The pearls of the Almaty region
Between wild steppes and snow-capped peaks, a journey to the heart of Kazakh traditions and the grandiose landscapes of Central Asia.
Duration
8 days
From
€900/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This tour invites you to discover south-eastern Kazakhstan by combining a visit to Almaty with several nature stops, between canyons, lakes and villages. The itinerary follows a balanced pace, with accessible walking times, transfers in a private vehicle, and nights in hotel and guesthouse. A simple and authentic way to explore the region, through the planned visits and walks.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Almaty, First Discoveries
To Almaty
Upon your arrival, you are taken to your hotel. You then enjoy a first day in Almaty to discover the largest city in Kazakhstan. Many agree that it is one of the most pleasant cities in Central Asia. Its numerous parks and the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan make it a particularly appealing city.
You visit the Panfilov Park, which surrounds Zenkov Cathedral, one of the rare buildings from Imperial Russia that remain in Almaty. You stroll through the Green Bazaar, where you can find the products and scents of Central Asia. You also discover Saint Nicholas Cathedral.
Finally, you visit the Central Museum, as well as the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments (closed Mondays).
Singing Dune at Altyn Emel
Almaty → Altyn Emel
In the morning, you leave Almaty heading towards the Altyn Emel natural park. On the way, you can visit the beach of the city of Konaev, located on the edge of a large water reservoir. You then arrive in the national park village named Basshi.
From Basshiy
Then, the track takes you for 45 km to the singing dune, where you can take a walk before returning to the village.
To Basshiy
Return to the village for the night.
Cultural stop in Jarkent
From Basshiy
After breakfast, you head towards Jarkent. Along the way, a stop is planned for a short walk in the striped mountains, weather permitting (not on rainy days).
To Jarkent
Lunch takes place in Jarkent, before starting the city visits. You discover the mosque-museum, remarkable for its architecture inspired by Chinese design, as well as the local Orthodox church.
At the end of the day, you check into the hotel and enjoy some free time.
Charyn Canyon, then Saty
Jarkent → Canyon de Charyn
Today, you continue exploring the region with a picturesque and well-known site: Charyn Canyon. There, you set off on a hike through this canyon that is tens of millions of years old.
In the afternoon, you resume your journey towards the village of Saty, located near the Kolsay lakes, where you spend the night.
Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes
Saty → Kaindy Lake
In the morning, you are transferred to the Kaindy Lake, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains. You enjoy a stroll by this mountain lake, famous for the tree trunks emerging from its turquoise waters.
Walking itinerary: approximately 2 hours.
Kaindy Lake → Saty
Return to the village for lunch.
To Saty
Return to the village where you spend the night.
From Saty
In the afternoon, a short transfer takes you to Lake Kolsay for a walk around the lake.
Walking itinerary: approximately 1 hour.
Iessik and return to Almaty
In the morning, you head towards the city of Iessik (Yesik), known thanks to the famous "Golden Warrior" and his armor, discovered in 1969 during archaeological excavations. The mystery of this young warrior has still not been solved, but it quickly became one of the symbols of Kazakhstan.
From Iessik
You continue with a visit to Lake Issyk-Kul, nestled in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains.
Lac Iessik → Almaty
In late afternoon, you reach Almaty.
Almaty, mosque and old quarter
The day is entirely devoted to continuing your visit to Almaty. You discover the central mosque, then the historic neighborhood where the Cossacks lived, with a church and a small square.
The afternoon is free.
Goodbye and see you soon!
Almaty → Aéroport International D'Almaty
After breakfast you are driven to the airport to catch your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Beverages
- Personal Expenses
- Activities/visits during free time
- Everything that is not mentioned as included in the program
Included
- Accommodation: hotels and guesthouses (according to program)
- Meals: breakfasts, lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Visits and activities listed in the itinerary
- All transportation included in the programme (private vehicle such as mini-van)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Kazakhstan for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Kazakhstan, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the country and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa-exempt tourist stay
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Kazakhstan.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry into the territory. The total duration of stays must generally not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Any stay exceeding this duration requires obtaining a visa from the Kazakhstan embassy or consulate before departure.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward connection),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation booking.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Kazakhstan must register with the local authorities within three business days following arrival.
This registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation establishment. In the case of staying with a private individual or in a private rental, the process must be carried out by the host with the competent migration office or via the Kazakh immigration services online portal.
It is advisable to keep proof of registration throughout your stay, as this may be requested when crossing the border when leaving the territory.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Kazakhstan from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, it is recommended to ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
Depending on the regions visited and the season, additional precautions may be advised, particularly against:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
rabies for stays in rural or remote areas,
tick-borne encephalitis for hikers and travelers in wooded areas.
Consult a doctor or international vaccination center several weeks before your departure for personalized advice.
Traveling with children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the Kazakhstan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Kazakhstan, a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry is required. A visa exemption exists for short-term stays. For longer stays, a visa must be obtained from the Kazakhstani consulate. Check with the Kazakhstani consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 130 and 210 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (500-900 euros return) are additional. Kazakhstan offers stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Almaty Tian Shan
Founder & Director, based in Alamaty
Kazakhstan is a land you carry within you: in the silence of the steppes, the strength of the mountains and the generosity of those who live there. Sharing it is sharing a part of my story.
— Atrau
