The 7-day Golden Ring of Seven Rivers jeep tour is an exciting week in southeastern Kazakhstan that showcases the natural wealth of Central Asia. Here you will encounter desert landscapes and mountain lakes, wide open plains and deep canyons. And along with this, you will learn about the country’s former capital, as well as the history and culture of the Kazakh people.
The journey begins and ends in Almaty. After a brief introduction to the city's sights, you will set off in off-road vehicles to the famous Altyn-Emel Park, home to the chalk mountains of Aktau and the legendary Singing Dune. Then you will continue to Zharkent, where the closeness to the Chinese border is especially tangible. Next, you will visit the mountain jewels of Kazakhstan – the Kolsay Lakes and Kaindy. Finally, the tour will culminate with the Charyn Canyon. The final stop will be Shymbulak, a picturesque ski resort in the vicinity of Almaty. Check out the detailed program of our Golden Ring of Seven Rivers jeep tour and start preparing for one of the best adventures of the year.
Tour itinerary:
Arrival at Almaty International airport.
After passing border control and collecting luggage, you will be met by a local guide holding a sign with your name.
You are going to the hotel for check-in (check-in at 14:00).
Sightseeing Tour in Almaty. Today you will visit the city’s old center and cover one of the main sites that best highlight Almaty’s history. The first stop is Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers – named after the division during WWII, formed of men from the Almaty region under command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park itself is popular among locals and guests of the city. Inside the park visitors will find the eternal flame, memorials of different heroic characters, the Ascension Cathedral – an Orthodox wooden church that magically withstood a strong earthquake in the 20th century, and Museum of musical instruments, where you can admire the collection over 1000 exhibits including rare exhibits dating back to the XVII century.
Within walking distance, you can enjoy another tourist attraction of Almaty – “Green Bazaar” or Green market. This is a perfect way to experience the true Eastern market. Here you might taste the food, bargain and, obviously, buy local tasty goods for a very nice price.
Optional: Then we stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Walking Tour in Almaty (1–1.5 hours). Discover Almaty’s cultural heart on foot, starting at the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre – a landmark of Stalinist architecture and performing arts. Stroll along lively Panfilov Street with its cafés, street art, and musicians, before ending at the vibrant Arbat, known for local crafts and souvenirs.
Today’s last stop is Kok-Tobe, a park located at an altitude of 1,100 meters on the green hill, this place is very popular among locals and tourists. Take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes, you are admiring the magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Once we come down from the hill, we will go back to the hotel.
After passing border control and collecting luggage, you will be met by a local guide holding a sign with your name.
You are going to the hotel for check-in (check-in at 14:00).
Sightseeing Tour in Almaty. Today you will visit the city’s old center and cover one of the main sites that best highlight Almaty’s history. The first stop is Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers – named after the division during WWII, formed of men from the Almaty region under command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park itself is popular among locals and guests of the city. Inside the park visitors will find the eternal flame, memorials of different heroic characters, the Ascension Cathedral – an Orthodox wooden church that magically withstood a strong earthquake in the 20th century, and Museum of musical instruments, where you can admire the collection over 1000 exhibits including rare exhibits dating back to the XVII century.
Within walking distance, you can enjoy another tourist attraction of Almaty – “Green Bazaar” or Green market. This is a perfect way to experience the true Eastern market. Here you might taste the food, bargain and, obviously, buy local tasty goods for a very nice price.
Optional: Then we stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Walking Tour in Almaty (1–1.5 hours). Discover Almaty’s cultural heart on foot, starting at the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre – a landmark of Stalinist architecture and performing arts. Stroll along lively Panfilov Street with its cafés, street art, and musicians, before ending at the vibrant Arbat, known for local crafts and souvenirs.
Today’s last stop is Kok-Tobe, a park located at an altitude of 1,100 meters on the green hill, this place is very popular among locals and tourists. Take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes, you are admiring the magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Once we come down from the hill, we will go back to the hotel.
Today, after an early breakfast, you begin your jeep tour across the Almaty region.
Your first destination is Altyn Emel National Park, located 255 km from the city. As one of the largest natural reserves in Kazakhstan, Altyn Emel offers a striking variety of landscapes – from vast plains to rugged mountains – making it a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The name “Altyn Emel”, meaning “Golden Saddle” in Mongolian, refers to the shape of the nearby mountain ridge.
