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Altyn Emel

7-Day Kazakhstan Tour: Almaty, Altyn-Emel and Turkistan

Aktau Mountains, the Singing Dune, sunset at Charyn, Kaindy and Kolsai lakes, and the historic sites of southern Kazakhstan in one private journey.

Duration7 days
Price per person from$1220
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About this tour

This private seven-day Kazakhstan tour combines the landscapes around Almaty with the history of Shymkent, Sairam, Turkistan and Otrar. Start with the Aktau Mountains in Altyn-Emel National Park, visit the Singing Dune, walk through Charyn Canyon at sunset and explore Kaindy and Lower Kolsai lakes.

From USD 1,220 per person for four guests sharing twin or double rooms, with two guests per room. The price is confirmed for your travel dates and accommodation arrangements before booking.

On Day 4, fly from Almaty to Shymkent and continue through Sairam and Kemekalgan towards Turkistan via Kelinshiktau and Karatau. Discover the Karavansaray complex, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and ancient Otrar before returning to Shymkent. On Day 6, fly back to Almaty for Medeu, the Shymbulak cable cars and a city tour. The journey ends with breakfast and an airport transfer on Day 7.

Both domestic flights are paid separately. Admission to Yasawi Mausoleum and Otrar is included; the Altyn Samuryq flying theatre and gondola ride at Karavansaray are optional and paid separately. The tour operates year-round, with mountain access, walking pace and stop order adjusted to weather and transport schedules.

Prices by group size

A private tour: the more people in the car, the lower the price per person.

GroupPer personTotal for the group
1 traveller$2990$2990
2 travellers$1730$3460
3 travellers$1470$4410
4 travellers$1220$4880

Prices in US dollars, for a private SUV tour with a driver-guide. Final cost is confirmed before booking.

Cable cars above green slopes at Shymbulak with snowy peaks beyondStone path leading toward a historic building with blue domesAltyn EmelBig Almaty LakeKaindy Lake
Duration7 days
Activity levelEasy to moderate
SeasonYear-round

Detailed tour program

  1. Day 1Morning departure for Altyn-Emel

    Almaty — Basshi — Aktau Mountains

    Aktau Mountains and overnight in Basshi

    Leave Almaty in the morning for Basshi village, then continue to the Aktau Mountains in Altyn-Emel National Park. Make rest stops along the way. Access to the mountains involves a rough unpaved road; on arrival, walk among pale and colourful slopes, observe the layers of rock and take photographs. Return to Basshi in the evening for an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2Dune visit and sunset canyon walk

    Singing Dune — Charyn Canyon at sunset — Saty

    Morning at the Singing Dune

    In the morning, travel from Basshi to the Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel National Park. The drive of approximately 50–60 km takes around one hour. Walk on the dune and enjoy the open scenery; you may spot kulan or goitered gazelles along the way. Afterwards, return to Basshi.

    Sunset at Charyn Canyon, dinner and overnight in Saty

    Have lunch in Basshi or Zharkent, with the location chosen according to the day’s route. Continue to Charyn Canyon for a sunset walk, enjoying the rock formations in the evening light and stopping for photographs. After the walk, drive to Saty village for dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse. A yurt stay can be arranged on request; please agree on your accommodation preference in advance.

  3. Day 3Two lakes and return to Almaty

    Kaindy Lake — Saty — Kolsai Lake — Almaty

    Morning at Kaindy and lunch in Saty

    In the morning, leave Saty for Kaindy Lake, known for the spruce trunks rising out of its water. Explore the accessible viewpoints, enjoy the lake scenery and photograph the submerged forest. Return to Saty for lunch after the visit.

    Kolsai Lake and the drive to Almaty

    After lunch, visit Lower Kolsai Lake for a lakeside walk and time to enjoy the mountain setting. Then drive back to Almaty. Arrival time depends on the length of stops and road traffic.

  4. Day 4Via Kelinshiktau: approx. 4–5 hours with stops

    Almaty — flight to Shymkent — Sairam — Kemekalgan — Turkistan

    Historic Sairam, mountain scenery and an evening in Turkistan

    After breakfast, transfer to Almaty Airport and fly to Shymkent. The Almaty–Shymkent airfare is not included in the tour price and is paid separately. On arrival, meet your local guide and begin the road journey. Lunch in Shymkent is planned during the day.

