Almaty to Katon-Karagay road trip: Eastern Kazakhstan

The road route from Almaty to Eastern Kazakhstan covers over 5848.9 km. The journey passes through mountainous regions and includes visits to the Bayanzhurek Sanctuary, Lake Alakol, and other natural attractions in the region.

Distance
5848.9 km
Duration
19 days
Mode
route
Start
Bayan Zhurek Mountains
End
Zhongar Alatau National Park. Kardon Zhalanash
Stops
16
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Bayan Zhurek Mountains — A mountain range in eastern Kazakhstan with alpine landscapes and hiking trails for active tourism.
  2. Overnight stay on the Lepsy River — A picturesque place on the bank of a mountain river for a tent camp among the wild nature of Eastern Kazakhstan.
  3. The road to Lake Alakol — A route to a salt lake in the steppe region with a unique ecosystem and the possibility of mineral baths.
  4. Koktuma Wild Beach — A natural beach on the shore of a reservoir with an undeveloped coastline, attracting lovers of wild recreation.
  5. Zhasylkol, Urzhar, Makanchi — Three settlements in the eastern region that serve as key reference points for traveling motorists.
  6. Kurchumskaya crossing — A crossing over the Kurchum River provides communication between remote areas of mountainous Kazakhstan.
  7. We are going along Zaisan
  8. Urunkhaika, Lake Markakol — A mountain lake in the foothills of Altai, famous for its crystal clear water and pristine nature.
  9. Old Austrian Road — A historic route through mountain passes, built during the period of Austrian influence in the region.
  10. Crossing the Karakoba — A crossing over a mountain river, serving as an important passage on the route into the depths of Eastern Kazakhstan.
  11. The road to Rakhmanovskie springs — The path to the famous hot spring in the foothills of Altai with healing mineral waters.
  12. Lake Yazevoye (Karakol) — A mountain lake in the foothills of Altai, surrounded by pine forest and high peaks.
  13. View of Mount Belukha — The highest peak of Altai, visible from several observation points in the region, symbolizes the grandeur of the mountain nature.
  14. Katon Karagay — A state national nature park with rich flora and fauna, protecting the wildlife of Altai.
  15. The road to Verkhnie Lepsy — A road trip to the upper reaches of the Lepsy River through mountain gorges and alpine meadows of Eastern Kazakhstan.
  16. Zhongar Alatau National Park. Kardon Zhalanash — A protected natural area with a varied landscape and an entrance cordon for tourist access to the park.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Plan ahead to visit Zhassylkol lake: call Zhongar Alatau National Park in advance as guides are required and may not be available same-day. The trip from Verkhnye Lepsy is about 100 km and takes 1.5 hours.
Timing
Lake Alakol swimming season is very short, only 3 months. Best time to visit is late July and early August. Be prepared for unexpected weather conditions.
Transport
Gas equipment malfunction may occur on the road. If it glitches, try driving a few kilometers further—it may reset itself automatically without requiring roadside repairs.
Transport
Kurchum Bridge replaced the old ferry crossing in 2024. It is over 1300 meters long and is Kazakhstan's longest automobile bridge. If you prefer ferry travel, use Vasilievskaya crossing where ferries operate regularly.
Tip
Fill up drinking water at wells along the route in steppe areas. A well with fresh water was found between Alakol and Markakol; water supplies are critical on long 800+ km stretches through desert regions.
Transport
The eastern road along Lake Zhaskol is scenic but rough; the western A3 route is better quality. Eastern route has less traffic and lower chance of encountering reckless drivers but watch for camel herds near the road.
Tip
The Old Austrian Road (Staraya Avstriyskaya doroga) is a mountain route with historical significance. Road conditions vary from good asphalt to washboard-like sections. Plan daylight travel as conditions are safer in good weather.
Avoid
Watch for dangerous river fords and recently-built temporary bridges on mountain roads. One ford was waist-deep; locals may be constructing new crossings. Proceed cautiously during high water periods.
Tip
Camping near river banks requires early sunset arrival to set up camp safely. Overnight on Lepsy River worked well; ensure you reach suitable camping areas before dark in mountainous terrain.
Where to stay
Lake Markakol (Markakol) village offers dining and scenic views but limited camping options near the shoreline. Consider continuing to find alternate camp locations as accommodations are sparse.
Transport
The route from Almaty to Katon-Karagay is nearly 1000 km. Rather than driving straight, explore eastern Kazakhstan towns like Makanchi, Urzhar, and mountain passes (Marble Pass at 1371 m) for scenic variation.
Food
Ghee (clarified butter) can be stored without refrigeration for up to 30 days and is useful for cooking steaks and other meals during multi-day camping trips without coolers.

Video on this route

From Almaty to Katon-Karagay by car. EAST KAZAKHSTAN! A grand autonomous road trip

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