Escape to one of the most breathtaking corners of the world, where majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient traditions await you. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, the Altai region has something magical for everyone. East Kazakhstan is a region of incredible diversity, offering majestic mountains, rich history, and vibrant culture. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this region is one of the most picturesque and historically significant areas in Kazakhstan.

Oskemen (also known as Ust-Kamenogorsk) is accessible by direct flights from major Kazakh cities like Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent. Daily flights are available, with a travel time of around 1.5 to 2 hours. International travelers can easily connect via Almaty or Astana airports.

Welcome to Oskemen, a city of historical significance and its proximity to nature, making it the perfect starting point for a well-rounded adventure in East Kazakhstan.

Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) is a scenic city in northeastern Kazakhstan, where the Irtysh and Ulba rivers meet, framed by the forested foothills of the Altai Mountains. Long known as an industrial and cultural hub, it has become a strategic starting point for exploring East Kazakhstan’s natural treasures—from alpine lakes like Markakol to remote mountain villages and wildlife-rich reserves.

You will be transferred to a hotel for a check-in before the city tour. For lunch, we will visit the restaurant Qurt & Wine, a traditional Kazakh cuisine with a modern twist. We will continue our tour of the city, visiting other interesting sights such as mosques, orthodox churches and theaters, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, a special welcome dinner will be waiting for you at the restaurant of the hotel

After breakfast in the morning, we will start our hiking adventure of East Kazakhstan by heading out to Klimovka through Ridder.

Ridder is a mountain town in East Kazakhstan, surrounded by the forested slopes of the Altai. It’s a top destination for skiing, hiking, and year-round outdoor adventures. Just nearby, Klimovka Homestead offers cozy, rustic stays in a peaceful village setting. It’s ideal for those seeking authentic local hospitality and nature immersion. Together, Ridder and Klimovka are a perfect base to explore the wild beauty of East Kazakhstan.

Ridder is conveniently on the foothills of the Altai mountains to visit the West Altai Nature Reserve. After the check-in at the resort in Klimovka, the general tour of the area and the zoo at the farm will begin. The farm contains many diverse types of mostly domesticated animals including yaks, deers, camels and donkeys. Horse riding will be included as optional, as well as sauna experience to relax after a day full of activities. Dinner will be served at the resort, using the local natural produce from the farms nearby.

After breakfast, we will head out for the guided tour of the West Altai National Reserve.

West Altai Nature Reserve is a protected area in East Kazakhstan, near the city of Ridder. Known for its dense pine forests, alpine meadows, and rare wildlife, it offers a pristine glimpse into the biodiversity of the Altai Mountains. The reserve is ideal for guided hikes, birdwatching, and nature photography. Its untouched landscapes change beautifully with the seasons. A true haven for eco-tourism and wilderness exploration.

There are four altitudinal zones distinguished here: deciduous forests, alpine meadows, taiga, and tundra. We will take a break to have lunch in nature before continuing the tour. Each zone has its own species of plants and fauna. This hiking trail showcases most of the biodiversity and rare wildlife, including eagles and snow leopards of the reserve. Sacred Cedar Tree is one of the gems of the reserve that we will stop by to observe and pay our respects on the way. We will get back to the resort before it gets dark and have dinner

In the morning, we have breakfast before continuing our exploration of East Kazakhstan.

On the way to New Bukhtarma, we will pass through the famous Osinovsky Pass, the most picturesque section of the highway to New Bukhtarma. A trip along the mountain serpentine will leave you with unforgettable impressions, it is simultaneously the delight of the indescribable beauty of nature and the breathtaking mountain road with steep cliffs.

New Bukhtarma (Novaya Bukhtarma) is a charming resort village on the shores of the Bukhtarma Reservoir in East Kazakhstan. Nestled amid pine forests and sandy beaches, it offers a serene retreat with cozy cottages and recreation centers perfect for family relaxing . Known locally as the “Bukhtarma Sea,” the reservoir stretches over 425 km, creating a stunning backdrop of clear blue-green waters and mountain panoramas.

