Kazakhstan Nature Highlights

Begin your introduction to Almaty with the city’s main cultural and historical landmarks. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the World War II memorial area with the eternal flame, the Central Mosque, Republic Square and the Green Bazaar, where local products and souvenirs create a lively atmosphere. Later, continue to Kok-Tobe Hill by cable car for panoramic views over Almaty and the surrounding mountains.

Leave Almaty and travel toward Tamgaly-Tas, a riverside rock-art site on the Ili River known for carved Buddhist images and inscriptions. After time to explore the area and enjoy the landscape, continue toward Baschi village and Altyn-Emel National Park. In the afternoon, visit the Singing Dune, one of the park’s most famous natural landmarks, set between the Big and Small Kalkan Mountains. Overnight in or near the national park area.

Spend the day exploring the unusual landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park. Visit the Katutau Mountains, shaped by volcanic activity, wind and erosion, then continue to the colorful Aktau Mountains, where layers of white, yellow, red and pink rock create one of Kazakhstan’s most photogenic natural areas. Return to your accommodation later in the day.

After breakfast, depart Altyn-Emel and drive toward Charyn Canyon. On the way, stop near the old ash-tree grove by the Temerlik River when route conditions allow. Continue to the canyon and walk through the famous Valley of Castles, where towers of red rock rise from the canyon floor and form one of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural sights. Later, continue to Saty village for dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse.

Today is dedicated to the mountain lakes of the Northern Tian Shan. Visit Kolsay Lake, often described as one of the region’s most beautiful alpine lake systems, and enjoy time for a short walk near the first lake. After lunch, continue by local off-road vehicle toward Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged spruce trees rising from the water. Return to Saty village for dinner and overnight.

Drive back toward Almaty through mountain and foothill scenery. En route, visit the Issyk area, including the museum connected with the famous Golden Man archaeological discovery, then continue to Issyk Lake and, if timing and conditions allow, the Turgen waterfall area. After time for photos and a picnic-style break near the lake, return to Almaty and check in at the hotel.

Travel outside the city to the Huns Ethno Village, a cultural complex that introduces Kazakh nomadic traditions in a scenic mountain setting. The visit may include a welcome ritual, yurt presentation, felt craft demonstration, traditional music and dances, family rituals, horse games and a baursak cooking master class. Enjoy lunch in a national-style setting before returning to Almaty in the afternoon.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel according to your flight schedule. Transfer to Almaty International Airport for departure. This concludes your Kazakhstan Nature Highlights tour.