Road trip in Kazakhstan: 3 to 5 days by 4x4 in the Almaty region

Day 1: Altyn-Emel National Park

Leave Almaty for the Aktau mountains and their Martian landscapes: a walk through a gorge and a climb to a summit. Then the colorful volcanic Katutau mountains, and a 700-year-old sacred willow under which Genghis Khan is said to have rested with his army.

Day 2: Singing Dune and Charyn Canyon

The Singing Dune, one of Kazakhstan's seven natural wonders, which gives off a hum you can hear kilometers away. Home-cooked lunch with a local family, then Charyn Canyon and its different sections, including the Black Canyon and the Moon Canyon. Night in a guesthouse.

Day 3: Kolsay and Kaindy lakes, return

A mountain road up to Lake Kolsay: a walk along the shore or a boat ride (extra charge). Then Lake Kaindy and its sunken forest. Traditional lunch and the drive back to Almaty (about 4 hrs), with stops to enjoy the views.

Day 1: Lake Kolsay · ~4 hrs driving

Leave Almaty for Lake Kolsay, between snowy peaks and winter forests. Photos, a walk on snowy trails, and a walk on the ice if the lake is frozen. Night in a village guesthouse.

Day 2: Lake Kaindy, Charyn Canyon and hot springs

Lake Kaindy and its sunken forest, even more unreal under snow (horse ride possible, extra charge). Hot lunch, then a walk in Charyn Canyon, almost deserted in winter. In the evening, a soak in the hot springs and a night at the hotel.

Day 3: Chunja hot springs and return

A slow morning at the springs: an open-air swim in hot mineral water, facing the cold steppe air. Lunch, then the drive back to Almaty (about 4 hrs) with photo stops along the way.

Day 1: Altyn-Emel National Park

Head for the Aktau mountains and their Martian landscapes: a walk through a gorge and a climb to a summit. Then the colorful volcanic Katutau mountains, and a 700-year-old sacred willow under which Genghis Khan is said to have rested.

Day 2: Singing Dune and Charyn Canyon

The Singing Dune, one of Kazakhstan's seven natural wonders, which gives off a hum you can hear kilometers away. Lunch with a local family, then Charyn Canyon and its rock formations worthy of the Grand Canyon.

Day 3: Kolsay lakes · 5 km hike

A mountain road up to Lake Kolsay, then a 5 km walk to the second lake (or on horseback, optional). Picnic, back down to the first lake, then a walk along the shore or a pedal boat ride (extra charge). The hike is optional.

Day 4: Lake Kaindy and return

Lake Kaindy and its sunken forest, the source of many legends: about 2 hrs there (on foot or on horseback, extra charge). Traditional lunch, then the drive back to Almaty (about 4 hrs) with photo stops.

Day 1: Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan's most iconic natural sites, with its different sections including the Black Canyon and the Moon Canyon. Lunch with a local family, home-cooked dinner and a night in a guesthouse.

Day 2: Kolsay and Kaindy lakes

A scenic road up to Lake Kolsay: a walk along the shore or a boat ride (extra charge). Then Lake Kaindy and its sunken forest. Night in a guesthouse.

Day 3: The Tekes valley and its waterfall

Far from the tourist trail: high pastures, rivers, yurts and herds. Lunch in a yurt, then a stop at the Tekes waterfall (around 2,600 m) and its natural pool. Night in a yurt with nomad families (or in a tent if the yurts are no longer available).

Day 4: Lake Tuzkol, facing Khan Tengri

The salt lake of Tuzkol (1,950 m), known for its black mineral mud. On a clear day, a view of Khan Tengri (about 7,000 m). Camp lunch and dinner in the steppe, night in a tent by the lake.

Day 5: Bayankol valley and return

Sunrise over Khan Tengri for the brave, then the remote Bayankol valley between peaks and rivers. Traditional lunch and the drive back to Almaty (about 4 hrs).