This 4-day tour to the Kazakh Altai Mountains and Lake Yazevoye offers a chance to experience the unspoiled nature of Eastern Kazakhstan and discover life in its remote mountain communities. Your journey takes you to one of the most scenic regions in the country — Katon Karagay National Park, home to an ecosystem that has remained nearly untouched by human activity.
The route begins in Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) and includes a variety of breathtaking landscapes: the Osinovsky and Burkhat passes, Lake Yazevoye, Lake Burkhat, and the vast Bukhtarma Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll explore the history and present-day culture of the Kazakh Altai. Highlights include visits to ancient nomadic burial mounds in Berel, a deer farm, a local market, and a tea and honey tasting featuring regional products.
This off-road journey through Katon Karagay and Lake Yazevoye is the perfect escape from the noise and pace of city life. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, and the scent of pine trees, you'll enjoy four days of nature, culture, and calm.
Explore the full itinerary and treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure in the Kazakh Altai.
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:
Meals: lunch, dinner
In the morning, you’ll travel along the historic Old Austrian Road toward the scenic Burkhat Pass. En route, visit a Maral (Altai deer) farm, where you can observe and feed these majestic animals. If you wish, you may also try pantogematogen, a traditional tonic made from young antlers, harvested without harming the deer.
At 9:00 a.m., begin the ascent along the Old Austrian Road, built between 1914 and 1916 by Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war. By 11:00 a.m., you’ll reach the Burkhat Pass viewpoint, with time for a short walk to the peaceful Burkhat Lake. Afterward, continue to a guest house for lunch.
In the afternoon, the tour continues to Lake Yazevoye. On the way, cross a century-old wooden bridge over the White Berel River, with time for photos or a short walk across. A bit further along the route, enjoy a 30-minute hike to the Yazevoye Waterfall.
After 4:00 p.m., arrive at Lake Yazevoye, a tranquil high-mountain lake surrounded by dense forest and snow-capped peaks reflected in its mirror-like surface. Take a peaceful walk along the shoreline and enjoy the untouched beauty of the Kazakh Altai.
Return to Uryl by 8:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house or at the 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 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 1-3 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 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.
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.
