Kazakhstan: Almaty, Canyons & Alpine Lake

Kazakhstan, with Almaty at its heart, unfolds into dramatic canyons, turquoise alpine lakes, and snow-dusted mountains, where nature takes the lead and every landscape feels powerful, pristine, and refreshingly uncrowded.

Kazakhstan

Starts: from Almaty Airport (ALA)

Ends: at Almaty Airport (ALA)

Type: Mixed Gender

Dates

Start: 11 May 2026

End: 16 May 2026

~~₹ 72000~~

₹ 69500

About the Tour

Embark on a 5N/6D journey through Kazakhstan, where dramatic landscapes and refined city life blend seamlessly. Explore Almaty at the foothills of the Tien Shan, ride cable cars to Shymbulak, walk through the iconic Charyn Canyon, and discover the alpine beauty of Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes. Wide-open valleys, panoramic viewpoints, and surreal natural wonders define this scenic escape. A perfect blend of mountains, alpine lakes, and elegant city experiences, Kazakhstan offers an offbeat journey that feels expansive, scenic, and unforgettable.

Curated with care, delivered with heart – the Transforming Travels way.

Did you know that Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, yet feels remarkably serene, open, and uncrowded? It is a land of vast horizons and dramatic contrasts, where nature dominates the landscape, and every view feels cinematic. At the heart of this beauty lies Almaty, a city uniquely situated at the foothills of the mighty Tien Shan mountains.

Did you know Almaty is one of the rare cities where alpine scenery begins just minutes from the city centre? Just imagine looking up from leafy boulevards and cafés to see snow-dusted peaks rising in the distance. At Shymbulak, cable cars climb to over 3,000 metres above sea level, revealing sweeping mountain panoramas and crisp, refreshing air. Nearby, Medeu holds a fascinating record as the world’s highest-altitude ice skating rink. Just think, how many destinations can combine urban elegance with such dramatic geography!

Did you know Kazakhstan is home to a canyon often compared to the Grand Canyon, yet far quieter and untouched? Charyn Canyon stretches nearly 80 kilometres, carved over millions of years by wind and water. Its towering red sandstone formations glow in changing shades of gold and rust, creating a landscape that feels powerful, ancient, and deeply moving. Standing here, surrounded by silence and scale, is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Now imagine, alpine lakes are so clear they reflect forests and mountain peaks like a mirror. Kolsai Lake, often called the Pearl of the Tien Shan, sits high in the mountains and remains refreshingly cool even in summer. Did you know these lakes are protected as part of a national park, preserving their pristine beauty?

And then there is Kaindy Lake, one of Kazakhstan’s most surreal natural wonders. Formed after an earthquake flooded an ancient forest, tall spruce trees rise straight out of turquoise waters. How often do you see a lake where an entire forest still stands beneath the surface?

And how could you leave Almaty without visiting Issyk Lake, a stunning alpine lake tucked amid forested slopes and mountain ridges? Known for its striking blue-green hues and quiet, unspoilt setting, Issyk Lake offers a serene pause where nature slows you down and the landscape speaks for itself.

Did you know Kazakhstan once lay along the ancient Silk Route, connecting cultures, trade, and ideas across continents? That sense of openness and history is still felt today, especially in places like Ile-Alatau National Park, where forest trails and mountain rivers offer peaceful escapes, and at Kok Tobe, where panoramic views reveal Almaty framed perfectly by mountains and sky.

Kazakhstan is undeniably beautiful. But experiencing it well requires thoughtful pacing, the right balance of comfort and exploration, and an eye for details that elevate a journey into a memory. That is where Transforming Travels makes the difference. This is not about ticking off sights; it is about how you experience them. Carefully curated moments, seamless planning, and a deep respect for the destination ensure that Kazakhstan reveals itself at its most elegant and captivating.

Kazakhstan: Almaty, Canyons & Alpine Lakes is more than a journey. It is Kazakhstan, experienced the Transforming Travels way.

Trip Highlights

1. Kolsai Lake

2. Charyn Canyon

3. Lake Kaindy

4. Kok Tobe Hill

5. Almarasan Gorge

6. Big Almaty River

7. Ile-Alatau National Park

8. Natural Hot Springs

9. Waterfall Girls Tears

10. Rakhat Chocolate Factory Shop

11. Green Bazaar

12.Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen

13. Zenkov Cathedral

14. Arbat Street

15. Shymbulak Mountain Resort

16. Shymbulak Cable Car

17. Medeu

18. Issyk Lake

19. Unforgettable social experience

Visa for Kazakhstan

Indian citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to Kazakhstan for tourism purposes, with a stay of up to 14 days permitted per visit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Immigration may request return tickets and accommodation details, which will be shared with you before departure. Visa rules are subject to change, so travellers are advised to check the latest guidelines prior to travel. If you hold a passport of any other nationality, it is your responsibility to inform us before booking.

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Almaty | Settle In & Explore at Leisure

Please land by 3 PM at Almaty International Airport
Airport Code: ALA

Pickup Schedule (Group Transfers):
First Pickup: 12 noon (land by 10:30 AM for this)
Second Pickup: 4 PM (land by 2:30 PM for this)

Please note that pickup will depart after all travelers have completed immigration formalities and collected their baggage. Once everyone is outside the terminal, we will board our charter coach, exclusively booked for the Transforming Travels group and proceed towards the hotel.

Please note that the hotel check-in time is 3 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability. If you are coming early, you can hang out in the common space or explore the surroundings. Our hotel in Almaty boasts of an amazing location.

After hotel arrival,
Hotel Check-in
Group Orientation and introductions
Rest and relax
Social evening

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Almaty

Driving time & distance – 30 min/20 km

Day 2: Shymbulak & Almaty City tour

Breakfast
Departure for the tour
Medeu
Shymbulak Mountain Resort
Shymbulak Cable Car (cable car for all 3 stages, till top)
Lunch (cost excluded)
Green Bazaar
Rakhat Chocolate Factory Shop
Arbat Street & Panfilov Street

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Almaty

Driving time & distance – 2 hrs/60 km

Day 3: Ile-Alatau National Park & Kok Tobe Hill

Breakfast
Departure for the tour
Ile-Alatau National Park with following places:-
– Almarasan Gorge
– Big Almaty River & Natural Hot Springs
– Waterfall “Girls Tears”
Lunch (Cost Excluded)
Excursion to Kok Tobe Hill (Access by Cable car)
Free time at Kok Tobe Park
Panfilov Park
Zenkov (Ascension) Cathedral
Back to hotel

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Almaty

Note:
Optional activities (not included in cost) at Kok Tobe park are Fast Coaster (Alpine Coaster), Ferris Wheel, etc. Please note that you can pay directly and choose any activity as per your choice.

Driving time & distance – 2.5 hrs/75 km

Day 4: The Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lake | Almaty to Saty

Breakfast
Hotel Check-Out
Departure for the tour
Charyn Canyon (Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon)
Excursion to “Valley of Castles” (walk at leisure to enjoy the place, shuttle van ticket included for coming back)
Lunch (Cost Excluded)
Visit Kolsai Lake
Optional Activities at the Lake (boating, cost excluded)
Hotel Check-In

Overnight in 4-star hotel Saty Village/Kolsai Village

Driving time & distance – 5.5 hrs/330 km

Day 5: Kaindy Lake | Back to Almaty

Breakfast
Hotel Check-Out
Departure for the tour
Visit Lake Kaindy (via local Russian Jeep, cost included)
Lunch (Cost Excluded)
Departure for Almaty
Arrive in Almaty
Hotel Check-In

Overnight in a 4-star hotel in Almaty

Driving time & distance – 4.5 hrs/300 km

Day 6: Issyk Lake | Farewell Almaty

Breakfast
Hotel Check-Out
Issyk Lake Excursion
Lunch (cost included)
Airport drop by 5 PM

Trip Ends

Driving time & distance – 3 hrs/150 km

Please note that we expect to drop participants at Almaty International Airport (Airport Code: ALA) by 5 PM. We recommend participants book any flight after 8 PM. midnight. Please note that if your flight schedule doesn’t match the group schedule published here, then you need to manage your drop at your own expense. We can assist with bookings.

