5-Day Altai Sea Route and Lake Zaisan Tour

Altai Sea Route and Lake Zaisan 5-Day Adventure in East Kazakhstan

This 5-day tour in East Kazakhstan suits nature lovers and active travelers seeking cultural and outdoor experiences around Oskemen and Lake Zaisan.

Highlights

• Explore the Altai Sea Route and Lake Zaisan over five days
• Boat tour on the Irtysh River with views of two rivers’ confluence
• Visit the Kiin Kerish mountains, known as the 'Mars of Kazakhstan'
• Enjoy fire-cooked gastro dinners and nights under the Altai sky
• Drive the scenic Altai Sea Route No. 2 featuring mountain serpentines

Description

Day 1: Arrival in Oskemen
Arrive in Oskemen and check in to your hotel. Visit the 'Gold of Altai' exhibition at the Uka Historical & Local Lore Museum. Take a riverboat tour along the Irtysh River to see where two rivers meet. Transfer to Island Residence for an excursion with the author of the Territory of Love project. End the day with a gastro dinner featuring modern Kazakh cuisine prepared exclusively for this event.

Day 2: Jeep Tour and Lake Zaisan
Depart early on a jeep tour through pine forests of the Kalbin Ridge. Cross Kazakhstan’s longest and deepest bridge over its largest reservoir. Stop at Ashybasy Spring to buy famous Kurchum melons and watermelons. Enjoy an outdoor lunch in the Kiin Kerish mountains, called the 'Mars of Kazakhstan.' Arrive at Lake Zaisan, the oldest lake on Earth, and admire the landscapes of Cape Shekelmes. Return via Altai Sea Route No. 1, regarded as one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful roads. Overnight at Nomad glamping camp with a fire-cooked gastro dinner featuring syrne and local Eastern Kazakh delicacies.

Day 3: Jeep Tour or Beach Day
After breakfast cooked over an open fire, choose either an active jeep tour to the high mountains of Katon-Karagay or a beach day at Kazakhstan’s largest reservoir, where stand-up paddleboards are available. In the evening, enjoy a Kazakh dinner cooked over fire, with beshbarmak prepared by the chef. Attend a farewell party under the Altai sky with outdoor cinema, karaoke, and hookah on request. Overnight again at Nomad camp.

Day 4: Return to the City
Have breakfast outdoors with views of the water bay. Return to the city via Altai Sea Route No. 2, a scenic drive featuring mountain serpentines, rivers, and lakes. Finish the day with a gastro dinner of European cuisine blended with Siberian and Kazakh influences.

Day 5: Departure
Enjoy a European breakfast and free time for souvenir shopping including pantocrine and EK honey. Depart from Ust-Kamenogorsk.

Inclusions

• Accommodation at Boutique Hotel
• Visit to 'Gold of Altai' exhibition
• River boat tour on the Irtysh River
• Gastro dinner of modern Kazakh cuisine
• Jeep tour across East Kazakhstan
• Outdoor lunch in Kiin Kerish mountains
• Visit to Lake Zaisan
• Stay at Nomad glamping camp
• Fire-cooked gastro dinners
• Breakfast cooked on open fire
• Active jeep tour to Katon-Karagay (optional)
• Beach day at Kazakhstan’s largest reservoir
• Outdoor cinema, karaoke, and hookah
• Gastro dinner of European cuisine with Siberian and Kazakh influences

Exclusions

• Independent purchase of gifts and souvenirs
• Travel insurance
• Flights to and from Ust-Kamenogorsk

Important Information

• The tour involves outdoor activities and may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues
• Weather can be variable, so pack appropriate clothing
• Insect repellent is recommended for outdoor activities

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, book in advance and bring comfortable outdoor clothing and insect repellent. The tour runs year-round but check seasonal weather conditions before traveling.