AROUND ALMATY IN 5 DAYS
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Tour details:
Price: starting from 740 USD per person (see full info below)
Type of Tour: Private
Duration: five days
Pick up and drop off at your hotel or anywhere else you’re staying in Almaty. Airport pick up and/or drop off are also available.
Meals: full board; vegetarian or vegan options are available.
What's included:
Transportation – 4WD air-conditioned car
Accommodation
Food – full board
Water – 1L per person per day
Tour-guide (only for Standard option)
All fees & tickets
For more details please scroll below.
What to take with you:
Comfortable shoes (better if it is a waterproof & with rubber relief sole)
Warm rain jacket (its possible to have some rain on the way to the second lake)
Sunscreen
Hat
Insect repellent
Tour Overview:
Five days in south-eastern Kazakhstan will change how you think about this part of the world. Most people don’t make it here. Those who do rarely stop talking about it. We’ll take you through the singing dunes and rainbow-striped mountains of Altyn Emel, down into the ancient canyon walls of Charyn, along the spruce-lined trails between the Kolsay Lakes, and finally to Kaindy – a lake so strange and beautiful it barely seems real. No rushing, no cutting corners. Just five days of the real Kazakhstan, done properly.
In Dostar Trips we treat each our guest as a friend whom we just didn’t meet yet (“dostar” means friends from Kazakh). If you take a trip with us – you can rely on our friendly support during all your stay, we will always be happy to help you with anything you wish – advise the best place to eat, buy a train ticket, meet locals. Check out what our previous guests are saying about us on TripAdvisor. Let’s be friends!
Highlights:
- Visit three national parks in five days
- Climb to the summit of Aktau mountains (bottom of the ancient Tethys ocean) and be rewarded with the panoramic view of a lifetime
- Take a road trip to the unique singing sand dunes that never move despite the constant strong winds
- Spend your evenings stargazing and planet-spotting in some of Kazakhstan’s best dark sky locations
- Take the splendor of Charyn Canyon with a nice hike in the Valley of Castles
- Enjoy breathtaking scenery of Kolsay lakes and ascend from the first lake to the second
- Tackle a mystery of a sunken forest at Kaindy lake
- Experience Kazakh cuisine and culture in a carefully selected guesthouse at Kolsai lakes
Itinerary:
Day 1: Almaty – Singing Dune;
Day 2: Aktau & Katty Tau Mountains;
Day 3: Charyn Canyon;
Day 4: Kolsay lakes;
Day 5: Kaindy lake – Almaty.
Day 1: SINGING DUNE
Hike and listen the Singing Dune, enjoy the view of Ili river valley
Your adventure begins with an early hotel pick-up – your guide meets you in the lobby, introduces the driver, and gives you a taste of what’s ahead. Then you’re off, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle driven by a seasoned professional who knows these roads like the back of his hand.
The drive winds north, away from the city, and the landscape opens up almost immediately. Before long you’re greeted by the vast expanse of Kapchagai Lake – one of the last great Soviet engineering projects on Kazakh soil, still powering the entire region today. Along the highway, a row of gleaming casinos might catch you off guard: Kapchagai is one of only two places in Kazakhstan where gambling is officially permitted, a quirky reminder that this country is full of surprises.
After around 3–4 hours on the road, we arrive at our hotel inside Altyn Emel National Park for lunch and a rest before the afternoon’s adventure.
Then we head deeper into the park – through open, remote steppe that feels like the edge of the world – toward the first wonder of the trip: the Singing Dunes. Keep your eyes peeled on the way: black-tailed gazelles and Asian wild asses are occasionally spotted making their way down to the Ili River for a drink. At the dunes, your guide will reveal the fascinating mystery behind them — how a massive sand formation appeared in the middle of open steppe, and why, despite the winds, it has never shifted from its place in hundreds of years. Climb to the top, take in the sweeping panoramic views of the Ili River valley, and let the scale of it all sink in.
Back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.
*Visiting in August? You’re in for a bonus: far from any city lights, Altyn Emel offers one of the darkest skies in the region – perfect for watching the summer meteor showers.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: AKTAU & KATUTAU MOUNTAINS
Hike at Aktau & Kattytau mountains and revel in the awesome panoramic view.
Fuel up on a hearty village breakfast before heading out for the day’s centrepiece – a scenic 1.5-hour drive through rustic rural villages and sweeping semi-desert valleys, toward one of the most extraordinary geological sites in Central Asia: the Aktau and Katutau mountains.
