Description
Overview
In just four days, this Almaty Region Expedition packs in city buzz, nomadic heritage, and wild landscapes for a true taste of Kazakhstan.
You’ll explore Almaty’s Republic Square and Green Bazaar before stepping into the open steppe to witness eagle hunters and horseback archers keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
At Charyn Canyon, you’ll walk through red sandstone towers carved over 12 million years, a place where silence and wind shape the land.
Lake Kaindy will surprise you with its turquoise waters and submerged spruce trees, standing like ghostly sculptures beneath the surface, while the Kolsai Lakes—often called the “Pearls of the Tien Shan”—offer alpine reflections, conifer forests, and trails that feel like the edge of the world.
In Saty village, recognized as one of the world’s best tourism villages, you’ll experience genuine Kazakh hospitality, fresh bread, and slow village mornings before returning to Almaty.
If you’re craving a layered adventure that brings together eagles, canyons, and surreal lakes in a short time, this is your sign to discover Kazakhstan with Safar Expeditions.
Itinerary
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1: Explore the Urban Heartbeat of Almaty
Touch down in Almaty, a city where Eastern bazaars hum alongside modern cafes and leafy boulevards.
We’ll wander Republic Square and Astana Square, each holding stories of Kazakhstan’s independence, then let the colors and aromas of the Green Bazaar pull us in with its dried apricots, pyramid stacks of nuts, and heaving piles of fresh samsas.
Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral showcase Almaty’s iconic wooden architecture before we pop into the Central State Museum for context on the Kazakh story.
We’ll end the day riding the funicular up Kok Tobe Hill, where the city spreads below and the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains guard the horizon, glowing at sunset.
We overnight in a 4 star hotel in Almaty for tonight, buzzing from this urban intro to Kazakhstan’s largest city.
Almaty Region
Day 2: Off to the Steppe, Nomads, and Eagles
Time to leave the city lights behind.
We head out to a steppe valley, stepping straight into the world of the nomads at a recreated ethno-complex.
This is not your average tourist show. Kazakh riders demonstrate the military art of nomads, showing off horseback archery, spear techniques, and wild trick riding that will make your jaw drop.
Ever seen a golden eagle up close? You will today, in an eagle hunting demo that showcases the deep bond between Kazakhs and their raptors.
You’ll try your hand at archery, test out nomadic armor, and maybe even learn a move or two from the Jigits before we return, feeling like we’ve touched an older world.
Included
Breakfast
Charyn | Lake Kaindy | Saty
Day 3: Charyn Canyon and the Sunken Forest of Lake Kaindy
We set off early to explore Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan’s answer to the Grand Canyon, but with way fewer people and a feeling of quiet epicness you can only get in this part of the world. We’ll hike through the Valley of Castles, with its 12-million-year-old formations.
We then transfer to the village of Saty, recently crowned a “Best Tourism Village” by the UNWTO, for an overnight in family-run guesthouses where dinner is local, warm, and soul-filling.
Before sunset, we’ll rumble up mountain roads in 4WD to see Lake Kaindy, a turquoise lake filled with submerged spruce trees that look like an underwater forest, submerged over a century ago.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Kolsai Lakes | Almaty
Day 4: Kolsai Lakes and Return to Almaty
On our final day, we drive to the first Kolsai Lake, a glassy alpine lake hugged by spruce forests and mountain peaks, where we boat across to meet horses on the far side.
You can choose to continue by horseback or trek to the middle Kolsai Lake, finding yourself surrounded by stillness, pine-scented air, and mirror-clear reflections that slow your thoughts in the best way.
We’ll picnic by the lakeside, letting the tranquility sink in before we drive back to Almaty.
(Hotel tonight not included in the tour price)
Included
Breakfast
What's included
What's Included
- All meals as indicated on the itinerary
- English speaking guide
- 4WD transportation
- Accommodation on twin room sharing basis in hotels, guesthouses & homestays
What's Not Included
- Kyrgyzstan visa fee (if applicable)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
- Tips for local staff
- Horseback riding at Kolsai Lakes
Extras & Options
Single Supplement
Private Room & Yurt Stay Throughout the Trip
FROM $300.00/pp
This add-on will be available at checkout to add to your order.
View available Dates
FAQs
Yes, Kazakhstan is a very safe country.
This 4 Day Almaty Expedition will begin and finish in Almaty, Kazakhstan
This Almaty Expedition is rated as moderate. There will be longer days on bumpy jeep tracks, nights in yurts, and some walking and light trekking.
Many nationalities are granted 30 days of visa-free entry to Kazakhstan.
Those that require a visa or e-visa, please get in contact with us.
To join any Safar Expeditions departure you will need to carry an active travel insurance plan. Be aware that Kazkahstan’s generally remote nature poses very real challenges. It is recommended to select an insurance plan that covers both medical care and evacuation.
We recommend using IATI travel insurance for medical coverage and an evacuation plan from Global Rescue.
The Kazakh Tenge (₸) is the official currency of Kazakhstan. The value of the Tenge fluctuates, and is currently around 510 ₸ to $1 USD.
Yes, we do provide a suggested packing list and preparation guide for our Almaty expedition that can be viewed here.
The food you’ll encounter during your time in the Almaty Region will be simple and traditional. In Almaty, you can find an array of international and national cuisine on offer. You can expect flavorful soups and salads, plov (a traditional Central Asian take on fried rice), noodle dishes, and meat dishes. Of course, almost any meal in Kazakhstan is accompanied by a hot glass of chai.
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.
SIM cards are available for purchase in Almaty, with K-Cell, Activ, and Mega having the best service. Internet can be intermittent once we depart Almaty into the greater Almaty region, as we will have some nights where we will have limited access to mobile internet or Wi-Fi.
You can expect to have electricity most nights of the expedition.
Yes, a minimum of 4 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.