Individual tours to Kazakhstan

The all-season Shymbulak resort is located just a 15-minute drive from Almaty, in the beautiful Trans-Ili Alatau gorge. The resort's elevation is 2,260 meters, with its highest point reaching 3,200 meters. Of course, this place primarily attracts snowboarders and skiers. They can enjoy 25 km of trails to suit every taste: for beginners and experts, for downhill and mogul skiing, for powder enthusiasts, and even a halfpipe.

However, even if you don't ski or have arrived off-season, there are plenty of things to do in Shymbulak:

• Go on a hiking trip through the picturesque surroundings or take a ride on a snowmobile or ATV.
• Take a paragliding flight and see the surroundings from above.
• Have some fun tubing – there's a dedicated track for that!
• Get your adrenaline rush at a rope park or on a zipline.

Meals: Lunch at a restaurant with a mountain view.
Transportation: Business-class cars or Lexus and Land Cruiser SUVs.

From a helicopter, you'll be able to see all the main natural attractions of the area: the Turgen Gorge with its rivers and waterfalls, the vast Assy Plateau with its observatory, and the rugged Karaarsha Pass, beyond which we'll find ourselves above the Kolsai Lakes—one of the most memorable natural sites in Kazakhstan. These three stunningly beautiful lakes, located in the gorge at an altitude of over 1,800 meters, are known as the blue necklace of the Tien Shan. A stop for lunch at a restaurant is included. In winter, you can walk on the frozen lakes, and in summer, you can take a stroll along the emerald waters.

Afterwards, we'll head to the Charyn Canyon, which is as beautiful as its "big brother," the Grand Canyon in the United States. Millions of years ago, this area was home to a lake, whose waterway, after partially drying up, merged with the Ili River. Over hundreds of thousands of years, the turbulent flow of the mountain river carved a path through the cliffs, descending lower and lower. The limestone cliffs were shaped by the winds, and as a result, nature created this unforgettable masterpiece—the Charyn Canyon. We'll enjoy its views from the most convenient vantage point—a bird's eye view.

Meals: Picnic in the mountains.
Transportation: Mi-171E and Eurocopter 130 helicopters.

The "Blue Pearl of the Tien Shan"—three stunning lakes with rich hues, cascading in a cascade with a drop of approximately 700 meters. Here, far from civilization, you can enjoy the silence and tranquil views. The smooth waters, surrounded by cliffs, spruce forests, and alpine meadows, rich in flora and fauna—all this is the legendary Kolsai Lakes.

The cold, clear water reflects the gently sloping slopes, slender coniferous trees, and endless sky. Rainbow trout can be caught in the lakes, so we can organize fishing activities for those who enjoy them. Lake One is also famous for the abundance of mushrooms in the area. The local mountains are home to mountain goats and red deer, as well as dangerous predators such as wolves and bears. However, there's no need to fear an encounter—the predators keep their distance from people, and local rangers patrol the area around the lake. The Kolsai Lakes can be visited at any time of year: enjoy the honey-scented flowers in summer or spring, capture the rich colors of autumn, or stroll across the ice in winter.

Meals: Lunch at a mountain restaurant.
Transportation: Lexus SUVs and Land Cruisers.

During this excursion, we'll see two natural wonders: a 12-million-year-old mountain canyon and a unique lake, whose azure waters reveal the trunks of a spruce forest that was flooded over a century ago. Lake Kaindy is located at an altitude of 1,667 meters. In 1911, an earthquake struck this area, causing a massive landslide that blocked the river's flow. The raging torrent flooded the coniferous grove, creating a beautiful lake. The trees, although devoid of greenery, are perfectly preserved, creating a whimsical and unique landscape.

After visiting the lake, we'll head to the Charyn Canyon. This picturesque gorge features fantastically shaped reddish cliffs, 150-300 meters high. You'll see two of the most interesting places in the Charyn Canyon. First, there's a unique relict grove of Sogdian ash—one of the few tree species that managed to survive the Ice Age. Then, we'll head to the Valley of Castles, the canyon's most spectacular section. Here, the cliffs take on the most unexpected shapes: palaces and towers, figures and faces..

Meals: Lunch outdoors, cooked in a cauldron.
Transportation: Lexus and Land Cruiser SUVs.

Hearty Kazakh cuisine is renowned for its meat dishes, as well as aromatic pastries and unique dairy products. During our trip, we'll definitely try the most important Kazakh dishes, prepared according to traditional recipes!

The famous beshbarmak is made with beef or lamb, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Manti (dumplings) are stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as minced lamb. The local pilaf, palau, despite its familiar recipe, is distinct from variations in other Asian countries: as with other dishes, Kazakhs spare no meat, adding generous amounts of tender lamb. Special doughnuts, baursaks, simply melt in your mouth! Kazakhstan also offers a variety of horse meat delicacies, a traditional nomadic meat, such as the spicy kazy sausage. All these sumptuous dishes can be washed down with traditional drinks: kumys, shubat (camel milk), and kozhe (kefir with cereals).

The dune in the Altyn-Emel Nature Reserve is famous for its unusual sounds—ranging from a ringing organ to the hum of airplane turbines. This relatively rare natural phenomenon is caused by the movement of sand: as the grains touch each other, they create an unusual "chorus." Another unique feature is that the dune is located not in a desert, but between mountain ranges. While this phenomenon is easily explained scientifically, the dune is associated with many superstitions and legends—you'll learn about them during your trip.

That same day, we'll see the White Mountains of Aktau. The intricate patterns and fantastical lines, picturesque views, and unique landscape attract hikers, cyclists, and those seeking stunning photography and drone footage. Despite their name, these chalk mountains aren't just white—a variety of shades, including deep red, create a truly captivating scene. If you wish, you can stay overnight at the White Mountains to enjoy their views at sunrise and sunset.

Meals: Traditional Kazakh lunch.
Transportation: Mercedes V-class minibuses, Lexus or Land Cruiser SUVs.