly recommend OUTFITTER KZ to anyone looking for an authentic, well-organized, and unforgettable adventure in Kazakhstan. Thank you, Vladislav, for creating memories that our family will cherish for a lifetime. We hope to return and explore more of this beautiful country with you in the future.
Fantastic 5 day tour!
meginus,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've just returned from this 5 day tour and thoroughly recommend it. The tour was very easy so organise via WhatsApp and Maria always promptly responded to my questions. It's the first time I've ever done a private tour with just myself and a guide/driver, but it was a great way to see some of the beautiful sites outside Almaty. My guide, Vlad, was so knowledgeable, organised and just a fun person to tour with. The local guesthouses were all comfortable, and were able to provide delicious vegetarian food. Winter is not a popular time to visit Kazakhstan and I wasn't sure what to expect, but everywhere we visited was accessible with Vlad's excellent driving skills. And the tour was well paced, with a mixture of national parks, cultural sightseeing and one long hike. Don't hesitate to book a tour with Nomad Outfitter KZ!
Amazing experince!
alisherd820,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing experience with outfitter! They were extremely professional and knowledgeable throughout the entire trip. The guest house that we stayed in was nice, and the food was great too. Our tour guide Damir was very sweet and helpful. Would travel with them again!
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