Golden Ring of Zhetysu (5 Days) (Group Tour)
Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
We present our most popular tour route in the Almaty region. This journey combines easy trekking, visits to numerous natural sites, and a variety of landscapes, making the route unforgettable.
5-Day National Parks Tour in Kazakhstan
This guided tour explores Altyn-Emel, Charyn Canyon, and Kolsay Lakes, suitable for nature lovers and active travelers.
Highlights
- Visit three national parks within 5 days: Altyn-Emel, Charyn Canyons, and Kolsay Lakes
- Travel 1410 km by SUV and trek 36 km on foot
Itinerary
Day 1: Aktau (White Mountains), Altyn-Emel
07:00 - Pick up from Almaty addresses.
08:00 - Departure by SUV to Basshi village, Altyn-Emel National Park headquarters (255 km).
11:30 - Check-in and visit the Altyn-Emel National Park Visitor Center.
12:30 - Lunch at the cafe.
13:30 - Drive to Aktau Mountains (70 km).
15:00 - Trek 7 km inside Aktau Mountains, exploring canyons and mountain tops.
18:00 - Visit a 700-year-old willow tree for photos (40 km).
19:00 - Accommodation at guesthouse.
20:00 - Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Singing Dune, Sculpture Valley
08:00 - Breakfast at guesthouse. Departure to Singing Dune (Aygaykum, 55 km).
12:00 - Return to guesthouse (55 km).
13:00 - Lunch.
14:00 - Departure to Sculpture Valley (90 km).
15:30 - 2 km trekking and photography in Sculpture Valley.
17:00 - Drive to Zharkent town (30 km).
18:00 - Dinner at cafe.
19:00 - Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Charyn Canyon
08:00 - Breakfast at hotel.
09:00 - Depart to Charyn National Park (180 km).
11:30 - Descend into Valley of the Castles canyon (Qyzylsay).
12:00 - Packed lunch.
14:00 - Visit panoramic viewpoint above Valley of the Castles.
15:00 - Drive to Lunar Canyon viewpoint (25 km).
16:00 - Transfer to Stone Shelf (15 km).
16:45 - Visit Napoleon and Austrian viewpoints (5 km and 2 km).
17:00 - Photos then depart to Saty village near Kolsay Lakes (110 km).
19:00 - Arrival and accommodation at guesthouse.
20:00 - Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Kolsay Lakes
08:00 - Breakfast at guesthouse.
09:00 - Depart to Saty Lake (1st Kolsay, 15 km).
10:00 - Trek 8 km to Mynzhylky Lake (2nd Kolsay) over 3 hours.
13:00 - Packed lunch at Mynzhylky Lake.
14:00 - Return trek 8 km to Saty Lake.
17:00 - Drive back to Saty village (15 km).
18:00 - Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Kaindy Lake
08:00 - Breakfast at guesthouse.
09:00 - Departure to Kaindy Lake (15 km).
10:00 - Visit lake shore, panoramic viewpoint, and river inflow.
13:00 - Return to guesthouse.
13:30 - Lunch.
14:00 - Departure to Almaty (295 km).
18:00 - Arrival in Almaty.
Includes
- Transportation in a comfortable SUV
- Services of a Russian- and English-speaking guide-driver throughout the route
- Drinking water (1.5 liters per guest)
- 2 nights accommodation at Altyn-Emel guesthouse with private shower and toilet in each room
- 2 nights accommodation at guesthouse near Kolsay Lakes with private shower and toilet in each room
- Environmental fees as per the program
- Three meals daily, excluding breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
Excludes
- Other personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
Full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.
Booking Tips
Bring comfortable trekking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn for favorable weather and trail conditions.
