Kazakh Altai Tour (Katon Karagay)

A 7-day Kazakh Altai Tour is a captivating journey through one of the most remote and pristine mountain regions in Kazakhstan – the Katon Karagay National Park. Over the course of a week, you’ll be immersed in a landscape of towering peaks, alpine lakes, coniferous forests, scenic mountain passes, and cascading waterfalls. Still little known to mainstream tourism, this untouched region offers a rare sense of purity and natural harmony.
The tour begins in the city of Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), and with each passing hour, villages become fewer and the wilderness more profound. By the end of the first day, you’ll arrive in the village of Uryl, your base for a series of radial excursions. From there, each day will take you to a new gorge, lake, river, or mountain pass, with panoramic views and serene high-altitude landscapes. You’ll visit quiet mountain lakes, hike to rushing waterfalls, and feel completely surrounded by nature.
Alongside its natural wonders, the Kazakh Altai also offers rich cultural and historical discoveries. You’ll visit the Berel burial mounds, also known as the Valley of the Kings, explore the village of Korobikha, home to Old Believers, and meet local people who have lived in harmony with this environment for generations.
This 7-day Kazakh Altai Tour (Katon Karagay) is perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful adventure far from the crowds – a chance to unwind in ecologically clean surroundings, reconnect with nature, and perhaps even follow the legends of the lost kingdom of Shambhala.
Check out the full tour itinerary and start preparing for an unforgettable journey!

Recommendations for picking the travel dates:

May to June: blooming mountain grasses;
Late July to early August: sunflower bloom;
Late August: purple wildflower bloom;
September to mid-October: golden autumn colors and scenic foliage.

Tour itinerary:

Expand All Collapse All

Day 1: Oskemen – Katon Karagay – Uryl (415 km)

Arrival to Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) International airport. Our guide and driver will meet you and you’ll immediately begin your adventure with a scenic journey to the village of Uryl, located in Katon Karagay National Park. The route takes you through stunning landscapes, crossing the Osinovsky Pass and following the shoreline of the Bukhtarma Reservoir along the Irtysh River. Arrive in Uryl in the evening and settle into a cozy guest house or set up camp at the designated site. After a full day of travel, you can relax in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, enjoy a hearty dinner, and, for those staying in the guest house, unwind in a traditional bathhouse.
Meals: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Uryl – Burkhat Pass – Berel Mounds – Uryl (140 km)

Start your day with an early breakfast to prepare for your first tour through the Kazakh Altai, beginning at 8 a.m. In the morning, you’ll head to the historic Old Austrian Road en route to the scenic Burkhat Pass. Along the way, you’ll visit a Maral (Altai deer) farm, where you can observe and feed these majestic animals. If you wish, you may also sample pantogematogen, a traditional tonic made from young antlers – produced without harming the animals. At 9 a.m., the ascent along the Old Austrian Road begins. Constructed by Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war between 1914 and 1916, this road offers a unique historical and natural experience. By 11 a.m., you’ll reach a panoramic viewpoint at Burkhat Pass, with time for a walk to the nearby Burkhat Lake. Afterward, continue to a guest house for lunch. At 2:00 p.m., the tour continues with a visit to the Berel archaeological complex, home to dozens of burial mounds containing the remains of nomadic elites from the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD. This site features well-preserved monuments of Scythian and ancient Turkic cultures. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the burial mounds and visit a small museum displaying artifacts discovered in the graves. In the evening, return to Uryl. Dinner and overnight stay at a guest house or campsite. An optional traditional bathhouse is available for those staying at the guest house.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Uryl – Rakhman springs – Uryl (110 km)

Early breakfast and departure at 8:00 a.m. to Rakhman Lake and the Rakhman Springs sanatorium. Along the way, enjoy several scenic stops: a photo break at the White Berel River viewpoint, a 30-minute hike to the Usy Batyr Mustache Waterfall, (also called Arasan waterfall), and a panoramic stop overlooking Mount Belukha (4,509 m) – the highest peak in the Altai Mountains. This route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Kazakh Altai.
At 1:00 p.m., arrive at Rakhman Springs. Take a peaceful walk along the lake, enjoy lunch by the shore, and relax in the quiet beauty of nature.
At 4:00 p.m., begin the return journey. Arrival in Uryl at 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight stay at a guest house or campsite.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Uryl – Lake Yazevoye – Uryl (100 km)

