Horseriding tour on the Ketmen ridge

08:00

Meeting with a guide in Almaty and transfer to the campsite (about 335 km from Almaty). Departure from Almaty with a stop in Charyn (~ 220 km from Almaty). Charyn Canyon is sometimes called the "little brother" of the Grand Canyon. Little it can be called only because of the size, but it can be offset by the stunning beauty of the natural complex. The canyon is 154 km long and 300 m deep. While visiting the Charyn canyon you can enjoy a stunning view of the huge gorge with rocks of different colors. The canyon is part of the territory of the Charyn National Park, and you will have the opportunity to see the valley of castles with rocks like towers. Despite the long journey, the beauty of the Canyon will make you forget it.

13:00

After lunch and excursion, moving to the base (185km, 2.5 hours)

18:00

Arrival to the base. Accommodation in a guest house, lunch. Free time for a walk. In the evening, guests can visit the Russian sauna. The hostel in the Ketmen gorge is located on the slopes of the Ketmen Ridge among the northern spurs of the Tien Shan. Its territory is 20 000 hectares and it covers foothills, mixed forest, high-mountain spruce zone and alpine meadows. On the territory of the grounds there is a log house with a bath. Meal: lunch, dinner

06:00

Early observation of animals with binoculars, since they are most active at this time of day. On the afternoon they hide from predators, from potentially dangerous animals, and heat. Especially the hares. Photo safari.

08:00

Breakfast.

09:00

Departure on horseback for an extreme tour of the surroundings towards the Dardamty gorge. Our path will pass along the northern side of the Ketmen Ridge. Surrounded by firs of Shrenka, you will enjoy the indescribable beauty of nature, mountain landscapes, untouched by human hand. During the route you will be able to see such species of animals as the maral, Siberian roe deer, Siberian ibex, wild boar, wolf, fox, badger, hare, from birds: ular, black grouse, cactus. Despite its relatively close location to Almaty, the Ketmen mountains are rarely visited by tourists, adventurers and just fans of outdoor activities. Perhaps, that is why this corner of nature has preserved its pristine purity, all around grows alpine vegetation. A lot of rivulets with icy crystal water in hard-to-reach gorges are thrown down by small, but spectacular waterfalls, giving the tired travelers coolness. It is said that here at an altitude of 3300m located a deposit of coal that functioned in the pre-war years.

13:00

Lunch and rest on the river bank

18:00

Overnight in tents at an altitude of 3000-3300 meters above sea level. At the request of tourists, a 2-days overnight stay in tents is possible. Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner

08:00

Breakfast.

09:00

Taking things and equipment. Continuation of horseriding tour. The weather in the Ketmen Mountains is changing rapidly: cold rain, then hot heat. The trees can blossom in the foothills, and on the shady slopes and peaks even in summer will be snow. But the temperature drops cannot prevent anyone who wants to enjoy the silence and walk along the animal trails of these mountains.

14:00

Arrival to the guesthouse in the Dardamty gorge. Rest, dinner. You can visit sauna here. Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner

08:00

Breakfast

09:00

After collecting equipment, you will say goodbye to the horses and drive by car to Almaty (310 km, 5 hours)

13:00

Further along the road you will visit the Kazakh family of berkutchi, try the national dishes, including the national drink kymyz (from mare's milk). You will have a unique opportunity to see the Golden Eagle alive and take a picture with him. In the autumn time, a Golden Eagle show with a demonstration performance is possible.

20:00

Arrival to Almaty. Meal: breakfast, lunch