A 4-day tour to Katon Karagay and Rakhman Lake is a short and eventful off-road trip to the heart of the Kazakh part of the Altai Mountains. For a few days, you will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enter a world of pristine nature, where mountains, rivers, and lakes adorned with dense coniferous forests reign supreme, and people live a measured life in small villages, just as they did hundreds of years ago.
The starting point of the tour, the city of Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), will quickly be left behind. After a full day on the road, you will find yourself in the heart of Katon Karagay National Park. On the second day, you’ll explore the scenic Kazakh Altai: first heading to the Burkhat Pass via the old Austrian road to admire sweeping views from above. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the pearl of the region – Rakhman Lake and the nearby Rakhman Springs.
The third day will be the longest, ending with your return to Oskemen. But it will be filled with impressions: exploring the ancient Berel mounds, tasting Altai tea and honey, meeting local people, driving along the Bukhtarma Reservoir, and crossing Kazakhstan’s longest bridge – the 1,319 meter Bukhtarma Bridge.
If you want to take a break from the news and the fast pace of life, our 4-day tour to Katon Karagay and Rakhman Springs is a great way to reconnect with nature and restore your inner balance. View the full itinerary and treat yourself to 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:
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
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.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Rakhman Lake and the Rakhman springs Sanatorium. En route, enjoy several scenic stops: a photo break at the White Berel River viewpoint, a short 30-minute hike to the Batyr Mustache Waterfall (also called Arasan waterfall), and another stop at a viewpoint with sweeping views of Mount Belukha (4,509 m) – the highest peak in the Altai Mountains. This route passes through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Katon Karagay National Park.
By around 5 p.m., you’ll arrive at the Rakhman springs for a walk along the lake shore. Afterward, return to Uryl, arriving by 8 p.m. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a guest house or campsite.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Explore the burial mounds and visit a small museum displaying artifacts unearthed from the graves. After the tour, depart for Oskemen, making several stops along the way. In the village of Katon Karagay, you’ll visit the local market and enjoy a tasting of tea, honey, and regional delicacies.
After lunch, begin a long but scenic drive. The route offers views of the Bukhtarma Reservoir, crosses Kazakhstan’s longest bridge (1,316 meters), ascends two mountain passes, and continues through a serene pine forest.
Arrival in Oskemen is expected between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Price includes:
- 1 night' accommodation in the hotel in Oskemen city on BB in DBL/TWIN;
- 2 nights' accommodation at Katon Karagay 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 1-3 guests will have a Jeep tour (Toyota Sequoia / Toyota 4Runner / Mitsubishi Montero), 3 pax per car. - Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners;
- English speaking guide services;
- Ecological fees in accordance with the program;
- Light snacks on the route and mineral water 0,5 L p/p daily;
- Participation in a tea and honey ceremony;
- General first aid kit;
- Trekking equipment (trekking poles, sitting pad, rain poncho).
Price doesn't include:
- International air tickets;
- Single room accommodation;
- Spanish, Italian speaking guide from Almaty or Astana – 960 USD per group;
- Meals not indicated in the program;
- Personal expenses;
- Any services not mentioned in the program.
