Altyn Emel National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 220 km northeast of Almaty, is a stunning testament to the region's natural beauty and ecological significance. Spanning over 4,600 square kilometers, this expansive park is renowned for its diverse landscapes and unique geological formations. One of its most famous attractions is the Singing Dunes, a natural wonder where the sand produces a melodic hum when the wind passes over it, creating an eerie yet enchanting experience for travelers.
The first lake, Saty (Kolsai 1st), sits at an altitude of 1,818 meters, stretching one kilometer long, 400 meters wide, and reaching a depth of 80 meters. Mynzhylky (Kolsai 2nd) is located 5 kilometers away at an altitude of 2,252 meters. The third lake, Sarybulak, is perched at 2,850 meters above sea level, close to the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border.

The lakes are connected by the Kolsai River, with fresh, mineral-rich water. In some areas, the lakes reach a depth of 80 meters. In the summer, the water temperature is around 10°C, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm steppe climate.
Located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty, Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan's most spectacular natural wonders. Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," Charyn Canyon stretches for approximately 154 kilometers along the Charyn River. Recognized for its unique geological features, Charyn Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its global significance and natural beauty.
Lake Kaindy derives its name from the birch grove that tourists pass through on their way to the lake. Formed by a powerful earthquake in 1911, a portion of the mountain slid into the gorge, obstructing the flow of the Kaindy River. This caused the river to flood the gorge, and the cold waters preserved the submerged Tian Shan spruces, creating a unique underwater forest.
General Information
Within just 5 days our guests will visit three national parks in Kazakhstan: Altyn-Emel, including the Singing Dune and Aktau Mountains, Charyn Canyons and Kolsay Lakes.
Our tour offers the most comprehensive exploration of the canyons. While 99% of tourists only visit the Valley of the Castles, our itinerary includes six distinct locations within the canyons.
1
2
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
A highlight of the journey is a visit to the second alpine Kolsay Lake. A hike for 18 km total or a horse ride also available.
3
4
During our entire trip we will cover a distance of 1,410 km by SUV and 36 km of trekking.
We present our most popular tour route in the Almaty region. This journey combines easy trekking, visits to numerous natural sites, and a variety of landscapes, making the route unforgettable. This unforgettable journey fully showcases the wild beauty of the Almaty region!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Aktau (White Mountains),
Altyn-Emel
07:00 - Pick up guests from their addresses in Almaty
08:00 - Departure by SUVs to Basshi village, the headquarters of Altyn-Emel National Park (255 km)
11:30 - Check-in at the reception office of the national park, visit the Altyn-Emel National Park Visitor Center
12:30 - Lunch at the guest house
13:30 - Departure to Aktau Mountains (70 km)
15:00 - Trek 7 km inside Aktau Mountains, exploring the main canyon, visiting a small canyon, and reaching the top of one of the mountains
18:00 - Visit a 700-year-old willow tree for a photo opportunity (40 km)
19:00 - Accommodation at the guesthouse
20:00 - Dinner. Overnight stay
Day 2: Singing Dune, Sculpture Valley
08:00 - Breakfast at the guesthouse. Departure to Singing Dune (Aygaykum, 55 km)
12:00 - Return to the guest house (55 km)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Departure to Sculpture Valley (90 km)
15:30 - Trekking inside the Valley (2 km), taking photos
17:00 - Departure to Zharkent town (30 km)
17:30 - Visit The Jarkent Oriental Mosque (1 of 3 Oriental Mosques in the World)
18:00 - Dinner at a cafe
19:00 - Overnight at the hotel
Day 3: Charyn Canyon
08:00 - Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 - Departure to Charyn National Park (180 km)
11:30 - Arrival and descent to the “Valley of the Castles” canyon (Qyzylsay)
12:00 - Lunch (packed lunches)
14:00 - Visit a panoramic site with a view from the top of the Valley of Castles
15:00 - Departure to Lunar Canyon panoramic site (25 km)
16:00 - Transfer to Stone Shelf (15 km)
16:45 - Departure to Napoleon viewpoint (5 km), then to the Austrian spot
(2 km)
17:00 - Take photos and depart to Saty village (Kolsay Lakes, 110 km)
19:00 - Arrival at Saty village (Kolsay Lakes area). Accommodation at the guesthouse
20:00 - Dinner. Overnight stay
Day 4: Kolsay Lakes
08:00 - Breakfast at the guesthouse
09:00 - Departure to Saty Lake (1st Kolsay, 15 km)
10:00 - Trekking to Mynzhylky Lake (8 km, 3 hours of trekking)
13:00 - Arrival at Mynzhylky Lake (2nd Kolsay)
13:30 - Lunch (packed lunches)
14:00 - Return to Saty Lake (8 km, 3 hours of trekking)
17:00 - Departure to Saty village (15 km)
18:00 - Dinner. Overnight stay
Day 5: Kaindy Lake
08:00 - Breakfast at the guesthouse
09:00 - Departure to Kaindy Lake (15 km)
10:00 - Visit three locations at the lake: the shore, the panoramic viewpoint, and the inflow of the Kaindy River into the lake
13:00 - Depart for the guest house
13:30 - Lunch at the guest house
14:00 - Departure to Almaty (295 km)
18:00 - Arrival in Almaty
Additional Information
  • Duration
    5 Days
  • Route Difficulty
    Standard/Medium. Trekking between first and second Kolsay lakes is a strenuous activity and may not be suitable for guests with cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure.
    (Also available: horse ride at additional cost)
  • Precautions
    It is mandatory to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent (especially during the spring period).
  • Identity Documents
    When visiting the Kolsay lakes you should have your identity documents (border zone).
  • Total route length
    1,410 km by car and 36 km by trekking combined.
  • Children
    Infants under 2 years old travel free of charge. Child seats can be provided upon prior arrangement.
Price List
Included in the tour price
All our tours are private, offering a personalized experience tailored to your group.
Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group.
6 People
  • Comfortable SUV transportation
  • Services of an English/Chinese/Russian-speaking guide
  • 2 Nights’ accommodation in a guest house in Altyn-Emel
  • 2 Nights’ accommodation in a guest house in the Kolsay Lakes
  • Three meals a day, excluding breakfast on the first day, dinner on the second day
  • Eco-fees for "Charyn" National Park
  • 1.5 liters of drinking water per guest per day
  • Personal expenses
  • Pet-Friendly Travel: Bringing your furry friends (dogs and cats) along is welcome! A fee of $10 per day applies.
Not included in the tour price
$525 per person ($3 150 total)
$550 per person ($2 750 total)
5 People
4 People
$600 per person ($2 400 total)
$700 per person ($2 100 total)
3 People
Solo Tour
$1 600 total
$950 per person ($1 800 total)
2 People
Join the Adventure
Leave your contact details, and our team will get in touch to create a personalized and unforgettable adventure for you in the heart of Kazakhstan.
Photogallery
Photo by Paul
Photo by Lea
Photo by Leopold
Photo by Tiana
Photo by Mohd
Discover the Nomad Outfitter Team
Recognized by Lonely Planet as a leading outdoor provider in Almaty, Nomad Outfitter team has established itself as a premier choice for outdoor adventures. Since joining the Kazakhstan Tourist Association in 2018, our commitment to exceptional service and local expertise has been consistently strengthening. TripAdvisor has honored us with the "Traveler's Choice" award for five consecutive years (2020-2024), highlighting our dedication to providing unforgettable experiences based on traveler reviews.
Discover More Tours
Made on
Tilda