Aktau is unlike anything most travellers have ever seen. Formed from the floor of the ancient Tethys Ocean, these mountains stretch 30 kilometres long and rise a kilometre high – a natural museum of the Earth’s distant past, painted in every colour of the rainbow. Pale blue lunar landscapes give way to deep red Martian hills, layer by layer, as far as the eye can see. Your guide will lead you along hidden paths to the summit, where on a clear day the vast, naked floor of the ancient Tethys Ocean stretches before you for hundreds of miles. One of those rare moments that puts everything into perspective.
After the hike, we settle in for a relaxed picnic with the full panorama of Aktau spread out in front of you. A view worth every step.
Then we move on to Katutau – a completely different character. These mountains were born from volcanic eruptions, their forms shaped over millennia by lava flows, wind, and sun into intricate, otherworldly rock formations that feel like they belong on another planet entirely.
Back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: CHARYN CANYON
Explore different parts of Charyn Canyon
After breakfast at the hotel in Basshi village, we set off toward one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural wonders – Charyn Canyon.
The drive itself eases you in beautifully, with your guide sharing the story of Charyn along the way: its geology, its history, the flora and fauna that somehow thrive in this ancient, sun-baked landscape. By the time the canyon walls appear on the horizon, you’re ready for them.
We make a gentle descent into the Valley of Castles – a world of towering formations of sand and clay, giving way to ancient basalt layers deeper toward the river. The Charyn River glitters below, quietly going about the work it has been doing for 12 million years. Plenty of time to explore at your own pace, find your favourite viewpoint, and fill your camera roll.
Lunch is a picnic on the bank of the Charyn River – the very river that carved all of this. Hard to think of a better dining room.
Then we head to Moon Canyon – just 30 minutes from the Valley of Castles, yet an entirely different world. Quieter, more secluded, and shaped from ancient clay into formations that feel almost lunar. No crowds. Just you and one of Central Asia’s most compelling hidden corners.
Late afternoon, we leave the canyon behind and make our way to Satty village – the closest base to the Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes – for dinner, an overnight stay with a local family, and a traditional Russian banya to soak away the day.
Overnight at a local family homestay in Satty village.
Day 4: KOLSAY LAKES
Hike and scramble from the first Kolsay lake to the second through the spruce forest.
Wake up in the heart of the Northern Tian Shan mountains. Fuel up on breakfast at the guesthouse – you’ll want the energy for what’s ahead.
Today is all about the hike from the first Kolsay Lake to the second, and it’s a day you won’t forget. The trail winds through ancient spruce forest in a wonderful rhythm of ascents and descents, with the mountains revealing themselves at every turn. The full hike takes around 6–7 hours return (16 km, with around 500 metres of elevation between the two lakes) — a proper adventure that rewards every step.
In the afternoon, a well-earned picnic awaits on the shore of the second lake — arguably the most beautiful spot of the entire trip. Take your time here. Breathe it in.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy footwear. And an important practical note: please carry your original passport (not a copy) on the hike – the Kyrgyzstan border lies around 10 km from the second lake, and border soldiers may ask to see it.
As the afternoon light softens, we make our way back down to the first Kolsay Lake, take one last look, and drive back to the village.
Arrival to the village, homestay with a local family (very basic conditions), dinner. Overnight in Satty village.
Day 5: KAINDY LAKES
Drive to the Kaindy lake and see the sunken forest.
The last morning begins gently – a final breakfast in Satty village before heading out to the day’s highlight: Kaindy Lake.
Sitting at 2,000 metres above sea level, Kaindy is one of those places that genuinely defies description. Born from a massive landslide triggered by the 1911 earthquake, the disaster dammed the river and flooded the valley – leaving behind something otherworldly. Tien Shan fir trees stand rooted in the lake floor, their needles perfectly preserved beneath the ice-cold, crystal-clear water, their bare silver trunks reaching above the surface like something out of a dream. You simply have to see it.
Today’s hike is pleasantly easygoing – the perfect way to round off four days of proper adventure. Afterwards, we hit the road back to Almaty, stopping along the way for lunch at a local village café. It’s a long drive back – around 7–8 hours – but the scenery makes it worth every kilometre. Your driver drops you at your hotel, Airbnb, or airport – right where you need to be.
Heading to Kyrgyzstan? We can drop you at the Karkara border crossing or drive you all the way to Karakol. Get in touch for details.
Love sleeping under the stars? We can arrange camping at the desert, in the forest, or on the shore of a mountain lake instead of any of the guesthouses on this tour – just let us know when you book. Bonfire included.
