Altai Adventure Tour

6 DAY TOUR

Kazakhstan

Altai Adventure: 6 Days Self Drive Expedition

Dates: 26. May | 09. June | 23. June | 07. July | 21. July | 04. August | 18. August | 01. September | 15. September | 06. October

Experience the breathtaking beauty of nature, capture Instagram-worthy views, enjoy cozy accommodations, and embark on an exhilarating journey through the open roads of the expansive steppes and mountains of Kazakhstan! Welcome to the ALMATY ADVENTURE LOOP, a distinctive route that seamlessly connects three national parks in the Almaty region: Altyn-Emel Park, Charyn Park, and Ili Alatau Park. Explore their key attractions, including the mesmerizing Singing Dune, the serene Kulsay Lake, and the awe-inspiring Charyn Canyon—all in a single, unforgettable trip!

Tour Difficulty

Medium

This tour is suitable for Riders who have experience touring on two wheels.
 Roads condition is about 70% is tarmac road. About 30% is dirt roads, tackling challenging sections, navigating tight switchbacks, and conquering twisty mountain passes. This adventure promises an adrenaline-fueled journey for motorcycle enthusiasts, pushing the limits of skill and providing an unforgettable ride on the most demanding and rewarding terrains.

Skill Level Required
Beginner riders (3 years riding experience).
Road Condition
Road - Tarmac
Accomodation
Hotels*** (3 nights), resort (1 night), guesthouses (1 night).
Self Drive Tour
Self Drive Tour with 4x4 Vehicle
Activities / Excursions
Exceeds Expectation
Food/ Dining
Exceptional

Tour Highlights

 

  • Arrival in Almaty & Vehicle Orientation

    • Meet and greet at Almaty International Airport

    • Private transfer and check-in at hotel

    • Briefing session and 4×4 vehicle inspection

    • Almaty city tour for orientation and local insights

  • Altyn-Emel National Park Expedition

    • Kick off the adventure with a scenic drive to Altyn-Emel Nature Park

    • Traverse the vast Kokhan plateau with panoramic steppe views

    • Stop for traditional lunch at the Altyn-Emel pass featuring local mutton “shashlik”

  • Singing Dune & Holy Tree Discovery

    • Morning drive through the expansive Altyn-Emel desert reserve

    • Explore the magical Singing Dune—a natural wonder producing sound

    • Visit the peaceful Holy Tree oasis, a place of energy and legends

  • Silk Road Drive to Chundzha Hot Springs

    • Follow the historic Silk Road highway from China to Europe

    • Unwind in the therapeutic waters of Chundzha Hot Springs resort by evening

  • Kulsay Lake Retreat via Mountain Passes

    • Drive through the dramatic Zailiyskiy Alatau and Ketmen mountain ranges

    • Pass through local villages and farmlands en route

    • Arrive at picturesque Kulsay Lake and enjoy a tranquil night in a scenic lodge

  • Charyn Canyon Exploration

    • Continue the journey with a stop at the iconic Charyn Canyon

    • Hike into the Valley of Castles and marvel at the surreal rock formations

    • Visit panoramic viewpoints for unforgettable canyon views

  • Return to Almaty

    • Scenic drive back to Almaty through ever-changing landscapes

    • Check into hotel for a final night of comfort and rest

  • Comfortable Accommodations Throughout

    • Relax in a mix of handpicked guesthouses, lakeside lodges, and boutique hotels

  • Stunning Landscapes & Photo Opportunities

    • Capture diverse scenes of deserts, lakes, canyons, and alpine forests

    • Instagram-worthy stops every day to document your journey

DATES: 2025

2025 Tour Starts
26. May | 09. June | 23. June | 07. July | 21. July | 04. August | 18. August | 01. September | 15. September | 06. October

SELF DRIVE AVAILABLE: TOYOTA SEQUOIA, PRADO, FJ CRUISER, MITSUBISHI PAJERO, LAND CRUISER, 

Our 4×4 vehicles are all bold and powerful SUV, perfect for exploring Kazakhstan’s diverse terrain. With its iconic retro design, strong V6 engine, and impressive off-road capabilities, the FJ Cruiser handles everything from mountain roads to desert tracks with confidence. Its spacious interior, elevated ground clearance, and advanced 4×4 system make it an ideal choice for adventurous self-drive trips. Whether you’re cruising the highway or tackling rugged trails, the FJ Cruiser will be your dependable and rugged companion throughout your journey.

PRICES:

KAZAKHSTAN 4X4 SELF DRIVE TOUR

OFF ROAD EXPEDITION
120,000
  • Bespoke Accomodation on Twin Sharing
  • Self Drive Vehicle Rental
  • Guided AI Maps for the tour
Popular

Start & End: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Mileage: +-1000 km

Daily Distance: 200- 250 km

Countries: Kazakhstan

Road Surfaces: 80% Tarmac, 20% Dirt Road

Difficulty: Medium with a bit of challenging sections, tight switchbacks, twisty mountain-passes

Accomodation: Hotels*** (3 nights), resort (1 night), guesthouses (1 night). On twin-sharing basis room.

  • 6 Days and 5 Nights Hotel Accommodation with early check in on Day 1 arrival
  • Self Drive 4×4 Rental – Toyota fj cruiser/ Toyota Prado / Toyota Sequoia or similar 
  • 5 X Buffet Breakfast each morning
  • Full Itinerary with maps for self guided tour
  • Optional Activity booking service
  • Almaty local support service for any emergency and coordination on ground.
  • Third Party insurance
  • Government tax
  • Airport pickup and drop off Transfers
  • CMT Souvenirs
  • International flights
  • Items of a personal nature and any monuments entrance tickets
  • All items not mentioned in “Price includes”
  • All meals and drinks other than those specified in “Price includes”
  • All Entrance fees other than those specified in “Price includes”
  • TCS 5%

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty
You will arrive in Almaty at 00:35 AM via the IndiGo flight from Delhi. After completing immigration and baggage claim, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Almaty for check-in. The rest of the night is for you to rest and recover from your journey. Overnight stay in Almaty.

Day 2: Altyn-Emel National Park – Aktau Mountains
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey towards Altyn-Emel National Park. On the way, we pass through Konaev city and Kapshagai handmade lake, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the so-called “KazVegas.” We’ll stop at a local bazaar to buy seasonal fruits like apples, melons, and watermelons, as well as traditional kurt (Kazakh salted cheese). After around four hours of driving, we’ll reach a village near the park to get permits and enjoy a local lunch (vegetarian options available). We’ll then head to the spectacular Aktau mountains—famous for their unique multicolored formations—for a two-hour hike. In the evening, return to the hotel for a hot shower, a delicious local dinner, and a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 3: Singing Dune – Charyn Canyon – Saty Village
Following breakfast, we drive an hour to visit the Singing Dune, a 150-meter high sand formation that produces a unique humming sound in dry weather. On the way, we might spot wildlife such as Przewalski’s horses, gazelles, or onagers. After climbing and photographing the dune, we continue our journey to Charyn Canyon, stopping for a traditional lunch in a local village featuring handmade noodles with meat or vegetables. After about four hours of total driving, we reach Charyn Canyon and begin a 30-minute descent into the Valley of Castles. After resting by the river and enjoying the stunning rock formations, we take a 40-minute return walk. We’ll also stop by a viewpoint overlooking the dramatic Black Canyon. In the evening, we continue to Saty village, where we check in to our hotel (lake-view rooms upon availability), enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 4: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes – Return to Almaty
After breakfast, a short 20-minute drive brings us to the stunning Kolsai Lake. We’ll take a peaceful one-hour hike around the lake and into the nearby forest filled with tall fir trees and wildflowers. After returning to the car, we drive back to Saty village, then go off-road for about an hour—crossing small rivers and enjoying the rugged terrain—to reach the parking area near Kaindy Lake. From there, it’s a short optional horseback ride (20 minutes) and a 10-minute walk to the mystical Sunken Forest of Kaindy Lake. We’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the magical landscape. Lunch is prepared by locals in Saty village before we begin our return journey to Almaty. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Almaty.

Day 5: Shymbulak Ski Resort & Almaty City Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then head into the nearby mountains for a visit to the famous Medeo skating rink—the highest in the world. From there, take a cable car ride up to the Shymbulak ski resort and further to Talgar Pass at an altitude of 3,200 meters, offering breathtaking mountain views. Have lunch in the fresh mountain air before descending back to Almaty for a city tour. Visit the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park, the Eternal Flame memorial, and Zenkov Cathedral—one of the few wooden buildings in the world that has survived a major earthquake. Finish the tour at Green Bazaar, where you can shop for local delicacies, Kazakh sweets, and souvenirs. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Departure from Almaty
After breakfast, spend some final quiet moments in Almaty. Around 11:30 PM (the previous night), you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Delhi at 01:35 AM. Depart with unforgettable memories of Kazakhstan’s natural wonders, culture, and warm hospitality.

PHOTO GALLERY