Six-day trip from Almaty: Issyk Lake, Asy Plateau, Kairak Waterfall, Bartogay, Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, Tekes Gorge and Waterfall, Tuzkol Lake, horseback trek to Karakul Lake, Moon Canyon, and Charyn Canyon
Explogio Travel offers one-day tours from Almaty, multi-day private tours, custom programs, and SUV jeep tours across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Our itineraries include excursions from Almaty, trips to mountain lakes, canyons, gorges, waterfalls, and plateaus. We organize private tours from Almaty, SUV tours, jeep tours, visits to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai, Kaindy, and Issyk Lakes, as well as tours around the Almaty region and unique routes in Kyrgyzstan.
A six-day journey from Almaty embraces the most spectacular landscapes and natural treasures of Zhetysu. The route begins with Issyk Lake, Asy Plateau, and Kairak Waterfall, then continues through Bartogay to the mysterious Kaindy Lake. From there, the road leads to the Kolsai Lakes, where you can hike to the second Kolsai and enjoy the tranquility of the mountain trails.
Unforgettable impressions await at Tekes Gorge with its waterfall, and Tuzkol Lake — a place offering a rare view of Khan Tengri, the highest peak in Kazakhstan. Overnight stays in yurts and a traditional Saka bath bring the spirit of nomadic culture into the journey.
On the fifth day, a horseback trek to the high-mountain Karakul Lake awaits, while the journey concludes with the Moon and Charyn Canyons — grand natural monuments that stand in striking contrast to the mountain lakes.
In six days, you will experience a true encyclopedia of Kazakhstan’s nature: turquoise lakes, mountain peaks, canyons, and endless steppe landscapes — living through the adventure of a lifetime.
Distance
Total distance: approximately 690 km (round trip), total travel time: 12 hours
Group
Group size: 1–4 passengers per vehicle (excluding the driver)
Difficulty
Difficulty level – suitable for beginners, easy hiking
Tour plan:
Day 1
Departure from Almaty
Issyk Lake
Asy Plateau
Lunch (lunch boxes)
Kairak Waterfall
Dinner
Overnight at a guesthouse in Turgen
Day 2
Breakfast
Bartogay
Lunch at the guesthouse
Kaindy Lake
Dinner
Overnight at a guesthouse in Satty
Day 3
Breakfast
Kolsai Lake (Lower)
Hiking to the Second Kolsai Lake (15.5 km round trip)
Lunch (lunch boxes)
Return to the guesthouse
Dinner and campfire
Day 4
Breakfast
Tekes Gorge and Waterfall
Lunch (lunch boxes)
Tuzkol Lake (view of Khan Tengri Peak — 7,010 m, the highest point in Kazakhstan)
Dinner
Overnight at Akkol base camp, yurt accommodation
Day 5
Horseback trek to the high-mountain moraine Karakul Lake
Lunch (lunch boxes)
Dinner
Saka bath
Day 6
Breakfast
Moon Canyon
Charyn Canyon
Return to Almaty
Accommodation during the trip can vary: standard guest houses or yurts, comfortable hotel rooms, or stylish A-frame cabins. Guest houses or yurts are included in the tour price but we can recalculate the cost if you prefer another option
Tour price
A detailed description of what is included in the tour and what additional expenses may apply
Tour cost
1 700 000 KZT for 4 people
If there are fewer participants: 3 people — 1,440,000 KZT 2 people — 1,180,000 KZT 1 person — 920,000 KZT
Guide services
Meals
First aid kit
Eco-fees (entrance to national parks)
Additional expenses
80 000 KZT
Pocket expenses
Catamaran or boat
Meals on the road
Horse riding
WHAT TO BRING:
Documents and money
Passport or ID, medical insurance, cash, and bank card
Clothing and footwear
From light clothing to a warm jacket — weather in the mountains changes quickly. Footwear: comfortable sneakers or trekking boots, and lightweight sandals for relaxing.
Personal hygiene
Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes, towel, and any personal items you may need
Sun protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
Medications
Bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, and any personal medications
Equipment
A comfortable hiking backpack, power bank, water bottle, flashlight, and small items to make your trek more comfortable
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