Kazakhstan Explorer Trails
Explore Kazakhstan’s dramatic landscapes on a seven-day journey through lively Almaty, remote villages and the mountain scenery of the south-east. Discover leafy streets, colourful markets and local Kazakh flavours before travelling into the wide-open landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park.
Listen for the Singing Dunes, explore the striking formations of the Aktau and Katutau mountains, and stop in Zharkent to visit its distinctive mosque and Orthodox church. Stay in Basshi and Saty for a closer look at village life and warm local hospitality.
From the forest-fringed shores of Kolsai Lake and the submerged trees of Kaindy Lake to the towering rock formations of Charyn Canyon, this offbeat journey combines Kazakhstan’s natural beauty with rewarding cultural encounters.
Your Kazakhstan Route
Almaty → Altyn-Emel → Basshi → Zharkent → Saty → Charyn Canyon → Almaty
Trip Snapshot
Seven days exploring Kazakhstan’s colourful mountains, singing dunes, alpine lakes and dramatic canyons, with village stays in Basshi and Saty and cultural discoveries in Almaty.
7 Days6 Nights
Kazakhstan6 Main Stops
5 – 10Travelers
6 BreakfastsIncluded Meals
Twin / DoubleSingle Option
Private SUV / VanRoad Transfers
16 – 22 May 2027₹77,500 per person
YOUR JOURNEY , DAY BY DAY – TRIP ITINERARY
Seven Days Through Wild Kazakhstan
Almaty → Altyn-Emel → Basshi → Zharkent → Saty → Charyn Canyon → Almaty
Day 1 · 16 May — Arrival in Almaty
Arrive in Almaty and transfer to the hotel. Rest after your journey. In the evening, you have the option to explore Arbat Street and experience the city’s lively atmosphere.
Overnight in Almaty.
Day 2 · 17 May — Almaty – Altyn-Emel National Park – Basshi
After breakfast, leave Almaty for Altyn-Emel National Park. Reach Basshi village, have lunch and begin exploring the park’s striking desert and mountain landscapes.
In the late afternoon, visit the Singing Dunes, also known as Singing Barkhan. Walk among the dunes, listen for their distinctive sounds and enjoy the wide-open scenery. Later, return to the homestay and discover traditional Kazakh dishes.
Overnight at a village homestay in Basshi.
Day 3 · 18 May — Basshi – Katutau & Aktau Mountains – Zharkent – Saty
Today, explore the unusual rock formations of the Katutau Mountains and the colourful slopes and canyons of the Aktau Mountains. The sculpted landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for walking, photography and enjoying the remote surroundings.
After lunch, travel to Zharkent to visit its distinctive mosque and museum, the Orthodox church and the local market. There is time to try local favourites such as lagman or beshbarmak before continuing to Saty village.
Overnight in Saty.
Day 4 · 19 May — Saty – Kolsai Lake – Kaindy Lake – Saty
After breakfast, visit Kolsai Lake in Kolsai Lakes National Park. Enjoy the beautiful forest-fringed lake and surrounding mountain scenery. Walking, horse riding and boat rides are available locally; optional activities are at your own expense.
After lunch, continue to Kaindy Lake, known for its blue-green water and submerged tree trunks. Explore the lake’s surroundings before returning to Saty village.
Overnight in Saty.
Day 5 · 20 May — Saty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
After breakfast, drive to Charyn Canyon and explore its spectacular rock formations. Walk along the Valley of Castles, following the path through the canyon towards the Charyn River.
Visit Black Canyon along the way, then continue to Almaty, arriving by late afternoon.
Overnight in Almaty.
Day 6 · 21 May — Exploring Almaty
Enjoy a city tour of Almaty, with its tree-lined streets, parks and mountain backdrop. Visit Kok Tobe Hill, Central Square and the colourful Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park.
Explore the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, then visit Zelenyi—or Green—Bazaar to experience the local market scene. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore at your own pace.
Overnight in Almaty.
Day 7 · 22 May — Departure from Almaty
After breakfast, transfer to Almaty Airport for your onward flight. End of tour.
What's Included
Accommodation
6 nights · Twin / Double sharing
3 nights in Almaty
1 night in Basshi village homestay
2 nights in Saty village
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transfers
✓ Airport pickup and departure transfers by private SUV / van.
