Expedition to the Kazakh Altai in Eastern Kazakhstan
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ON THE KAZAKH ALTAI EXPEDITION
Authentic Local Experience
See the Altai as it is — remote villages, mountain pastures, yurts, local life, and off-the-beaten-path routes.
See the Altai as it is — remote villages, mountain pastures, yurts, local life, and off-the-beaten-path routes.
A True Off-Road Journey
The route runs through mountains, dirt roads, and high passes. We use fully prepared 4×4 vehicles to reach places where paved roads end and the real expedition begins.
The route runs through mountains, dirt roads, and high passes. We use fully prepared 4×4 vehicles to reach places where paved roads end and the real expedition begins.
The Kazakh Altai is a land of alpine meadows, taiga forests, glacial rivers, and crystal-clear lakes.
Each day reveals completely new landscapes.
Each day reveals completely new landscapes.
Remote and Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations
Explore mountain valleys, high passes, alpine lakes, and untouched landscapes of the Altai — places rarely reached by conventional tours.
Explore mountain valleys, high passes, alpine lakes, and untouched landscapes of the Altai — places rarely reached by conventional tours.
TOUR PROGRAM
A 5-Day Expedition Through the Kazakh Altai
Day 1
Day 1
Ust-Kamenogorsk → Katon-Karagay
Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk and meeting at the airport or railway station.
Drive towards Katon-Karagay National Park, the heart of the Kazakh Altai.
Scenic route along the Bukhtarma Reservoir, mountain ridges, and valleys.
Evening arrival, guesthouse accommodation, dinner, and rest.
Drive towards Katon-Karagay National Park, the heart of the Kazakh Altai.
Scenic route along the Bukhtarma Reservoir, mountain ridges, and valleys.
Evening arrival, guesthouse accommodation, dinner, and rest.
→ Distance: ~380 km
→ Road conditions: asphalt, gravel
→ Driving time: ~10 hours
→ Road conditions: asphalt, gravel
→ Driving time: ~10 hours
Day 2
Day 2
Yazevoye Lake and Alpine Valleys
Drive through coniferous forests and dirt roads to Yazevoye Lake.
This day marks the beginning of a true off-road journey through the Altai.
Walks along the lake, photography, quiet moments, and the serenity of alpine valleys.
This day marks the beginning of a true off-road journey through the Altai.
Walks along the lake, photography, quiet moments, and the serenity of alpine valleys.
→ Distance: ~100 km
→ Road conditions: dirt, gravel
→ Driving time: 4–5 hours
→ Road conditions: dirt, gravel
→ Driving time: 4–5 hours
Day 3
Day 3
Rakhmanovskie Hot Springs
Drive towards the Rakhmanovskie Hot Springs along mountain serpentines and taiga forests.
Along the way, enjoy views of the Belaya Berel River and high mountain passes.
After arrival — walks in the surroundings and relaxation at the radon hot springs.
Along the way, enjoy views of the Belaya Berel River and high mountain passes.
After arrival — walks in the surroundings and relaxation at the radon hot springs.
→ Distance: ~90 km
→ Road conditions: asphalt, gravel
→ Driving time: 3–4 hours
→ Road conditions: asphalt, gravel
→ Driving time: 3–4 hours
Day 4
Day 4
The Austrian Road → Markakol Lake
One of the most scenic days of the expedition.
Drive along the historic Austrian Road through mountain passes and wild valleys.
Along the way — views of the Kara-Kaba River and untouched Altai landscapes.
By evening, arrival at Lake Markakol and accommodation in a lakeside guesthouse.
Drive along the historic Austrian Road through mountain passes and wild valleys.
Along the way — views of the Kara-Kaba River and untouched Altai landscapes.
By evening, arrival at Lake Markakol and accommodation in a lakeside guesthouse.
→ Distance: ~100 km
→ Road conditions: gravel, off-road
→ Driving time: 6–7 hours
→ Road conditions: gravel, off-road
→ Driving time: 6–7 hours
Day 5
Day 5
Markakol → Altai Mountain Passes → Ust-Kamenogorsk
Morning departure from Lake Markakol.
The route crosses mountain passes, forested areas, and Altai valleys with a gradual change of landscapes.
Stops along the way for rest and photography.
By evening, return to Ust-Kamenogorsk, hotel accommodation, and rest.
The route crosses mountain passes, forested areas, and Altai valleys with a gradual change of landscapes.
Stops along the way for rest and photography.
By evening, return to Ust-Kamenogorsk, hotel accommodation, and rest.
→ Distance: ~450 km
→ Road conditions: asphalt, dirt roads
→ Driving time: ~10–11 hours
→ Road conditions: asphalt, dirt roads
→ Driving time: ~10–11 hours
Day 6
Day 6
Departure from Ust-Kamenogorsk
Breakfast and transfer to Ust-Kamenogorsk airport or railway station.
End of the Kazakh Altai expedition..
End of the Kazakh Altai expedition..
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
7-Day Expedition — Starting from Almaty
Day 1
Day 1
Almaty → East Kazakhstan
Early departure from Almaty.
The road goes through степpe and mountain regions of Kazakhstan with constantly changing landscapes.
Stops for rest and lunch along the way.
By evening arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk, hotel check-in and rest before the expedition.
The road goes through степpe and mountain regions of Kazakhstan with constantly changing landscapes.
Stops for rest and lunch along the way.
By evening arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk, hotel check-in and rest before the expedition.
→ Distance: ~1100 km
→ Road conditions: asphalt
→ Driving time: 12–13 hours
→ Road conditions: asphalt
→ Driving time: 12–13 hours
Days 2–6
These days fully follow the 7-day Kazakhstan Altai expedition program.
These days fully follow the 7-day Kazakhstan Altai expedition program.
Day 7
Day 7
Ust-Kamenogorsk → Almaty
After breakfast we start our return journey.
Comfortable transit day with stops for rest and meals.
Arrival in Almaty late in the evening.
Comfortable transit day with stops for rest and meals.
Arrival in Almaty late in the evening.
→ Distance: ~1100 km
→ Road conditions: asphalt
→ Driving time: 12–13 hours
→ Road conditions: asphalt
→ Driving time: 12–13 hours
EXPEDITION PRICE
Fuel
• Fuel for the entire route (~1400 km)
Accommodation
• 2 nights in a hotel in Ust-Kamenogorsk
(from 27,000 KZT per room / night)
• 3 nights at a recreation base in Uryl
(from 30,000 KZT per person / night, meals & sauna included)
• 1 night at a recreation base in Urunkhayka
(from 20,000 KZT per person / night, breakfast included)
Fees
• Eco fees — 5,000 KZT per person
Meals
• 2 dinners in Ust-Kamenogorsk
• 2 outdoor lunches (we cook together in nature)
• Fuel for the entire route (~1400 km)
Accommodation
• 2 nights in a hotel in Ust-Kamenogorsk
(from 27,000 KZT per room / night)
• 3 nights at a recreation base in Uryl
(from 30,000 KZT per person / night, meals & sauna included)
• 1 night at a recreation base in Urunkhayka
(from 20,000 KZT per person / night, breakfast included)
Fees
• Eco fees — 5,000 KZT per person
Meals
• 2 dinners in Ust-Kamenogorsk
• 2 outdoor lunches (we cook together in nature)
Using Your Own Vehicle
Best for travelers with their own vehicle who want a guided expedition
TRAVEL WITH US (OUR VEHICLE)
All-inclusive expedition with our team and full support
100 000 KZT per vehicle
620 000 KZT
Additional Expenses:
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Comfortable transfer throughout the route
• Professional driver-guide
• Accommodation along the route
• Meals at recreation bases
• All entrance and eco fees
• Fuel
• Professional driver-guide
• Accommodation along the route
• Meals at recreation bases
• All entrance and eco fees
• Fuel
Duration
7 or 9 days — depending on the chosen route format
Total Distance
Approx. 1,500–2,200 km through the mountains and valleys of the Kazakhstan Altai
Travel Format
Jeep expedition in prepared 4x4 vehicles through mountains, taiga forests and high-altitude plateaus
Difficulty Level
Moderate — suitable for active travelers without special physical training
7 or 9 days — depending on the chosen route format
Total Distance
Approx. 1,500–2,200 km through the mountains and valleys of the Kazakhstan Altai
Travel Format
Jeep expedition in prepared 4x4 vehicles through mountains, taiga forests and high-altitude plateaus
Difficulty Level
Moderate — suitable for active travelers without special physical training
Season & Conditions
The expedition runs from May to October
Best time: June, July, August and September
Mountain temperatures range from +5°C to +25°C depending on altitude and season
The route is flexible and can be adapted to weather, road conditions and group preferences
Optional Activities
Horse riding in mountain valleys
Hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes
Bathing in radon hot springs at Rakhmanov Springs
Photography and drone filming
Picnics in the wilderness
The expedition runs from May to October
Best time: June, July, August and September
Mountain temperatures range from +5°C to +25°C depending on altitude and season
The route is flexible and can be adapted to weather, road conditions and group preferences
Optional Activities
Horse riding in mountain valleys
Hiking to waterfalls and alpine lakes
Bathing in radon hot springs at Rakhmanov Springs
Photography and drone filming
Picnics in the wilderness
MOMENTS FROM THE KAZAKHSTAN ALTAI EXPEDITION
ABOUT US
TripAround is more than a journey — it’s an experience.
From alpine lakes to desert canyons, from traditional tea in mountain villages to sunsets over high passes — every detail is thoughtfully designed so you can feel:
this is my place, and this is my time.
this is my place, and this is my time.
Our style is freedom, comfort, and attention to detail.
You don’t just travel — you feel, live, and truly connect with the places you visit.
You don’t just travel — you feel, live, and truly connect with the places you visit.
Safety first — proven routes, constant communication and emergency support on the road.
6+ years of experience & 1000+ tours — trusted by travelers from Europe, Asia, USA and CIS.
Tailor-made routes — private trips, flexible schedule, family-friendly comfort.
Travel with the creators of the expedition.
Direct booking with TripAround — transparent pricing, no commissions, no intermediaries.
Direct booking with TripAround — transparent pricing, no commissions, no intermediaries.
Certified local guides — safety, deep local knowledge, and English-speaking support.
Our own 4x4 fleet — reliable, fully prepared off-road vehicles. Everything is under control.
Book the Expedition
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