You will arrive at the park in the afternoon. After lunch at a local guesthouse, you’ll explore one of the park’s main highlights – the Aktau Mountains, a range of white chalk hills whose geological layers formed millions of years ago. Also known as the "Lunar Mountains", they feature a surreal mix of blue, white, pink, red, and green layers give the landscape an almost alien appearance.
Following a short trek and photo stop at a scenic viewpoint, you’ll continue to another unique natural site – the 700-year-old osier (willow) tree, a beloved symbol among locals. Its twisted, ancient form resembles a wise old man, said to guard the secrets of life.
In the evening, return to the guesthouse for dinner, rest, and overnight stay.
Jeep tour: 380 km total distance
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Your first destination is Altyn Emel National Park, located 255 km from the city. As one of the largest natural reserves in Kazakhstan, Altyn Emel offers a striking variety of landscapes – from vast plains to rugged mountains – making it a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The name “Altyn Emel”, meaning “Golden Saddle” in Mongolian, refers to the shape of the nearby mountain ridge.
You will arrive at the park in the afternoon. After lunch at a local guesthouse, you’ll explore one of the park’s main highlights – the Aktau Mountains, a range of white chalk hills whose geological layers formed millions of years ago. Also known as the "Lunar Mountains", they feature a surreal mix of blue, white, pink, red, and green layers give the landscape an almost alien appearance.
Following a short trek and photo stop at a scenic viewpoint, you’ll continue to another unique natural site – the 700-year-old osier (willow) tree, a beloved symbol among locals. Its twisted, ancient form resembles a wise old man, said to guard the secrets of life.
In the evening, return to the guesthouse for dinner, rest, and overnight stay.
Jeep tour: 380 km total distance
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Today we continue exploring the natural wonders of Altyn Emel National Park.
Our first stop is the Singing Dune – a fascinating natural phenomenon famous for producing a sound similar to a pipe organ when the weather is dry. This "singing" effect is caused by the friction of dry sand grains as they slide down the slope. In addition to its unique sound, the dune offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding steppe and mountains, making it one of the park’s most iconic attractions.
After enjoying the scenery, we begin our journey toward Saty village. On the way, we will stop in Zharkent, a small town located just 30 km from the Chinese border. The town is home to several cultural and historical sites worth visiting, including the Dungan Mosque–Museum, a local Orthodox church, and a vibrant bazaar where you can experience everyday life in the region.
We’ll have lunch at a local café before continuing the drive to Saty village, where we will arrive in the evening.
Check-in at a local guesthouse or mountain resort and overnight.
Jeep tour: 480 km total distance
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Our first stop is the Singing Dune – a fascinating natural phenomenon famous for producing a sound similar to a pipe organ when the weather is dry. This "singing" effect is caused by the friction of dry sand grains as they slide down the slope. In addition to its unique sound, the dune offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding steppe and mountains, making it one of the park’s most iconic attractions.
After enjoying the scenery, we begin our journey toward Saty village. On the way, we will stop in Zharkent, a small town located just 30 km from the Chinese border. The town is home to several cultural and historical sites worth visiting, including the Dungan Mosque–Museum, a local Orthodox church, and a vibrant bazaar where you can experience everyday life in the region.
We’ll have lunch at a local café before continuing the drive to Saty village, where we will arrive in the evening.
Check-in at a local guesthouse or mountain resort and overnight.
Jeep tour: 480 km total distance
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast and transfer to Kolsay Lake.
The Kolsay Lakes are a stunning trio of alpine lakes nestled in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains, near the Kyrgyzstan border. Surrounded by soaring peaks and dense coniferous forests, the lakes sit at elevations of 1,800m, 2,300m, and 2,900m above sea level. Often called the “Necklace of the Tien Shan” or the “Pearls of the Zhetysu Region,” this destination is a haven for true nature lovers. The breathtaking views will leave a lasting impression. Our stop will be at the lower lake, the most popular one.
After visiting the lake, we will stop at a local home in the village to enjoy a delicious homemade lunch.
Next, continue to Kaindy Lake, famous for its eerie beauty and unique origin. Formed after a powerful earthquake in 1911, a landslide blocked a mountain gorge and the area flooded, submerging a spruce forest. Thanks to the cold mountain water, the tree trunks remain remarkably preserved and can still be seen rising ghostlike through the turquoise lake. It’s a truly surreal and unforgettable sight.