After an early breakfast, depart at 8:00 a.m. for another day of exploring the natural beauty of Katon Karagay National Nature Park. Today’s destination is the peaceful Lake Yazevoye. En route, you’ll cross a century-old wooden bridge over the Belaya Berel River, with time to stop for photos or take a short walk across. A little further along the route, enjoy a 30-minute hike to the Yazevoye Waterfall, set amidst dense forest and alpine scenery. Around noon, arrive at Lake Yazevoye, a serene high-mountain lake surrounded by pine forest and snow-capped peaks reflected in its mirror-like surface. Spend a few tranquil hours here – enjoying a picnic lunch by the shore, walking in the surrounding area, and soaking in the untouched nature of the Kazakh Altai. After 3:00 p.m., begin the return journey. Arrival in Uryl by 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight stay at a guest house or campsite. Optional traditional bathhouse available for those staying at the guest house.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Uryl – Korobikha – Uryl (250 km)

Early breakfast. At 8:00 a.m., depart for a full-day trip to Korobikha, a remote village in Katon Karagay National Park, known for its community of Old Believers.
Here, you’ll explore traditional wooden houses, a local church, and a small museum. During your visit, you’ll learn about the unique customs and way of life of this isolated religious community, whose traditions have been preserved for generations. The setting is equally memorable – surrounded by mountains, forests, and alpine meadows.
Enjoy lunch in Korobikha, followed by a walk through the village and surrounding area, with opportunities to admire the beauty of the landscape from several scenic viewpoints.
After 3:00 p.m., begin the return journey. Arrival in Uryl by 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight stay at a guest house or campsite. Optional traditional bathhouse available for those staying at the guest house.
Duration of sightseeing tour: city

Day 6: Uryl - Oskemen (460 km)

Breakfast at 8 a.m., packing and departure for Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk). On the way, you will stop in the village of Ulken-Naryn, drive along the Bukhtarma Reservoir and cross the longest bridge in Kazakhstan over the Irtysh River, which is 1,316 meters long. Lunch. Arrival in Oskemen after 5 pm. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 7: Oskemen - departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. Transfer to the airport. End of the 7-day Kazakh Altai Tour.
Meals: breakfast

Price includes:

1 night' accommodation in the hotel in Oskemen city on BB in DBL/TWIN;
5 nights' accommodation at Katon Karagai village:
At the campsite: Accommodation is for 2 people per tent (separate occupancy). Shared shower and toilet facilities are located outside the campsite;
At the guesthouse (recommended): Accommodation is in rooms for 3, 4, or 5 people, with separate single beds. Shared shower and toilet facilities are available both inside and outside the house.
Private A/C transport with driver in Oskemen as per program:
1-2 pax – sedan up to 3 seats;
3-7 pax – minivan up to 10 seats;
8-14 pax – minibus up to 18 seats.
Note: on days 1-6 guests will have a Jeep tour (Toyota Sequoia / Toyota 4Runner / Mitsubishi Montero), 3 pax per car.
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners;
English speaking guide (or translator) services;
Ecological fees in accordance with the program;
Light snacks on the route and mineral water 0,5 L p/p daily;
General first aid kit;
Trekking equipment (trekking poles, sitting pad, rain poncho).

Price doesn't include:

International air tickets;
SGL accommodation;
Spanish, Italian speaking guide from Almaty or Astana – 1400 USD per group;
Meals not indicated in the program ;
Personal expenses;
Any services not mentioned in the program.

Recommendations when planning your trip:
Temperature is different in and outside the city; therefore, warm clothes are needed when travel outside.

Note: Single Supplement available in Oskemen city only.