ModerateKazakhstan

Kazakhstan Steppe & Mountains: Almaty Getaway

Duration

6 days

From

Price on request

Best Season

May–October

Overview

Perfect as a standalone getaway or as an add-on to other Central Asian routes, this tour starts and ends in Almaty. You’ll discover the city’s parks, markets and cafe culture, then head out to the ‘Grand Canyon of Central Asia’ and on to the Kungei Alatau foothills for two days of fresh air and light hiking around forested lakes.

Highlights

—Almaty city tour including Zenkov Cathedral and Green Bazaar
—Cable car ride to Kok-Tobe hill or Shymbulak ski resort for panoramic views
—Day trip to the colourful rock formations of Charyn Canyon
—Overnight stays in Saty village close to Kolsai and Kaindy lakes
—Flexible hikes and boat rides depending on the group and weather

Day by Day

Arrival in Almaty

Airport transfer and check-in at your hotel. Evening walk along Panfilov Street or in the central parks. Welcome briefing and dinner.

Almaty City Highlights & Kok-Tobe

City tour including Zenkov Cathedral, Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and Green Bazaar. In the afternoon take the cable car up Kok-Tobe hill for wide views over Almaty and the Ili Alatau range. Evening free.

Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Saty Village

Drive east to Charyn Canyon (approx. 3–4 hours). Walk down into the Valley of Castles and follow the canyon floor to the river. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon continue to Saty village. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.

Kolsai or Kaindy Lake Day Trip

Day trip from Saty to Kolsai Lake 1 or Kaindy Lake, depending on the season and road conditions. Gentle hikes along the lakeshore, option for rowing boat rides. Return to Saty for a second night in the guesthouse.