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South Kazakhstan — 6 Days
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Kazakhstan · Six-Day Journey

South Kazakhstan — 6 Days

A six-day journey through Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park, Charyn Canyon, and the mountain lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy.

6 Days 1 Country Small Group or Private
The South Kazakhstan Journey

Almaty, desert landscapes, canyons, and alpine lakes in six unforgettable days.

This focused route combines the culture and food of Almaty with Altyn-Emel's otherworldly landscapes and the most dramatic scenery of southeast Kazakhstan.

Continue through Charyn Canyon to Kolsai and Kaindy, with local accommodation and a flexible small-group or private format.

Six Days · One Road Journey

South Kazakhstan Route

Begin in Almaty, cross the desert landscapes of Altyn-Emel, walk through Charyn Canyon, and continue into the Tian Shan for Kolsai and Kaindy.

StartAlmaty
DesertAltyn-Emel National Park
CanyonCharyn Canyon
LakesKolsai · Kaindy
FinishReturn to Almaty
South Kazakhstan six-day route map The road journey begins in Almaty, continues through Altyn-Emel and Charyn Canyon to Kolsai and Kaindy, then returns to Almaty. 01 AlmatySTART & FINISH 02 Altyn-Emel 03 Charyn 04 Kolsai 05 Kaindy
Route Order
01AlmatyStart
02Altyn-EmelRoad
03CharynRoad
04KolsaiRoad
05KaindyRoad
06AlmatyFinish
SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN
1
AlmatyGreen Bazaar, Panfilov Park, and Kok-Tobe.
2
Altyn-Emel National ParkSinging Dune, Aktau Mountains, and the open desert landscapes of the Ili Valley.
3
Charyn CanyonWalk through the Valley of Castles and continue toward Saty village.
4
Kolsai LakesExplore the alpine lake trail surrounded by the Tian Shan forests.
5
Kaindy LakeVisit the famous submerged forest before returning to Almaty.
6
Almaty MountainsMedeu, Shymbulak, and a relaxed final evening in the city.

What's Included

TransfersRound-trip airport transfers and all transportation throughout the expedition in reliable 4x4 vehicles.
AccommodationBoutique hotels and comfortable guesthouses (standard double occupancy).
Dining ExperienceDaily hotel breakfast is included. In Almaty, lunch and dinner are chosen and paid for individually. During the remote Altyn-Emel, Charyn, Kolsai, and Kaindy portion, meals are included where restaurants are not available.
Expert GuidanceProfessional tour leader/guide accompanying you throughout the entire journey.
All Fees & PermitsNational park entrance fees, environmental taxes, and all necessary administrative permits specified in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

RestaurantsWhere restaurants are available, lunch and dinner are on you — we point you to the best local spots, but you order and pay yourself.
Souvenirs & Personal ExpensesAnything you buy for yourself along the way.
AlcoholNot included in any meals.
Travel InsuranceArranged individually by each traveler.

Accommodation is selected for comfort, character, and convenient access to each day's route.

Almaty — photo coming soon
AlmatyHotel
Charyn Canyon — photo coming soon
Charyn CanyonGuesthouse / Yurt
Kolsai — Saty Village — photo coming soon
Kolsai — Saty VillageGuesthouse

Frequently Asked.
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In cities, breakfast is included at the hotel every morning. For lunch and dinner, we take you to a different ethnic restaurant every day — since restaurants are available, these meals aren't included in the price; you order and pay for whatever you like. In remote areas without restaurants — like Charyn Canyon or Kolsai Lakes, where we camp or overnight in the village — all meals are included, since there's simply nowhere else to eat.

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Ready for South Kazakhstan?

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