Ulytau – Cradle of Nation
Ulytau – Cradle of Nation
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Language: Rissian/English
Day 1: Karaganda–Terekty–Zhezkazgan
Karaganda–Terekty–Zhezkazgan
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Early departure from Karaganda to Terekty. En route, you’ll stop in the village of Atasu, where you’ll have lunch and a short rest before continuing on your journey.
Upon arrival in Terekty, a walking tour begins through one of the most significant archaeological sites in Central Kazakhstan. The Terekty complex is renowned for its unique collection of Bronze Age petroglyphs, carved into stone over three thousand years ago.
During the walk, you’ll see ancient depictions of people, animals, hunting scenes, and religious rituals, learning about their symbolism and meaning, as well as about the lives of the tribes that inhabited these lands in ancient times.
Nearby is an ancient necropolis, also included in the tour program. The burials offer insight into the worldview and funerary traditions of the ancient steppe inhabitants.
After the tour, the group departs for the city of Zhezkazgan. The drive takes approximately one hour (approximately 85 km) and passes through the steppe landscapes of Central Kazakhstan.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel, relax after a busy day, and have dinner.
Overnight at the hotel in Zhezkazgan.
Day 2: Zhezkazgan – bank of the Karakengir river – Ulytau village
Zhezkazgan – bank of the Karakengir river – Ulytau village
After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and visit the Historical and Archaeological Museum, which displays unique exhibits chronicling the region’s history from ancient times to the present day. The exhibits will help you better understand the cultural heritage of the Ulytau region, the role of these lands in the formation of nomadic civilizations, and the history of Kazakhstan.
Next, travel to the mausoleum of Jochi Khan, Genghis Khan’s eldest son (50 km, 1 hour 10 minutes).
You will explore a majestic mausoleum, considered one of the most important monuments from the Golden Horde era, as well as the ruins of the Khan’s supposed headquarters, located nearby. This place allows you to experience the history of great conquests and the statehood of the steppes.
The next stop is the Dombauyl Mausoleum, dating back to the time of the Huns (5 km, 15 minutes). You will visit one of the most ancient burial structures in the region, distinguished by its austere form and a unique atmosphere of antiquity.
The route continues with a drive to the Alasha Khan Mausoleum (40 km, 1 hour).
Upon arrival, lunch is nearby and a short rest.
The route then passes through the town of Satpayev to the village of Ulytau. Along the way, a stop is included at the Monument to the Unity of the Peoples of Kazakhstan, erected in the geographic center of the country. This symbolic site highlights the historical and cultural significance of the region. Arrival in Ulytau village, check-in at a guesthouse. Dinner.
Overnight in Ulytau village.
Day 3: Ulytau – Mount Aulie – Altynshoki – Mount Akzhar
Ulytau – Mount Aulie – Altynshoki – Mount Akzhar
After breakfast, take a short drive from the village of Ulytau to the foot of Mount Aulie. This begins the ascent to the highest point of the Ulytau Mountains—1,133 meters above sea level.
The total ascent and descent time is approximately three hours, with an elevation gain of approximately 400 meters.
Mount Aulie is considered sacred and has attracted pilgrims from all over the country for centuries. Along the way, sweeping panoramas of the steppes and hills of the Ulytau region open up.
At the summit, you’ll explore the ancient tombs of seven saints, experience a place imbued with a unique spiritual atmosphere, and explore a cave associated with local legends and tales.
After the descent, return to the village of Ulytau for lunch at a café.
Next, a trip to the Altynshoki area follows. Here, you’ll climb a mountain containing a replica of the famous stone inscribed by order of Tamerlane during his campaign in the lands of the Golden Horde.
You’ll also see the remains of a heating structure designed to maintain a fire, testifying to the thoughtful organization of military camps of that era.
Continuing on, the route continues to the Akzhar Mountains. You’ll enjoy a walk among the picturesque yellow-red Cretaceous rocks, formed millions of years ago. The contrasting colors of the rocks and their unusual shapes create a stunning natural landscape, ideal for leisurely strolls and photography.
In the evening, dinner and overnight in the field.
Day 4: Mount Akzhar – Tamdy River Valley – Mount Edyge – Ulytau
Mount Akzhar – Tamdy River Valley – Mount Edyge – Ulytau
Breakfast in the field.
The morning begins with breakfast and a leisurely walk through the Akzhar Mountains. You’ll once again enjoy the unique landscapes of chalk cliffs, the play of light on the yellow-red rocks, and the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
The route then continues into the picturesque Tamda River Valley—one of the region’s most remarkable sites, rich in natural and historical monuments.
During the excursion, you’ll explore ancient petroglyphs carved into rock faces. These images tell of the lives, beliefs, and customs of the people who inhabited these lands in ancient times.
After the excursion, you’ll have lunch outdoors. If you wish, you can refresh yourself with a swim in the river, enjoying the coolness and secluded atmosphere of the valley.
The route then continues to the foot of Mount Yedige, followed by an ascent.
At the summit are the supposed tombs of Tokhtamysh Khan and Yedige Emir—significant historical figures who played a key role in the history of the Golden Horde. Exploring these places allows you to more deeply experience the connection between history and landscape.
After the descent, return to the village of Ulytau, where you’ll have dinner and overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 5: Ulytau – Zyngyrtas – Zhezdy village – Zhezkazgan
Ulytau – Zyngyrtas – Zhezdy village – Zhezkazgan
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Meet your guide in the lobby.
The first stop on the route is Zyngyrtas, a site known for its ancient petroglyphs and so-called “ringing” stones.
During the tour, you’ll see rock paintings created by Bronze Age people and experience the unique natural phenomenon of stones that make a distinctive sound when touched. This site combines archaeological value and natural beauty.
After exploring Zyngyrtas, the group returns to Ulytau, from where it travels to the medieval settlement of Bashkamyr.
Bashkamyr is an archaeological site dating from the 8th–12th centuries, reflecting the life and customs of medieval steppe inhabitants. During the tour, you’ll stroll through the settlement, learning about its structure, crafts, and role in the history of the region.
The route then continues to the Ayakkamyr mausoleum, another monument from the Golden Horde period. A tour of the mausoleum provides a rich understanding of the funerary architecture and spiritual culture of the time.
After the tour, enjoy lunch al fresco, surrounded by steppe landscapes.
Then, head to the village of Zhezdy for a short tour of the historical mining and smelting museum.
Continue to the city of Zhezkazgan.
Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner.
Overnight at a hotel in Zhezkazgan.
Day 6: Zhezkazgan – Zhetykonyr – Zhezkazgan
Zhezkazgan – Zhetykonyr – Zhezkazgan
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet your guide and depart for one of the region’s most unusual natural landscapes – the Zhetykonyr Sands, a rare natural feature in Central Kazakhstan. Here, you’ll enjoy a walk through the sand dunes, discovering the local flora and fauna, adapted to life in the desert. Lunch will follow.
After lunch, the route continues to the Bolgan-Ana and Kulan-Ana mausoleums, monuments dating back to the Golden Horde period.
During the visit, you’ll learn about the history of these structures, their architectural features, and local legends associated with the names of revered women.
Then, return to Zhezkazgan for dinner.
Overnight at a hotel in Zhezkazgan.
Day 7: Zhezkazgan – Karaganda
Zhezkazgan – Karaganda
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time in Zhezkazgan. Travel from Zhezkazgan to Karaganda, with lunch en route to Atasu.
End of the tour.
Rates for 2026 in USD:
Price per person
1 person USD$ 4 650
2 person USD$ 2 665
3 person USD$ 2 005
4 person USD$ 1 675
The program includes:
◉ 3 nights at a hotel in Zhezkazgan
◉ 2 nights at a guesthouse in Ulytau
◉ Transfers as per itinerary
◉ Local guides
◉ Meals (breakfasts at the hotel, 7 lunches, 6 dinners)
◉ Entrance fees as per itinerary
◉ Water during the excursion, 0.5 liters per person
The program excludes:
◉ International flights
◉ Train tickets
◉ Domestic airfare
◉ Roundtrip travel to the starting point (Karaganda)
◉ Personal expenses
◉ Tips
◉ Any service not specified in the itinerary
Recommendations for planning a trip:
◉ All museums are closed on Mondays
Notes:
◉ The company may make changes to the tour program but will not reduce the number of excursions.
◉ The order of the itinerary and hotels may change without prior notice.
◉ The company may change the selected hotels to others of the same category.
◉ Hotel selection depends on availability, and reservations are made only after client confirmation.
◉ Domestic flights may change. If the specified flights are unavailable, alternative flights will be rescheduled to a convenient time based on the tour program.
Payment terms:
◉ Payment must be made at least 20 days before the planned arrival date of the tourist group by bank transfer to our account, according to the issued invoice.
Cancellation Fees:
◉ Cancellations made 30 days before the tour start date will be free of charge
◉ Cancellations made 15 days before the tour start date will be charged 50% of the total cost
◉ Cancellations made 7 days before the tour start date will be charged 100% of the total cost
Note:
This is a private guided tour. No other tourists will join you/your group during the tour.
You can choose the sequence of visits to the attractions yourself. You can choose a convenient start time for the tour: from 09.00 to 16.00. The tour can start directly from the airport / train station, where our guide will be waiting for you.
