Jetissou Itinerary: Almaty to Alakol
A journey from Jetissou between sculpted canyons, singing dunes and border traditions of eastern Kazakhstan
Duration
10 days
From
€1,100/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This circuit takes you through southeastern Kazakhstan, alternating between cultural stops, natural sites and relaxation time. You start with the discovery of Almaty, then cross through areas of varied landscapes: canyon, dunes, colored mountains, lakes and historic sites. The journey is made with a driver-guide and includes nights in accommodations planned in the itinerary, as well as entries to national parks.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Almaty, city tour
Aéroport International D'Almaty → Almaty
Upon your arrival in Almaty, you are welcomed and meet your English-speaking guide-driver who takes you to your hotel before departing to visit the city. During the day, you visit the Ascension Orthodox Cathedral, located in Panfilov Park, as well as the Museum of Traditional Musical Instruments. You continue with the discovery of the Green Market, known for its local specialties. At the end of the day, you visit the Central Museum, before dinner, then settling in at the hotel.
Charyn and the Road to Jarkent
After breakfast, you head towards the spectacular Charyn Canyon.
It is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Kazakhstan. Sculpted by erosion over millions of years, it reveals impressive cliffs with red and ochre tones.
Hiking duration 2-4 hours
At the end of the walk, you head back on the road to Jarkent, a border town with China where you discover the mosque-museum, remarkable for its Chinese-inspired architecture, as well as the city's Orthodox church, witnesses to the cultural richness of this border region.
Dinner in town, then return to the hotel.
Jarkent Mosque and Altyn Emel
Jarkent → Basshiy
After breakfast, you head towards Altyn Emel National Park. You arrive at the village of Basshi, located at the entrance to the park, which serves as the base for exploring the various natural sites of this vast reserve.
La Dune Chantante → Basshiy
Return to the village at the end of the day.
Dinner and night in a guesthouse
Aktau and road to Taldykorgan
From Basshiy
After breakfast, you continue your discovery of the Altyn Emel National Park. From the village of Basshi, the main entrance to the park, you take a track that crosses desert landscapes to the colorful Aktaou mountains, famous for their astonishing white, red and ochre layers.
A walk allows you to explore this unique mineral setting, shaped by millions of years of erosion.
Walking time: approximately 2 to 3 hours.
To Basshiy
You return to the village for lunch.
Basshiy → Taldykorgan
You then continue driving towards Taldykorgan, the administrative capital of Jetissou region (Seven Rivers), where you spend the night.
Lepsinsk, Memory of Borders
After breakfast, you head towards Lepsinsk, a historic village located at the foot of the Jetissou mountains. You take time to discover this historic village and its heritage.
It was here that, on June 4, 1846, an agreement was signed on the annexation of the Great Kazakh Horde to Russia. Within this framework, General Vishnevsky came from Omsk to negotiate with the Kazakh khans. The Chinese, who had captured the capital of Dzungaria at the end of the 18th century, believed they should possess all the lands belonging to the Dzungar Khanate, including the regions corresponding to what is today eastern Kazakhstan and Jetissou / Seven Rivers. By order of the command in the valley, it was then decided to leave a team of 150 Siberian Cossacks, who founded the village of Verkhnelepsinskaya, later renamed Lepsinsk. Here was located one of the pickets responsible for guarding the border with China and, figuratively speaking, for "keeping the Dzungarian gates locked". Before the revolution, the village had around 40 mills, as well as large brick and alcohol factories, owned by entrepreneur Pougassov.
Heading to Lake Alakol
After breakfast, you head towards the Alakol Lake. Along the way, a visit to the museum dedicated to the civil war (1917-1920) is possible. Lunch is planned en route.
Alakol Lake, whose name means "multicolored lake", is one of the largest lakes in Kazakhstan. With its islands, it covers an area of 2,696 km², extends for 104 km in length, reaches up to 52 km in width and a maximum depth of 54 meters. Its slightly saline waters are renowned for their great clarity and their mineral properties.
