KAZAKHSTAN - THE WILD HEART OF CENTRAL ASIA

Join Backabush for an incredible adventure into the wild heart of Central Asia. Kazakhstan is a vast country of open steppes, glaciated mountains and deep valleys!

Group size - 16. Nights - 8. Cost - £1379.

Our accommodation will be twin share with 5 nights in hotels/guesthouses and 3 nights of camping.

We are partnering with local expert guides to set out on an unforgettable journey into the untamed landscapes of south-eastern Kazakhstan, where dramatic glaciers, cascading waterfalls, sweeping steppes, alpine lakes, and striking canyons come together.

Beginning in the lively city of Almaty, the route leads into the foothills of the Northern Tien Shan. Here, you’ll climb toward Talgarsky Pass and the breathtaking Bogdanovich Glacier, where panoramic views of snow-covered peaks stretch across the horizon.

The adventure continues down into the lush, shaded forests of Turgen Gorge, where nights are spent beneath open skies. From this base, a hike takes you to the thundering Kairak Waterfall before crossing the expansive Assy Plateau—a high-altitude steppe that still reflects nomadic heritage and hints of ancient Scythian history.

Travelling onward, the scenery shifts to the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon. Its vivid rock formations and sculpted cliffs create a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery. A walk through the famous Valley of Castles reveals towering sandstone shapes carved by time and wind.

Further along, the serene Kolsai Lakes appear—clear blue waters framed by pine forests and rugged mountain slopes. Close by lies Kaindy Lake, known for its haunting beauty, where submerged trees rise eerily above the surface.

The journey finishes with a trek through the wild terrain of Bestamak Canyon, followed by time to unwind in a spa guesthouse featuring natural thermal pools, before heading back to Almaty.

HIKING AND ACTIVITIES:

The hikes on this trip are moderately demanding, with some notable elevation gain, making it best suited to fit and experienced walkers. You should feel confident navigating uneven, rocky ground and be prepared to walk for up to six hours a day. During the hikes, only a day pack will be required.

TRIP OUTLINE:

Saturday 28 Aug - Trip starts in Almaty, with time at leisure to explore the city and enjoy its lively atmosphere.

Sunday 29 Aug - Bogdanovich Glacier Hike → Turgen Gorge: Morning pick-up in Almaty, followed by a cable car ride from Medeu to Shymbulak and onward to Talgarsky Pass (3,000 m). From here, hike to the Bogdanovich Glacier (approximately 5 hours round trip, reaching up to 3,500 m), with a picnic lunch enjoyed at the glacier. Afterward, return by cable car and transfer to Turgen Gorge (around 2 hours). Overnight at a trekking camp (1,600 m) with dinner included.

Monday 30 Aug - Off-road Adventure on the Assy Plateau. After breakfast, travel by 4x4 across the expansive Assy Plateau—wide alpine grasslands framed by snow-capped peaks, dotted with grazing animals and traditional nomadic yurts. Along the way, stop to explore ancient Scythian burial sites, Bronze Age petroglyphs, and the Assy Observatory. A picnic lunch is enjoyed during the journey before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Tuesday 31 Aug - Kairak Waterfall Hike. Enjoy a scenic trek to Kairak Waterfall (8 km, approx 5 hours round trip), the tallest in the area at around 70 metres and flowing throughout the year. The route winds through alpine meadows and spruce forests, offering beautiful views along the way. Return to camp afterward for dinner and time to relax.

Wednesday 1 Sept - Charyn Canyon and Kolsai National Park. Travel to Charyn Canyon and take a walk through the Valley of Castles (around 2 hours), famous for its towering red rock formations and dramatic canyon walls. Stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of ancient Sogdian ash trees before continuing on to Kolsai National Park. Upon arrival, settle into a comfortable guesthouse, with dinner and an overnight stay in the village.

Thursday 2 Sept - Hike from Kolsai Lake 1 to Lake 2. Travel by vehicle to Lake 1 and begin a hike to Kolsai Lake 2 (approximately 6 hours round trip). The trail winds through forested slopes and alpine meadows, leading to a scenic picnic spot by the lake. Afterward, return to Lake 1 and transfer back to the guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay.

Friday 3 Sept - Kaindy Lake, Bestamak Canyon and Chunja. Begin the day with a visit to Kaindy Lake, renowned for its submerged forest, and enjoy a hike along the lakeshore (around 2 hours). Continue to Saty village for lunch before heading to Bestamak Canyon for an afternoon walk (approximately 2–2.5 hours), where colourful rock formations and views over the Charyn River create a striking landscape. In the evening, transfer to Chunja and settle into a guesthouse featuring natural thermal pools, with an overnight stay at the hot springs.

Saturday 4 Sept - Relax at Chunja before returning to Almaty. Spend a leisurely morning unwinding in the thermal pools. Check out around 11:00 and set off on the drive back to Almaty (approximately 4.5 hours), with a stop along the way for lunch at a local café. Arrive in Almaty in the afternoon.

Sunday 5 Sept - Our adventures draws to an end back in Almaty.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Accommodation: 8 nights in twin-share rooms (2 nights in hotels, 3 nights in guesthouses, and 3 nights in comfortable twin-share tents).
• Meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 5 dinners included. Drinking water is provided at 1 litre per person per day (days 2–8).
• Transport: All transfers as outlined in the itinerary in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, plus SUVs for the Assy Plateau jeep excursion and the Kaindy Lake transfer.
• Guiding: Services of an English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 8, along with one Backabush trip organiser (qualified Mountain Leader).
• Activities & Tickets: Cable car tickets (Medeu – Talgarsky Pass – return), SUV transfer to Kaindy Lake, and all guided hikes including Bogdanovich Glacier, Kairak Waterfall, Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lakes, and Bestamak Canyon.
• Permits & Fees: All national park and reserve entry fees and permits, including Ile-Alatau, Charyn (both sides), Kolsai, and Kaindy.
• Financial Protection: Coverage provided in accordance with the Package Travel Law 2018.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Flights: Not included (see details below).
• Airport transfers: Not included. It is straightforward to take a taxi between the airport and your hotel in Almaty, and assistance will be provided to help coordinate shared taxis for travellers arriving or departing on the same flights.
• Meals: Any meals not specifically listed in the itinerary are not included.
• Travel insurance: Not included and must be arranged independently.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:

It is still too early to book flights. We will keep everyone updated.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

The total cost for this trip is £1379 per person, this payment is non refundable and is payable in full or in instalments with a deposit to secure your reservation, then as follows:

• £460 due on booking
• £460 due by Monday 31 August 2026
• £459 due by Tuesday 31 December 2026

To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use KAZAKHSTAN as your payment reference.

The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/

Only payment secures your place. Please email [backabushxplorers@yahoo.com](mailto:backabushxplorers@yahoo.com) as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)