Important Information

From Almaty Airport to Almaty Airport (add 5% GST and 5% TCS (fully refundable) to the applicable tariff):

72000 INR per person (regular tariff)

68500 INR per person if you book from the first 5 slots

69500 INR if you book from 6-10 slots

70500 if you but book from 11-15 slots

71000 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

Else, 72000 INR per person

1000 INR flat discount available across all slabs for repeat travelers.

Notes:

Please note that 5% GST and 5% TCS will be added to the final applicable cost. We will also require your PAN number for filing TCS. TCS is fully refundable and you can claim it while filing your ITR. Please note that if you have already remitted more than 10 lacs in the current financial year, then the applicable TCS will be 20%. We’ll require you to submit a mandatory self-declaration stating that you have spent less than 10 lacs INR on International Travel in the current FY if you want to be charged 5% TCS.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

5-night stay in 4-star hotels (4-night stay in Almaty, and 1-night stay in Saty/Kolsai Village). Stays are on a double occupancy/twin-sharing and same-gender basis for solo travellers. Couples will be given private rooms; hence, inform us of the same during booking time.
Day 2-6: Buffet Breakfast (Set Menu, veg & non-veg options available, total 5 breakfasts included)
All transportation as per the itinerary. All transportation would be group transfers, not private.
Entry tickets are included for all the places mentioned in the itinerary
Two-way Shymbulak Cable Car (till level 3)
Two-way Kok Tobe Cable Car
4 by 4 vehicles for Kaindy Lake
One 500 ml water bottle per person per day during the tour
All local taxes
English-speaking professional Guides for local information (if group size is above 10)
One friendly and knowledgeable group leader (female/male) throughout the tour

Airfare from your home city to /from Almaty Airport is not included
Travel Insurance
Transportation for partying/celebrations/enjoying nightlife, except what’s mentioned in the itinerary
All the meals not listed in the Inclusions
Any additional beverages/ snacks/ meals/ items ordered at the place of stay. We request that you settle your bill directly with the staff.
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any route changes/plan changes/ alternative vehicles required anywhere because of weather or any reason except those which are already mentioned in inclusions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 27 people, along with a group leader, and a minimum of 7 people, along with a group leader.
Please note that the package cost is valid only for Indian Passport holders. If you have a different passport, it’s your responsibility to inform the same before booking the trip.
You can expect the per-meal cost to be 800- 1200 INR for lunches and dinners, as they aren’t part of the package.
Please note that good vegetarian food as well as Indian food is available in Almaty. Although, we still recommend you bring instant/ready-to-eat food packs for any international trip.
The amount of vegetarian items in buffet breakfasts is less than that of non-vegetarian items, and hotels run on standard breakfast buffet menus only.
The cost of additional activities (if any) could change without prior notice.
Please bring cash in USD, and you can convert it to KZT (Kazakhstani Tenge) at the airport or in the market area.
We highly recommend bringing a lot of ready-to-eat food packs as well as snacks, protein bars, etc.
You can install the taxi app Yandex to go beyond the itinerary, such as experiencing nightlife or partying.
All our hotels in the cities on this trip boast fabulous locations as they are located within walking distance or a very short cab ride from the touristy hubs/streets.
Please note that if you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or a twin beds. We host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
Public toilets could charge from 50-100 INR. Although toilets are free to use in restaurants for paying customers.
Earlier you book, the best price you get.

A mix of summer clothes and warmwear
Comfortable footwear (shoes preferably)
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Umbrella (for shade or rain)
Poncho/raincoat
Swimming Costume(s)
Refillable Water Bottle
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits for munching
Any prescribed medication
A small day-pack
Ready-to-eat food packs
Neck Pillow for flight
Identity proof – Indian Passport in Original
Print-out of flight tickets
Currency in USD
Universal adaptor
International Credit/ Debit Card
POSITIVE ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM & SMILES!

121 days before the trip: 80% refund
120-91 days before the trip: 70% refund
90-61 days before the trip: 60% refund
60-45 days before the trip: 40% refund
44-36 days before the trip: 25% refund
Less than or equal to 35 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Please go through the Terms & Conditions by clicking here.

