How are the five days arranged?
Day 1: arrival and Almaty sightseeing. Day 2: Big Almaty Lake, Medeu and Shymbulak. Day 3: Charyn, lunch in Saty, Kolsai and a guesthouse stay. Day 4: Kaindy, lunch in Saty and the transfer to Turgen. Day 5: Assy, a trout-farm lunch, Issyk Lake and the transfer to Almaty.
Do we visit Big Almaty Lake before Shymbulak?
Yes. Your guide first takes you to the transfer point near the Ayusay Visitor Centre. The included local private taxi takes around 40 minutes each way, with 1.5–2 hours at Big Almaty Lake. Access and road conditions can affect timings. After a traditional lunch, continue to Medeu and Shymbulak, where the ascent depends on weather and cable-car operation.
Is a city tour possible on the arrival day?
The programme includes Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral and the Green Bazaar. The order and length of visits are arranged around your flight, traffic and opening hours. Share your arrival time before booking.
How much walking is needed at Charyn and Kaindy?
At Charyn, choose upper viewpoints or a walk inside the canyon. At Kaindy, a local UAZ can shorten the approach, but a walking section remains. Your guide adapts the pace and distance to the group.
Can weather affect the Assy Plateau visit?
Assy is usually accessible from May to October. Even during this period, access depends on weather and the mountain road. In other months or when the plateau is inaccessible, changes to the programme are agreed separately.
Where does the tour end, and when should I book my departure?
On day five, return to Almaty for an airport or hotel transfer. Agree your flight time in advance: sightseeing can be shortened if an earlier airport arrival is needed. The standard day includes Assy, lunch in Turgen and Issyk Lake.
Where are the four nights spent?
The first two nights are in an Almaty hotel, the third in a guesthouse in Saty, and the fourth in a guesthouse or hotel in Turgen. Specific accommodation is agreed before the trip.
What is included in the tour price?
Four nights, meals on the programme including arrival day, transport with a driver-guide, transfers, the Big Almaty Lake taxi, Shymbulak cable cars, the local Kaindy UAZ and entrance fees. The trout-farm lunch is also included.
What is the price per person?
Prices per person are $820 for four travellers, $1,010 for three, $1,270 for two and $2,190 for a solo guest. Group rates are based on twin or double occupancy. Four nights, meals from the arrival day, the Big Almaty Lake taxi, Shymbulak cable cars, the local Kaindy UAZ and scheduled entrance fees are included.
How do I book?
Send your dates and group size. A manager agrees the route, preferred stops, accommodation and dietary needs with you. After you confirm the itinerary and total price, pay a 20% deposit: we secure your guide and then reserve the agreed accommodation. The remaining 80% is due on day one; payment in US dollars is available. For direct Silk Travel bookings, cancellation 14 calendar days or more before the start receives a refund of 100% of the amount paid; with less notice, the 20% deposit is non-refundable. Third-party bookings follow their platform terms.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every tour is for your own party, including solo travellers. We do not run join-in groups or add you to another booking. Your English-speaking guide adapts walks, stops and time at locations to your interests and ability within the agreed itinerary. Extra days, accommodation upgrades and optional paid activities are quoted separately.
What vehicles do you use?
All our vehicles are comfortable, air-conditioned and undergo technical inspections. For groups of up to 4 guests, we use off-road-capable Toyota Land Cruiser or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs. For 5 guests, we use a Toyota Sequoia SUV. For groups of more than 5 guests, we use a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
What if prices differ by group size?
The price depends on group size. Send your dates and the number of people and a manager will confirm the exact offer.
Can you arrange halal meals, vegetarian food and food allergies?
Yes. Vegetarian and halal meals can be arranged in advance, with food adapted to guests’ preferences. Tell us about allergies before booking. A severe allergy requires individual discussion and confirmation of arrangements, including any needed controls against contact with the allergen. Check the chosen tour’s meal inclusions: meals are paid separately on some itineraries.
Do you provide child car seats?
Yes. We provide a child car seat on advance request. Tell us the child’s age and height when booking so we can prepare a suitable seat before the tour starts.
How can I stay connected during the trip?
On routes through Almaty, Bishkek or Karakol, you can buy a local SIM card along the way; tell us if you would like help. Mobile coverage depends on the operator and may be unavailable in remote mountain areas.
