Pearls of Semirechye: 7 Days in the Heart of the Tien Shan

The day begins with the pick-up from the airport/border point and the journey towards Almaty, the vibrant capital of Kazakhstan.

Our first destination is the Medeo Gorge, known for hosting the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters. This picturesque gorge attracts locals and visitors alike, offering a retreat from the bustling city. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Medeo ice rink, which is often a popular spot for ice skating and other winter sports.

Returning to Almaty, we visit the Zenkov Cathedral, a remarkable architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. Marvel at the intricate design and vibrant colors of this Orthodox cathedral, which has stood as a symbol of faith for over a century.

Next, we head to Kok Tobe, the highest point in Almaty. This hill offers an incredible panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the top, we take a scenic cable car ride that takes us over some of the oldest parts of Almaty, as well as the stunning fruit-growing gardens. Once at the summit, you can admire the iconic 372-meter TV Tower, which is visible from afar and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and the city. Explore the various attractions at the top, including souvenir shops, restaurants, and even an amusement park.

The day will conclude with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of Kazakh cuisine. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Included in the day’s activities are lunch, dinner, and the entrance fee to Kok Tobe.

Departure from Almaty starts with a comfortable vehicle arriving at your location. The journey to the lake will be fascinating thanks to the guide’s stories about the history of Almaty and the region.  

Upon arrival at the Ile-Alatau National Park, our first stop will be a viewpoint offering stunning views of the Esik mountain gorge. Here, the guide will prepare signature coffee using a moka pot and treat guests to delicious chocolate and cookies.  

Next, we’ll take an exciting walk to Lake Issyk, with numerous photo stops at the most picturesque spots. The guide will suggest several captivating locations for photography.  

Then, the group will head to Turgen Gorge, where we’ll drive through the serpentine mountain road in an off-road vehicle. The Turgen Gorge is incredibly beautiful, and every turn reveals increasingly breathtaking landscapes.  

Afterward, travelers will arrive at the Assy Plateau, where a panoramic viewpoint offers a stunning view of the endless valley with lush greenery, herds of horses, and shepherds’ yurts.  

The final part of the day will be a hike to a beautiful waterfall in Turgen Gorge.  

After the walk to the waterfall, the group will return to Almaty.  

Included: Breakfast, lunch box, dinner, entrance tickets.

An early start from Almaty in a comfortable off-road vehicle will give you the feeling of a real adventure! Our first stop will be Kapshagay, a city with an amazing history where modernity meets the past. The guide will reveal the secrets of this place: from legends about the flooded village to the development of the gambling zone and its role in the region. Here, you’ll feel the breath of history connected to the majestic Kapshagay Reservoir, which became a symbol of humanity’s transformation of nature.  

The next stop is the Ili River, one of the main water arteries of Semirechye. You’ll see how its life-giving waters merge with the vast expanse of the reservoir. This place captivates with its power and tranquility. Then, we’ll pass through the village of Sary-Ozek, whose history is inextricably linked to the legendary construction of the Turkestan-Siberia Railway (Turksib), which changed the fate of the entire region. Here, you’ll hear the story of how railway workers and local residents worked together to create the future.  

The highlight of the day awaits you in Altyn-Emel, a unique place home to the famous Singing Sand Dune. Climb the sand dune at sunset to hear the mysterious “singing” of the sand created by the wind. This phenomenon is a true wonder of nature that will leave you in awe. To make the moment even more magical, we’ll celebrate with a glass of sparkling wine under the setting sun. The golden hues of the sandy hills and the silence of the desert will create an unforgettable atmosphere.  

In the evening, we’ll settle into a cozy guesthouse in the village of Baschi, where you’ll be welcomed warmly with Kazakh hospitality. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the traditional rural lifestyle, taste homemade dishes, and enjoy an evening of relaxation surrounded by picturesque mountains.  

Included: Breakfast, Lunch (light picnic outdoors), Dinner (Kazakh cuisine at the guesthouse).

Wake up early in the morning to embark on a true fairy tale of nature! After a hearty breakfast, you’ll dive into the mysterious prehistoric landscapes of the Aktau Mountains, where every step feels like walking on another planet. Imagine yourself as an explorer of the ancient world, where millions of years ago incredible creatures roamed. During a trek (6–10 km), you’ll walk among bizarre chalk cliffs resembling movie sets about Mars. Here, you can find fossils of ancient animals – traces of life frozen in time. Midday will bring a picnic with stunning views of Martian-like landscapes, where every photo becomes a true work of art.  

Next, we’ll head to the Kati-Tau Mountains – a place where nature has displayed its boundless imagination. These Permian lava formations resemble surrealist sculptures crafted by a giant artist. Stroll among red rocks and mysterious caves, where every corner seems to tell its own story. This is the perfect spot for a photoshoot, where you can capture unforgettable moments amidst these enchanting landscapes.  

By evening, we’ll continue our journey to Zharkent, a city located on the legendary Silk Road. Here, you’ll enjoy a cozy dinner at the best lagman restaurant in town, where the aroma of Eastern spices and the taste of traditional dishes will transport you to the era of caravans and traders. The day will conclude at the “Hot Springs” resort, where you can relax in thermal baths under a starry sky. Imagine this: the warmth of the water, the whisper of the wind, and the endless expanse of the starry sky above – an unforgettable end to the day!  