Important Information

Cost

From Almaty Airport to Almaty Airport (add 5% GST and 5% TCS (fully refundable) to the applicable tariff):

72000 INR per person (regular tariff)

68500 INR per person if you book from the first 5 slots

69500 INR if you book from 6-10 slots

70500 if you but book from 11-15 slots

71000 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

Else, 72000 INR per person

1000 INR flat discount available across all slabs for repeat travelers.

Notes:

Please note that 5% GST and 5% TCS will be added to the final applicable cost. We will also require your PAN number for filing TCS. TCS is fully refundable and you can claim it while filing your ITR. Please note that if you have already remitted more than 10 lacs in the current financial year, then the applicable TCS will be 20%. We’ll require you to submit a mandatory self-declaration stating that you have spent less than 10 lacs INR on International Travel in the current FY if you want to be charged 5% TCS.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Inclusions

5-night stay in 4-star hotels (4-night stay in Almaty, and 1-night stay in Saty/Kolsai Village). Stays are on a double occupancy/twin-sharing and same-gender basis for solo travellers. Couples will be given private rooms; hence, inform us of the same during booking time.
Day 2-6: Buffet Breakfast (Set Menu, veg & non-veg options available, total 5 breakfasts included)
All transportation as per the itinerary. All transportation would be group transfers, not private.
Entry tickets are included for all the places mentioned in the itinerary
Two-way Shymbulak Cable Car (till level 3)
Two-way Kok Tobe Cable Car
4 by 4 vehicles for Kaindy Lake
One 500 ml water bottle per person per day during the tour
All local taxes
English-speaking professional Guides for local information (if group size is above 10)
One friendly and knowledgeable group leader (female/male) throughout the tour

Exclusions

Airfare from your home city to /from Almaty Airport is not included
Travel Insurance
Transportation for partying/celebrations/enjoying nightlife, except what’s mentioned in the itinerary
All the meals not listed in the Inclusions
Any additional beverages/ snacks/ meals/ items ordered at the place of stay. We request that you settle your bill directly with the staff.
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any route changes/plan changes/ alternative vehicles required anywhere because of weather or any reason except those which are already mentioned in inclusions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

Basic Info

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 27 people, along with a group leader, and a minimum of 7 people, along with a group leader.
Please note that the package cost is valid only for Indian Passport holders. If you have a different passport, it’s your responsibility to inform the same before booking the trip.
You can expect the per-meal cost to be 800- 1200 INR for lunches and dinners, as they aren’t part of the package.
Please note that good vegetarian food as well as Indian food is available in Almaty. Although, we still recommend you bring instant/ready-to-eat food packs for any international trip.
The amount of vegetarian items in buffet breakfasts is less than that of non-vegetarian items, and hotels run on standard breakfast buffet menus only.
The cost of additional activities (if any) could change without prior notice.
Please bring cash in USD, and you can convert it to KZT (Kazakhstani Tenge) at the airport or in the market area.
We highly recommend bringing a lot of ready-to-eat food packs as well as snacks, protein bars, etc.
You can install the taxi app Yandex to go beyond the itinerary, such as experiencing nightlife or partying.
All our hotels in the cities on this trip boast fabulous locations as they are located within walking distance or a very short cab ride from the touristy hubs/streets.
Please note that if you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or a twin beds. We host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
Public toilets could charge from 50-100 INR. Although toilets are free to use in restaurants for paying customers.
Earlier you book, the best price you get.

Packing List

A mix of summer clothes and warmwear
Comfortable footwear (shoes preferably)
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Umbrella (for shade or rain)
Poncho/raincoat
Swimming Costume(s)
Refillable Water Bottle
Energy bars/snacks/ dry fruits for munching
Any prescribed medication
A small day-pack
Ready-to-eat food packs
Neck Pillow for flight
Identity proof – Indian Passport in Original
Print-out of flight tickets
Currency in USD
Universal adaptor
International Credit/ Debit Card
POSITIVE ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM & SMILES!

Cancellation Policy

121 days before the trip: 80% refund
120-91 days before the trip: 70% refund
90-61 days before the trip: 60% refund
60-45 days before the trip: 40% refund
44-36 days before the trip: 25% refund
Less than or equal to 35 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Terms and Conditions

Please go through the Terms & Conditions by clicking here.

Booking/ Query

If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.

This trip can also be personalized as per your needs, with your friends & family. If interested, please reach out to us.

To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.