Your "Around Almaty in 5 Days" tour on the map:
Prices for "Around Almaty in 5 Days" tour, USD:
This is a private tour. Each listed price is the total for your group size (1-5 guests), not a per person rate. Usually we don’t match solo travelers or combine separate bookings, sometimes we can do it only if participants agreed and their dates match, however unfortunately it rarely happens.
If your party size changes, the price will adjust to the corresponding group tier.
For groups of 6+ guests, please contact us for options.
Basic
Everything included — accommodation, meals, entry tickets, and water — just without the guide. A practical choice if you'd like to see the highlights while keeping costs manageable.
Solo traveller
$2335
total
Private only, no group matching. $2335 for one guest.
2 people
$1275 / person
$2550 total
Private only, no group matching. $1275 per person for group of two guests.
3 people
$1015 / person
$3045 total
Private only, no group matching. $1015 per person for group of three guests.
4 people
$815 / person
$3260 total
Private only, no group matching. $815 per person for group of four guests.
5 people
$720 / person
$3600 total
Private only, no group matching. $720 per person for group of five guests.
Standard
Your own expert English-speaking guide, an experienced driver, and everything taken care of — accommodation, meals, entry tickets, and water. Just show up and enjoy.
Solo traveller
$2900
total
Private only, no group matching. $2900 for one guest.
2 people
$1560 / person
$3120 total
Private only, no group matching. $1560 per person for group of two guests.
3 people
$1200 / person
$3600 total
Private only, no group matching. $1200 per person for group of three guests.
4 people
$955 / person
$3820 total
Private only, no group matching. $955 per person for group of four guests.
5 people
$835 / person
$4175 total
Private only, no group matching. $835 per person for group of five guests.
What's included:
Transportation – 4WD air-conditioned car
Accommodation in guest house is based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Single supplement is available for additional 30 USD per person. Here is more information and photos of guesthouses.
Food – 4 lunches, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners.
Water – 1L per person per day
Tour-guide (only for Standard option)
All fees & tickets
Upgrade for hotel rooms in Satty village is available, please contact us via email or WhatsApp and we will check availability.
The price of hotel upgrade based on two people sharing a double/twin room is 30 USD per person or 60 USD for two guests.
Upgrade for single supplement in hotel varies from 60 USD to 100 USD, based on a hotel.
Please keep in mind that if you are upgrading for the hotel, then only breakfast is included. It is possible to order dinner and lunch in hotel’s restaurant and pay with card or cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicle will be used for the tour, and is it a 4×4 with rear seat-belts and child seats?
For our tours we usually use such cars as Toyota Land Cruiser or Toyota Sequoia.
We utilize only 4×4 vehicles to ensure a safe and reliable journey. Our fleet consists primarily of Toyota Land Cruisers and Toyota Sequoias.
Each vehicle is maintained to a high standard and undergoes a comprehensive safety inspection before every departure. For your safety, all cars are equipped with functional seat belts in the rear seats. Furthermore, if a child seat is required for your trip, we will provide one to ensure the comfort and safety of your younger travelers.
In Basic option - will the driver speak English?
Our drivers have a basic level of English — enough to get by, but don’t be surprised if a phone dictionary makes an appearance now and then. It’s all part of the adventure! If you’d like the full story behind every destination — the history, the geology, the culture — the Standard option with an expert guide is the way to go.
In Basic option - will the driver lead hikes?
For safety reasons we prefer our drivers to stay rested and alert for the road ahead, so they won’t be leading longer hikes. That said, shorter walks and quick explorations are absolutely fine. If guided hiking is important to you, the Standard option is the better fit.
What will I get by choosing Standard?
You will get everything from Basic — accommodation, meals, entry tickets, and water — plus your own expert English-speaking guide. Here’s what that means in practice:
- your driver stays focused on the road, while your guide is fully dedicated to you.
- They’ll bring every destination to life with stories about history, geology, and culture;
- lead every hike; and be by your side throughout the entire tour for whatever you need.
It’s the difference between seeing a place and truly understanding it.
Is it possible to arrange vegetarian meals?
Absolutely! We are happy to arrange vegetarian meals for you. Just let us know your dietary preferences when booking and we’ll take care of the rest. We can also accommodate vegan, raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, and most other dietary requirements — no one should have to worry about food on a trip like this. Just let us know and we’ll make it work!
Is it possible to do the Kolsai lake trek on horses?
You may come across locals offering horse rides at the lake — a tempting option, but not one we include in our tours. We prefer to explore on foot, and for good reason: we can’t vouch for the condition of the horses or equipment, and your safety is something we take seriously. The hike itself takes around 6–7 hours return and is very manageable for most fitness levels — our guests regularly surprise themselves with how enjoyable it is. Two legs are all you need.
