.png){kind=small}
Reminders from Collective travellers
- Transport: A rental 4x4 is strongly recommended for Altyn-Emel, Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, as the roads are long and partly unpaved
Kazakhstan
A road trip across Kazakhstan’s mountains, deserts and alpine lakes, tracing a route from vibrant Almaty to the wild edge of the Tian Shan
A journey through dramatic contrasts. Begin in Almaty, a cultural capital framed by alpine peaks. Follow the old Silk Road corridors into deep canyons, singing dunes, high mountain passes, and turquoise glacial lakes.
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country on earth and this itinerary explores one of its most beautiful regions. Kazakhstan blends the modern energy of Almaty with some of Central Asia’s most unusual landscapes: turquoise reservoirs perched high in the mountains, desert dunes that hum in the wind, vast canyons carved by ancient rivers, and remote alpine lakes hidden deep in fir forests.
This itinerary takes you across the southeast of the country in one sweeping arc, combining city culture, Soviet history, steppe landscapes and long mountain days. You’ll hike towards shimmering blue Kolsai 1 & 2 and Kaindy lakes, climb sand dunes that “sing” in Altyn Emel National Park, wander through the Charyn Canyon carved over millions of years, and spend nights in family guesthouses surrounded by mountains.
It’s an adventurous but accessible journey designed for independent travellers who want both cultural context and natural wonder. The days alternate between scenic drives, gentle hikes, and cultural stops in small villages and national parks.
Highlights
Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes
A chain of alpine lakes set between towering peaks. Hike from Kolsai-1 to Kolsai-2 to escape the tourists and be purely at one with nature, and visit Kaindy Lake, where a submerged forest rises straight from turquoise water.
Altyn-Emel’s Singing Dunes
A surreal desert landscape where a 150-metre sand dune vibrates like an organ pipe when the wind blows, one of Central Asia’s most surprising natural wonders.
Almaty's Nearby Peaks
Ride into the Tien Shan mountains only 30 minutes from Almaty city centre to Big Almaty Lake (hike or cycle up) and Shymbulak for some great hikes (and skiing in winter!)
Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes
A chain of alpine lakes set between towering peaks. Hike from Kolsai-1 to Kolsai-2 to escape the tourists and be purely at one with nature, and visit Kaindy Lake, where a submerged forest rises straight from turquoise water.
Altyn-Emel’s Singing Dunes
A surreal desert landscape where a 150-metre sand dune vibrates like an organ pipe when the wind blows, one of Central Asia’s most surprising natural wonders.
Almaty's Nearby Peaks
Ride into the Tien Shan mountains only 30 minutes from Almaty city centre to Big Almaty Lake (hike or cycle up) and Shymbulak for some great hikes (and skiing in winter!)
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Almaty
Arrive in Kazakhstan’s cultural capital, a city framed by the Tien Shan mountains. Depending on arrival time, explore leafy Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the Green Bazaar. Get your first taste of Central Asian cuisine with manti, lagman or plov. If you are already fancying another cuisine, Darejani for Georgian is great.
Day 2: Almaty City and Kok Tobe Hill
Spend the morning exploring Almaty’s blend of Soviet and modern architecture. Visit Republic Square and the Central State Museum to understand Kazakhstan’s nomadic and post-Soviet history. Ride the cable car to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and snow-capped mountains. Optional fun at the various theme park rides at top of Kok Tobe Hill, espcially the rollercoaster with views across this city!
Optional evening walk around Dostyk Avenue and Abay metro station, known for its clean and artistic Soviet-era metro design.
Day 3: Big Almaty Lake and the Tien Shan Mountains
Head 30 minutes south into the mountains. Drive the winding road to Big Almaty Lake, one of the region’s most striking glacial reservoirs. Learn how the lake was once part of an astronomical observation zone due to its high altitude and low light pollution. Note that you need to do the last section on foot, or rent electric bikes and scooters to take you all the lake. For the best views, continue up the road past the lake until you get to the designated viewpoints and enjoy the alpine air.
