From Almaty: 3-Day Tien Shan Mountains 4WD Expedition

Highlights

• Embark on a 3-day expedition through the Tien Shan Mountains from Almaty
• Travel by 4WD through remote landscapes, canyons, and river valleys
• Camp under the stars on the Taban-Karagai Plateau and enjoy a hot dinner
• Discover the mysterious 'Stone City' of Taskala and its rock formations
• Visit the legendary Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, surrounded by dense forests

Description

Day 1: Almaty to Taban-Karagai Plateau Leave Almaty behind and enter the green depths of Turgen Gorge. Soon the asphalt ends, the mountains rise around you, and the immense Assy Plateau opens ahead. Alpine meadows stretch toward the horizon, herds graze on traditional summer pastures, and the white dome of the Assy-Turgen Observatory stands alone beneath an endless sky. Beyond the observatory, the route climbs toward Kyzylauz Pass and descends through the dramatic Zhinishke Canyon. The track twists between rocks, crosses streams, and leads deeper into a landscape that feels untouched by time. By evening, reach the remote Taban-Karagai Plateau, set up camp, and share a hot dinner as darkness settles over the mountains. With no city lights for hundreds of kilometers, the night sky becomes part of the expedition. Day 2: Taban-Karagai Plateau to Saty Village On the second morning, wake to complete silence and continue toward the headwaters of the Chilik River. The prepared 4WD climbs to approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, where the air becomes cooler and the world below unfolds into an unforgettable panorama of ridges, rivers, and distant peaks. Discover Taskala—the mysterious “Stone City.” Shaped entirely by wind, water, and time, its rock formations resemble the walls and towers of a forgotten civilization. Continue through Aktas to a breathtaking viewpoint above the Tauchelek River Valley. Standing high over its immense green expanse, you will understand just how vast and wild Kazakhstan can be. After crossing the highlands, descend into Saty village. A homemade dinner, a warm guesthouse, and genuine local hospitality replace the previous night’s wilderness camp. Day 3: Saty Village to Almaty The final day brings you to two legendary mountain lakes. Walk beside the clear waters of Kolsai, surrounded by dense spruce forest and the peaks of the Tien Shan. Then travel by 4WD to mysterious Kaindy Lake, where the trunks of a submerged forest rise from cold turquoise water like the masts of a sunken ship. By the time you return to Almaty, you will not simply have visited Kolsai and Kaindy. You will have crossed the mountains to reach them—over passes, through canyons, and along a route seen by very few travelers.

Includes

3-day guided expedition 4WD vehicle transport Camping equipment Meals Guesthouse accommodation Sleeping bags Tent Chairs&table

Excludes

Travel insurance Personal expenses

Important Information

• The route may change depending on weather, river levels, and mountain-road conditions. Safety always comes first in this remote terrain.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund