Reset search
Mountains & Deserts Kazakhstan
  • Sharon Miller

Mountains & Deserts Kazakhstan

KE Adventures tour leaders Gracjan and Sultan and group members Phil, Paul, Patrick, Sue, Kate, and Brendan, Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarPhotosPhotosShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    July 31, 2025
    Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    On the Road Again

    July 31 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    We are embarking on a 6 week tour of the Stan’s. The journey to get to Almaty, our starting point in Kazakhstan, is a journey itself starting with train to Toronto, overnight flight to Istanbul, 10 hour layover and overnight flight to Almaty. Thank goodness for good books and a pleasant travel companion! Via Rail was kind enough to store our bags while we took the opportunity to stretch our legs in downtown Toronto and indulge in a yummy salad from Mandy’s. A special treat to celebrate the start of a special trip.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    1

    Istanbul

    August 1 in Turkey ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We had a pleasant surprise when we landed in Istanbul today. Turkish airline was offering a free cruise on the Bosphorous, dinner included, to anyone with the time between flights. It was a wonderful way to pass the day and into the evening. These days we don’t expect good surprises from the airlines which made it all the more magical.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    1

    Puttin’ on the Ritz in Almaty

    August 2 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    With only a slight hitch we arrived in Almaty this morning to sunny skies and smiling people. Thanks to some Marriott Bonvoy hotel points we checked into the Ritz Carlton to enjoy two nights of turn down service with full amenities and chocolate on the pillow at night! Our view from the 24th floor is spectacular with modern buildings and snow capped mountains in the backdrop. The Olympic training center for ski jumping, although not in operation this season, is in full view and we are located next to the Essentai Mall which is likely the second most opulent collection of high end chain stores I have ever visited. We are adjusting to a 9 hour time change and are grateful to have an unscheduled day to rest and readjust.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Warming up the Hiking Legs

    August 3 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We had a fun day today following our own agenda starting with a workout at the gym, a wonderful breakfast at the hotel where if you dress like a national you can have Kazak sweets, a 17km hike on the Big Almaty Lake trek, and ending with some time at the hot tub in the hotel, a nap, and finally dinner at a nearby restaurant. We are testing the hiking legs before meeting the group tomorrow and setting off on our Mountains and Deserts tour of Kazakhstan with KE Adventures. Can’t wait to meet the group in the morning! Our impression of Kazakhstan so far has been extremely favourable.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Almaty City Tour

    August 4 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    After meeting our travel mates this morning and settling into our group hotel, we spent the afternoon touring around Almaty, which is the Kazakh word for apple. Almaty, set in the foothills of the Trans-lli Altus mountains, is Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis and former capital. We saw Rayimbek's (national hero) monument, Panfilov Park, World War II monument, Russian orthodox cathedral, Panfilov street (peatonal) and the Independence monument. All meals are included in our tour which is a great treat and we enjoyed a delicious group Kazakh style dinner of various meats and breads and salads. The promise of all things apple will be showcased in future meals. Yum, yum!Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    1

    Kok Zhailau Plateau to Medeo Gorge

    August 5 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Our 16km trek today took us up to the Kok Zhailau Plateau, which translates as ‘sky blue summer pasture’, crossing green slopes and through dense forest. We began in the Almarasan Gorge and followed the Kazashka Valley and ascended to Green Pass. Crossing the Green Pass, where we enjoyed a picturesque view of Almaty. We then made a somewhat challenging descent into Medeo Gorge, in the Lle- Alatau National Park. From there we took a cable car to our overnight accommodation at Shymbulak Mountain Resort where we spent the remainder of the afternoon swimming in the heated outdoor pool and enjoying the sauna. Our lunch on the trails was a gourmet treat as was our evening meal at the resort. We love our group members. KE sure set the bar high today. Can’t wait for tomorrow!Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Return Trek to Tuyuk Su Glacier

    August 6 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today’s 12 km five hour return trek started from our accommodation. We followed the mountain road along the valley until we reached the memorial for lost climbers which was surrounded by bastions of rock that are popular with rock-climbers. From there, we continued ascending until we reached Turku Su (3000m), an impressive glacier cirque framed by many 4000m plus peaks. The landscape looked like a painting with perfectly straight dark green trees and contrasting colours of ground cover. Most of the trek was on large stone gravel which is not my favourite, but was tolerable because the views along the way made it worthwhile.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    11

