KAZAKHSTAN

Unknown Lakes of Dzhungaria

A true horseback expedition into one of the last wild frontiers of Kazakhstan. Far beyond tourist routes, on the remote borderlands between Kazakhstan and China, lies Dzhungaria — a forgotten land of alpine lakes, endless valleys, high grasslands and dramatic mountain ridges.

Geo-Tech Overview

Here roads disappear, mobile signal is gone, and nature rules everything. This is the homeland of snow leopards, ibex, deer, bears, wolves and golden eagles. Shepherds are rare. Human presence is minimal. Silence is real. For 8 days we travel by horseback through the hidden corners of the Dzungarian Alatau and Tastau Range, crossing valleys, riding to remote lakes, staying in wild camps and mountain cabins, and living the rhythm of an authentic expedition.

June – October
8 days
intermediate, advanced
Zhetysu (Dzungarian) Alatau
1200 — 3300 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

meteoblue

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Hidden alpine lakes with no roads or crowds.
Wild borderlands between Kazakhstan and China.
Rich wildlife habitat.
Scenic horseback riding every day.
Mountain cabin stay in total wilderness.
Authentic expedition atmosphere.
One of the most adventurous horse trips in Kazakhstan.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Almaty – Ushbulak village

Early morning departure from Almaty to the eastern frontier lands of Kazakhstan. A scenic overland drive through steppe landscapes and mountain foothills brings us to Ushbulak village (570 km), gateway to the remote Dzhungarian wilderness. Meeting with local horsemen, guides and horses. Equipment check and overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day schedule:

— 07:00 — departure from Almaty
— 12:00 — lunch in the cafeteria on the road
— 14:00 — arrival to Ushbulak, guesthouse check-in, rest
— 16:00 — meeting with local guides and horses
— 17:00 — gear preparation
— 18:00 – sauna
— 19:00 — dinner
— 21:00 — overnight in guesthouse

Day 2

Into the Wild

The expedition begins. We pack supplies, saddle horses and leave civilization behind. The route follows grassy valleys, rivers and forgotten shepherd trails deeper into the mountains. Wild camp in a remote valley. Approximate horseback distance during the day 20 km.

Day schedule:

— 07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast
— 08:00 – 09:00 Packing
— 09:00 – 13:00 Ride Part 1 (10 km)
— 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
— 14:00 – 18:00 Ride Part 2 (10 km)
— 18:00 — Camp setup
— 19:00 — Dinner

Day 3

Three Hidden Lakes

Today we ride into higher alpine terrain toward a remote lakeside camp. After lunch we continue on foot to explore a chain of three hidden mountain lakes, surrounded by ridges and untouched nature. A perfect day for photography, drone shots and wildlife spotting.

Day schedule:

— 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
— 09:00 – 10:00 Packing
— 10:00 – 13:00 Ride to lakeside
— 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch / Camp setup
— 14:30 – 19:00 Hike to three lakes
— 19:00 — Dinner

Day 4

Cabin in the Mountains

We ride through scenic valleys toward a remote mountain cabin. After lunch and check-in, we continue with an afternoon ride to nearby lakes and panoramic viewpoints before returning for dinner.

Distance: Morning ride — 6 km, afternoon ride — 14 km

Day schedule:

— 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
— 09:00 – 10:00 Packing
— 10:00 – 12:00 Ride to cabin
— 12:00 – 14:00 Check-in / Lunch
— 14:00 – 19:00 Ride to lakes and back
— 19:00 — Dinner
— 21:00 — Overnight in cabin

Day 5

Tastau Range Expedition

A major riding day into the spectacular Tastau Range. We climb toward high open meadows and panoramic ridges with wide views over the surrounding wilderness. Time to enjoy the range before returning to the cabin.

Approximate horseback distance during the day — 18 km.