That said, if horse riding is on your wish list, we’d love to make it happen properly. We can arrange a session at a reputable local riding club with all the right equipment — helmets, proper boots, and horses that are well looked after. Just let us know and we’ll sort it out.
Is this a fully private tour for our family, or could other guests be added?
This will be your fully private tour, no other guests will be added.
Is it possible to upgrade accommodation from guesthouses to yurt or hotel rooms in Satty village?
Yes, absolutely! If you’d prefer something different from a standard guesthouse, we can arrange a stay in a cosy yurt or a hotel room in Satty village for an additional fee. Just get in touch with us before booking and we’ll discuss the available options and find the best fit for you.
I see similar offers from other tour companies with cheaper prices, why your price is higher?
Great question — and we’d rather be upfront about it than defensive.
Our drivers. We work with a small, trusted group of professionals who drive well-maintained premium 4WD vehicles. They don’t speed, they know every rough stretch of road in every national park we visit, and they’ve spent years mastering routes that less experienced drivers find genuinely challenging. If our regular drivers are unavailable, we don’t run the tour — we’d rather reschedule than compromise on who’s behind the wheel.
Our guides. Every guide we work with has gone through our own training programme, speaks confident conversational English, and will take you through the history, geology, geography, flora and fauna of every place you visit. Many have been with us for years. Same rule applies: if our guides are unavailable, the tour doesn’t run.
Our support. Behind every tour is an office team available to help with anything — customising your itinerary, answering questions, and making sure every detail is taken care of before and during your trip.
Our values. We pay our team fairly, because people who take genuine pride in their work deserve to be compensated well for it. That’s how we retain the same trusted faces year after year — and why our guests keep coming back.
Our accountability. We are a fully licensed, tax-paying tour operator — a legitimate company with real accountability to our guests, our team, and the law.
Cheaper options exist, and we respect that budget matters. But when you’re travelling far from home in remote national parks and on rough mountain roads, the question worth asking is: who do I trust to get us there and back safely, and make it truly memorable? We’d love to be the answer to that question.
What's your cancelation policy?
Cancellation policy:
– If you need to cancel your tour and it’s more than 7 days before the start date, you’ll get your full deposit back.
– If you cancel less than 7 days before the tour, unfortunately, you won’t be able to get that deposit back.
In the event that the weather does not permit us to visit the planned locations, your guide will propose an alternative itinerary that is suitable for the current conditions. While we cannot control the weather, please rest assured that we always strive to ensure you have a wonderful experience, no matter the circumstances.
I want to book the tour, how do I proceed?
1. Choose your date — use the calendar to select your preferred departure date. Greyed-out dates are sold out, but you can join the waitlist if needed.
2. Select your group size — pick the package that matches your group. The more people, the better the price per person.
3. Fill in participant details — you’ll be asked for basic information about each person in your group. There’s also a Notes to Organizer field — feel free to use it for any special requests or questions for us.
4. Agree to the terms & conditions — a quick read before you confirm.
5. Travel insurance — you’ll have the option to add travel insurance powered by Trawick International, covering trip cancellations, missed flights, and medical emergencies while travelling. Entirely optional, but worth considering for peace of mind.
6. Payment — choose whichever payment method works best for you: credit or debit card, US bank account, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. All transactions are secure and encrypted. You only pay a 10% deposit today — the remaining balance is due closer to the tour date. Prefer to pay in full upfront? That option is available too.
Hit Confirm Booking and you’re all set. We’ll be in touch shortly to take care of everything else. Looking forward to showing you Kazakhstan!
What is your booking software, is it safe?
We use WeTravel – a secure, user-friendly Dutch platform designed to book and pay for multi-day, specialized group trips. It allows travelers to pay in multiple currencies, set up flexible payment plans, and securely upload necessary documents, all while providing a clear overview of their itinerary and payment status.
Key features for guests include:
– Secure Payment Options: Guests can pay for trips using credit cards or, often, fee-free local bank transfers (ACH, SEPA, etc.), reducing extra costs.
– Seamless Booking Experience: Guests can easily view itineraries, sign up, and manage their trip details in one place.
– Personalized Profile: Guests have access to a dashboard to check their booking status, payment history, and necessary travel documents.
– Communication: Through WeTravel, travelers can receive updates and communicate directly with trip organizers.
– Essentially, it acts as the secure booking portal for boutique travel companies, retreats, and specialized group tours, providing peace of mind for the consumer.
