Off The Beaten Path Hiking and Adventure Destinations Across Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a country of open spaces, wild nature and unexplored natural beauty that few tourists can ever enjoy. Whereas most of the tourists are preoccupied with the big cities or other tourist attractions in the country, other tourists who want to experience a real feeling of discovery can find an untamed paradise in its wilderness. To the travelers who want to visit Kazakhstan with some sense of adventure this Central Asian treasure boasts of dramatic hiking trails, mountains, lakes of crystal clear water and deserts that speak of ancient times. With Go Kite Tours, you can step away from the ordinary and explore the extraordinary.

1. Charyn Canyon – The “Grand Canyon” of Central Asia

Located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty, Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic yet still relatively uncrowded destinations. Carved by the Charyn River over millions of years, its dramatic red rock formations resemble the famous Grand Canyon in the USA—but with far fewer visitors. The most famous section, the Valley of Castles, features towering sandstone structures that glow golden at sunset. There are hiking paths that lead you through the canyon floor so you can get lost in its tall walls and strange shapes.

To the adventure lovers, rafting on the Charyn River gives an adrenaline boost to the experience. The canyon is most beautiful in the spring and early summer, and both hiking and rafting are most convenient at this time of year.

2. Kolsai Lakes – The Emerald Jewels of the Tien Shan

The Kolsai Lakes refer to a set of three alpine lakes located in the Tien Shan Mountains on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The lakes are often called the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan which are surrounded by thick spruce forests, wildflowers meadows, and snowy peaks.

The trek between the first and second lake is of moderate difficulty and the payoff is the breathtaking scenery and the serene and pristine environment. The path to the third lake is even more challenging yet provides full experience of the mountain wilderness. On the road, you may come across nomadic herders looking after their sheep--a moving reminder of the pastoral tradition of Kazakhstan.

3. Kaindy Lake – The Underwater Forest

A mere 10 minutes away are the Kolsai Lakes which are located very close to Kaindy Lake, a very surreal natural wonder in Kazakhstan. The lake was shaped in 1911 following a huge earthquake that ignited a landslide that covered a whole forest. The tips of the drowned spruce trees now protrude through the turquoise water and this gives an eerie sight today.

The trek up to the Kaindy Lake will make you go through steep mountain trails and valleys full of bird music. There is no end of inspiration to photographers here, and the more adventurous will find they can dive in the lake (with the appropriate permits and guides) giving them a unique underwater perspective of the preserved forest.

4. Altyn-Emel National Park – Singing Dunes and Moon-like Landscapes

Altyn-Emel National Park is a dream of all people who wish to mix hiking with surreal landscapes and unusual natural phenomena. The most well-known attraction of the park is the Singing Dune-the huge sand dune which sounds like it is singing or humming when the wind blows over it, and the sound it makes is deep and resonant. It is a workout to climb up the dune, but the panoramic view on top is worth all the steps.

There are also hiking trails around the Aktau Mountains in the park, with colorful rock formations that could only be described as out of this world. The rare species like Asiatic wild ass and the goitered gazelle can be spotted by wildlife lovers.

5. Big Almaty Lake – A High-Altitude Gem

Big Almaty Lake is a mountainous reservoir located at a height of 2,511 meters above sea level and crowned with snow-covered mountains. The lake varies between deep turquoise and icy blue in color according to the season and time of day. Swimming is not permitted (it is part of the city water supply) but hiking around the lake, and up into the mountains surrounding, is spectacular.

Here you may hike to the Kyrgyz border through alpine meadows and virgin mountain landscapes. It is especially enchanted in autumn, when golden larch trees are set against the blue lake and snow capped mountains.

6. Mangystau Region – Land of Stone and Silence

Quite the contrary to the beautiful mountains of the east, the Mangystau Region of Kazakhstan is a totally different type of adventure. The chalk cliffs, the rocks carved over the centuries by wind and water and distant plateaus as if on the edge of the world are all present in this desert landscape.

The most popular hiking areas are the Boszhira Valley with its soaring white cliffs, and the Sherkala Mountain, whose peculiar shape looks like an enormous yurt. The area is not busy, which is an ideal location to go to solitude and stargaze. The night skies here are some of the clearest in the country and the view of the Milky Way is dazzling.

7. Burabay National Park – Kazakhstan’s Lake District

Burabay National Park is a green paradise of forests, lakes, and granite hills that are located in the north of the country. Dotted with hiking trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints, secret bays and peaceful picnic areas, the area is crisscrossed by hiking trails. The best known mountain, Bolektau, provides the breathtaking panoramas of the shining lakes of the park, such as Borovoe and Big Chebachye.

Burabay is a perfect destination in case people want to combine hiking and rest. During the day you may explore and in the evenings make use of the lake with chances of boating, fishing or just relaxing in the quietness.

Tips for Hiking and Adventure in Kazakhstan

• Best Time to Go: Late spring to early autumn gives the most comfortable weather to hike, but some of the regions are beautiful even in winter.
• Access and Permits: Certain border regions e.g. close to Kyrgyzstan or China are restricted and a special permit is required. Make prior booking with a reputable tour operator like Go Kite Tours.
• Gear and Preparation: Many of the places are distant, so carry plenty of water, snacks and first aid kit. Hiking boots will be required.
• Be kind to nature: The wild nature of Kazakhstan is untouched- make it stay this way and respect Leave No Trace principles.

Why Choose Go Kite Tours for Your Kazakhstan Adventure

There are so many hidden gems in this big country that it is hard to plan an off-the-beaten-path hiking trip. Go Kite Tours is a company specializing in tailor-made tours that combine adventure, culture and comfort. Be it a mountain pass, desert plateau, or alpine lakes, we make sure that you have a safe, enriching, and memorable experience with our professional guides.

We take care of the logistics of the trip, whether it is booking transport, obtaining permits or hiring experienced local guides, to ensure you can concentrate on the trip. We have strong ties to the area so you will experience genuine cultural experiences and locally sourced tips that are off the beaten path of the typical tourist.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan may be described as a country of contrasts: high mountains, green valleys, beautiful lakes and amazing deserts that are waiting to be seen by anyone ready to get off the tourist track. All the destinations are unique with their beauty, difficulty, and variety of culture. It is the sound of the Singing Dune echoing in your head, the haunted forest under Kaindy Lake, the quietness of the cliffs on Mangystau, these experiences will remain with you long after you stop traveling.

Click here to start planning your off-the-beaten-path Kazakhstan journey with Go Kite Tours—and step into a world where every trail leads to discovery.