Almaty 4 days

Almaty: 4-Day Adventure Tour

Almaty Republic Square Beautiful Kolsai Lakes Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles
4 Days / 3 Nights Almaty Region English-Speaking Guide Group Tour

Almaty: 4-Day Adventure Tour

Discover the vibrant city of Almaty, pristine mountain lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy, the dramatic Charyn Canyon, and the majestic peaks of Shymbulak.

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Tour Highlights

Almaty City Highlights & Kok Tobe Hill

Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes Adventure

Exploring the Canyons of Charyn River

Shymbulak Mountain Resort Cable Car

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & Almaty City Tour

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Republic Square in Almaty Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Panoramic view from Kok Tobe Hill
Tour Starts at 13:00 (~6 hours)

  • Meeting at Almaty Airport

    Welcome to Kazakhstan! You will be greeted at the airport by our representative and transported to begin your Almaty adventure.

  • Almaty City Tour

    Explore the heart of the city, visiting Republic Square and the Independence Monument. We will also pass by central landmarks such as the Central Stadium, Circus, Wedding Palace, and the M. Auezov Theater.

  • Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

    Take a walk through this historically significant central park dedicated to the heroes of World War II, and see the impressive wooden Ascension Cathedral.

  • Green Bazaar & "Rakhat" Factory Shop

    Dive into local culture at the bustling Green Bazaar, a perfect place to buy unique souvenirs. Next door, visit the shop of the famous "Rakhat" confectionery factory for delicious traditional sweets.

  • Kok Tobe Hill

    End your day with a scenic cable car ride up to Kok Tobe Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic sunset views over the entire city of Almaty.

  • Transfer to Hotel

    Check-in at your hotel in Almaty and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Day 2

Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake & Black Canyon

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Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles Mystical Kaindy Lake Beautiful Kolsai Lake alpine scenery

  • Breakfast at the Hotel & Departure

    Early departure from your hotel, accompanied by an English-speaking guide, heading towards the stunning mountain lakes.

  • Photo Stop at Black Canyon

    A brief 15-minute stop at the observation deck overlooking the dramatic and deep Black Canyon of the Charyn River.

  • Drive to Saty Village

    We continue our journey into the mountains, arriving at the picturesque, traditional village of Saty.

  • Off-Road Transfer & Hike to Kaindy Lake

    Transfer to robust local UAZ/PAZ vehicles to reach the lower parking of Kaindy. From there, enjoy a scenic 2.5 km (one-way) hike up to the incredible Kaindy Lake, famous for its sunken spruce trees.

  • Drive to Kolsai Lake

    Return to the village, transfer back to the main bus, and drive to the stunning lower Kolsai Lake, known as the "Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan."

  • Free Time at Kolsai Lake

    Enjoy free time to stroll along the lakeshore, take memorable photographs, or simply relax and take in the serene alpine atmosphere.

  • Return to Almaty

    Drive back to Almaty for an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 3

Four Canyons of the Charyn River

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Kurtogay Gorge scenic drive Valley of Castles Rock Formations Hiking through Charyn Canyon

  • Breakfast at the Hotel & Departure

    After breakfast, we depart from the hotel. During the drive, your guide will share fascinating stories and information about the region's geography and history.

  • Walk in the "Kurtogay" Tract

    A beautiful stop at the Kurtogay gorge where you can admire sweeping views of the river curving through the rugged canyon.

  • Valley of Castles

    Drive to the most famous part of Charyn Canyon, known as the "Valley of Castles" due to its towering, peculiar rock formations shaped by wind and water over millions of years.

  • Walking Tour (2.5 km one way)

    Embark on a spectacular walk down inside the canyon, feeling the immense scale of the rock walls lining the path down to the Charyn River.

  • Free Time in the Canyon

    Relax by the river, have a picnic, and soak in the majestic landscape.

  • Return to Almaty

    Head back to Almaty for the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4

Shymbulak Mountain Resort & Gorelnik

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Medeu High-Mountain Skating Rink Shymbulak Ski Resort Cable Car Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty

  • Breakfast at the Hotel

    Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel to energize for the final day of mountain exploration.

  • Gorelnik Gorge

    Visit the beautiful Gorelnik area, popular for its natural hot springs and fresh mountain air, located just above Medeu.

  • Cable Car to Shymbulak

    Ride the gondola up to the famous Shymbulak Mountain Resort, situated at an elevation of 2,260 meters. Enjoy pristine views of the towering Trans-Ili Alatau peaks.

  • Transfer to Airport & Departure

    With unforgettable memories of Kazakhstan's nature and culture, you will be transferred to Almaty International Airport for your onward journey.

Good to Know

Tour Availability

This tour runs year-round. Summer provides ideal hiking conditions, while winter transforms Shymbulak and the surrounding mountains into a snowy paradise.

Fitness Level

Includes moderate hikes such as the 2.5 km trails in Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake. Suitable for travelers with a basic level of physical fitness.

What's Included

Includes transportation (cars/buses and UAZ/PAZ for off-road), English-speaking guide services, cable car tickets to Kok Tobe and Shymbulak, and accommodation.

Accommodation

Based on your preference, 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star hotel options in Almaty are available for the 3 nights of the tour.

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