10-Day Tour: Markakol-Zaysan-Rakhman │East Kazakhstan, Katon Karagay tour

10-Day Tour with visits to places where wild animals inhabit: Markakol-Zaysan-Katon Karagay

Start an extraordinary 10-day journey in East Kazakhstan, beginning with the serene beauty of Lake Markakol and traversing through captivating landscapes. Immerse yourself in the unique Kiin Kirish natural monument and Shekelmes Sanctuary at Lake Zaysan. Explore the Rahmanov Springs Nature Reserve, reveling in mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. Witness the grandeur of Mount Belukha, experience the wild beauty of Katon-Karagay, and encounter the local traditions. Your adventure concludes with a cultural encounter with an Eagle Hunter, offering a glimpse into Kazakh traditions and a memorable night in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Discover the diverse wonders of Kazakhstan on this immersive 10-day experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Trip to Markakol

▸We will wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and head towards Lake Markakol (450 km, 7 hours).
▸We will buy food for the road at a store on the way. We will cross Lake Zaysan on a ferry during the journey.
▸At the border post, there will be document and border pass checks.
▸We will then proceed to the Mramorny Pass, which is 1,317 meters above sea level.
▸We will stop at the pass to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views. To the south, on the territory of China, you can see the dunes and sands of the Akkum and Kyzylkum deserts, which are adjacent to the territory of Kazakhstan to the north.
▸We will arrive at the guesthouse in Urunkhayka for accommodation.
▸Free time for photos.
▸Overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 2: Exploring Markakol

▸Breakfast.
▸Walking tour of the surroundings of Lake Markakol. Hike to the mountain located east of the village of Urunkhayka, which offers a magnificent panorama of the lake and the surrounding mountains (1 + 1 = 2 km).
▸We will make a short traverse along the ridge and descend to the southern tip of the lake. Return to the village of Urunkhayka.
▸Dinner, overnight stay.

Day 3: We will head towards Lake Zaysan (160 km, 3.5 hours)

▸Breakfast
▸We will visit the unique natural monument Kiin Kirish, which resembles the surface of Mars.
▸We will also visit the Shekelmes Sanctuary.
▸Finally, we will visit Lake Zaysan before spending the night in a hotel in the nearby city of Kurchum.

Day 4: Trip to Katon Karagay (Rahmanov Springs) (470 km, 8 hours of driving).

▸Along the way, we will enjoy the scenic views of the Katon-Karagay Nature Park. We will make stops and get out to appreciate the nature.
Depart by car to the Rahmanov Springs Nature Reserve, where you can admire beautiful mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and lakes.
▸Arrive and settle in a guesthouse, then take a walk to explore the attractions.
▸Dinner
▸Overnight stay with local residents

Day 5: Exploring Rakhmanov Lake

▸We visit the lake located on a high mountain (~1800m), take a boat ride, and see the summit of the highest mountain in Kazakhstan.
▸Take a boat ride on the lake and see the highest point in Kazakhstan, Mount Belukha.
▸Take a horseback ride to the Mount Belukha (Optional)
▸Dinner
▸Overnight in Guest house

Day 6: Katon-Karagay

▸In the morning, we head to Katon-Karagay.
▸Meeting with a tour guide who will take us to a guest house located in the nature reserve. A guide who will show where the animals inhabit.
▸Check-in at the guest house.
▸Walk.
▸Dinner.

Day 7: Trip to places where wild animals live.

▸Breakfast
▸Free time for photos.
▸Overnight stay at the guest house.
▸Dinner.

Day 8: Trip to places where wild animals live

▸Breakfast
▸Free time for photos.
▸Overnight stay at the guest house.
▸Dinner.

Day 9: We will head towards Ust-Kamenogorsk. (450 км, 6 hours)

▸After arrival, we can take a walk along the Irtysh river embankment.
▸We will visit the central market.
▸Free time.
▸Overnight stay at my home, dinner.

Day 10: Visiting the Eagle Hunter

▸We will go to the village to visit the Eagle Hunter.
▸He will show and tell us secrets and interesting facts about his profession.
▸We will have lunch in a yurt with his family and try traditional Kazakh cuisine.
▸We will listen to traditional songs.
▸After, We will visit a nightclub to meet people (optional).
▸In the evening, I will take you to the hotel.