After passing the off-road section, you’ll reach a point where you can either walk to the lake or ride horseback – a service offered by locals for an additional fee. The view from the hilltop above the lake is especially stunning. Transfer back to the guesthouse/mountain resort and overnight.
Jeep tour: 55 km total distance
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
The Kolsay Lakes are a stunning trio of alpine lakes nestled in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains, near the Kyrgyzstan border. Surrounded by soaring peaks and dense coniferous forests, the lakes sit at elevations of 1,800m, 2,300m, and 2,900m above sea level. Often called the “Necklace of the Tien Shan” or the “Pearls of the Zhetysu Region,” this destination is a haven for true nature lovers. The breathtaking views will leave a lasting impression. Our stop will be at the lower lake, the most popular one.
After visiting the lake, we will stop at a local home in the village to enjoy a delicious homemade lunch.
Next, continue to Kaindy Lake, famous for its eerie beauty and unique origin. Formed after a powerful earthquake in 1911, a landslide blocked a mountain gorge and the area flooded, submerging a spruce forest. Thanks to the cold mountain water, the tree trunks remain remarkably preserved and can still be seen rising ghostlike through the turquoise lake. It’s a truly surreal and unforgettable sight.
After passing the off-road section, you’ll reach a point where you can either walk to the lake or ride horseback – a service offered by locals for an additional fee. The view from the hilltop above the lake is especially stunning. Transfer back to the guesthouse/mountain resort and overnight.
Jeep tour: 55 km total distance
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, we are ready to drive to Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular natural wonders, located 90 km from Saty and 220 km from Almaty. Often referred to as the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon, Charyn stretches for 154 kilometers and impresses with its unique beauty and dramatic formations.
You’ll explore the Valley of Castles, the most famous section of the canyon. From the parking area, take a guided walk (approx. 2 km one-way) down into the gorge toward the Charyn River. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the canyon’s geology and legends.
At the river, enjoy the panoramic views before driving back to Almaty.
Late-evening arrival in Almaty, check-in, and overnight.
Jeep tour: 310 km total distance
Meals: breakfast
You’ll explore the Valley of Castles, the most famous section of the canyon. From the parking area, take a guided walk (approx. 2 km one-way) down into the gorge toward the Charyn River. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the canyon’s geology and legends.
At the river, enjoy the panoramic views before driving back to Almaty.
Late-evening arrival in Almaty, check-in, and overnight.
Jeep tour: 310 km total distance
Meals: breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day sightseeing tour in the Almaty surroundings. After breakfast, you will begin your exploration of Almaty with a journey into its most iconic natural setting – the Ili Alatau Mountains. The Ili Alatau National Park, founded in 1996, stretches across 120 km with a total area of over 200,000 hectares. Elevations range from 600 to 5,000 meters, offering dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Your first stop is Medeo – once the world’s highest ice skating rink at 1,691 meters above sea level. Though currently closed for renovation until 2027, the area remains a popular spot for its alpine scenery and walking paths.
However, your main destination today is Shymbulak Mountain Resort – the most famous alpine destination in Central Asia. Located at 2,260 meters above sea level, Shymbulak offers stunning mountain views, cozy cafés, hiking trails, and some of the best skiing in the region during winter months. Even in summer, it’s a favorite getaway for both locals and visitors, thanks to its fresh air and breathtaking panoramas.
To reach the top, you'll take a scenic ride on a three-stage cable car system:
- Stage 1: Medeo to Shymbulak (2,260 m);
- Stage 2: Shymbulak to mid-station (2,800 m);
- Stage 3: Mid-station to Talgar Pass (3,200 m), offering panoramic views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau range.
Note: In case of maintenance, an eco-transfer will be provided to the Shymbulak base station.
Optional: lunch at a local restaurant.
Return to the city. Visit the Almaty Museum of Arts. Now open to the public, the Almaty Museum of Arts has quickly become the city’s premier destination for art lovers and curious travelers alike. Located in the heart of the city, the museum showcases a dynamic blend of Kazakh contemporary art, international exhibitions, and interactive installations.
Walk through Republic Square. This central square is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s independence. See the Monument of Independence with the Golden Warrior, City Hall, fountains, and wide public spaces – a great place for photos and a deeper understanding of the nation’s history.