We will check-in at a local guesthouse and have meals before going to the reservoir lake. Kayaking and swimming are optional for the visitors. Dinner will be served at the guesthouse in the evening.

After breakfast at the guest house, we will head out to Katon Karagay. We will cross many small towns and villages on the way there, we will stop at some of them to refuel and look into local products on sale.

Katon-Karagay National Park is Kazakhstan’s largest protected area, nestled in the Southern Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan. Spanning over 640,000 hectares, it encompasses diverse landscapes, including dense taiga forests, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring species such as the snow leopard, Siberian ibex, and golden eagle.

At the local homestead, you will check-in before we venture to explore the hiking trails nearby. Lunch will be prepared and served once we find a suitable time. The pass is at a high elevation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. We will get back before it's dark to have dinner at the restaurant of the hotel.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will head out to Rakhmanov Keys with beautiful lakes and waterfalls.

For more than two centuries, the fame of the unique Rakhmanov springs has been going around the world. There are legends about the life-giving power of thermal radon springs.

After arriving at the Rakhmanov Keys, we will take the popular hike from the northern shore of the lake. It begins with a walk along wooden decks around the lake. We will have lunch somewhere nearby for a more serene ambiance and head to the route that takes us to the natural hot springs near the lake. Dinner will be served upon returning to the homestead.

After breakfast we head to Berel valley, a gateway to both historical and natural attractions, including archaeological burial mounds.

Berel is an ancient archaeological site in East Kazakhstan, located within Katon-Karagay National Park. It’s famous for its Saka-era burial mounds, where royal tombs and horses were preserved in permafrost. Rich artifacts like gold ornaments and textiles reveal the sophistication of early nomadic culture. The site is often called the “Valley of Kings.” Visitors can explore the open-air museum and nearby cultural exhibits in Berel village.

Hikers can explore trails that lead through the valley and connect to nearby forests and rivers. The trail from Berel Village to Yazevoe Lake offers an exciting and scenic hiking experience, with opportunities for both hiking and horseback riding. Food will be served at the temporary camp after taking a scenic trail that brings you from the lake to the Yazev Waterfall, featuring multiple cascades. Dinner will be served at the homestead when we come back from the trail.

From the village, we will continue our adventure and head for Urunkhayka, a town located near Markakol Lake and Markakol Nature Reserve. “Old Austrian” highway with its own unique construction history will take us through scenic routes that we will enjoy from the window of the transport.

The Old Austrian Road is a historic mountain route in East Kazakhstan, built by Austro-Hungarian prisoners during World War I. It winds through the stunning Altai Mountains, linking Katon-Karagay with Lake Markakol. The road offers dramatic landscapes, remote wilderness, and views of Mount Belukha.

The Old Austrian Road is a historic mountain route in East Kazakhstan, built by Austro-Hungarian prisoners during World War I. It winds through the stunning Altai Mountains, linking Katon-Karagay with Lake Markakol. The road offers dramatic landscapes, remote wilderness, and views of Mount Belukha. Today, it’s popular with 4x4 adventurers and nature lovers. Accessible only in summer, it’s one of Kazakhstan’s most scenic and storied drives.

After checking-in at a local hotel, we will have lunch prepared in the backdrop of the beautiful scenery of the reserve. Other activities like kayaking and fishing can be possible upon request. In the evening, we will have dinner at the hotel, showcasing local farm to table products.

In the morning, have breakfast with a stunning view of Markakol Lake and nature’s pristine sounds. We will head to our final and most spectacular destination, Kiin Kerish.

