Altyn Emel + Charyn Canyon + Kolsai Kaindy Issyk Lakes + Assy Plateau 5-day jeep tour

Starting/ending point: Almaty city

Driving distance: 1320 km from Almaty and back

Tour duration: 5 days/4 nights

Start time: 08:00 am Almaty time

Availability season: May - October

Tour language: English | Russian

Tour options: PRIVATE

Description

TOURIST PLACES you'll visit:

Ultimate Almaty Region Jeep Adventure: Canyons, Lakes & Desert Landscapes

Experience the wild beauty of southeastern Kazakhstan on this multi-day off-road Jeep tour through the most spectacular natural landmarks of the Almaty region. Designed for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this journey takes you deep into deserts, mountains, alpine lakes, and dramatic canyon landscapes — places unreachable by regular transport.

Feel the thrill of driving across the otherworldly landscapes of Altyn-Emel National Park, home to the famous Singing Dune, the surreal white formations of the Aktau Mountains, the volcanic-looking Katutau Mountains, and the colorful ridges of the Tiger Mountains.

Stand in awe at the legendary Charyn Canyon – Valley of the Castles, then explore the striking contrasts of Moon (Yellow) Canyon and Black Canyon, each offering unique rock formations and panoramic viewpoints.

Discover the pristine beauty of the Kolsai Lakes, visiting both the Lower (First) and Middle (Second) lakes surrounded by forested mountain slopes. Continue to the breathtaking Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest rising from turquoise waters.

Your adventure also includes scenic stops at Issyk Lake and the vast open landscapes of the Assy Plateau, known for its rolling highland meadows and endless horizons. A visit to Bartogai Lake adds another peaceful alpine reservoir to your journey.

Travel in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle with an experienced guide, allowing you to reach remote locations safely while enjoying flexibility and authentic exploration. This expedition combines off-road excitement, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable photo opportunities — the ultimate way to experience Kazakhstan’s natural wonders.

ITINERARY

Day 1

08:00 Pick-up in Almaty
Altyn Emel National Park's museum
Singing Dune

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Bartogai Lake
Issyk Lake
Assy Plateau
20:00 Drop-off in Almaty

[Contact us to receive the full, detailed itinerary]

⚠️ [Visits to any of the tour sites may be canceled and their order changed due to the change of seasons, weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control]

PHOTOS OF OUR TOURISTS

OPTIONS & PRICES

PRIVATE jeep-tour	✅ Pick-up/drop-off ✅ National parks entrance fees ✅ 4x4 SUV ✅ English-speaking guide-driver ✅ Bottled water ✅ Accommodation (details below)
[ECONOMY] option	✅ Guesthouse (see photo) or yurt (Kazakh traditional dwelling) ✅ Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 5, Dinner x 4 ✅ Accommodation: 1st/2nd nights - guesthouse in the village 3rd/4th nights - guesthouse or yurt (Kazakh traditional dwelling)
Number of people	1	2	3	4
PRICE in USD	$1550	$1600	$1750	$1950
[COMFORT] option	✅ Meals: Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 5, Dinner x 2 ❌ Dinner on the 3rd/4th days is not included and available in the hotel's cafe ✅ Accommodation: 1st/2nd nights - guesthouse in the village 2nd/3rd nights - hotel at Kolsai Lake (see photo) ✅ Toiletries
PRICE in USD	$1770	$1830	$2220	$2420
Room type at Kolsai Lake	Double Room	Double Room	Junior Studio	Junior Suit

⚠️ [If you are more people, contact us and we will make an individual calculation for you]

IMPORTANT INFO

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Mid-high
Travelers should have a good physical fitness level.

WE RECOMMEND TO TAKE WITH YOU: weather/season-appropriate outerwear, head cover, trekking boots/sport shoes, sunblock, replacement socks, some cash in KZT for personal expenses and optional activities (boating, horseback-riding).
!!! Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes are located in the border area with Kyrgyzstan. Be sure to have your passport (original, not a copy) with you in case of inspection. Border guards can fine you if you don’t have it.

PRECAUTION

• Not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions, high/low blood pressure;
• Not recommended for pregnant women;
• Not recommended for travelers with a fear of heights and who can not withstand long trips by car/long walks/hikes;

PRIVATE TOUR BOOKING

[Here you can submit a request to book a private tour. We will try to respond to you within 24 hours]

BOOKING TERMS

Deposit ($50 - $100) is required to confirm your private tour booking. No deposit is required for group tour bookings, but it may be requested later if necessary. The remaining amount should be paid at the start of the tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY

PRIVATE TOURS

Customers can change the details or cancel the booking no later than 72 hours before the start of the tour with the possibility of a 70-90% refund of the tour cost. After this time, no refund is possible. The deposit made is non-refundable.

GROUP TOURS

Customers can change the details or cancel the booking no later than 24 hours before the start of the tour/activity with a full refund of the tour cost. After this time, no refund is possible.
A minimum number of tourists and suitable weather are required. If these criteria are not met, the tour/activity will be canceled no later than 48 hours before the start and customers will be offered a different date/tour or a full refund.

Any tour/booking can be canceled in case of force majeure with a full refund.