✓ Private SUV / van for the Day 2–5 journey through Basshi, Zharkent, Saty, Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, and Charyn Canyon.
Experiences
✓ Almaty city day tour.
✓ Excursions and sightseeing as described in the itinerary.
Taxes
✓ Service charges and applicable taxes.
What's Excluded
Flights
International flights to Almaty and back.
Entry Tickets
Sightseeing entrance tickets and camera charges, wherever applicable.
Meals
Lunches and dinners.
Visa & Optional Activities
Visa fees, if applicable, and optional activities such as horse riding and boat rides.
Other Expenses
Anything other than the listed tour inclusions.
Tour Highlights
The moments you’ll brag about later
Discover Almaty
Explore leafy streets, Kok Tobe Hill, Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park and Green Bazaar, with time to discover local food and the city’s mountain backdrop.
Altyn-Emel & Singing Dunes
Journey into Altyn-Emel National Park to explore the Singing Dunes and the colourful, sculpted landscapes of the Aktau and Katutau mountains.
Village Life & Zharkent
Stay in Basshi and Saty, experience Kazakh hospitality and local flavours, and visit Zharkent’s distinctive mosque, Orthodox church and bustling market.
Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes
Discover Kolsai’s forest-fringed shores and Kaindy’s submerged trees, surrounded by mountain scenery, peaceful walking trails and beautiful blue-green water.
Charyn Canyon Adventure
Walk through the Valley of Castles among dramatic rock formations, follow the canyon towards the Charyn River and stop at Black Canyon along the way.
Before you go
Almaty
Altyn-Emel National Park
Basshi
Aktau & Katutau Mountains
Zharkent
Saty
Kolsai Lake
Kaindy Lake
Charyn Canyon
Black Canyon
Almaty — 3 nights
Berkana Hotel / Saraichik Hotel or similar.
Basshi — 1 night
Adrak Guesthouse or similar.
Saty — 2 nights
Village homestay.
Standard-category accommodation on a twin/double-sharing basis. Properties listed are from the original trip plan; final stays will be confirmed before departure.
Breakfast is included on six mornings, with local and/or Western options depending on the stay. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
Try Kazakh favourites such as beshbarmak, lagman, kebabs and local breads. Almaty offers a wider choice of local and Western food, while village meals are simpler and reflect local hospitality. Please share any dietary requirements before booking.
Private SUV or van for airport transfers, the journey through Altyn-Emel, Basshi, Zharkent, Saty and Charyn Canyon, and the Almaty city tour.
Expect a mix of paved roads and rougher sections on the rural and national-park routes. Vehicle arrangements will suit the group size and local road conditions.
₹2,500 discount for returning guests.
₹3,000 discount per person for three or more people booking together.
Contact us to confirm the applicable offer when booking.
For this trip
This small-group adventure is for travellers who enjoy nature, local culture and offbeat landscapes. Expect village stays, walks around lakes and canyons, time on sandy or uneven ground, and several longer road journeys.
Comfortable walking shoes and a flexible approach to simpler rural accommodation will help you enjoy the journey. Optional activities can be arranged locally at your own expense.
For all our trips
Our journeys combine popular sights with local interactions and offbeat experiences. There is time for yourself, especially in the evenings, and the group leader can help with suggestions. We choose well-reviewed stays and aim for a friendly, solo-traveller-friendly atmosphere.
Who are we?
Exotic Expeditions creates experiential small-group journeys combining popular sights, offbeat destinations and local encounters.
What is included?
Six nights of twin/double-sharing accommodation, six breakfasts, airport transfers, specified private SUV/van travel and the Almaty city tour. Please refer to the detailed inclusions and exclusions above.
Are flights and visas included?
International flights and any applicable visa fees are excluded. We can assist with flight suggestions and entry-requirement guidance before departure.
What is the group size?
This Kazakhstan departure is planned for 5–10 travellers.
Can solo travellers join?
Yes. Many guests join solo, and the small-group format makes it easy to meet fellow travellers.
Who can join?
Adults are welcome; travellers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please contact us about the walking and road-travel requirements if you have any concerns.
What are the payment options?
Bank transfer, credit card or cash. Instalment payment options are available.
Get in Touch
Have questions or ready to book your Kazakhstan adventure? Contact us through any of the following options:
Email: contact@exoticexpeditions.org
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 9986450370
Payment Options
Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit card or cash. Instalment payment options are also available.