    Bogdanovich Glacier

    August 7 in Kazakhstan ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    We spent an exhilarating 4 hours (6 km) trekking today. After breakfast we took a 20 minute cable car ride up to 3200 meters towards the Talfarsky Pass. We had a wonderful panoramic view of the Northern Tien Shan and their hanging glaciers. From there we hiked up through the rocky moraine towards the glacier and then alongside it towards the foot of the impressive Komsomola Peak. We enjoyed a picnic lunch before returning back down to Shymbulak to pick up up our luggage and then take the cable car down to Medea, from where we drove back to Almaty, and enjoyed a scrumptious, typical Kazakh dinner at an outdoor restaurant called Kavat. The food in Kazakhstan has been an unexpected delight. Another fun fact was that Shumbulak Mountain Resort where we stayed for the past two nights is home to the highest slope in the world that offers night skiing. How cool is that!Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    ‘Golden Man’ Museum & Kazakh Village

    August 8 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    This morning was dedicated to getting a closer look at Kazakh culture. We drove for one hour to reach the Golden Man museum where we saw some of the artifacts excavated in 1969 from a burial mound near the town of Issyk. The person buried in the tomb is believed to have been a young Scythian (4th century BC) prince dressed in a warrior’s costume fashioned from 400 pieces of gold. The tiny museum was well organized and also showcased artifacts from between the 7th and 2nd century BC. From here we travelled another hour to reach the Kazakh Ethno Aul Village where we were greeted with an offering of tea and Kazakh bread which resembled donut holes without the icing sugar. We were also offered a taste of Mare’s milk which is very medicinal but is very sour tasting. When is Kazakhstan one must try that and horse meat, which I neglected to share previously, that we were offered at the Navat Restsurant, the other night in Almaty. I did try both but didn’t line up for seconds of either. After enjoying the welcome drinks we were invited into a traditional yurt where we received a ton of information on their nomadic roots and traditions. We learned a great deal and then went back out into the village to learn about some of the tools used in the kitchen and we were able to try our hand at archery.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Kazakh Village Part 2

    August 8 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We enjoyed some traditional Kazakh entertainment, including a skillful demonstration of horseback trick riding and horseback games, such as ‘atpen audaryspak’ (fight on horses) and ‘Kyz Kuu’ (pursuit of the girl). We also watched the traditional Altybakan Swing and were invited to join them on the field for some national dances. The entertainment was followed by a traditional luncheon outdoors. At the age of 5 boys are taught to ride horses and we saw one about that age that was showing off his skills after the competition. It won’t be long before he is part of the show with the promise he already displayed. The skill level of today’s riders left us in awe!Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    1

    Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Off To Camp We Go!

    August 8 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    With full tummies, we travelled for another 2.5 hours to reach the Turgen Valley. The first hour was by private vehicle and then we transferred into 4x4 for an exhilarating 1.5 of off-roading up to the Assy Pass. What fun we had! Our driver just shook his head at all our screams and giggles. What a great way to experience Kazakhstan! Camp was all set up for us upon arrival and as the sun set we felt the cool air at 2800m altitude. Time to get the thermals out for supper and sleeping, which we did with only our noses peaking out. A sauna was set up but none of us wanted to get unbundled to enjoy it.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    11

    Trekking Through Zhenishke Valley

    August 9 in Kyrgyzstan ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    We were given the heads up that today’s 9 hour, 19 km trek was to be our toughest day of the trip. With an early start we enjoyed the sweeping panoramas of the Tien Shan Range, climbing over the Kara Arusha Pass in the Sary Tau Range and down into the verdant green valley of the Zhenishke River. The terrain changed several times during the day, which added to the beauty. Right up until lunch time we were able to follow a trail but the last 10 kms pretty much involved the guides blazing their own and trekking through weedy bush, rocky terrain and face high grass, which I did not particularly enjoy. The reward was the scenery which was truly jaw dropping and we had fun crossing small rivers and building our own bridges with tree trunks, rocks and branches. We did not encounter another soul for the entire trek. We had to remind ourselves that we were being treated to the beauty of a very remote part of Kazakhstan and needed to pull-up our big boy and girl pants and press on. Needless to say, we were pretty happy when our camp for the night came into sight and we only had another 20 minutes of walking to reach it. The camp team is a dream team, having everything set up and a delicious hot meal waiting. We all gave ourselves a sponge bath in the river and dipped our hot, tired feet in the cool water to soothe the aches and pains. Thankfully tonight’s camp is much warmer at 2200m altitude and only a sweater was needed when the sun went down. I confess, it was dinner and lights out for both of us today and we enjoyed a comfortable (relatively speaking) and well deserved nights sleep.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Kara Arsha Gorge

