Alpine trails, mountain lakes, and canyon landscapes — a seven-day journey through Kazakhstan's Tian Shan Mountains.
This seven-day journey explores Kazakhstan through alpine trails, forested plateaus, mountain lakes and some of the country’s most striking natural landscapes.
Beginning in Almaty, you’ll spend two days hiking in the Tian Shan Mountains, with guided walks to Kok Zhailau Alpine Plateau and the panoramic ridges above Big Almaty Lake. The pace is active but measured, with time to enjoy the scenery rather than simply complete the route.
The journey then moves beyond the city towards Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. Here, the landscape opens into deep valleys, spruce forests, clear mountain water and small rural communities. An overnight stay in a Premium A-Frame in Saty Village brings you closer to the quieter rhythm of the region.
The final days return to Almaty for a more relaxed mountain experience at Shymbulak and panoramic views from Kok-Tobe. Designed for travellers who enjoy walking, photography and time outdoors, this itinerary balances guided adventure with comfortable accommodation and private transport.
A privately guided alpine journey through Kazakhstan’s mountains, canyons, lakes and highland villages, with moderate trekking, scenic road journeys and time to slow down in nature.
Travel period: August to October
Departure type: Private departure
Travel dates: Available on selected dates, subject to accommodation, weather and trail conditions.
2 pax USD 2,080
4 pax USD 1,396
6 pax USD 1,255
Single Supplement: USD 300
Final pricing will depend on group size, travel dates and room arrangements.
Arrive at Almaty International Airport, where your professional adventure guide will meet you for the private transfer to your hotel.
After checking in, join a short welcome briefing and tour orientation. Your guide will introduce the route, explain the trekking conditions and help you prepare for the days ahead.
The rest of the day is at leisure. You may wish to relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding neighbourhood at your own pace.
Overnight in Almaty.
Accommodation option, subject to availability:
After breakfast, drive towards the trailhead in Ile-Alatau National Park.
Begin your guided hike through forested slopes and wild apple orchards. The route gradually climbs towards Kok Zhailau Alpine Plateau, set at approximately 2,200 metres.
As the trail opens, the scenery changes from shaded woodland to broad mountain views. On arrival at the plateau, enjoy time to rest, take photographs and appreciate the surrounding peaks.
Return to Almaty in the late afternoon.
Hiking level: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 10 to 12 kilometres
Duration: Approximately five to six hours
Overnight in Almaty.
Accommodation option, subject to availability:
After breakfast, travel towards the Big Almaty Lake area.
Visit the official viewpoint overlooking the turquoise alpine lake before continuing on a guided walk along the upper panoramic ridges.
The route offers wide views of the surrounding Tian Shan Mountains, with several opportunities to pause for photographs and take in the scale of the landscape.
The hike is moderate and paced to allow time for the scenery rather than rushing from one viewpoint to the next.
Return to Almaty later in the day.
Hiking level: Moderate
Distance: Approximately seven to eight kilometres
Duration: Approximately four to five hours
Overnight in Almaty.
Accommodation option, subject to availability:
After breakfast, leave your main luggage at Holiday Inn Almaty and travel with a small overnight bag.
Begin the drive towards Charyn Canyon, which takes approximately three and a half to four hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
On arrival, explore the Valley of Castles on a guided walk. The canyon walls, sculpted by time and weather, create one of Kazakhstan’s most distinctive landscapes.
An open-air eco vehicle will transfer you back towards the parking area before you continue to Lower Kolsai Lake.
Walk along the lakeside through the surrounding spruce forest, with time to enjoy the reflections, mountain air and quiet setting.
Optional horseback riding may be available through local providers at an additional cost.
Continue to Saty Village and check in to your Premium A-Frame accommodation. The evening is yours to rest and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Overnight in Saty Village.
Accommodation option, subject to availability:
After breakfast, travel towards Kaindy Lake by off-road four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The final approach depends on road and weather conditions, and your guide may adjust the route where necessary.
On arrival, explore the lake and its well-known submerged forest. Tree trunks rise from the water, creating a landscape that feels quite different from Kolsai.
Enjoy a guided walk around the lake, with time for photography and panoramic viewpoints.
Begin the scenic drive back to Almaty, stopping at Black Canyon if weather and road conditions permit.
On arrival in the city, check back in to Holiday Inn Almaty and collect your main luggage.
Overnight in Almaty.
Accommodation option, subject to availability:
After breakfast, travel to Medeu and board the cable car to Shymbulak Mountain Resort.
Enjoy time to explore the resort at your own pace. You may walk through the alpine surroundings, relax at a café or join one of the optional activities available on the day.
Later, return to the city and take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill.
From the top, enjoy panoramic views over Almaty and the surrounding mountains. There is time to explore the walking trails, cafés, souvenir shops and leisure attractions before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Almaty.
Accommodation option, subject to availability:
After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
Visit Green Bazaar, where you can browse local produce, dried fruit, spices, delicacies and souvenirs.
Continue to Rakhat Chocolate Shop for locally made chocolates and gifts before transferring privately to Almaty International Airport.
As your journey comes to an end, you leave with memories of forest trails, alpine plateaus, clear mountain lakes and the open landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan.
