Charyn and Black Canyon on day one, a full day hiking from the first Kolsai lake to the second, and the Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel. Two nights in village guesthouses.
Three days east of Almaty with a real hike in the middle. Day one is Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon, with the night in Saty. Day two is the trail from the first Kolsai lake to the second, about 8 km each way, then a long evening drive to Basshi at the edge of Altyn-Emel. Day three is the national park and the drive back to Almaty.
Most three-day versions try to do the Kolsai trek on the day you drive out from Almaty, which leaves no time to walk. Here the hike gets a whole morning and afternoon.
An early start from Almaty and about three hours to Charyn. A walk down through the Valley of Castles to the river, then the dark walls of Black Canyon on the Temirlik river. On to Saty for the night, about two hours more.
From the first lake at 1,818 metres up through spruce forest to the second at 2,252 metres, about 8 km each way and five to six hours in total. Horses can be hired if part of the group would rather ride.
In the afternoon, the drive north to Basshi, around five hours. Night in a guesthouse.
A day in the national park by 4×4: the Singing Dune, which hums when the sand slides, the striped Aktau mountains and the Katutau rocks. Back in Almaty in the evening, about five hours’ drive.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts — full refund. After that — according to the operator’s rules.
Have a question about this tour? Ask us — a local planner will answer in the chat.
Please follow the guide's instructions, check the weather forecast before departure, and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