    August 10 in Kyrgyzstan ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    We enjoyed a much warmer nights sleep last night at 2200m altitude and awoke to much warmer weather as well. Today we opted to take a 8.5 km walk from our camp through the picturesque and serene Kara Arusha Gorge with guide Rouslan. It was just what we needed after yesterdays long trek and we were grateful for the winding river that ran through the gorge, the majestic tall spruce and juniper trees that covered the cliffs and the gentle breeze that blew through the gorge to keep us cooled off. Even at 8 am the temperature was In the high 20’s. When we reached back to camp at 10am, the drivers had packed the camp up and were waiting to take us by 4 x 4, up, over ,and through the mountains to the location of tonight’s camp.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    111

    Almost Heaven, South-East Kazakhstan!

    August 10 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Todays 4x4 journey was a surreal experience that brought us both to happy, grateful tears. We could not believe that we were given the opportunity to travel with the camp team, off road through the stunning mountains and valleys, in this picturesque area of South-East Kazakhstan. Our driver played beautiful relaxing instrumental music and with windows down, and eyes fixed on the scenery, we traversed the glorious mountain ranges for 2 hours with a mix of terror and delight. We have total respect for our driver who maneuvered around sharp and often blind corners at the cliffs edges and up and down both sides of the mountains and through the valleys, staying cool and collected through it all. We arrived at camp about 12:30 and had a dip in the river while the tents were being set up and then spent the remainder of the afternoon, sitting in the shade reading and sorting through photos. One of the members of the camp crew went to a nearby town for water and other supplies and brought us back an ice cream cone. I am in love! They also set up the portable sauna for our personal enjoyment. I had fun heating up in the sauna and cooling off in the river. Just what the doctor ordered! The rest of the group did a valley trek today and returned to camp about 3:30, hot and tired but happy with their day.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    111

    A Visit to Kaindy Lake

    August 11 in Kazakhstan ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    It was with mixed emotions that we said goodbye to our camp crew this morning. They were truly wonderful to us; setting up and tearing down camp, feeding us delicious breakfasts and dinners, apacking us a hearty lunch to take on our treks, setting up a portable sauna to help us recover from our daily exertions and transporting all of our luggage from one camp to the next. As great as they were, it was time for a proper ‘wash-up’ and a chance to sleep in a bed versus on the ground. We boarded our mini bus and ventured out across the Tien Shan Mountains and through the Kolsay Kolderi National Park. We stopped to visit Kaindy Lake, which was a unique experience as you can’t get there with a regular vehicle. About 10 kms from the lake we transferred to a Buhanka, a 1960’s Russian vehicle, which took us over rocks and through rivers and other undesirable obstacles. Our driver was very competitive and succeeded in overtaking anyone in his way and seemed to make a game out of hitting all bumps at high speed. We walked the last 500 meters to reach the lake, though a horseback ride was an option and I opted for that on the way back to the Buhanka pick up spot. It was my belief that I couldn’t visit Kazakhstan without getting on a horse and pretending to be a gaucho! Kaindy Lake is surrounded by alpine meadow and forests. The lake is also a forest submerged beneath its waters; it is recognizable by the seemingly dry spruce tree trunks that rise up atmospherically out of the lake, making it a popular attraction for local tourists and a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards we transferred to our guesthouse in Qurmenti.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Qurmenti Gorge and Guesthouse

    August 11 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Our guesthouse was better than we had all expected. Located in a small rural area it was both quaint and quiet. Only open since 2023, it felt brand new and our hosts were extremely welcoming. They even agreed to wash our full bag of laundry and hang it out to dry on the clothes line. We all ran for the shower and then put our hiking boots on and headed out for an 8 km trek to explore a nearby gorge. It was a beautiful leisurely trek and we encountered a 1950’s Russian Zil vehicle that was wandering through the gorge looking like Tow Mader on a bad day. Surprises are everywhere in this country!Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Kolsay Lakes Trek

