Explore Qazaqstan, From Steppes to Peaks

If you are arriving from India, enjoy a short 3-hour flight to Almaty from New Delhi. We will meet you at the airport to welcome you and check you into your hotel in the city centre.  

Arrive in Almaty in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. After settling in, we’ll get familiar with our e-bikes and take a short test ride to make sure everything is comfortable for the days ahead.

In the evening, we shall take a short walk to dinner and enjoy our first taste of Kazakh cuisine.

Altitude: 800 m

We leave Almaty after breakfast and drive north towards the open landscapes beyond the city. From here, we begin a 40 km off-road ride towards the Ile River, following quiet tracks through the countryside.

Along the way, we’ll visit a remarkable Buddha image set beneath a dramatic rocky ridge within the national park. The ride is a chance to experience a very different side of the Almaty region — wide open spaces, rugged terrain and few signs of the city.

We return to Almaty in the afternoon, leaving the evening free to explore the city at your own pace.

Altitude: 800 m

Our morning begins with a drive to Issyk village, where we visit the Museum of the Golden Man - a UNESCO heritage site and learn about one of Kazakhstan’s most significant archaeological discoveries.

From Issyk, we get on our bikes for a 50–60 km ride through the scenic countryside towards Bayseit, passing through landscapes that gradually transition from the outskirts of Almaty to the agricultural heartland of southeastern Kazakhstan.

We then transfer towards Charyn Canyon National Park, arriving in time to settle into our safari-style tents surrounded by the vast landscape.

Altitude: 1200 m

An early start gives us the opportunity to experience Charyn Canyon in the morning light. We take a short sunrise ride into the canyon and back before continuing our journey towards the mountains.

After a hearty breakfast at the Charyn Visitor Cafe, we take a short transfer to begin a 65 km ride through five Kazakh villages, climbing gradually towards the Muinak hydroelectric power plant at around 1,700 m before continuing through Kensu and towards Zhalanash.

The landscape changes constantly throughout the day — from open valleys and villages to increasingly dramatic mountain scenery.
From Zhalanash, we transfer to Saty Village, our base for the night.

Altitude: 1440 m

Today takes us into one of the most beautiful corners of the Tien Shan.

We cycle approximately 20 km into Kolsai Lakes National Park, reaching the first-level parking area. From here, we continue on foot towards the lake and have time to take in the mountain setting before returning downhill towards Saty.

Later, we ride approximately 12 km towards Kaindy Lake (2000 m), famous for its striking submerged spruce trees rising from its turquoise waters.

After exploring Kaindy, we return to the main road and transfer back to Almaty.

Altitude: 800 m

Our final cycling day brings us back into the mountains immediately above Almaty.

We ride through Medeu Gorge, covering around 16 km amid the forests and mountain scenery, before continuing towards the higher reaches of the region. The day combines mountain roads with some of Almaty's most impressive viewpoints, including the Talgar Pass at approximately 3,200 m.

Back in the city, we visit Kok-Tobe for panoramic views across Almaty, with time afterwards for souvenir shopping and a visit to the lively Green Market.

In the evening, we come together for a farewell dinner and a final evening in Almaty.

Altitude: 800 m

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Almaty after several days on the road. There is time for a leisurely breakfast, some last-minute exploration or shopping, and lunch at a place of your choice.

Optional: If time and logistics permit, we can include a visit to Big Almaty Lake, a striking turquoise lake set high in the mountains outside the city.

We will transfer you to the airport in the late afternoon for your evening flight to Delhi.