
Most Scenic Road Trips in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
1. Kolsai Lakes Road Trip
A breathtaking journey through three crystal-clear mountain lakes nestled amidst the majestic Tian Shan Mountains.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a glimpse of Kazakhstan's untouched natural beauty
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides ample opportunities for hiking and birdwatching
- Wildlife Sightings: Potential for sightings of rare species like the snow leopard and argali sheep
2. Almaty-Charyn Canyon Road Trip
An exhilarating drive through the vast Charyn Canyon, featuring unique rock formations known as 'Valley of Castles'.
- Geological Wonders: Showcases stunning geological formations like 'The Throat of the Canyon'
- Off-Road Adventure: Offers an adventurous off-road experience for thrill-seekers
- Photography Opportunities: Ideal for photographers due to the dramatic landscapes and sunsets
3. Big Almaty Lake Road Trip
A scenic drive along the slopes of the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains, leading to the picturesque Big Almaty Lake.
- Nature Reserve: Passes through a nature reserve rich in flora and fauna
- Mountain Views: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
- Trekking Destination: Serves as a starting point for treks to higher alpine lakes
4. Kaindy Lake Road Trip
A picturesque drive followed by a walk to the mysterious Kaindy Lake, surrounded by pine forests and steep mountains.
- Eco-Tourism Destination: Promotes eco-tourism in a unique setting
- Sunken Forest: Features a sunken forest at the lake bed, submerged by a landslide in the 1950s
- Swimming Opportunities: Allows for refreshing swims in the clear, cold waters of the lake
5. Almaty-Turgen Pass Road Trip
A scenic drive through the Turgen Gorge and over the Turgen Pass, offering breathtaking vistas of the mountains and valleys.
- Mountain Pass: Crosses a high mountain pass with stunning vistas
- Hiking Trails: Provides access to numerous hiking trails and camping sites
- Waterfall Sightings: Includes a visit to the beautiful Turgen Waterfall
6. Almaty-Kazakhstan-China Border Road Trip
A fascinating journey from Almaty to the Kazakhstan-China border, passing through picturesque towns and landscapes.
- Cultural Exchange: Provides a glimpse into the cultures of both Kazakhstan and China
- Historical Landmarks: Features historical landmarks like the Dambay Satti (Rat Trap) Gates
- Nomadic Life: Offers insights into the lives of nomadic tribes along the way
7. Almaty-Tamgaly Tas (Burial Mounds) Road Trip
A spiritual journey to the ancient Tamgaly Tas burial mounds and petroglyphs, nestled amidst the hills.
- Historical Significance: Offers a unique glimpse into the region's ancient history
- Petroglyph Sightings: Features numerous petroglyphs depicting various scenes and symbols
- Off-Road Adventure: Provides an adventurous off-road experience through the hills
8. Almaty-Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake Combo
A thrilling road trip encompassing both the Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake, offering a diverse range of natural beauty.
- Natural Diversity: Showcases the diversity of Kazakhstan's natural landscapes
- Hiking and Swimming: Offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous photography opportunities along the way
9. Almaty-Issyk Lake Road Trip
A scenic drive to Issyk Gorge and Lake, featuring a medieval castle and stunning mountain views.
- Historical Castle: Visits the ruined medieval Issyk Castle, built in the 15th century
- Nature Reserve: Passes through a nature reserve rich in flora and fauna
- Water Sports: Allows for water sports like boat rides and fishing at Issyk Lake
10. Almaty-Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon Combo
A comprehensive road trip covering both the Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, offering a mix of natural beauty and adventure.
- Natural Diversity: Showcases the diversity of Kazakhstan's natural landscapes
- Hiking and Swimming: Offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous photography opportunities along the way
11. Almaty-Big Almaty Lake and Kaindy Lake Combo
A scenic road trip combining Big Almaty Lake and Kaindy Lake, showcasing diverse natural beauty.
- Natural Diversity: Showcases the diversity of Kazakhstan's natural landscapes
- Hiking and Swimming: Offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous photography opportunities along the way
12. Almaty-Turgen Pass and Kazakhstan-China Border Combo
A thrilling road trip encompassing the Turgen Pass and the Kazakhstan-China border, offering adventure and cultural exchange.
- Mountain Pass: Crosses a high mountain pass with stunning vistas
- Cultural Exchange: Provides a glimpse into the cultures of both Kazakhstan and China
- Off-Road Adventure: Provides an adventurous off-road experience through the hills
13. Almaty-Tamgaly Tas and Charyn Canyon Combo
A spiritual and scenic road trip that covers Tamgaly Tas burial mounds, petroglyphs, and the breathtaking Charyn Canyon.
- Historical Significance: Offers a unique glimpse into the region's ancient history
- Geological Wonders: Showcases stunning geological formations like 'The Throat of the Canyon'
- Off-Road Adventure: Provides an adventurous off-road experience through the hills
14. Almaty-Issyk Lake and Kaindy Lake Combo
A scenic road trip featuring Issyk Gorge, Lake, and Castle, as well as the mysterious Kaindy Lake.
- Historical Significance: Visits the ruined medieval Issyk Castle, built in the 15th century
- Nature Reserve: Passes through a nature reserve rich in flora and fauna
- Water Sports: Allows for water sports like boat rides and fishing at Issyk Lake
15. Almaty-Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon Triple Combo
The ultimate road trip for nature lovers, taking in the stunning Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and the breathtaking Charyn Canyon.
- Natural Diversity: Showcases the diversity of Kazakhstan's natural landscapes
- Hiking and Swimming: Offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming
- Photography Opportunities: Provides numerous photography opportunities along the way