TOUR
GOLDEN
SADDLE OF
KAZAKHSTAN
Unforgettable Kazakh safari and a touch of impressive pages of history
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2 days duration
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1310 km route
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6 locations
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80 833₸ price
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year-round seasonality
TOUR LOCATIONS
- The singing dunes
- Aktau mountains
- Tamgaly-Tas
- Katutau lava
- Oshaktas
- 700 year old tree
TOUR
Golden
Saddle of
Kazakhstan
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The tour will begin with a visit to the ancient petroglyphs of Tamgaly-Tas located along the Ili River. In Tamgaly-tas, we will see and touch many petroglyphs, images of twin deities and late Buddhist inscriptions, especially the depiction of Buddha Shakyamuni, Buddha of Infinite Light Amitabha nand the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion Avalokiiteshvara. In addition to Buddhist drawings and inscriptions, there is a stone high in the steep cliffs with ancient Turkic runic writings from the 8th-9th centuries.
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On the way, we will admire the view of the vast Kapchagay, stretching for many kilometers and shining under the blue sky of the city of Konaev. We will end the first day of the journey with the golden sunset at the Spring Dune, famous for the sound its sands make in dry weather, similar to a jet engine.
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Early in the morning, after having a hearty breakfast, we will drive along a gravel road to witness the otherworldly landscapes of the Ak-tau chalk mountains. There, we will have the opportunity to see the “Tiramisu” mountains and the Moon and Mars landscapes. the Ak-Tau chalk mountains are one of the largest paleontological sites with deposits from the Cenozoic era.
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And finally, we will definitely visit the crater of Mount Katutau to see the bizarrely shaped volcanic rocks formed at the bottom of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean many millions of years ago.
DETAILED TOUR PROGRAM
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FIRST DAY:
Departure from Almaty - Tamgaly-Tas - Village of Basshi (Lunch) - Singing Dune - Village of Basshi (Dinner, Overnight stay)
- Departure from Almaty (morning), to Tamgaly-Tas (120 km, approximately 2 hours)
- Arrival at Tamgaly-Tas, walking tour (1 hour)
- Departure to the Singing Dune (50 km, approximately 1 hour), walking tour (2 hours)
- Departure to the village of Basshi (hotel) (50 km, approximately 1 hour), dinner, sleep
Total distance: 420 kmTotal time: 6 hours -
SECOND DAY:
Village of Basshi (Breakfast) - Ak-Tau Mountains (Trekking) - Katutau - 700-Year-Old Willow - Departure to Almaty
- Breakfast in the village of Basshi (hotel)
- Departure to the Ak-Tau Mountains (80 km, approximately 1.5 hours), trekking tour (3-8 km, 2-3 hours), lunch
- Departure to Katutau (30 km, approximately 30 minutes), upon arrival - walking tour (30-60 minutes)
- Departure to the 700-Year-Old Willow (35 km, approximately 40 minutes), walking tour (30-60 minutes)
- Departure to Almaty (300 km, approximately 4 hours); the driver will drop you off at any point in the city
Total distance: 445 kmTotal time: 7 hours -
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Availability: year-round (best in April-October)
Total distance on the first day: 420 km
Total time: 6 hoursTotal distance on the second day: 445 km
Total time: 7 hours -
EXAMPLES OF INDIVIDUAL TOURS:
The route can be changed or modified according to your wishes; if you dream of seeing a sight not listed in this program, contact the tour organizers - we will definitely try to solve this issue and tell you about all possible options.
Examples of options: On the 1st day, instead of Tamgaly-Tas, you can see the Nomad City or swim at the wild beach of Kapchagay. You can change the program to include Charyn Canyon.
TOUR PRICE
- Guide-driver
- Transfer
- Drone video
- Meals
- Water
- Accommodation
- National park tickets
Not included: alcohol, horse riding, boating and other additional costs not indicated in the tour.
Price
- 1 tourist - 295 100₸ / per pax
- 2 tourists - 167 500₸ / per pax
- 3 tourists - 125 000₸ / per pax
- 4 tourists - 103 750₸ / per pax
- 5 tourists - 91 000₸ / per pax
- 6 tourists - 80 833₸ / per pax
Included in the price:
- guide-driver
- transfer
- drone video
- accommodation in guest houses
- 3 meals
- water
- national park tickets
NOT INCLUDED:
- alcohol
- horse riding
- boating
- additional costs not indicated in the tour
WHAT TO BRING?
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Comfortable shoes
Hiking shoes/boots or any other comfortable shoes.
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Comfortable and warm clothing
Do not forget that the temperature in the mountains can drop significantly and it can also rain. So make sure to bring warm, comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement (preferably fleece) and a raincoat.
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Sunscreen
The sun is particularly intense in the mountains, so it’s essential to bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
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Water and snacks
Food and water are provided but you can also bring your own for your comfort.
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Insect repellent
Insect bites can sometimes cause allergic reactions so it’s essential to bring insect repellents on your trip.
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Good mood
Put all your worries aside and just enjoy the nature!
ROUTE ON THE MAP
CREATE YOUR OWN
INDIVIDUAL TOUR
In case if you want to build your own
itinerary, please use our planner
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- Comfortable 4х4 SUV trucks
- Timely maintenance service
- Safety and high class serice
Explore the beauty of Central Asia with the highest comfort
In case if you wish to sight see a place that is not listed on our website, please consult with our organizers - we would be happy to provide information on all available opions.