Kazakh Nature
& Almaty Highlights
Explore the iconic canyons, dunes, alpine lakes, and Almaty City on a private tailor-made tour for your family
8 Days of Unforgettable Adventures
Tour duration: 8 days and 7 nights
This tailor-made journey has been designed specifically for your family as an opportunity to reconnect, spend quality time together, and experience some of the most beautiful landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. From the Singing Dune and Charyn Canyon to Lake Kaindy, hidden mountain valleys, and vast alpine plateaus, the route combines the region's iconic highlights with a few lesser-known gems.
The itinerary places equal emphasis on nature and comfort. Rather than staying in basic guesthouses or village accommodations, we have carefully structured the journey around stylish retreats, quality hotels, and comfortable private camps, allowing you to enjoy Kazakhstan's wild beauty without sacrificing privacy, good food, or a premium travel experience.
The itinerary places equal emphasis on nature and comfort. Rather than staying in basic guesthouses or village accommodations, we have carefully structured the journey around stylish retreats, quality hotels, and comfortable private camps, allowing you to enjoy Kazakhstan's wild beauty without sacrificing privacy, good food, or a premium travel experience.
Tour program
Arrival – Kapchagay Reservoir – Escapism Lodge
day 1 / July 05
Let’s begin this journey with comfort and relaxation.
Shortly after arrival, we will leave the city behind and head to the shores of the Kapchagay Reservoir. Locals often affectionately call it their sea, and for many Almaty residents there is something special about knowing that a “seaside escape” is just an hour away.
Shortly after arrival, we will leave the city behind and head to the shores of the Kapchagay Reservoir. Locals often affectionately call it their sea, and for many Almaty residents there is something special about knowing that a “seaside escape” is just an hour away.
Our accommodation for the night will be stylish lakeside cottages, set right on the waterfront. Here, there will be time to slow down, rest after the flight, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. As the day cools, you may choose to paddleboard across the calm waters at sunset or simply take in the views from the shore.
We can also explore the newly renovated waterfront promenade and enjoy our first introduction to local cuisine, easing gently into the rhythms, flavors, and hospitality of Kazakhstan.
We can also explore the newly renovated waterfront promenade and enjoy our first introduction to local cuisine, easing gently into the rhythms, flavors, and hospitality of Kazakhstan.
Altyn-Emel – Singing Dune – Camp
day 2 / July 06
The adventure begins.
Early in the morning, we will set off in comfortable 4WD vehicles and head toward the vast landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park.
Our destination today is the famous Singing Dune. Will it sing for us? Local legend says that the drier the sand, the deeper and more powerful the dune’s mysterious hum becomes.
Early in the morning, we will set off in comfortable 4WD vehicles and head toward the vast landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park.
Our destination today is the famous Singing Dune. Will it sing for us? Local legend says that the drier the sand, the deeper and more powerful the dune’s mysterious hum becomes.
Later, we will arrive at our private camp, surrounded by the silence and open spaces of the national park. Today our chief is surprising us with the first outdoor dinner.
Aktau & Katutau Mountains – Chundzha – Tuzkol Lake
day 3 / July 07
Today begins with a walk among landscapes shaped by the ancient Tethys Ocean and millions of years of time. The terrain feels almost otherworldly, with unusual rock formations and colors that make it easy to imagine yourself on another planet.
After exploring the area, we will continue our journey and stop for lunch in Chundzha, a village well known for its natural hot mineral springs. Local people believe these waters help support the immune system, soothe the nervous system, and relieve joint pain. If you wish, we can spend some extra time here and enjoy a relaxing soak.
After exploring the area, we will continue our journey and stop for lunch in Chundzha, a village well known for its natural hot mineral springs. Local people believe these waters help support the immune system, soothe the nervous system, and relieve joint pain. If you wish, we can spend some extra time here and enjoy a relaxing soak.
In the afternoon, we will continue toward our next camp, located on the shores of Lake Tuzkol, where vast open landscapes and peaceful views await.
