5-day Journey · May–October · Almaty · Assy · Charyn · Tekes · Khan Tengri
From the high-altitude pastures of Assy Plateau (2,600 m) through Charyn Canyon to the ancient Tekes Valley, and up to the panorama of Khan Tengri (7,010 m).
Duration
5 days, 4 nights
Season
May–October
Group
2–12 guests
Distance
~850 km
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Route
Almaty · Assy · Charyn · Tekes · Khan Tengri
2,600m
Assy Plateau elevation
High-altitude pastures where the journey begins — a living cultural environment at the height of the alpine summer.
7,010m
Khan Tengri — Lord of the Sky
The panorama opens from Tuzkol Lake on the final day, the massif rising in clean Turkic geometry.
3stays
Distinct overnight settings
YurtaDa Assy at altitude, Charyn Canyon eco-cabins, and the Tekes ethno-village — three different ways to sleep on the steppe.
Itinerary
A 120 km transfer climbs into the Assy Plateau. The first afternoon is gentle — settling into yurts and walking out into the open ground.
Alpine hiking, a berkutchi demonstration, and the campfire under a sky that comes back fully at 2,600 m.
A long traverse off the plateau drops down to the Valley of Castles, walked in the warm raking light of late afternoon.
A scenic transfer with two gorges and a reservoir along the way, ending in the long-settled Tekes Valley.
A full day with the household — felt, bow, horse, eagle, dombra — closing with a fire ceremony under the stars.
The final morning opens onto Khan Tengri itself, then a long road back across the high steppe to Almaty.
Before you book
Vehicle-based with day hikes and cultural activities — easy to moderate, no technical skills required.
Easy to moderate. Primarily vehicle-based with day hikes and cultural activities. All hikes are short (2–5 km) and optional. Suitable for guests with basic fitness. No technical skills required.
Three distinct settings: YurtaDa Assy (Nights 0–1), Charyn eco-cabins (Night 2), Tekes ethno-village (Nights 3–4). Full board meals: all breakfasts, lunches and dinners included throughout.
Private 4×4 vehicle and driver throughout all 5 days. Ile-Alatau NP and Charyn Canyon NP entry permits included. Bilingual Dala Arba guide end-to-end.
May to October. Best in May–June (wildflowers, lower temperatures) and Sept–Oct (autumn colours). We will advise the strongest dates for your group.
Pricing
All prices per person · Private departure · Full board included where stated
2 persons
$1,720
Private departure, maximum attention
4 persons
$1,110
Most popular group size
6+ persons
from $820
Best value per person
Included
Not included
Begin
Private dates, your group, your pace. We reply within 48 hours, in person — usually with three options shaped around your brief.