Day schedule:

— 07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast
— 08:00 – 12:00 Ride to Tastau Range (9 km)
— 12:00 – 14:00 Lunch / Time in the range
— 14:00 – 18:00 Ride back to cabin (9 km)
— 19:00 — Dinner

Day 6

Lakes Viewpoint Ride

A scenic day ride to one of the best viewpoints over the surrounding lake system and mountain valleys. Relaxed riding pace with time for photos and exploration. Approximate horseback distance — 14 km.

Day schedule:

— 09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
— 10:00 – 13:00 Ride to lakes viewpoint (7 km)
— 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
— 14:00 – 17:00 Ride back to cabin (7 km)
— 19:00 — Dinner

Day 7

Return to the Valleys

We leave the cabin and begin the journey back through alternative valleys and remote tracks, completing the circular expedition route. Wild final camp under the stars.

Approximate horseback distance — 20 km.

Day schedule:

— 07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast
— 08:00 – 09:00 Packing
— 09:00 – 13:00 Ride Part 1 (10 km)
— 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
— 14:00 – 18:00 Ride Part 2 (10 km)
— 18:00 — Camp setup
— 19:00 — Dinner

Day 8

Honey Route, return to Almaty

Final morning ride through pastoral landscapes to a local honey farm, famous for mountain honey from the Dzhungarian region. Tea and honey tasting before the last short ride back to the village. Transfer to Almaty.

Approximate horseback distance — 7 km.

Day schedule:

— 06:00 – 07:00 Breakfast
— 07:00 – 08:00 Packing
— 08:00 – 11:00 Ride to honey farm (6 km)
— 11:00 – 12:00 Tea & honey stop
— 12:00 – 13:00 Ride to village
— 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
— 14:00 – 21:00 Transfer to Almaty

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

5250 EUR for one person
3200 EUR per person for a group of 2
2450 EUR per person for a group of 3
2350 EUR per person for a group of 4-6
2200 EUR per person for a group of 7-8

Accommodation:

You will spend one night in the homestay, three nights in the remote mountain cabins and three nights will be spent under the starry sky in the tents. We recommend to bring your own reliable tent for comfortable night staying. Rental is also possible upon request.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Personal clothing and accessories:

– Light functional trekking long pants or leggings;
– T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve;
– Cap or panama hat for sun and heat protection;
– Neck warmer;
– Trekking waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole and high lacing;
– Membrane or other water and wind resistant light jacket and pants;
– Raincoat poncho;
– Softshell jacket;
– Down vest or jacket;
– Extra set of warm thermal layer for spending nights in the tent;
– Extra warm socks;
– Sandals or rubber slippers;
– Beanie;
– Pair of thin durable leather or other gloves for horseback riding;
– Warm gloves;
– Headlamp;
– Sunglasses;
– Sunscreen with high UVA protection 50+;
– Personal hygiene items;
– Small towel;
– Swimming suit;
– Water container;
– Personal AID kit (pain and flu medication, adhesive tape, individual medications in case of having chronic diseases);
– Sleeping bag with temperature 0 – -5 degrees Celsius in comfort zone;
– Energy, protein, muesli bars, dry fruits, nuts or other preferred snack;
– Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks;
– A small hiking backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters;
– Chargers and cords (power bank or compact solar panel).

Food:

– individual snacks (muesli, protein, chocolate of other bars, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition and etc.)
– soft drinks or alcohol

Services included in the package:

1. Return transfer from Almaty.
2. English-speaking horseback trail guide.
3. Horsemen services.
4. Horses.
5. National Park entrance fees.
6. Full board meals during expedition (except alcohol).
7. Accommodation: guesthouse, cabin, tents.
8. Camping equipment (2-pax tent, sleeping pad).
9. Horse-riding safety equipment: helmet and gaiters.
10. Homestay in Ushbulak village.
11. Overnights in the mountain cabins.
12. Drinking water.
13. Honey tasting and tea on day 8.
14. Satellite phone for emergency communication.