Kazakhstan road trip: 16 places from Issyk Lake to Charyn

The interactive route covers 16 key attractions of Kazakhstan: Lake Issyk, Assy Plateau, Charyn Canyon, Lake Kindy, Altyn-Emel and Burabay National Parks, Bukkhan-Bulak and Tekes waterfalls. The route includes historical monuments, alpine lakes and mountain landscapes in the Esik region.

Mode
Places
Start
Issyk Lake
End
Burkhan Bulak Waterfall
Stops
18
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Issyk Lake
  2. Cock-Tobe
  3. Plateau Assy
  4. Charyn Canyon National Park
  5. Lake Kaindy
  6. Shymbulak
  7. Altyn Emel
  8. Астана, Астана, Казахстан
  9. Kolsay Lake
  10. Tekes Waterfall
  11. Туркестан, Туркестанская область, Казахстан
  12. National Park Burabay
  13. Bartogay Lake
  14. Arystanbab Mausoleum
  15. Ascension Cathedral
  16. Saty Village
  17. Big Almaty Lake
  18. Burkhan Bulak Waterfall

Useful for your trip

Transport
To visit the Charyn Canyon from Almaty, a 4x4 vehicle is required to overcome gravel and sand roads
Timing
In winter, the Charyn Canyon is cold and harsh, so careful preparation is necessary before visiting
Transport
Kok-Tobe Hill can be climbed by cable car, the trip takes 5-6 minutes from the center of Almaty
Tip
Kaindy Lake was formed by an earthquake in 1911 and has a flooded forest of spruce trees under water
Where to stay
In the resort of Chimbulak, modern yurts are available in a hotel complex overlooking the Tien Shan Mountains
Transport
A modern funicular connects the yurt complex with the resort of Chimbulak, a 4.5 km trip takes 15 minutes
Avoid
The Assi Plateau is located at an altitude of up to 2800 m, requires acclimatization before climbing
Tip
Akmechet Cave maintains a constant temperature of about 18°C and serves as shelter during harsh winters
Avoid
Swimming is prohibited in the Big Almaty Lake, as it is a source of drinking water for Almaty
Timing
Lake Kolsai changes color from bright turquoise in summer to deep blue depending on the season
Transport
Theseus Waterfall is located 300 km from Almaty in the Kagan district, the route passes through mountain trails
Tip
Altyn-Emel National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 150-meter long sand dune emits a deep hum in the wind

Video on this route

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