Itinerary
Highlights:
~ A glacier hike above 3,200 M at Bogdanovich;
~ A SUV tour around Assy Plateau;
~ Hike the impressive Kairak Waterfall at 2,130 M in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains;
~ Walk around the stunning canyon, Valley of Castles;
~ Hike the breathtaking alpine lakes – Kolsay Lakes;
~ Short hike to Lake Kaindy with spruce trees rise from the turquoise water like a sunken forest;
~ Hike The Japanese Trail with stunning views of the Tian Shan mountains and the Big Almaty Lake;
~ Guided city tour in the city of Almaty.
Day 1 Arrive Almaty
Meet and greet upon arrival at Almaty Airport. Transfer to hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.
Meal: nil
Stay: 4* hotel, Almaty
Day 2 Almaty – Medeo – Bogdanovich Glacier – Turgen
This morning, transfer to Medeo and take the cable car up to Talgar Pass.
Embark on Bogdanovich Glacier Hike – the trail starts at Talgar Pass (3,200 M), which passes the glacier’s zone with almost no vegetation. Hike along the gorge and the moraine of the glacier. With the help of the Guide and stone pyramids, continue hiking until the middle of the gorge, crossing around a large rocky ledge from the left. Then reach the glacier (3,600 M) by the right side of the mountain valley. Along the way, admire the views of Chkalov and Fizkulturnik peaks, covered by “hanging” glaciers called Ayak and Til. The glacier hike offers a stunning panorama of the northern walls of the peaks Komsomol, Amangeldy and Pioneer.
Hike back to Talgar Pass and descend by cable car.
Transfer to Turgen Gorge in the afternoon. The campsite here will be our base for 3 to 4 nights.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Comfort Camping (in tents), Turgen
Hiking Distance: 13 KM est. Hiking Hours: 5 – 6 hours approx.
Elevation: +400 M / -400 M
Day 3 Assy Plateau SUV Tour
The Asy Plateau, a vast summer pasture (dzhailau) in the Almaty region, offers a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s ancient nomadic lifestyle. Situated at 2,100 M – 2,800 M above sea level, this 40 KM-long valley features stunning green landscapes dotted with white yurts and grazing livestock.
Rich in history, Asy has been used by nomads for centuries and holds remnants of different eras, including Bronze and Stone Age dolmens, Scythian burial mounds, rock engravings, and shamanic altars. The area is also a national reserve, home to golden eagles, vultures, falcons, and marmots.
Another key attraction is the Asy-Turgen Astronomical Observatory, built by the Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute. Operational since 1981, it houses a 1-metre telescope, with plans to install a 1.5-metre telescope (delayed after the Soviet Union’s collapse). Construction has resumed, and completion is expected between 2016 – 2018.
To explore this remote and breathtaking region, a sturdy SUV vehicle is essential.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Comfort Camping (in tents), Turgen
Day 4 Kairak Waterfall Hike
Nestled in the scenic Turgen Gorge within Ile-Alatau National Park, the Kairak Waterfall (2,130 M) stands as one of the most impressive cascades in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. This area is renowned for its seven waterfalls and a unique reserve of Sievers apple trees, considered the ancestors of all cultivated apple varieties in the world.
The hike to Kairak Waterfall begins near Batan (1,700 M), at the confluence of the Turgen and Kishi Turgen rivers. The trail follows a wide, well-defined path along the Turgen River, originally intended as a park road before a mudflow washed away a key bridge. Along the way, the path crosses 11 old bridges and winds through dense pine forests, flower-filled meadows, and spruce groves, alive with butterflies and birdsong.
After reaching the junction of the Turgen and Kairak rivers, a final 20-minute ascent through a spruce forest leads to the waterfall. The thunder of falling water grows louder until Kairak suddenly appears—a towering 55-metre (70-metre total drop) cascade, powerful and untouched by mass tourism. The surrounding wilderness is home to deer, wild boars, lynx, and diverse birdlife, adding to the area’s unspoiled charm.
Hike back to Batan.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Comfort Camping (in tents), Turgen
Hiking Distance: 16 KM est. Hiking Hours: 6 hours approx.
Elevation: +430 M / -430 M
Day 5 Turgen – Charyn Canyon – Saty Village
The Charyn National Park encompasses the dramatic canyons of the Charyn River and the rare Ash-tree Grove, a living relic of ancient times. The park’s centrepiece is the Valley of Castles, a stunning canyon where wind and water have sculpted towering red sandstone cliffs into surreal shapes – some resembling dinosaurs, giant wizards, or fairy-tale towers. These vertical walls, reaching 150 to 300 metres high, create an otherworldly landscape that feels like stepping into a fantasy realm.
The Charyn River, rich in trout, flows through a valley teeming with rich biodiversity. Over 1,500 plant species thrive here, including 17 endangered species, while rare wildlife such as mountain goats, eagles, and dozens of other animal species inhabit the area. The canyon’s unique vegetation includes the hardy saxaul tree and the relict Sogdian ash, a survivor from prehistoric times.
Millions of years ago, this region was the floor of the ancient Ili Lake. As tectonic shifts raised the surrounding mountains, the lake drained, leaving behind layered sediments that tell the story of Earth’s distant past. Over time, the Charyn River carved its way through these soft deposits, forming the spectacular canyons we see today. Exploring them is like journeying through fascinating geological history.
Another highlight is the Ash Tree Grove, a rare oasis where the endangered Sogdian ash tree still grows, sustained by the river’s waters. This grove, along with the Temirlik Gorge, is one of the last refuges of this ancient species.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Guesthouse, Saty Village
Hiking Distance: 4 KM est. Hiking Hours: 2 hours approx.