    Visit Sairam, an ancient settlement with historic monuments of southern Kazakhstan. Explore the mausoleums of Ibrahim Ata and Karashash Ana, the parents of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and see the Khizyr-Paygambar minaret and remains of the historic mosque.

    Continue to Kemekalgan to see the Adam and Eve rocks, then travel to Turkistan via Kelinshiktau and Karatau. Allow approximately 4–5 hours, including stops, for the road route from Shymkent to Turkistan via Kelinshiktau. Actual timing depends on traffic and the length of visits.

    In Turkistan, enjoy dinner and a walk through the city in the evening before your overnight stay. The preferred accommodation is Karavansaray Turkistan Hotel. Advance booking is important, as rooms may be unavailable. If the hotel is full, an alternative property is selected and agreed with the guests.

  5. Day 5Culture, sightseeing and transfer to Shymkent

    Turkistan — Karavansaray — Yasawi Mausoleum — Otrar — Shymkent

    Karavansaray experiences and the historic sites of southern Kazakhstan

    Begin the day exploring Karavansaray in Turkistan, a modern cultural and entertainment complex with historically inspired architecture. You can visit Altyn Samuryq, the flying theatre: a panoramic multimedia attraction that creates the sensation of flight while introducing Kazakhstan’s history and landscapes. Admission to Altyn Samuryq is optional and paid separately. An optional gondola ride along the complex’s canal is also available and paid separately.

    Continue to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and explore the historic part of Turkistan. Admission to the mausoleum is included in the tour price. After sightseeing, have lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional cuisine.

    After lunch, travel to the archaeological site of Otrar. Admission is included in the tour price. Explore the remains of the ancient city and learn about its history, then continue the journey to Shymkent.

    In Shymkent, enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local cuisine and stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. The order of visits is arranged around site opening hours and the entertainment schedule.

  6. Day 6Mountain views and Almaty sightseeing

    Shymkent — flight to Almaty — Medeu and Shymbulak — city tour

    Cable cars to 3,200 metres and an Almaty city tour

    After breakfast, transfer to Shymkent Airport and fly to Almaty. The Shymkent–Almaty airfare is paid separately and is not included in the tour price. Meet your driver on arrival and head to the mountains for Medeu and Shymbulak. Ride the cable cars up to around 3,200 metres, enjoy the mountain panorama and stop for photographs.

    After visiting Medeu and Shymbulak, return to the city for a sightseeing tour of Almaty. The order and duration of city stops are arranged around your arrival time, cable car operations and road traffic. Check in and stay overnight in Almaty.

  7. Day 7End of the journey

    Almaty — breakfast and airport transfer

    Departure from Almaty

    After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Almaty Airport for your flight. The hotel pick-up time is agreed in advance according to your departure schedule. End of the seven-day tour.

The tour operates year-round. Driving times are approximate. Winter brings shorter daylight hours, and mountain road access and cable car operations depend on the weather. Programme changes are agreed when necessary. Domestic flight times are confirmed for your travel dates.

Route map

Main itinerary stops. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Dotted line shows the order of stops, not the exact road. Open the route in Google Maps
  1. 1
    Almaty — tour start

    Day 1. Morning departure for Altyn-Emel.

  2. 2
    Basshi

    Day 1. Arrive in Basshi before visiting Aktau.

  3. 3
    Aktau Mountains

    Day 1. Walk among colourful mountains, reached by a rough unpaved road.

  4. 4
    Singing Dune

    Day 2. Morning visit to the dune.

  5. 5
    Charyn Canyon

    Day 2. Sunset walk before the drive to Saty.

  6. 6
    Saty — overnight

    Day 2. Dinner and a guesthouse stay, or a yurt on request.

  7. 7
    Kaindy Lake

    Day 3. Submerged spruce trees and a walk to accessible viewpoints.

  8. 8
    Lower Kolsai Lake

    Day 3. Lakeside walk followed by the drive to Almaty.

  9. 9
    Almaty — overnight and flight

    Overnight after Day 3. Day 4 airport transfer and flight to Shymkent, paid separately. The next route segment is a flight.

  10. 10
    Shymkent — arrival

    Day 4. Arrive by air from Almaty, meet the guide and start the road journey. The marker represents the city.

  11. 11
    Sairam

    Day 4. Ibrahim Ata and Karashash Ana mausoleums and the Khizyr minaret.

  12. 12
    Adam and Eve rocks

    Day 4. Visit the rocks in the Kemekalgan area.

  13. 13
    Kelinshiktau and Karatau

    Day 4. Mountain scenery en route to Turkistan. This marker indicates the mountain area, not an exact driving waypoint.

  14. 14
    Turkistan — Karavansaray and Yasawi Mausoleum

    Day 4 overnight and Day 5 sightseeing. Mausoleum admission is included; Altyn Samuryq and the gondola are extra. The marker represents the historic centre at the mausoleum.

  15. 15
    Otrar archaeological site

    Day 5. Visit the ancient city site; admission is included.

  16. 16
    Shymkent — overnight and flight

    Day 5. Dinner and hotel stay. Day 6 flight to Almaty is paid separately. The next route segment is a flight.

  17. 17
    Medeu

    Day 6. Visit mountain-side Medeu and continue by cable car.

  18. 18
    Shymbulak

    Day 6. Cable cars to approximately 3,200 metres, subject to weather and lift operations.

  19. 19
    Almaty — city tour and finish

    Day 6. City tour and overnight. Day 7 breakfast and airport transfer.

Included

  • Comfortable 4x4 vehicle and fuel.
  • Services of an English-speaking guide-driver.
  • All 6 overnight stays in the itinerary; the starting price for four guests is based on two guests sharing each room.
  • All meals specified in the tour programme.
  • Entrance fees to national parks, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Otrar archaeological site.
  • Transfers specified in the itinerary, including airport and hotel transfers.
  • Shymbulak cable car tickets up to approximately 3,200 metres.
  • Local UAZ transfer towards Kaindy Lake.

Not included

  • International flights and the domestic Almaty–Shymkent and Shymkent–Almaty flights. Air tickets are paid separately.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs.
  • Optional activities, including horse riding, unless explicitly included in the agreed itinerary.
  • Tips for guides and drivers are optional.
  • Admission to the Altyn Samuryq flying theatre at Karavansaray.
  • The gondola ride along the canal at Karavansaray.

What to bring

Footwear with good grip for slopes and uneven ground; budget trekking boots are suitable for our standard scenic toursA warm fleece, vest or windbreaker, even in summer: Assy, Arabel, Kolsai, Kaindy and evenings in Saty can be cool; a rain poncho is optionalSun hat, sunglasses and sunscreenID or passport; for an international itinerary, check the required entry documents before travellingPhone or camera, chargers and a power bankCash for personal purchases and additional servicesA small daypack and a reusable water bottlePersonal toiletries and medication; trekking poles and specialist equipment are not normally needed on the standard 5-, 6- and 8-day scenic tours; check requirements for dedicated trekking itineraries

Why Silk Travel

01

Exceptional service

A personal approach to every guest and safety throughout the journey.

02

Dependable SUVs

Air-conditioned 4x4s that reach remote spots, serviced after every tour.

03

Individual tours

No big groups. Change the route, take breaks, extend the trip.

04

Certified guides

Our guides speak English, are certified and have more than five years of guiding experience.

S
StJFamilyFredericton, Canada · 56 contributions
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Great Guide, Great Tour

Had an excellent three day small group tour to Altyn Emel, Kaindy/Kolsai and Charyn Canyon with Tau. Tau was a terrific guide and I highly recommend him. He was friendly and a lot of fun. He has lots of knowledge of the area and was very generous with his time to allow us all the opportunity to enjoy the area. Also takes great photos!

The places we visited on the tour are beautiful and very worth the effort to travel there. Kazakhstan surpassed all expectations and loved my time there.

d
dyCanada2Hong Kong, China · 13 contributions · Jun 2019 • Friends
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Fantastic guide, amazing trip!

Travelled with my mom in a group tour last June. We had Tau as our guide and it was a magical trip! Great driver and conversationalist, and he took us to some beautiful landscapes and also on some unreal hikes and climbs. Also very well prepared - borrowed many blankets when the temperatures got a little chilly, and had rain ponchos on hand when the weather turned rainy.

After we returned to Almaty, Tau provided great recommendations and showed some pretty neat bars / spots around town.

Hands-down, one of the highlights for summer 2019. Highly recommended. Tau will ensure that you have a great time in Kazakhstan!

E
Excursion29147138082Oct 2025
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6 days private tour in Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

“Our guide, Ray, was knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible.”

l
lenb277Oct 2025
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A great way to explore Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

“My husband and I tailored the 6 day tour and spent 5 amazing days outdoors.”

r
rosr972025
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Amazing 6-Day Trip

“We had the most wonderful experience in this 6 day tour.”

A
Anisa JJun 2025
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Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan private tour

“We had an amazing time on our private tour of 6 days.”

n
nirhkangMay 2025
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Wowed in every destinations

“Made plenty of unforgettable memories. We were well taken care of.”

4
49faridahj2025
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A thrilling 6 day tour

“He tailored and adjusted the tour schedule according to our preference.”

From Altyn-Emel’s landscapes to the history of Turkistan

The first three days focus on southeastern Kazakhstan: Aktau’s layered hills, the Singing Dune, Charyn Canyon in the evening light and the mountain lakes of Kaindy and Kolsai. Overnight stops in Basshi and Saty break up the road journey.

The southern part adds a different perspective: Sairam’s mausoleums and minaret, the Adam and Eve rocks, the route via Kelinshiktau and Karatau, Turkistan and the archaeological site of Otrar. Domestic flights connect this section with Almaty.

A private trip with a flexible walking pace

Travel with your own group and discuss your interests with the guide. Allow more time for photographs or choose a shorter walk when needed. The Aktau visit includes a rough unpaved drive; the Singing Dune and canyon walks require suitable footwear.

Flight schedules, sunset timing, road conditions and cable car operations shape the day. The Shymbulak visit and Almaty city tour on Day 6 are planned around the return flight from Shymkent.

Where you stay during the seven days

The route includes nights in Basshi, Saty, Almaty, Turkistan and Shymkent, followed by a final night in Almaty. In Saty, choose a guesthouse or request a yurt. Karavansaray Turkistan is the preferred hotel in Turkistan and should be booked early; if it is full, an alternative hotel is agreed with you.

A year-round itinerary with seasonal adjustments

The tour runs throughout the year. Winter has shorter daylight hours, while mountain access and cable car operation depend on weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers, sun protection and the travel documents needed for your flights. We agree on programme changes if a location is inaccessible.

Price and planning your trip

Prices start at USD 1,220 per person for four guests sharing twin or double rooms. The Almaty–Shymkent and Shymkent–Almaty flights, the Altyn Samuryq flying theatre and the Karavansaray gondola ride are paid separately. Send your dates and group size so we can confirm accommodation, the flight schedule and the final itinerary before booking.

Questions about this tour

How much does this seven-day Kazakhstan tour cost?

The price per person is USD 2,990 for one guest, USD 1,730 for two guests, USD 1,470 for three guests and USD 1,220 for four guests. The starting price of USD 1,220 applies to four guests with two people sharing each room. Accommodation arrangements and the final quote are confirmed before booking.

Are the Almaty–Shymkent flights included?

No. Both domestic flights, Almaty–Shymkent on Day 4 and Shymkent–Almaty on Day 6, are paid separately. We coordinate airport transfers and sightseeing with the booked flights.

Which tickets in Turkistan and Otrar are included?

Admission to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the archaeological site of Otrar is included. The Altyn Samuryq flying theatre and the gondola ride at Karavansaray are optional and paid separately.

Does the tour run in winter?

Yes, the tour operates year-round. Winter daylight, weather, mountain road access and cable car operations may affect the order or availability of visits. Any necessary programme changes are agreed with the guests.

Where do we stay, and is Karavansaray Hotel guaranteed?

The six overnight stops are Basshi, Saty, Almaty, Turkistan, Shymkent and Almaty. In Saty, accommodation is in a guesthouse, with a yurt available on request. Karavansaray Turkistan is the preferred hotel in Turkistan, subject to availability; if full, an alternative hotel is agreed with you.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts in Almaty with a morning departure for Altyn-Emel on Day 1. It finishes in Almaty on Day 7 with breakfast and a transfer to the airport for your flight.

Can the walks and sightseeing pace be adjusted?

Yes. Discuss walking distances, photo stops and rest breaks with your guide. The route includes rough roads to Aktau and walks at the dune, canyon and lakes. The Day 6 Shymbulak visit and Almaty city tour are arranged around the flight arrival time, weather and cable car operations.

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.

Photos

6 photos
Charyn Canyon
Kolsai Lake
Charyn Canyon
Altyn Emel
Kolsai Lake
Turquoise and golden tilework around an arched window in Turkistan

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