Golden Ring of Semirechye: Three Days
Altyn-Emel, Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy in one route
The main natural landmarks of Semirechye in one trip: the Martian Aktau mountains and the Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel, the Charyn canyons, the sunken forest of Kaindy and the turquoise Kolsai. It is a loop — we come back by a different road, with nothing repeated.
Program
- Day 1 · 8:00Almaty → Altyn-Emel
A ~4.5 h drive (~280 km). Park entrance, lunch in Basshi village, transfer to the Aktau mountains.
- Day 1 · eveningAktau Mountains
A walk among the white-and-red chalk mountains at sunset, when the rock colour is at its richest. Overnight at a guest house.
- Day 2 · morningSinging Dune
The climb up the 150 m dune. In dry weather the sand hums underfoot — hence the name.
- Day 2 · daytimeTransfer to Charyn
The road along the Ili river (~5 h). The Valley of Castles in the evening, once the groups have left. Overnight in Saty village.
- Day 3 · morningKaindy and Kolsai
The sunken forest of Kaindy in the morning light, then the first Kolsai lake.
- Day 3 · eveningReturn
The drive to Almaty, arriving by 21:00–22:00.
Price by group size
Price per vehicle
Price for the whole 4x4, up to 6 people. The table shows the per-person cost by group size.
Accommodation, meals and entrance fees are not included — we arrange and book them to suit your budget, paid separately.
| People | ₸/person |
|---|---|
| 1 | from 330,000 ₸ |
| 2 | from 165,000 ₸ |
| 3 | from 110,000 ₸ |
| 4 | from 82,500 ₸ |
| 5 | from 66,000 ₸ |
| 6 | from 55,000 ₸ |
- ✓Driver-guide
- ✓Comfortable 4x4
Route
What to bring
Passport or ID card. Some locations are in the border zone — documents may be checked.
Sneakers or boots comfortable for walking in the mountains; ideally waterproof.
It can be cold in the mountains — bring warm but non-restrictive clothing.
Sunglasses, a cap or hat and sunscreen.
Rain is frequent in the mountains and forecasts are unreliable — bring rain protection.
There's no internet in the mountains — you can't pay by card or transfer.
Calculate price
Calculate price
from 165,000 ₸/person · 2 people