Included: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic among chalk mountains), Dinner (delicious lagman in Zharkent), Entrance tickets.

Get ready to embark on a journey to one of the most mysterious and majestic places in Kazakhstan – the Charyn Canyon. This day will be a true adventure into a world of bizarre rocks, wild animals, and stunning landscapes that will make you feel like a pioneer exploring uncharted corners of the planet.  

Our route passes through three unique canyons that remain unknown to most tourists. This is your chance to see what is hidden from the mass gaze and experience the magic of untouched nature. The main activity of the day is a jeep expedition, which will give you unforgettable emotions on rough terrain and allow you to reach the most inaccessible corners.  

Our first stop will be the Bestamak Canyon, where you’ll be amazed by the diversity of rock formations created by nature itself. These whimsical outlines resemble sculptures crafted by a giant artist. In the canyon’s gorges, you can encounter wild animals: hares, foxes, mountain goats, and even rare gazelles. Here, you’ll observe wildlife as if you were in the heart of a reserve.  

Next, we’ll head to the Lunar Canyon – a place that seems ripped from a science fiction film. In the Kurtogai Gorge, you’ll meet two-humped camels roaming freely among the rocks. Take a walk through this amazing place, where every step reveals new views, and the air is filled with silence and tranquility.  

By the Charyn River, we’ll have a picnic surrounded by unique flora. The guide will share interesting facts about the Sogdian ash, a relict tree that grows only in this area. This living witness of our planet’s ancient history is truly remarkable.  

On the way back, we’ll pass through the Zhalanash Valley and Aktogay tract, where the sunset rays will transform the landscapes into a true kaleidoscope of colors. These views are a photographer’s dream, where every photo becomes a work of art.  

In the evening, we’ll arrive at a guesthouse in the village of Satty, where the hosts will welcome you like their closest friends.  

Included: Picnic by the Charyn River, Dinner, Accommodation.

Get ready to enter a fairy-tale world of mountains, lakes, and forests, where every step is a new discovery! This day will be a true journey into the heart of the Tien Shan, where you’ll encounter stunning landscapes, scenic treks, and unforgettable encounters with nature.  

Lake Kaindy: The submerged forest and ghost pines  

Our first stop will be Lake Kaindy, one of the most mysterious places in Kazakhstan. This lake, formed as a result of the 1911 earthquake, hides an ancient forest beneath its emerald waters. During a short trek (3 km), you’ll climb to viewing platforms for a stunning view of “ghost pines” protruding from the water. These trees, frozen in time, create an atmosphere of mystery and magic. Here, you’ll capture photos that will become true masterpieces of your journey.  

Kolsai Lakes: A cruise on mirror-like waters  

Next, we’ll head to the Kolsai Lakes, known as the “pearls of the Tien Shan.” You’ll have the unique opportunity to ride a catamaran on the mirror-like surface of the lake, surrounded by coniferous forests and majestic mountain peaks. The water here is so clear that it seems to dissolve all boundaries between the sky and the earth. You’ll enjoy the silence and tranquility, listening to the whispers of the wind and the splashing of water.  

Lunch with a mountain view 

After an active morning, a delicious lunch awaits you at a cozy guesthouse with stunning views of the mountains. Here, you’ll rest and recharge while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding nature.  

Overnight in Kazakh style In the evening, we’ll stay at the same guesthouse, where you’ll be welcomed warmly and hospitably. Spending the night here will be a true immersion in nomadic culture. You’ll enjoy dinner with traditional nomadic dishes: fragrant kazy, airy baursaks, and herbal tea that warms the soul. After dinner, you can relax, enjoying the silence of the mountains and the starry sky above.  

Included: Breakfast, Lunch (dinner at the guesthouse), Dinner (nomadic cuisine).

The morning of this day will begin with a return to one of the most amazing places in Kazakhstan – the Charyn Canyon. You’ll enjoy an exciting trek through the famous “Valley of Castles” (3–8 km), where bizarre rocks resemble ancient fortresses, palaces, and towers. The guide will lead you along secret paths, avoiding tourist crowds, so you can enjoy the magic of this place in complete silence. Every step offers new angles for photography, and the air is filled with the aroma of steppe grass and freedom.  

Bayseit Village: Immersion in Uyghur culture

The next stop is Bayseit Village, where descendants of the ancient Uyghurs preserve their unique traditions and customs. You’ll enjoy lunch at a local café, where you can taste authentic Uyghur pilaf, fragrant samsa, and delicate Dungan noodles. These dishes, prepared according to age-old recipes, will be a bright conclusion to your gastronomic journey. After lunch, you can stroll through the local market, where you can buy spices, dried fruits, felt souvenirs, and other unique gifts to preserve memories of your adventure.  

Return to Almaty: Farewell to the mountains

The way back to Almaty passes through the foothills of the Zailiysky Alatau, where you’ll enjoy picturesque landscapes and stops at local bakeries. Here, you can try fresh tandyr bread baked in a clay oven, which emits an incredible aroma. Along the way, take your final photos against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, which will remind you of the majestic beauty of Kazakhstan’s mountains.  

The final stage of your journey will be a transfer to central Almaty. This city, located at the foot of the mountains, will symbolically mark the end of your tour. But even when the journey ends, the landscapes, emotions, and encounters will stay with you forever. Kazakhstan is a land of contrasts, where harsh nature coexists with the warmth and hospitality of its people.  

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.