Tuzkol Lake – Tekes – Komirshi Gorge
day 4 / July 08
Today begins with a sunrise view of Khan Tengri Peak, known as the “Lord of the Sky.” This legendary mountain does not reveal itself every day, but when it does, Lake Tuzkol offers one of the finest vantage points. On a calm morning, the snow-covered summit is reflected in the still waters of the lake, creating a truly unforgettable scene.
After the warm and arid landscapes of the previous days, today brings a refreshing change of scenery. We will head into the green mountain valleys of the Tian Shan range to visit Tekes Waterfall. It may not be the tallest or most powerful waterfall in the region, but many consider it the most beautiful. Its remote location means that only a small number of travelers ever make it here.
After the warm and arid landscapes of the previous days, today brings a refreshing change of scenery. We will head into the green mountain valleys of the Tian Shan range to visit Tekes Waterfall. It may not be the tallest or most powerful waterfall in the region, but many consider it the most beautiful. Its remote location means that only a small number of travelers ever make it here.
Later, we will continue to Komirshi Gorge, a stunning valley that remains largely unknown even to many locals. Because of its isolation, it has so far escaped the effects of mass tourism and retains a genuine sense of wilderness and tranquility.
In the evening, we will return to our camp on the shores of Lake Tuzkol and spend another peaceful night beneath the mountain sky.
In the evening, we will return to our camp on the shores of Lake Tuzkol and spend another peaceful night beneath the mountain sky.
Charyn Canyon – Kaindy Lake – Bartogay – Assy Plateau
day 5 / July 09
Of course, no journey through this region would be complete without visiting two of its most iconic natural landmarks: Charyn Canyon and Lake Kaindy.
Often referred to as the “little brother of the Grand Canyon,” Charyn Canyon impresses visitors with its dramatic red rock formations, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.
Lake Kaindy offers a completely different landscape. Its submerged spruce forest creates the surreal impression of a fleet of sunken ships, with tree trunks rising straight from the water's surface.
Often referred to as the “little brother of the Grand Canyon,” Charyn Canyon impresses visitors with its dramatic red rock formations, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.
Lake Kaindy offers a completely different landscape. Its submerged spruce forest creates the surreal impression of a fleet of sunken ships, with tree trunks rising straight from the water's surface.
Later, we will stop at the equally beautiful but very different Bartogay Reservoir, surrounded by wide-open landscapes and rolling hills. From here, we continue our journey toward the Assy Plateau.
The vast Assy Valley is famous for its endless horizons, sweeping grasslands, and remarkable sense of space. As night falls, far from city lights, the plateau reveals one of the most spectacular star-filled skies in the country.
The vast Assy Valley is famous for its endless horizons, sweeping grasslands, and remarkable sense of space. As night falls, far from city lights, the plateau reveals one of the most spectacular star-filled skies in the country.
Turgen Gorge – Vineyard Gastro-Tour – Almaty
day 6 / July 10
“Better than mountains could be only mountains you have never been", - and we couldn't agree more.
Today, we set out for another beautiful mountain valley — Turgen Gorge. One of the most charming and cozy gorges in the Almaty region, it offers a pleasant walk through forested scenery to Bear Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in southeastern Kazakhstan.
Everything comes to an end, so does our little adventure. It is time to move back to civilization and comfort.
Today, we set out for another beautiful mountain valley — Turgen Gorge. One of the most charming and cozy gorges in the Almaty region, it offers a pleasant walk through forested scenery to Bear Waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in southeastern Kazakhstan.
Everything comes to an end, so does our little adventure. It is time to move back to civilization and comfort.
The afternoon will be spent visiting Slava, a local winemaker and host. He will show us around his vineyard, treat us to homemade wine and chacha, and prepare delicious food cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven. To complete the experience, we will enjoy coffee brewed over hot coals while taking in the relaxed atmosphere of rural Kazakhstan.
By evening, we will arrive in Almaty, wash away the dust of the road, and settle into a historic hotel located in the heart of the city's old center.
An evening stroll along the city's pedestrian streets and dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant will mark the beginning of the urban chapter of our journey.
By evening, we will arrive in Almaty, wash away the dust of the road, and settle into a historic hotel located in the heart of the city's old center.