Return to Almaty for dinner.
Day 4: Shymbulak and Medeu
Take the gondola from Medeu, the famous Soviet-built skating rink, up to the ski resort of Shymbulak. The ascent passes across dramatic ridges and high valleys. Spend the day walking among the mountain viewpoints, cafés, and accessible trails. In the afternoon drive towards the steppe, reaching the village of Basshi (Kalinino) for night, where you stay at one of the many basic guesthouses available.
Day 5: Altyn Emel National Park and the Singing Dunes
Enter Altyn Emel National Park via Basshi (buy the entrance ticket at the national park office in the town before heaidng to the gates), a protected region known for its desert landscapes and geological diversity. Drive 1hr on washboard roads to the Singing Dunes, a large sand formation that produces a low drum-like vibration when the wind moves across it. Learn how Silk Road caravans once passed near this route as you explore the dunes and surrounding hills.
Camp near the park entrance in Basshi or continue to the other end of the Altyn Emel National Parl to the Aktau Mountains, a striking band of red, white and orange hills shaped by ancient lakes and erosion and set up camp here (no accomodation available).
Day 6: Aktau and Katutau Mountains
At the Aktau Mountains, walk short trails among layered cliffs before visiting the darker volcanic formations of Katutau. In the afternoon, drive the 5hrs to the village of Saty, entering greener foothills as the landscape transitions from desert to alpine forest. Sleep at a local guesthouse within the Kolsai Lake National Park (from yurts to spa resorts, unlimited options for all budgets).
Day 7: Kolsai Lake 1 and 2 Trek
Start early and hike to the end of Kolsai Lake 1 and onto Lake 2, following forest paths and meadows surrounded by tall spruce trees. These lakes sit along an old glacier corridor that cuts through the northern Tien Shan mountains. Enjoy a picnic by the water before returning to Saty. Spend the evening in a homestay experiencing Kazakh hospitality and home-cooked meals. or you can camp at Kolsai Lake 1 or 2 (a horse man can bring up your gear so you don't need to carry it all).
Day 8: Kaindy Lake and Its Submerged Forest
Drive to Kaindy Lake (4x4, ideally with a guide and not your own car as the road is very complicated), formed in the early twentieth century after a limestone landslide created a natural dam. Walk the trail to the shoreline and see the famous submerged forest, where tall spruce trunks rise from clear turquoise water. After exploring the lake and its surrounding viewpoints, return to Saty for dinner.
Day 9: Charyn Canyon and the Valley of Castles
Depart Saty and descend into the Charyn Canyon area. Walk through the Valley of Castles, a deep ochre gorge shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion. Learn how the canyon formed along the ancient path of the Charyn River, which once carried meltwater from the mountains. Drive back towards Almaty and spend the night in the city.
Day 10: Almaty and Departure
Spend a relaxed final day in Almaty. Enjoy coffee at Dostyk Avenue, stock up on dried fruits and local snacks at Green Bazaar, or visit the contemporary galleries at Esentai. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
In pictures
No items found.
Collective travellers' testimonials
Felix - Exeter, UK
"This trip only covered a tiny proportion of this vast country, yet we saw a huge variety of different landscapes in the space of a short week - dunes, canyons, lakes, mountains and snow! I truly felt like it covers Kazakhstan very comprehensively."
Max - Vienna, Austria
"The hike to Kolsai Lake Two was unreal. It follows a river under these beautiful trees before opening up on this immense landscape. Like the Alps but on a much larger scale. There were no people which made it super special and definitely worth it over staying on Kolsai 1, which has car park access and is therefore a lot more touristy. Camping there was a great idea and thank god for the horse men that could carry our stuff up."
Isaac - London, UK
"Almaty felt so easy and modern: you get e-bikes and scooters around, some great local restaurants and a very friendly culture. The nightlife was great, everyone was super friendly and approachable and keen to tell us more about their country"
