Golden ring of Zhetysu (bundle)

All popular tourist destinations of Almaty region bundled together in great outdoors adventure. Altyn Emel National preserve, 4 canyons, Kolsai/Kayindy lakes. Flexible extendable schedule. Driving distance over 1200 km. Be ready to tough roads.

1st day
Departure at 7am. Coffee stop outside the city.
4 hrs ride to Katytau mountains. 30 min to Aktau mountains – short hike (1hr) to the panoramic spot. Overnight in a guesthouse in Baschy village.

2nd day
1 hr ride to Singing dune, hike.
Long 4hrs transfer to Temirlik canyon with lunch stop in Chundzha for some authentic uyghur cousine. Overnight near the river (tents). 

3rd day. 
Ride to Bestamak canyon, short walk. Panoramic spot of Moon canyon, lunch with the view. Two hours ride to Kayindy lake. 3hrs flexible walk around the lake. Horses/taxi available.

Accommodation around Saty village in guesthouses / yourts / hotels. (info).

4th day. Ride to the first Kolsai lake (20 min). Optional hike to the second lake (9 km one-way, 620 meters elevation, half-day). Horses available. 

2 hrs ride to Charyn canyon. Easy circuit walk. Back to Almaty (around 3 hrs driving time).

Fee: $1300 per car (1-4 people).

Season: all year round (depends on conditions). Optional return via plateau Assy during summer months (+1 overnight in tents). 

What’s included
Check-list

IMPORTANT!!! The lakes area is interstate borderline so bring your valid IDs (subject to examination by border patrol).

Possible to extend to 10 days grand trip to cover all the hidden gems of south-east (Ketmen pass, Shalqodesu valley, salty Tuzkol lake, Tekes waterfall, Karakol lake, 100 lakes of Kensu, etc). For big groups, at least two cars.