Kiin Kerish is a stunning clay canyon in East Kazakhstan, known for its surreal red, orange, and white rock formations shaped by wind and rain. Often called the “City of Spirits,” it resembles a Martian landscape. Nearby, Cape Shekelmes offers similar colorful desert terrain along the shores of Lake Zaysan. Both spots are ideal for off-road day trips and photography. Remote and unmarked, they’re best explored with a guide and 4x4 vehicle.

This tract is a deposit of mottled, mostly red clay, opened by erosion. The clays, eroded by water and wind, form a very vivid, bizarre landscape. We will explore and traverse the area until reaching Cape Shekelmes, located in the Kurchum District on the northern shore of Lake Zaysan. Lunch will be served at the camp by the lake on the backdrop of a surreal martian landscape, rock formations and impressive lake. We will explore the area further until we come back for dinner.

After breakfast at the camp, on our way to the Sibin Lakes, we will stop for a short tour of the ancient cave from the bronze age.

Sibin Lakes is a cluster of five crystal-clear alpine lakes (Sadyrkol, Tortkara, Shalkar, Korzhinkol, Karakol) nestled among granite peaks about 85 km south of Öskemen . Set between 714–868 m elevation, they offer sandy beaches, swimming, boating, obstacle courses, and diving opportunities  . The lakes host life all year—fishing in warm months and ice skating in winter.

After the check-in at a local resort near the lakes, we will go for a hike that will lead us to the Ablaikit Monastery. We will continue our hiking tour until reaching a scenic spot to have lunch in nature. After the meal, the trail will take us further for more picturesque views. In the evening, Farewell Dinner will be served at the resort with an immersive ambiance. As per Kazakh tradition, gifts will be the highlights of the evening. Our unforgettable hiking adventure through Altai and East Kazakhstan has come to an end.

You will be transferred to Oskemen in the morning after breakfast. Our services are available if you need to transfer from the city center to the airport or a hotel.

Our premium itinerary features a curated selection of Kazakhstan’s finest accommodations—blending comfort, local charm, and unforgettable views. Each stay is handpicked to reflect the spirit of the region while ensuring top-tier service and amenities.

Dedeman Tavros Hotel is a modern 4-star hotel in Öskemen, located on the banks of the Irtysh River. It offers comfortable rooms, a wellness spa, Turkish bath, and international dining. The hotel is popular with both business and leisure travelers. Guests enjoy scenic river views and easy access to the city center. Conference facilities and airport transfers are also available.

Klimovka Homestead is a serene mountain retreat located about 32 km from Ridder in the Kazakh Altai. Nestled in dense pine and cedar forests, the homestead offers rustic wooden cabins heated by wood stoves, alongside a high-end executive house option. Guests can immerse themselves in nature through guided horseback riding, forest hikes, mushroom and berry foraging, and beekeeping activities. Amenities include a traditional bathhouse, sports facilities, and family-friendly entertainment like slides and trampolines.

Embark on a gastronomic adventure with our curated selection of premium dining establishments across Kazakhstan, each offering a unique blend of local flavors and international cuisine.

Qurt & Wine in Oskemen offers a modern culinary experience rooted in Kazakh tradition. This stylish restaurant celebrates local flavors by combining artisanal Kazakh products like qurt (dried fermented cheese) with a curated selection of fine wines, both local and international. The menu reflects a fusion of heritage and innovation, making it a favorite for those seeking a refined yet authentic taste of Eastern Kazakhstan.

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At Qazaqstan Premium Tourism, our goal is to share the true essence of Kazakhstan with travelers from around the world. Founded by locals passionate about their homeland, we aim to offer immersive experiences that go beyond sightseeing. From serene hikes in untouched natural parks to vibrant city tours and hands-on cultural workshops, we invite you to explore Kazakhstan like never before.

Our team of expert guides and travel planners takes pride in crafting journeys that honor Kazakhstan’s hospitality traditions while providing modern comforts. Join us, and let us lead you on a path less traveled to the wonders of the Eurasian steppes, ancient nomadic traditions, and awe-inspiring landscapes.