Contrasts of Southern Kazakh Altai

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Ust Kamenogorsk – Bukhtarma reservoir– Kurchum– Lake Markakol⌄

   From the very beginning of the journey, you will be delighted with the beauties of this amazing region! Serpentine road surrounded by herbs, endless fields and forests! We will stop at the largest reservoir in Kazakhstan, Bukhtarma, to to feel all its beauty and volume. Further, passing through the village of Kurchum, we will head to the village of Terekty (Alekseevka). And from here we will begin to climb the Marble Pass, from where views of sand dunes of Kyzylkum. Then we arrive to a typical Altai settlement village, with blackened log cottages in the lowland and on the hillocks, bathhouses, a woodpile, and potato gardens. We are lodged in a guesthome upon our arrival in the area. We take a bath and eat dinner. Walking alon Lake Markakol, located at an altitude of 1450 m above sea level, between the mountain ranges. According to some reports, this is the largest body of water in Altai. The lake is surrounded by sparse mountain taiga, where valuable species of trees grow.

   Meals: Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Guesthouse

2. 2Lake Markakol - Marble Pass - Kiin-Kerish - Lake Zaisan- Shekelmes canyon⌄

   Today we will drive through the Marble Pass, stopping at the observation deck. We will admire the sand dunes of Kyzylkum for a while, and then we will drive 200 meters from the border with China. Passed Border village of Terekty, the mountainous part of our trip will end, and we will find ourselves in a semi-desert zone, where the first attraction will be the bizarre Kiin-Kerish canyon. The "Castle of Mountain Spirits"—Shekelmes Canyon—is located on the shores of Lake Zaisan, about 32 kilometres from the Kiin-Kerish depression. It shows sand and clay mountains that have been worn and washed by rains and then frozen in different ways. Families of pelicans and great cormorants call these regions home, and they enjoy taking advantage of the sandy shore's sunshine.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Tent

3. 3Lake Zaisan - ferry crossing - Ust-Kamenogorsk⌄

   The ferry ride through Bukhtarma is a fun excursion that makes a good impression. Here, gulls are so domesticated that you can feed them while crossing the street with your hand. And there are many of shells along the coast. Typically, the water is welcoming and warm. after a long travel, take a plunge! The Bukhtarma depression is divided into two parts: a river segment that follows the valley of the Irtysh River, and Lake Zaysan, where a broad stretch was created. Reservoir size is 5490 km2, its length is 425 km, its widest point is 35 km, and its average depth is 10 m.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch