Kazakhstan · Geological Wonders

4-Day Kazakhstan Adventure from Almaty with Charyn and Kolsai

4 Days Round trip from Almaty - Basshi Village (Lunch) - Aktau Mountains (Trekking) - Katutau - 700-Year-Old Willow Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the colorful landscapes of the Aktau Mountains during a scenic trekking excursion
  • 02 Discover the unique volcanic formations of Katutau
  • 03 Visit the historic 700-Year-Old Willow near Basshi Village
  • 04 Experience the natural phenomenon of the Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel National Park
  • 05 Explore the ancient mosque in Zharkent and learn about its cultural significance
  • 06 Trek through the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon
  • 07 Discover the stunning submerged forest of Kaindy Lake
  • 08 Hike between the breathtaking Kolsai Lakes surrounded by mountain scenery

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey from Almaty through the spectacular natural and cultural landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. Discover the colorful Aktau Mountains, explore the unique volcanic formations of Katutau, visit the famous Singing Dune, relax in natural hot springs, and experience the dramatic beauty of Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and the breathtaking Kolsai Lakes. Enjoy scenic trekking adventures, authentic village and guesthouse stays, panoramic mountain scenery, and cultural landmarks that showcase the diverse beauty of Kazakhstan.

Discover the colorful Aktau Mountains, explore the unique volcanic formations of Katutau, visit the famous Singing Dune, relax in natural hot springs, and experience the dramatic beauty of Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and the breathtaking Kolsai Lakes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Almaty, Zharkent, Aktau, Sharyn Canyon
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Almaty to Basshi Village, Aktau Mountains, Katutau and the 700-Year-Old Willow

  • Depart from Almaty in the morning and drive to Basshi Village (290 km, approximately 3 hours).
  • Arrive in Basshi Village and enjoy lunch at the hotel.
  • Continue to the Aktau Mountains (80 km) for an excursion and trekking experience covering 3-8 km over approximately 2-3 hours.
  • Proceed to Katutau (30 km) for a walking tour lasting 30-60 minutes.
  • Visit the famous 700-Year-Old Willow (35 km) and enjoy a walking tour lasting 30-60 minutes.
  • Return to Basshi Village (15 km), check in at the hotel, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.
2
Day 02

Basshi Village to the Singing Dune, Zharkent and Chundzha Hot Springs

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Basshi Village.
  • Depart for the Singing Dune (50 km) and explore the area during a walking tour lasting 1-2 hours.
  • Continue to the ancient mosque in Zharkent (160 km) and enjoy a guided walking tour of approximately 1 hour.
  • Drive to Chundzha Village (100 km) and stop for lunch at a local cafe.
  • Continue to the hot springs area (60 km) for bathing and relaxation.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay near the hot springs.

3
Day 03

Hot Springs to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake and Saty Village

  • Begin the morning with bathing at the hot springs, followed by breakfast.
  • Depart for Charyn Canyon (85 km, approximately 1 hour) and enjoy a trekking tour covering 6 km over approximately 2-3 hours.
  • Have lunch in the eco-park.
  • Continue to Kaindy Lake (110 km, approximately 2.5 hours) and enjoy a trekking tour covering 3 km over approximately 2 hours.
  • Proceed to Saty Village (15 km, approximately 1 hour), check in at the guesthouse, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.
4
Day 04

Saty Village to the Kolsai Lakes and Return to Almaty

  • Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse in Saty Village.
  • Depart for Kolsai Lake-1 (15 km, approximately 30 minutes).
  • Begin a trekking tour to Kolsai Lake-2 covering 16 km over approximately 6-7 hours.
  • Enjoy lunch during the excursion.
  • Choose a horse tour as an alternative option if you prefer a less physically demanding experience.
  • Depart for Almaty (300 km, approximately 5 hours).
  • Arrive in Almaty and enjoy drop-off at any location within the city.
Colorful Aktau Mountains, Katutau volcanic formations, Kaindy Lake submerged forest, Kolsai Lakes mountain scenery

Where this trip takes you

Colorful Aktau Mountains, Katutau volcanic formations, Kaindy Lake submerged forest, Kolsai Lakes mountain scenery

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Almaty - Basshi Village (Lunch) - Aktau Mountains (Trekking) - Katutau - 700-Year-Old Willow 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Guide driver
  • Transfer
  • Accommodation in a guest house or hotel
  • Three meals
  • Water
  • National park tickets

What's Not Included

  • Alcohol
  • Horse riding
  • Boating
  • Additional costs not indicated in the tour

What to bring

  • Personal bathing items
  • Appropriate clothing
  • Non-slip shoes
  • Hat or umbrella
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Almaty, Казахстан
Tour start
Almaty - Basshi Village (Lunch) - Aktau Mountains (Trekking) - Katutau - 700-Year-Old Willow
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Almaty - Basshi Village (Lunch) - Aktau Mountains (Trekking) - Katutau - 700-Year-Old Willow.

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Starting from

USD 644.50 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $644.50 — $2,045.00
Double Sharing $644.50 — $1,022.50

When

Travellers

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