About this experience
Bestobe is called a piece of Iceland due to similar landscapes. However, the unearthly views of the Charin Canyon and the reservoir near the mountains of Kulyktau are only in Kazakhstan. Riding on Altibakan swings, visiting a real Kazakh yurt, and understanding the appeal of nomadic lifestyle - all this is possible in our journey!
What to expect
Descent to the bottom of the canyon
Charin Canyon (Sharin), which is 12 million years old, is beautiful from every angle along its 154-kilometer length. We will enjoy the vast expanses of Charin at its edge and descend to the bottom to look at the granite rocks carved by nature. A leisurely walk will take about an hour.
Visit to nomads
Please note: this part of the tour is only available from May to the end of August
We will head to the Bestobe reservoir, where we will enjoy views of the mountain ranges of Kungey Alatau and Kulyktau. We will visit zhailau - the summer pasture of nomads - and talk about their way of life. For example, how they heal with mare's milk.
We will peek into the yurt, examine its decor, taste national dishes, and learn the intricacies of Kazakh hospitality. We will ride on the long Altibakan swings, play national games, and optionally ride the steppe horses.
Travel itinerary:
07:30 - departure from Almaty
10:00 - canyon tour
11:30 - arrival at the zhailau: the guide will introduce you to the decor of the yurt, reception traditions and seating arrangements
12:00 - lunch in national style
13:00 - Bestobe reservoir tour, Altibakan swinging, horseback rides, walks and photos with horses, national games
14:30 - departure to Almaty
Organizational details
- Transportation, eco fees, guide accompaniment, and traditional lunch are included in the program price
- Payment of the remaining cost of the tour is accepted on the day of the tour only in tenge. The tenge amount is fixed according to the current exchange rate of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the day of order confirmation, we will inform you in the correspondence.
- I or another guide from our team will conduct the tour for you
Additional expenses (optional)
- Horseback riding (about 1200 tenge per person)
- For large groups, the tour can be conducted by Mercedes Sprinter or minivans (the transportation surcharge is negotiated with the guide). A discount is provided for groups of 7 people or more.
Please note
- Ensure comfortable footwear, and also bring a head covering, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Swimming in water bodies is prohibited as this is a national park area (penalty is provided!)
