Kazakhstan-6-days: adventure-nature-offbeat

Arrive at the Almaty International Airport in Almaty (Airport code: ALA). Once you pass immigration retrieve your luggage and clear customs, look for JrnyOn representative holding a placard with the JrnyOn logo. Proceed to your hotel in a pre-arranged transfer vehicle.

Duration: 30 minutes
Distance: 25 kms / 15.5 miles

As the sun dips below the horizon, take the Kok Tobe Hill cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Almaty. The city lights begin to twinkle as you ascend, creating a magical contrast against the glowing sky. At the summit, enjoy a relaxed evening with scenic viewpoints, cafés, and a lively atmosphere.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Charyn Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder known for its dramatic rock formations and vibrant hues. As you journey through the vast landscapes, enjoy views of rolling hills and rugged terrain before arriving at the canyon’s stunning cliffs and winding gorges.

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 216 kms / 134.2 miles

A picnic-style lunch is a delightful meal enjoyed outdoors, featuring an assortment of fresh, easy-to-eat foods like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks. Packed in a basket or tote, it’s perfect for parks, beaches, or gardens. With a cozy blanket and refreshing drinks, it creates a relaxed, scenic dining experience.

The drive to the Kazak family in Saty village, home to Aryn Guesthouse, takes you through stunning Kazakh countryside, with rolling hills, rugged mountains, and vast open plains. As you approach, traditional yurts and friendly locals hint at the warm hospitality awaiting you in this charming rural retreat.

Duration: 1.5 hours
Distance: 91 kms / 56.5 miles

A scenic drive to Kolsai Lake takes you through Kazakhstan’s breathtaking landscapes, from rolling steppe to lush mountain valleys. Winding roads weave past charming villages and alpine forests, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks. The journey culminates at the crystal-clear waters of this tranquil lake.

Duration: 30 minutes
Distance: 15 kms / 9.3 miles

Savor an authentic Kazakh dinner featuring rich, hearty flavors. Enjoy beshbarmak, a traditional dish of tender boiled meat over handmade noodles, or plov, a fragrant rice pilaf. Pair with baursaks (fluffy fried bread) and shubat (fermented camel milk) for a true taste of Kazakhstan’s culinary heritage.

After breakfast, set off to explore Kaindy Lake, a hidden gem surrounded by dense spruce forests and towering cliffs. Marvel at its striking turquoise waters, where submerged tree trunks rise eerily from the depths. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, capture breathtaking views, and soak in nature’s tranquility.

Experience the thrill of horse riding around Lake Kaindy, where emerald waters reflect the ghostly submerged trees. Traverse lush meadows and rugged mountain trails, soaking in breathtaking alpine scenery. The crisp mountain air and the rhythmic hoofbeats create an unforgettable adventure in nature. (Horse riding is at additional cost).

After exploring the breathtaking landscapes, head back to Saty village for a well-earned lunch. Nestled amid serene mountains, the village offers hearty local dishes, fresh dairy, and warm hospitality. Savor authentic flavors while relaxing in the peaceful surroundings before continuing your adventure.

After lunch, the journey back to Almaty unfolds with scenic mountain views, rolling hills, and winding roads. Villages pass by, with glimpses of grazing livestock and quiet countryside life. As the city nears, the rural charm fades into urban energy, marking the trip’s conclusion.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 280 kms / 173.9 miles

The drive from Almaty to Big Almaty Lake and Gorge winds through scenic mountain roads, offering breathtaking alpine views. Lush forests, rugged peaks, and fresh mountain air make the journey unforgettable. As you ascend, the turquoise lake emerges, framed by towering ridges, creating a stunning natural panorama.

Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 31 kms / 19.2 miles

Big Almaty Lake is a breathtaking alpine gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. The hike winds through pine-covered slopes, offering panoramic views of the turquoise waters reflecting the sky. A rewarding trek, it immerses you in pristine nature and fresh mountain air.

Duration: 5 hours

The return to Almaty is a refreshing transition from rugged mountain trails to urban charm, leaving you with lasting memories of nature’s grandeur.

Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 31 kms / 19.2 miles

Shymbulak Mountain Ski Resort offers stunning alpine scenery, world-class slopes, and a vibrant après-ski scene. Nestled in Kazakhstan’s Tian Shan Mountains, it boasts powdery trails for all skill levels, cozy lodges, and breathtaking panoramic views. Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventures.

Travel Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 26 kms / 16.1 miles

Glide up to Talgar Pass in a cable car, soaring over lush valleys and rugged cliffs. As you ascend, breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks and winding trails unfold beneath you. At the top, crisp mountain air and sweeping views of the Trans-Ili Alatau range create a stunning alpine experience. (Cable car ride is at additional cost)

The return to Almaty is a refreshing transition from rugged mountain trails to urban charm, leaving you with lasting memories of nature’s grandeur.

Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 31 kms / 19.2 miles

Explore Almaty’s vibrant culture with a visit to the historic 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, home to striking war memorials. Admire the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden architectural gem. Stroll through the lively Green Bazaar, where you can pick up unique handmade souvenirs and taste local delicacies.

Duration: 2 hours

Today your JrnyOn journey comes to an end. Transport will be arranged to get you to the Almaty International Airport (Airport Code: ALA) for your flight back home. Once on the flight, you can begin to plan for your next JRNY!

Duration: 30 minutes
Distance: 25 kms / 15.5 miles