Transfer back to the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Your first stop is Medeo – once the world’s highest ice skating rink at 1,691 meters above sea level. Though currently closed for renovation until 2027, the area remains a popular spot for its alpine scenery and walking paths.
However, your main destination today is Shymbulak Mountain Resort – the most famous alpine destination in Central Asia. Located at 2,260 meters above sea level, Shymbulak offers stunning mountain views, cozy cafés, hiking trails, and some of the best skiing in the region during winter months. Even in summer, it’s a favorite getaway for both locals and visitors, thanks to its fresh air and breathtaking panoramas.
To reach the top, you'll take a scenic ride on a three-stage cable car system:
- Stage 1: Medeo to Shymbulak (2,260 m);
- Stage 2: Shymbulak to mid-station (2,800 m);
- Stage 3: Mid-station to Talgar Pass (3,200 m), offering panoramic views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau range.
Note: In case of maintenance, an eco-transfer will be provided to the Shymbulak base station.
Optional: lunch at a local restaurant.
Return to the city. Visit the Almaty Museum of Arts. Now open to the public, the Almaty Museum of Arts has quickly become the city’s premier destination for art lovers and curious travelers alike. Located in the heart of the city, the museum showcases a dynamic blend of Kazakh contemporary art, international exhibitions, and interactive installations.
Walk through Republic Square. This central square is a symbol of Kazakhstan’s independence. See the Monument of Independence with the Golden Warrior, City Hall, fountains, and wide public spaces – a great place for photos and a deeper understanding of the nation’s history.
Transfer back to the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Note: Single Supplement available in Almaty city only
IMPORTANT: due to limited number of rooms and high demand, 100% prepayment is required for booking guesthouses and hotels in Altyn-Emel and Kolsay Lakes National Parks. Please note that payment is non-refundable; it is only possible to move the stay to other dates.
Price includes:
- Private A/C transport with driver as per program:
- 2 pax – sedan up to 3 seats;
- 3-7 pax – minivan up to 10 seats;
- 8-14 pax – minibus up to 18 seats;
- 15 pax and more coach up to 42 seats.
Note: In Almaty region guests will have a Jeep tour, SUVs / 4WD (2–5 days), 3 pax per car – Toyota Land Cruiser (or similar); - 3 nights' accommodationat a hotel in Almaty city on BB in DBL/TWIN;
- 1 night accommodation in guesthouse at Altyn Emel National Park (TWIN shared);
- 2 nights' accommodation in a mountain resort at Kolsay Lakes;
- Ecological fees in accordance with the program;
- Sightseeing tours according to the program;
- English speaking guide services;
- Entrance tickets;
- Meal: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner;
- Mineral water 1L per person daily.
Price doesn't include:
- International air tickets;
- Single Supplement;
- Meals: supplement for 3 lunches and 5 dinners in Almaty city: 195 USD per person / 2 lunches: 40 USD per person;
- Horseback riding at Kolsay Lakes – from 40 USD per person;
- Personal expenses;
- Any service not included in the above itinerary.
Recommendations when planning your trip:
Green Bazaar, Museum of musical instruments and Falcon show are closed on Mondays.
Temperature is different in and outside the city; therefore, warm clothes are needed when travel outside.
Due to limited number of rooms at guesthouses in Altyn Emel and Kolsay national parks, booking has to be done in advance.
Recommended number of people in one group when travelling to Almaty region – 20 pax.
Rooms at guesthouses include:
- Altyn Emel: 13 rooms with WC/shower inside the room, the rest has facilities on the floor;
- Saty guesthouse: up to 10 rooms only (only 2 with WC/shower inside;
- Kolsay Lakes Town: mostly double rooms (1 king size bed), twin rooms with 3 beds inside, but WC/shower on the floor (common).
Transport during jeep tour:
- Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol, etc. – 3 pax per car;
- Toyota Sequoia – 5 pax per car.
Important:
- Some changes are allowed in the program, except reduction of number of booked excursions.
- In case place of visit is closed to visitors it will be replaced with an alternative. During big events proposed accommodation may be changed and replaced with a similar category.
- Sequence of itinerary and hotels given is subject to change without prior notice.
- Hotel booking is subject to availability. No reservations are made before confirmation and 100% prepayment received from client.
- Domestic flights are subject to change in timing and availability. If mentioned flight is not available, it will be changed to convenient one, depending on tour program.
- Proposed hotels are not available; it will be substituted with another hotel of same category.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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