MOUNTAINS · TREKKING · NOMADIC CULTURE
One of Central Asia’s last truly unspoilt mountain regions. This is where Kazakhstan meets Siberia and Mongolia — and the silence lasts as long as you like.
The Breath of the Taiga:
Katon-Karagay and Altai
Eastern Kazakhstan is a picturesque region featuring mountains, taiga and meadows. Discover the Altai: unspoilt nature, horse-riding trails, views of Mount Belukha and off-the-beaten-track locations.
The Breath of the Taiga:
Katon-Karagay and Altai
The Kazakh Altai is a destination that few people are familiar with, even within the country itself. With its turquoise lakes, nomadic encampments and the eternal snows on the peaks of the Tien Shan, the itinerary is designed to showcase the region in all its geographical and cultural richness.
MOUNTAINS
NOMADIC CULTURE
TREKKING
7 days
from $800 per person
The price is quoted ‘from’ and is for information purposes only. The final price is calculated on a case-by-case basis and confirmed by a manager at the time of booking.
Arrival in Ust-Kamenogorsk, check-in at the hotel and an introduction to the region. The programme for the first day includes a visit to the ‘Gold of Altai’ exhibition, a boat trip on the Irtysh and a gourmet dinner featuring modern Kazakh cuisine.
Day 01
Ust-Kamenogorsk
A journey along the picturesque mountain roads of Eastern Kazakhstan. Accommodation at the ‘Yasnaya Polyana’ guest house, experiencing the atmosphere of the Altai and local craft traditions.
day 02
Moving to Katon-Karagay
The first horse-riding route around the village of Uryl. After lunch, transfer to Altai Base Camp at the foot of Mount Belukha, check-in at the campsite, dinner prepared by the head chef, and relaxation in the banya.
day 03
Uryl and Altai Base Camp
A long horseback trek to Yazevsky Waterfall and the high-altitude Lake Yazevo, where, on a clear day, the peak of Belukha is reflected in the water. In the evening, dinner by the campfire and a rest beneath the starry sky of the Altai.
day 04
Lake Yazevoye
A horse-riding route through mountain rivers and high-altitude jaylaus to vantage points offering views of Belukha. A picnic in the mountains, return to camp, rest and dinner.
day 05
Kainar-Tau
The return journey via Katon-Karagay. On arrival in the town, guests will be treated to a gourmet dinner featuring dishes from Siberian and Kazakh cuisine.
day 06
Return
to Ust-Kamenogorsk
Breakfast at the hotel and departure.
day 07
The end of the journey
Day-by-day itinerary:
a group of between 1 and 15 people
7 days
from $800 per person
What is included in the expedition:
Transport
from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Katona and back
Accommodation in hotels and guest houses
Meals, including gourmet dinners and themed lunches
Horse hire for treks
Admission tickets and guided tours
Stories of those who saw the world differently
Stories of those who saw the world differently: ‘The views of Belukha made the biggest impression on me. I never thought a mountain would make such an impression on me. Now I don’t even know where or when I’ll be able to see anything like it again.’
— Togzhan, brand strategist
‘I liked the fact that the itinerary combines comfort with a real sense of adventure. After a busy day, you can return to camp, have dinner by the campfire and simply enjoy the natural surroundings.’
— Daniyar, restaurant owner
‘This trip has completely changed my perception of Kazakhstan. The Altai turned out to be incredibly green; it felt so refreshing there, as if I had become part of nature myself.’
— Togzhan, brand strategist
‘The warm atmosphere of the “Yasnaya Polyana” guest house in Katon-Karagay and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in traditional crafts gave us that rare feeling of being at home whilst far from home.’
— Asel, interior designer
‘Seeing the reflection of the majestic Belukha in the mirror-like surface of Lake Yazevoye after a horse-riding trip to the waterfall is a moment that makes travelling thousands of kilometres worthwhile.’
— Madina, photographer
‘A sauna at the foot of the mountains, evenings spent around the campfire under the starry Altai sky, and a farewell dinner featuring Siberian specialities made the expedition truly unforgettable.’
— Alexey, travel photographer
Answers to important questions:
The routes are designed for people of all fitness levels. The main aim of the trip is to explore the Altai’s natural beauty, rather than to achieve sporting feats. Before each trip, the guides hold a briefing and help you get comfortable in the saddle.
Most of the experiences here come not from travelling by road, but from horse-riding excursions, walks and simply living amongst the mountains. This way of travelling allows you to experience the Altai much more intimately and at a more leisurely pace than from a car window.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the Kazakh Altai as the local guides know it: to follow horse-riding trails, spend the night in the mountains and reach places that cannot be accessed by ordinary transport.
The routes are designed for people of all fitness levels. The main aim of the trip is to explore the Altai’s natural beauty, rather than to achieve sporting feats. Before each trip, the guides hold a briefing and help you get comfortable in the saddle.
Most of the experiences here come not from travelling by road, but from horse-riding excursions, walks and simply living amongst the mountains. This way of travelling allows you to experience the Altai much more intimately and at a more leisurely pace than from a car window.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the Kazakh Altai as the local guides know it: to follow horse-riding trails, spend the night in the mountains and reach places that cannot be accessed by ordinary transport.
Are you ready for the next chapter in your story?
Please leave your contact details. We will get in touch with you to discuss the details of your upcoming trip or answer any questions you may have.
‘Travel Club Kazakhstan’ LLP
BIN 031140004162