Upon arrival, you settle into your hotel before enjoying free time by the lakeside. Depending on your preferences, you can swim, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy the landscapes of this still-preserved region.
Koilyk and petroglyphs
From Lac Alakol
After breakfast, you head towards Taldykorgan. Along the way, you make a stop at the Koilyk archaeological site, an ancient caravan city on the Silk Road, mentioned in the 13th century in the accounts of the traveling monk Guillaume de Rubrouck.
Lunch is planned en route.
Driving
After lunch planned en route, you continue your journey to the medieval petroglyphs of Eshkiolmes, where several thousand rock engravings testify to the history of the peoples who occupied this region over the centuries.
To Taldykorgan
At the end of the day, you join Taldykorgan and settle into your hotel.
Kapchagaï, petroglyphs and Esik
From Taldykorgan
After breakfast, you head towards the Kapchagaï Reservoir. Along the way, you stop at an important petroglyphs site, set to become one of the largest collections of rock carvings in Kazakhstan.
You then continue your journey to the Soviet-era retro museum, where old cars and many everyday objects are displayed. You also enjoy a stop on the shores of the Kapchagaï reservoir to take some photos or refresh yourself, depending on your preferences.
To Iessik
At the end of the day, you join the small town of Esik where you spend the night.
Lake Esik and return to Almaty
After breakfast, you head towards Lake Issyk, located at over 1,700 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains. Surrounded by forests and peaks, this lake offers a peaceful setting conducive to a pleasant walk.
Once the tour is over, you head back toward Almaty. Upon arrival, you have free time to discover the city at your own pace or do some last-minute shopping, before ending the day with dinner.
Goodbye and see you soon in Kazakhstan!
Almaty → Aéroport International D'Almaty
After breakfast, you are driven to Almaty International Airport depending on your flight schedule. Make the most of your last moments in Kazakhstan before your return flight. We wish you an excellent journey and hope to welcome you back for another discovery of Central Asia.
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
- International flights
- Breakfast on Day 1 and Day 10? and Dinner on Day 9
- Travel Insurance
- Everything that is not mentioned in "The price includes"
Included
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport transfers round trip
- Accommodations (9 nights total)
- Meals included in the itinerary, except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 9
- National park entries
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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Kazakhstan dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer au Kazakhstan, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques au Kazakhstan.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 30 jours par entrée sur le territoire. Le cumul des séjours ne doit généralement pas dépasser 90 jours sur une période de 180 jours. Tout séjour dépassant cette durée nécessite l'obtention d'un visa auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Kazakhstan avant le départ.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une confirmation de réservation d'hébergement.
Enregistrement auprès des autorités locales
Tout voyageur séjournant au Kazakhstan est tenu de s'enregistrer auprès des autorités locales dans les trois jours ouvrables suivant son arrivée.
Cet enregistrement est généralement effectué automatiquement par l'hôtel ou l'établissement d'hébergement. En cas de logement chez un particulier ou dans une location privée, la démarche doit être réalisée par l'hôte auprès du bureau des migrations compétent ou via le portail en ligne des services d'immigration kazakh.
Il est conseillé de conserver une preuve d'enregistrement pendant toute la durée du séjour, celle-ci pouvant être demandée lors du passage à la frontière au moment de quitter le territoire.
Santé et vaccins
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer au Kazakhstan en provenance de l'EEE, de la Suisse ou du Canada. Cependant, il est recommandé de s'assurer que les vaccinations courantes sont à jour (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, rougeole).
Selon les régions visitées et la saison, des précautions supplémentaires peuvent être conseillées, notamment contre :
l'hépatite A et l'hépatite B,
la rage pour les séjours en zones rurales ou reculées,
l'encéphalite à tiques pour les randonneurs et les voyageurs en zones boisées.
Consultez un médecin ou un centre de vaccination internationaux plusieurs semaines avant votre départ pour un avis personnalisé.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Kazakhstan de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
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
