Most Scenic Road Trips in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty, Kazakhstan, Almaty, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Most Scenic Road Trips

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