An evening stroll along the city's pedestrian streets and dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant will mark the beginning of the urban chapter of our journey.
History, Art and Culture
day 7 / July 11
Today is dedicated to the essential highlights of Almaty — the places that make any visit to the city feel complete.
We will begin at the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, the country's most comprehensive introduction to its history and culture. Its collections trace the story of the region from prehistoric times and ancient nomadic civilizations through the Soviet era and into modern independent Kazakhstan.
Next, we will visit the almaty Museum of Arts, one of the newest cultural institutions in Kazakhstan. Alongside works by leading Kazakh artists, the museum features pieces by internationally renowned names such as Richard Serra, Yayoi Kusama, and Anselm Kiefer, offering an interesting dialogue between local and global contemporary art.
We will begin at the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, the country's most comprehensive introduction to its history and culture. Its collections trace the story of the region from prehistoric times and ancient nomadic civilizations through the Soviet era and into modern independent Kazakhstan.
Next, we will visit the almaty Museum of Arts, one of the newest cultural institutions in Kazakhstan. Alongside works by leading Kazakh artists, the museum features pieces by internationally renowned names such as Richard Serra, Yayoi Kusama, and Anselm Kiefer, offering an interesting dialogue between local and global contemporary art.
No visit to Almaty would be complete without exploring the Green Bazaar. This vibrant market is one of the city's most beloved landmarks and the perfect place to experience everyday local life. We will sample a variety of traditional foods, browse the colorful stalls, enjoy lunch at a popular local canteen, and admire the architecture of this historic market building.
Just a short walk away stands the famous Ascension Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden churches in the world. Built without a single nail, it has survived several major earthquakes and remains one of Almaty's most remarkable architectural landmarks. We will also visit the city's largest mosque, offering another perspective on the cultural and religious heritage of modern Kazakhstan.
Just a short walk away stands the famous Ascension Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden churches in the world. Built without a single nail, it has survived several major earthquakes and remains one of Almaty's most remarkable architectural landmarks. We will also visit the city's largest mosque, offering another perspective on the cultural and religious heritage of modern Kazakhstan.
Last day in the city
day 8 / July 12
We have intentionally left the final day of the journey open for whatever inspires you most.
Perhaps you would enjoy a walking tour focused on Soviet-era architecture, mosaics, and public art, offering a deeper understanding of Almaty's history and urban character. Or maybe this is the perfect opportunity for a unique shopping experience, meeting local artisans, designers, and craftspeople whose work reflects contemporary Kazakhstan.
Food lovers may choose to spend the day exploring the many culinary traditions that coexist in Kazakhstan, tasting dishes influenced by Central Asian, Uyghur, Korean, Russian, Dungan, and other cultures that have shaped the country.
Perhaps you would enjoy a walking tour focused on Soviet-era architecture, mosaics, and public art, offering a deeper understanding of Almaty's history and urban character. Or maybe this is the perfect opportunity for a unique shopping experience, meeting local artisans, designers, and craftspeople whose work reflects contemporary Kazakhstan.
Food lovers may choose to spend the day exploring the many culinary traditions that coexist in Kazakhstan, tasting dishes influenced by Central Asian, Uyghur, Korean, Russian, Dungan, and other cultures that have shaped the country.
If the mountains are calling one last time, we can head up to Shymbulak, where mountain air, spectacular views, and sunshine await just above the city. Or perhaps after an active adventure, a relaxing spa day sounds like the perfect ending.
This day is yours to shape. Let's discuss what would make the most memorable finale to your journey through Kazakhstan.
This day is yours to shape. Let's discuss what would make the most memorable finale to your journey through Kazakhstan.
- Price for 4 people
USD 18 527 - What's Included
- Full support with a comfortable, well-equipped private transfer
- Professional English-speaking guides and team
- Comfortable private camp with all amenities – 4 nights
- Private chef throughout the entire countryside journey
- Hotel and lodge accommodation
- All meals and snacks
- All national park eco-fees
- Not Included
- Personal expenses and purchases during route stops
- Medical travel insurance
- Flights
- Meals during the stay in the city