Kazakhstan Experience

We drive from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Katon-Karagay, (330km, 6-7hrs). 

There we will watch the rural life of Kazakhstan pass by as we head east toward the Altai Mountains. 

The park rangers we work with are keen to show you their way of life, and you will be invited to share lunch with their families. Life in the rural villages is simple, and in summer the focus is on producing enough food to get through the long winter. Delicious wild berry jams and clotted cream go perfectly with scones!

Today we will stay the night at our first camp site, at Tukhem Bak rangers station.

This is going to be our first riding day. We will learn the Kazakh style of horse handling while riding through forest and meadows.

Summer is peaking, and the countryside is a hive of activity as local people bring in the hay. Very nice of them to cut the grass to create perfect galloping meadows.

We work with the National Park rangers who spend their time patrolling the mountain trails on their horses. The horses are fit and sure-footed, and well-trained (forget everything you might have learnt in Mongolia regarding the perils of a flapping raincoat or approaching from the wrong side!).

In the evening we will set up our camp and overnight in tents.

Starting today and for the next 12 days of trekking we have 6400 square kilometers of National Park to explore, and much of it accessible only by packhorses.

Embark on a rugged journey with your trusty packhorses, heading south towards the majestic mountains. Ascend to a secluded basecamp nestled just above the tree line, where breathtaking views of the main Katon-Karagay valley await. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire with your companions, swapping tales and relishing the tranquility of the starlit night sky, undisturbed by any hint of city lights.

After a cozy night under the stars, set out on horseback to explore further into the mountains. Traverse rocky paths and winding trails to reach the remnants of an old gold mine, a testament to the region's rich history. Take in the rugged beauty of the landscape before making your way back to basecamp. 

As evening falls, bask in the warmth of the campfire once more, sharing laughter and stories while gazing up at the dazzling canopy of stars above. In this remote wilderness, surrounded by nature's grandeur, find solace and wonder in the simplicity of life off the grid.

Today we will follow old horse trails through dense forest back down to the main valley, and then enjoy some galloping action as we head further east along the valley floor. 

The wildlife is slowly returning now that the entire region is a national park - you may encounter elk and ibex, and perhaps an occasional bear.

Then we will meet the support vehicle at Sayabak ranger station, where there is the possibility of a traditional banya (sauna).

Today we plan to change to fresh horses and new rangers, as we enter a new ranger territory, making our way back up in to the mountains to camp at Saram Sakhta ('place of wild onions'). 

We will once again be working closely with Amangul, our trip manager from the Altai region of Mongolia, famous for its Kazakh culture. Having established the right connections with local officials we are now in the perfect position to help develop ecotourism in the area, with your help.

We will meet the support vehicle (if the dirt track is passable), and prepare for a night away with packhorses.

We will go on a thrilling journey up to the jailoo, where the summer highland pastures await. We will ride passing by snow-capped peaks. Witness herders tending to their cattle in the lush meadows, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the towering mountains.

Close to the Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese borders, this remote wilderness area is best explored by riding and using pack horses. Perfect for an expedition.

The night will be spent camping in tents.

We will ride back to Saram Sakhta camp. We recommend bracing yourself for the heart-pounding descent down the infamous 'Kazakh Pass of Death'. Despite its ominous name, you'll find that with your skilled horsemanship and the sturdy local horses, this steep trail is a thrilling challenge that will leave you feeling accomplished and invigorated.

We'll overnight in the Saram Sakhta camp.

Descending from the mountains, we reach the village of Junga Urga ('new example'), where we change to our third and final set of horses and wranglers.

We have a range of horses available, from those that require a firm hand (such as John's favorite, 'Sparkles the Destroyer') through to those that will look after a less experienced rider.

Together with the new team we will ride north across the mighty Bukhtarma river, flowing down from the Altai Mountains, to our perfect riverside camp near Akhainar. This is a long day, but there is plenty of galloping action, and the river is ideal for a cooling soak at the end of the day.

We continue riding up river to camp at Batbakbulag, another lovely riverside spot. We will stop though off at our ranger Sergei's 'bee farm' and sample his honey which is uniquely flavored from an amazing array of wildflowers. 

If you are brave and have a strong stomach, you've got to try koumiss, or fermented horse milk.

Please note that unlike the local people, the bees can be a bit belligerent, so try not to annoy them.

Let's go on our exciting journey as we set out on horseback towards the Russian border, aiming to reach the tranquil Maralkol, also known as 'elk lake'.

The landscape transforms from rugged terrain to lush meadows as we ride through the untouched wilderness. 

One day this region will be known as a world class trekking destination, but in the meantime we have it to ourselves.

We will camp by the shimmering lake and enjoy a peaceful evening under the starlit sky, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Let's enjoy the serenity of Maralkol as we spend a full day exploring the pristine surroundings. 

You can wander through the forest, meander across the rolling hills, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. For those seeking adventure, take your horse for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Embrace the freedom of the open wilderness and savor the tranquility of this remote paradise.

We bid farewell to Maralkol as we begin our journey back to Batbakbulag camp, following a different route that offers new sights and experiences. 

On our way we can reflect on the memories made during our time at the elk lake and soak in the last moments of solitude before arriving. 

We will ride back to our campsite at Akhainar. This is a shorter ride, leaving time in the afternoon to compete in traditional Kazakh horse games. These include audaryspak, or wrestling on horseback, kyz kuu, where one person chases another with a whip (usually a woman whips a man, but in these enlightened times, anything goes), and kume alu, where a rider tries to pick up objects from the ground at a gallop. Fun times!

Today we drive back to Ust-Kamenogorsk, and enjoy a well-earned final dinner together. 

If the timing is right, we take a ferry across Bukhtarma Lake, as an interesting shortcut.

It's time for us to depart Ust Kamenogorsk. 

If you would like to see more of this city before heading away, we can help (or ask us about a stop-over in Almaty or Nur-Sultan).