The Wonders of Almaty Region
with Local Traveler
Explore the iconic canyons, dunes, and alpine lakes of Almaty Region on a 5-day adventure with a local guide
Altyn Emel - Zharkent - Charyn Canyon - Lunar Canyon - Kaindy lake - Kolsay Lake 2 - Turgen Gorge
Ready-made Tour
Itinerary Highlights
- Hike the otherworldly Aktau Mountains — multicolored hills millions of years in the making
- Listen to Central Asia's most mysterious dune sing
- Wake up inside Charyn Canyon before the crowds arrive
- Trek to Kolsai Lake 2 at 2,252 m, then descend to the ghost forest of Kaindy
- Chase waterfalls through Turgen Gorge on your final day back to Almaty
Discover Almaty Region in a way few travelers do. Over five days, join experienced explorer-guide Alexander Bubenin on scenic hikes through the colorful Aktau Mountains, volcanic Katutau ridges, the mystical Singing Dune, Charyn Canyon, and the alpine lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy.
This is not just sightseeing — it's an immersive trekking experience along hidden trails, enriched with stories, insights, and a personal perspective that transform famous landmarks into unforgettable adventures.
This is not just sightseeing — it's an immersive trekking experience along hidden trails, enriched with stories, insights, and a personal perspective that transform famous landmarks into unforgettable adventures.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Day 1
Day 1
Aktau & Katutau Mountains
Put on your explorer’s hat as today we embark on our 5-day adventure through the Nature Wonders of the Almaty region. This day will start with a long scenic drive through the Kazakh steppes. We are heading to the Altyn Emel National Park. Not many tourists make it up until here; nevertheless, it often appears on the must-visit places because of its diverse and unique landscapes and natural monuments. After a lunch at the National Park’s village cafe, we are going for a casual afternoon time travel to the Aktau mountains — believed to be the floor of the ancient Tethys ocean. Hike through a martian-like landscape, wondering at the color palette of each layer of this historic cake, searching for prehistoric fossils — this is our plan for Aktau. But not only Ocean have an art exhibition here. Our next stop — volcanic formations of Katutau. Once active volcano created a lava base, which was taken good care by the “hands” of the Wind, Rain and Time, who carefully formed sculptures from the hardened lava for millions of years. What a day it was. We definitely deserve a hot dinner and a good rest at the old family guesthouse in the National Park.
Day 2
Day 2
Singing Dune, Zharkent Mosque, Charyn Canyon
Today after a village-style breakfast we are visitng The Singing Dune, a single dune in the middle of the endless steppes, and hope you are lucky enough to hear it singing. While the Dune songs are unpredictable, the next Gem of our Journey stays still through centuries — “Zharkent Mosque” Museum in a city close to Chinese Border which once were a part of a Silk Way. The mosque was built in 1895 by Chinese architecture with the help of Uighur artists and masters with funding from local Merchants and Muslim community. This work of art combines Chinese, Buddhist, Middle East and Islamic architecture decorated with floral and animalistic motifs, Uighur ornaments and Arabic scripts. Through thick and thin this Mosque withstand 8-point earthquake and USSR times, silently saving history in it’s walls. What else can we add to this day? Maybe a little more of endless steppes and evening sunset short walk in the Valley of Castles in the Charyn Canyon? By that time significant part of the day-time tourists already leaves, leaving us to enjoy little brother of the Grand Canyon in natural silence.
Day 3
Day 3
Lunar Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Saty village
Sarah Lewin, creative director in DD agency
Hiking in the Aktau Mountains (~2 hours)
Day 4
Day 4
Full-Day Hike to Kolsai Lake 2
Alex Stone
Photo stop at the Katutau Mountains
Day 5
Day 5
Turgen Gorge & Kairak Waterfall
Alex Stone
Overnight stay in Bashi guesthouse
Price per person
3 tourists
$900
Price per person
2 tourists
$1100
Price per person
1 tourist
$1950
The number of days and the route can be adjusted upon individual request.
We provide an approximate price. The final cost will depend on many factors and your preferences.
The price includes transfer from Almaty, meals, and accommodation along the entire route.
Transfers are provided in a well-equipped modern SUV.
We provide an approximate price. The final cost will depend on many factors and your preferences.
The price includes transfer from Almaty, meals, and accommodation along the entire route.
Transfers are provided in a well-equipped modern SUV.
A particularly meaningful experience for them was the traveling cinema: they visited villages in the Almaty region, screened films in community centers, and gave children the chance to see a big screen for the first time. This project required a lot of effort but left a lasting impact and taught them the importance of attention and care for people.
They now bring this experience and approach to guests to their new project, Domingo House.
After many years of working in public service, Azamat (a military officer) and Raushan (a teacher) decided to start their own project based on hard work and integrity.
Alexander Bubenin
Meet the Guide
Submit your request
and embark on this
unique journey
and embark on this
unique journey