Day 1: Arrival in Oskemen and City Tour

Salem! Welcome to Oskemen, a city of historical significance and its proximity to nature, making it the perfect starting point for a well-rounded adventure in East Kazakhstan. You will be picked up at the airport or train station depending on which mode of transportation you chose to reach Oskemen, since there are no international flights to this city. You will be transferred to Dedeman Tavros Hotel to check-in and have a short break before commencing the city tour. We start our tour from the Palace of Culture of Metallurgists, a reflection of the cultural life of the industrial city. After the tour of the historical building, we will visit the restaurant Qurt & Wine, a traditional Kazakh cuisine with a modern twist. We will continue our tour of the city, visiting other interesting sights such as mosques, orthodox churches and theaters, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, a special welcome dinner will be waiting for you at the restaurant of the hotel.

Day 2: Oskemen - Ridder - West Altai

After breakfast in the morning, we will start our hiking adventure of east kazakhstan by heading out to Ridder, which is conveniently on the foothills of the Altai mountains to visit the West Altai Nature Reserve. After the check-in at the Ridder Resort Hotel, the guided tour of the protected nature reserve will begin. Four altitudinal zones are distinguished here: deciduous forests, alpine meadows, taiga, and tundra. We will take a break to have lunch in nature before continuing the tour. Each zone has its own species of plants and fauna. This hiking trail showcases most of the biodiversity and rare wildlife, including eagles and snow leopards of the reserve. Sacred Cedar Tree is one of the gems of the reserve that we will stop by to observe and pay our respects on the way. There is also an option to hike a trail to small glaciers near the tributaries of the Belaya Uba River, offering close views of icy landscapes. We will get back to the hotel before it gets dark to have dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 3: Ridder - Osinovsky Pass - New Bukhtarma

In the morning, we have breakfast before continuing our exploration of East Kazakhstan. On the way there, we will pass through the famous Osinovsky Pass, the most picturesque section of the highway to New Bukhtarma, famous for its serpentine. A trip along the mountain serpentine will leave you with unforgettable impressions, it is simultaneously the delight of the indescribable beauty of nature and the breathtaking mountain road with steep cliffs. At Orion Lux Guest House, we will check-in and have lunch before going to the reservoir lake. Kayaking and swimming are optional for the visitors. The reservoir is lined with sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and picnics, making it a popular spot for families and groups during summer months. Known for its rich aquatic life, the lake is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts. Dinner will be served at the guest house terrace, under a sky full of stars.

Day 4: New Bukhtarma - Katon Karagay

After breakfast at the guest house, we will head out to Katon Karagay. It is the largest national park in the country, located in the furthermost eastern part of Kazakhstan. We will cross many small towns and villages on the way there, we will stop at some of them to refuel and look into local products on sale. At the hotel, you will check-in before we venture to explore the hiking trails nearby. The Kyzylkum Pass is an excellent trail for adventurous hikers looking to experience the diverse ecosystems and dramatic landscapes of the Altai region. We will be going by foot or horses, depending on the weather. Lunch will be prepared and served once we find a suitable spot. The pass is at a high elevation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. We will get back before it's dark to have dinner at the restaurant of the hotel.

Day 5: Katon Karagay - Berel - Rakhman Springs

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will head out to Rakhman springs and lakes. For more than two centuries, the fame of the unique Rakhman springs has been going around the world. There are legends about the life-giving power of thermal radon springs. After the check-ins at Rakhmanov Keys resort, we will take the popular hike from the northern shore of the lake. This trail is around 2 kilometers long. It begins with a 1-kilometer walk along wooden decks around the lake and transitions into a mountain path leading to the Rakhman Waterfall. The hike passes through lush forests of larch and spruce, offering a picturesque view of the lake and surrounding mountains, including Ushkol Lakes and Radostny Pass. We will have lunch somewhere nearby the waterfall for a more serene ambiance and head to the route that takes us to the natural hot springs near the lake, where the water temperature is about 40°C. It is a relaxing destination for guests looking to combine physical activity with rejuvenation. Dinner will be served at the restaurant of the hotel.

Day 6: Rakhman Springs - Berel - Yazevoe Lake

Wake up to a beautiful morning in a hotel, nestled in western Altai mountains. After breakfast we head to Berel valley, a gateway to both historical and natural attractions, including archaeological burial mounds. Hikers can explore trails that lead through the valley and connect to nearby forests and rivers. We will check-in at the Dolina Tsarey resort and continue to explore the wonders of Katon Karagay National Park. The trail from Berel Village to Yazevoe Lake (approx. 25km) offers an exciting and scenic hiking experience, with opportunities for both trekking and horseback riding. Our travel chef will set up a temporary camp at the lake to prepare lunch while you take a scenic trail that takes visitors from the lake to the Yazev Waterfall, featuring multiple cascades. The route winds through lush forests and provides stunning views of Belukha Mountain, the highest peak in the Altai. After we return and have our lunch, we explore the remains of a historic sawmill near the lake. The trail is surrounded by a mix of sand, pebbles, and wooded landscapes. Dinner will be served at the resort when we come back from the trail.

Day 7: Berel - Lake Ravnovesie - Kokkol

After breakfast at the resort, we undertake ​​a trek from Berel Village to Kokkol Waterfall that offers a remarkable experience of Katon Karagay’’s pristine wilderness. This excursion day includes an overnight stay in a yurt near the waterfall, combining trekking with nomadic cultural immersion. Approximately 15–18 km one way, horses from the national park services will be booked and prepared for us to cover vast distances to reach the waterfall in a short amount of time. Mystical Navel Stone and pristine mountain lake Ravnovesie will be the important stops along the way. Listen to the legends told and explained by the guide to have a glimpse into a nomadic mythology of Altai. We will arrive at the Kokkol Waterfall in the late afternoon to have lunch and rest by the majestic 80-meter-high cascade, surrounded by untouched natural beauty. We will explore the area nearby until we return for dinner and stay in the yurt for the night. Surprise guests and entertainment organized by our crew will give the evening in the yurt a special atmosphere, taking us back in time.

Day 8: Kokkol - Berel - Urunkhayka - Markakol

Waking up in a yurt like a real turkic nomad, surrounded by the sounds of nature and smell of fresh morning breakfast by the fire will be another pleasant memory from this trip. We will begin the return trek to Berel Village, retracing our steps and stopping for photo opportunities along the way. From the village, we will continue our adventure and head for Urunkhayka, a town located near Markakol Lake and Markakol Nature Reserve. This reserve in east Kazakhstan offers some of the most stunning natural views and a variety of outdoor activities, particularly for nature lovers, wildlife viewing and hiking enthusiasts. “Old Austrian” highway with its own unique construction history will take us through scenic routes that we will enjoy from the window of the transport. After checking-in at the Aituma Hotel, we will hike the lake trail, to experience the beauty of the water and its surrounding nature. The trail offers views of the lake framed by mountain ranges, with dense forests and meadows. We will have lunch prepared by the travel chef in the backdrop of the beautiful scenery of the reserve. Other activities like kayaking and fishing can be possible upon request. In the evening, we will have dinner at the hotel, showcasing local farm to table products.

Day 9: Urunkhayka - Kiin Kerish - Cape Shekelmes

In the morning, have breakfast with a stunning view of Markakol Lake and nature’s pristine sounds. We will head to our final and most spectacular destination, Kiin Kerish. It is one of the most mysterious places in Kazakhstan, also known as the City of Spirits or Burning Cliffs, where everything here seems unearthly. This tract is a deposit of mottled, mostly red clay, opened by erosion. The clays, eroded by water and wind, form a very vivid, bizarre landscape. We will explore and traverse the area until reaching Cape Shekelmes, located in the Kurchum District on the northern shore of Lake Zaysan. Lunch will be served at the yurt camp by the lake on the backdrop of a surreal martian landscape, rock formations and impressive lake. We will explore the area further until coming back for dinner at camp.

Day 10: Kiin Kerish - Akbaur Cave - Sibin Lakes

After breakfast at the camp, on our way to the Sibin Lakes, we will stop by the mysterious and ancient Akbaur cave from the bronze age. We will explore this famous Neolithic era cave with our guide until we return to our transport to continue our journey. After the check-in at Tor Altay resort in Sibin Lakes, we will go for a hike that will lead us to the Ablaikit Monastery. We continue our hiking tour until reaching a scenic spot to have lunch in nature. After the meal, the trail will take us further for more picturesque views. Karakol Lake trail features dense grasslands, deciduous and coniferous trees, and opportunities for wildlife spotting like beavers building dams. In the evening, Farewell Dinner will be served at the resort, in a yurt for a more immersive ambiance. As per Kazakh tradition, special meals and gifts will be the highlights of the evening. Our unforgettable hiking adventure through Altai and East Kazakhstan has come to an end.

Day 11: Departure from Sibin Lakes

You will be transferred to Oskemen in the morning after breakfast. Our services are available if you need to transfer from the city center to the airport or a hotel.

What is Qazaqstan Premium Tourism?

Qazaqstan Premium Tourism specializes in curated travel experiences across Kazakhstan, offering premium tours such as cultural Silk Road tours, trekking in Altai, winter sports, and adventure expeditions. Our tours are guided by multilingual experts in English, German, French, and Italian.

Why should I choose Kazakhstan for my next trip?

Kazakhstan offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous activities. From the ancient Silk Road to breathtaking mountains, canyons, and alpine lakes, Kazakhstan provides an unforgettable travel experience.

What types of tours do you offer?

We provide a range of tours, including:
Culture: explore historic sites and nomadic traditions of Kazakhstan.
Adventure: off road journeys and expeditions to discover unique landscapes.
Trekking: discover pristine nature in long distance excursions on foot, horseback and 4x4.
Hiking: explore national parks for hiking, glamping, skiing, snowboarding and horse riding.
Grand Tours: grand tour around the largest landlocked country in the world.

Can I customize a tour?

Yes, we offer customization for private tour bookings to suit your preferences and needs.

Do you provide transportation?

Yes, we include transportation between destinations as part of our tour packages. This includes airport pickups, off-road vehicles for expeditions, and high-end minivans for group travel.

Can you arrange flights?

While we don’t directly sell flights, we can assist with recommendations and connections to travel agents who can book your airfare.

What kind of accommodation is included?

We offer a mix of boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and authentic yurts, ensuring extra comfort while maintaining a connection to Kazakhstan’s cultural and natural heritage.

What languages do your guides speak?

Our expert guides speak English, German, French, and Italian, catering to a diverse range of international travelers.

Are the guides certified?

Yes, all our guides are certified professionals with deep knowledge of the regions and a passion for sharing Kazakhstan’s beauty.

Are the activities family-friendly?

Many of our tours, such as The Silk Road and Cultural Exploration, are perfect for families. For more adventurous activities like trekking or hiking, we recommend age-appropriate participation.

Are the hiking tours suitable for beginners?

We offer hiking routes for all levels, from beginner-friendly trails near Almaty to more challenging paths of Kolsay Lakes or Charyn National Park.

What is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?

It depends on your interests:
• Spring (April-May): Ideal for adventure lovers and cultural tours.
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for trekking and exploring high-altitude lakes.
• Autumn (September-November): Great mild weather and golden landscapes.
• Winter (December-February): Best for holiday festivities, ski and snow-based activities.

How do I book a tour?

You can book directly through our website or contact us via email or phone to discuss your preferences and finalize your itinerary.

What is your payment policy?

We accept payments via credit card, online payment platforms or bank transfers. A deposit is required to confirm your booking.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 30 days before the tour receive a full refund. Late cancellations may incur charges based on our policy.

Is it safe to travel in Kazakhstan?

Yes, Kazakhstan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. We ensure all tours prioritize safety, with experienced guides and well-maintained equipment.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not included but can be arranged upon request through our partner providers.

How do I contact you?

You can reach us via:
• Email: info@myqazastan.com
• Phone: +7 (XXX) XXX-XXXX
• Website: www.myqazaqstan.com
For any additional questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to making your journey through Kazakhstan unforgettable!