Day 6 Kolsai Lakes Hike
It’s a scenic alpine escape in the Tien Shan Mountains today! The Kolsay Lakes are a breathtaking trio of alpine lakes nestled in the Kolsai Gorge, part of the Kungei Alatau range in the northern Tien Shan.
The journey begins at the First Kolsay Lake (Saty Lake), sitting at 1,800 M above sea level. A well-maintained trail winds along its western shore, gradually ascending through lush valleys filled with wild rose bushes, cotoneaster, honeysuckle, and berry-laden shrubs like raspberries and blackberries. The path follows a lively river cascading over moss-covered rocks, offering chances to spot vibrant birdlife, including the elusive blue bird, nutcrackers, and even the occasional Sparrow hawk.
After a 3 – 4 hour hike, the trail steepens before revealing the Second Kolsay Lake (Mynzhylgy), a stunning expanse stretching over 1 KM long and 900 M wide at 2,250 M altitude. Framed by the rugged peaks of the Kungei Alatau, its crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding cliffs, creating a scene of untouched alpine beauty.
Return hike to First Kolsay Lake.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Guesthouse, Saty Village
Hiking Distance: 14 KM est. Hiking Hours: 6 hours approx.
Elevation: +470 M / -450 M
Day 7 Saty Village – Kaindy Lake – Bartogay Lake – Turgen
Nestled in the Kaindy Gorge east of Saty village within Kolsai National Park, a short hike to Lake Kaindy is a mesmerising natural wonder formed by a powerful earthquake in 1911. The landslide that created this 400-metre-long lake at 1,800 M above sea level left a striking landscape – looks like a sunken forest, submerged Schrenk’s spruce trees rise like ghostly masts from the turquoise water, their bleached trunks contrasting with the lush green forest surrounding the basin.
What makes Kaindy truly unique is its underwater world: the drowned trees, preserved for over a century, have transformed into an eerie diver’s paradise, their submerged branches draped in algae. The Kaindy River feeds the lake, cascading through a 20-metre rock gorge that frames the surreal scene.
Beyond its haunting beauty, the area boasts rich biodiversity, including rare flora like Rhodiola, Highland blueberry, and Paraquilegia flowers. Wildlife thrives in the quiet forests, with marmots and ermines often spotted sunning on rocks.
A hidden gem of the Northern Tien Shan, Kaindy Lake blends geological drama, botanical rarity, and tranquil wilderness into an unforgettable destination.
Thereafter, a drive to Bartogay Lake – a serene alpine reservoir surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. Known for its striking turquoise waters, it serves as an important irrigation source while offering breathtaking views. Make a brief stop to admire the lake’s remote beauty which makes it a hidden gem for nature lovers seeking untouched landscapes.
A last night comfort camping at Turgen Gorge.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Comfort Camping (in tents), Turgen
Hiking Distance: 4 KM est. Hiking Hours: 3 hours approx.
Elevation: +70 M / -70 M
Day 8 Turgen – Bear Waterfall – Issyk Lake – Almaty
This morning, take a short hike (approx. 1.5 hours) to Bear Waterfall (Ayuy Waterfall) that cascades dramatically down rocky cliffs, hidden in a lush forested gorge. This 30-metre natural wonder is named after bears that once roamed the area. Its secluded beauty and refreshing mist make it a rewarding stop.
Transfer to Almaty. Enroute make a stop at Issyk Lake and the open-air Scythian Heritage Museum.
Issyk Lake (with a 20-minute hike) – lies in the picturesque Issyk Gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. The lake is famous for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop with breathtaking alpine scenery all-year round, it was formed by a 1963 landslide that created a natural dam.
Open-air Scythian Heritage Museum – showcases ancient burial mounds and artifacts from the nomadic Scythian civilisation that once dominated the steppes. It features reconstructed golden eagle hunting scenes, weapon displays, and traditional kurgan tombs. This immersive museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the warrior culture and artistry of Kazakhstan’s early nomadic ancestors.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: 4* hotel, Almaty
Day 9 Japanese Trail Hike – Last Hike of The Trip!
After breakfast, transfer to Big Almaty Gorge for the last hike of this hiking vacation!
The Japanese Trail is a scenic 5-KM (around 3 hours) hiking route known for its well-maintained wooden pathways and bridges built with Japanese assistance. Winding through pine forests and rocky slopes, it offers stunning views of the Tian Shan mountains and the Big Almaty Lake.
Return to Almaty and the rest of the day is free at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Stay: 4* hotel, Almaty
Day 10 Almaty City Tour. Depart Almaty
A morning half day guided city tour around Almaty to see,
Panfilov Park – is a historic and serene green space in the heart of Almaty, dedicated to the 28 Panfilov Heroes who bravely fought in World War II.
Zenkov Cathedral – a vibrant, all-wooden Russian Orthodox church built without nails in 1907, renowned for its colorful façade and resilience through earthquakes.
Central Mosque – with its grand blue domes and intricate Islamic architecture, offering a peaceful retreat for reflection.
Green Bazaar – immerse in local culture, with bustling vendors selling fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and traditional Kazakh delicacies. It’s a perfect spot to sample regional flavours.
Kok-Tobe Hill – to cap off the tour, a cable car ride up the hill provides panoramic views of Almaty, with the city sprawling against the backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains.
The rest of the day is free at leisure until it is time for the departure transfer to the airport. Official check out time is 12 PM.
Meal: Breakfast