Almaty SUV Tour: Singing Dunes to Mountain Lakes

Cross four climatic zones in four days without leaving Kazakhstan

A 4-day private SUV tour from Almaty that moves through desert, Martian-landscape mountains, multiple canyons and high-altitude lakes, with an experienced English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, three nights in guest houses and all meals. The itinerary covers the Singing Dune at sunset, chalk mountains used for film locations, Moon Canyon and Temirlik Canyon, Charyn Canyon at dusk, and finishes at Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes. Children from age 12 are welcome. Vegetarian meals available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Almaty to Altyn Emel National Park

• Depart from Almaty
• Visit Singing Dune at sunset
• Take photos in desert sunset light
• Overnight in mini hotel

Day 2: Explore Martian Landscapes and Trekking

• Visit chalk mountains of Martian landscapes
• Trek along mountain ridges
• Picnic with gorgeous view
• Overnight in mini hotel

Day 3: Visit Canyons and Charyn Canyon

• Visit Moon Canyon
• Visit Temirlik Canyon panorama
• Picnic in Charyn Canyon
• Walk through Charyn Canyon at sunset
• Overnight in village guest house

Day 4: Lakes Visit and Return to Almaty

• Breakfast at guest house
• Visit Kolsai Lake
• Visit Kaindy Lake
• Lunch with local resident
• Return to Almaty

The experience

The route moves through genuinely different terrain. Day one takes you to Altyn Emel National Park and the Singing Dune, which shifts in the wind and glows at sunset. Day two climbs into the Martian Landscapes: chalk mountains with ridges that few visitors reach, where the guide leads you on lesser-known trails and you stop for a picnic with a view. Day three visits three canyons: Moon Canyon, named for its texture; Temirlik Canyon with its panorama; and Charyn Canyon, where you walk the floor at sunset before overnight in a village guest house.

The final day moves into the mountains. Kolsai Lake sits high in the Tien Shan range and is called the Pearl of the region. Kaindy Lake, one of Kazakhstan's natural wonders, comes next. Lunch happens at a guest house with a local resident before the drive back to Almaty. The SUV is air-conditioned, and each night you stay in a guest house rather than a tent or camp. Breakfast, dinner and tea or coffee come with the tour. Lunch on days two and three is a picnic, while day four's lunch is at a guest house.

This is a private tour: only your group travels together. The guide speaks English and knows the routes well enough to take you past the standard stops. Pickup from Almaty is included, and the whole trip is designed for all fitness levels, though the walking on day two involves ridge trails and the canyon walks on day three are moderate. Children from age 12 can join. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them when booking.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned SUV for the entire 4 days.
• three nights in guest houses.
• breakfast, dinner, coffee and tea daily.
• picnic lunches on days two and three.
• lunch with a local resident on day four.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• pickup from Almaty.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Kolsai Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private vehicle where your group controls the pace across four distinct landscapes (canyons, dunes, Martian mountains, and alpine lakes) over four days with nights in guest houses.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Singing Dune and why does it matter on day one?

The Singing Dune is a massive sand formation in Altyn Emel National Park that produces sound when the wind moves across it. You arrive at sunset, when the light turns the sand golden and the dune is at its most photogenic. The overnight stay lets you experience the desert without rushing back to the city the same day.

How much actual walking and trekking happens on the Martian Landscapes day?

Day two involves trekking along the ridges of the chalk mountains on trails that are not heavily traveled. The guide chooses the route based on your pace and fitness, and a picnic at a scenic overlook breaks up the walking. It is moderate hiking, not a summit push.

Are the three canyons on day three separate stops, or do you spend most of the day in one?

You visit three different canyons: Moon Canyon and Temirlik Canyon in the afternoon, then Charyn Canyon at sunset, where you walk through the canyon floor as light fades. The stops are distinct, and Charyn is the main event where you spend the most time.

What are Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake, and how much time do you spend at each?

Kolsai Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Tien Shan Mountains, known for its clear water and mountain setting. Kaindy Lake is a natural wonder with distinctive features. Day four visits both before lunch and the return to Almaty, so the time at each is moderate rather than extended.

Do I need to arrange my own lunch, or is it included in the tour price?

Breakfast and dinner are included every day. Lunch on days two and three is a picnic at scenic locations. On day four, lunch is at a guest house with a local resident. Restaurant meals are not included in the base tour price.

What happens if I have dietary restrictions or am vegetarian?

Vegetarian meals are available throughout the tour. Notify the operator when you book so they can arrange the guest houses and meals accordingly. Kazakh cuisine is the standard, and the guest houses can accommodate dietary requests with advance notice.