    August 12 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today we visited two of the three, trout-filled Kolsay Lakes. We started our 16.3 km, 7.5 hour hike from Kolsay Lake, (1818m) and hiked up through the pine forest, following the horse trail for the most part, and were able to reach the second lake, Munzhylky (2252m) in just under 4 hours. Our picnic lunch was enjoyed at a peaceful spot beside the lake where we dipped our feet in to cool them off before descending back down the way we came. We were rained on for about 1km of the trek back but were prepared and didn’t even blink! So grateful that we are returning to the guesthouse for a second night where we can enjoy a hot shower and comfy bed. These comforts are so appreciated after a long day of trekking! The food at the guesthouse was great too. Starting with breakfast and for each meal of the day the table was laden with candy dishes. Who doesn’t love that to start and end the day!Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Black Canyon

    August 13 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We headed east today towards the Chinese border, exchanging the mountains for more desert like landscapes and we even spotted the remains of old soviet bunkers. Our first stop was Black Canyon which is located in the Charyn River Valley. It was a short stop but a pretty one.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Charyn Canyon

    August 13 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    From Black Canyon we proceeded to the well known Charyn Canyon to enjoy a walk from one end of the canyon to the other and back (6kms). It was 37 degrees and made for a hot one but was spectacular none the less. The canyon is known as the “Valley of Castles” due to it’s imposing pillars and rock formations. Our end destination today was our guesthouse in Basshiy at the gate of the Altyn Emel National Park. You know you have reached the desert when you encounter camels and that we did 15 minutes from town!Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    1

    The Multi-Coloured Aktau Mountains

    August 14 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Today’s itinerary was jam packed and we followed the motto of ‘finish strong’. After an early breakfast we boarded yet another off road vehicle. This time it was a desert bus with ‘natural air conditioning’ -big windows that brought the wind and dust inside for us! We covered over 250 kms today which involved 5 hours of bumpy bus time but still we were smiling when we returned back to the guesthouse. Our first stop was the Aktau Mountains, a stunning moonlike landscape of multi-coloured hills. The mountains are formed from bands of clay and sandstone, which can create white, red and orange stripes that run horizontally across the range. Climbing up this hills and walking along the top before descending down to the dry riverbed gave a great panoramic shot of this unique looking setting.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    1

    Exploring More of Atlyn Emel Nat’l Park

    August 14 in Kazakhstan ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    Our lunch stop was at a 700 year old willow tree, where according to the legend the warriors of Genghis Khan once made their camp. From there we passed the thermal water pipe which folks shower under to keep their skin soft and radiant and continued on through the desert to the Katutau lava mountains. These mountains are the result of intense volcanic activity in the region. The frozen lava of the volcano has acquired bizarre forms here, becoming a unique national monument. Peaking into the large holes in the formation we spotted a shy mountain hare. Time to head to our last stop, the magical singing dunes.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler
    1

    Climbing The Famous “Singing Sand Dunes”

    August 14 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    We have visited many sand dunes in our travels but none that sang. Could it be true? Yes it was! Our epic guide Sultan showed us a number of ways to make the dunes sing and we were delighted when they responded. Check out the video proof! This big dune, 3 km long and 120 meters high, is otherwise known as Polyushchiy Barchan. Wind blowing across the dune can cause the grains of sand to rub together and vibrate, producing a range of sounds. The view from the top of the Ili River is pretty spectacular too. What a great way to end our last day of adventures in Kazakhstan, the world’s 9th largest country, and one we won’t soon forget experiencing.Read more

  • Sharon MillerMountains & Deserts KazakhstanTraveler

    Return to Almaty

    August 15 in Kazakhstan ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We left the Atlyn Emel Nat’l park today to head back to Almaty, completing a circle tour of over 1000 kms and as many wonderful memories. Sultan had promised us a visit to the Green Bazaar once back in Almaty and we were glad not to have missed that. It was so uniquely organized by rows of vendors from different countries and by type of produce. Sadly, we could not take advantage of any purchases as we still have miles to go before we are back home and do not wish to lug any extra weight. We had a celebration dinner back at Navat Restaurant and wished one another a safe journey to wherever folks were headed next. Phil from the group is continuing on with us to Kyrgyzstan. We will be transferred to the airport in the morning by the first Kazakh to conquer Mt. Everest. Not too shabby of a send off!Read more

    Trip end
    August 16, 2025
  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice