Amazing trips

There is a moment in the life of any aspiring astronomer that it is time to buy first telescope

I was born in Almaty. Started to work as a translator (English-Russian) in mountain treks 23 years ago, after 3 years of 63 days trekking annually in summer season plus botanic and ornithology, horse riding and bike tours at spring and autumn I became a guide and was leading individual and group tours up to 26 people. It was great experience, fun and possibility to travel to the places of my own country which usually are very hard to reach like Inylcheck glacier - foot of Khan-Tengri (7 010 meters high) and Pobeda (7 439) peaks, which is still my favorite place of Kazakhstan.

And here is my long story short

Later on I started outgoing tourism company for Kazakhstani people who wanted to travel abroad. It gave me an opportunity to learn a lot about right way to organize a trip, listen carefully wishes and expectations of people regarding their holidays and meeting the requirements of their wants to make them happy. I travelled myself for business reasons to participate in the tourism exhibitions like the biggest one in Berlin, London, New Delhi and of course, for personal purposes, to see the world, to swim with sharks in Thailand, to surf in Shri-Lanka & India, for diving course in Cyprus, for the night dive in Arab Emirates, for gourmet tour in Italy ...

Visits to many countries made me more and more proud of my own country because after all I realized how lucky I am to leave in a place where you have more than 8 different climate zones in such short distance. 40 minutes by cable way and you can hike on the closest to the city glacier, take the car and drive to the direction of Charyn national park and you find 4 different canyons like Castle valley – famous one, or another one which is reminding you of Jurassic park, you walk through it and expect pterodactyl flight, camp by the river in a wild place in the relict ash wood tree, 2 more hours drive and you are already in the mountain lakes that look typical Switzerland, you want something hotter, then you are welcome to the real desert with signing dune and multicolorfull steppe mountains with Ili river, you like it hot but with less extreme, then visit hot springs, you wish to see life of nomads, then go to plateau Assy fully covered with white yurts like giant mushrooms on a glade and looks like Mongolia steppe.

Land and nature called me. I so wanted to share this beauty of the nature with the guests of Kazakhstan that I left the office and started to be driver, English speaking guide and cook all in one and enjoy my nomadic life changing places every day, spending most of the day on a fresh air, walking in the forest or desert, sleeping under the stars. One celebrity said “Find a job of your dream and you will not work even one day”.
From year to year more and more visitors were coming to Almaty region, so I could not handle it myself and asked my brother for the help, he was always traveling with his wife all over the world on his motorbike as well as in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, he bought Land Cruiser suv car and was happy to turn his hobby to a job as well as his wife. My son and niece helping with translation, when it’s required, with English (American) and French. So it became small family business.

When tour is over we take our children, parents, friends and we are off to the same places where we work but now for holidays.
We pay attention on safety as it is one of the most important things during long drive. Our guides are having long driving experience not only on the highway, but off-road as well. Cars are regularly checked. We don’t try to fit in one go all possible and impossible, we pay attention on distances to make sure you don’t spend all your day sitting in a car, but stretching your legs walking around, enjoying your morning cup of tea or coffee, taking memorable pictures, testing local food and during the day and in the evening around the fire having nice conversation about everything and anything like life, love, politic, culture, difference of Kazakhstani life at Soviet and our days time …

Isabelle and Véronique

Maarten and Sanneke

Aiko about Yuliya

Adrian about Yuliya

Smith about Yuliya

Younes about Yuliya

Nisha and Prasanth about Yuliya

Sandhya Sathish about Yuliya

Tina about Yuliya

Vani about Yuliya

Eoin O'Brein

Arvind about Yuliya

When we engage a tour operator to travel abroad, what we expect is fair costing, a schedule that balances travel with comfort, and thorough knowledge of the places of visit. With Julie, one gets all the above, plus much more! When I first interacted with Julie for engaging her services for a road trip of Kazaksthan, she asked me to book the tickets first and that there after she would draw up travel schedule accordingly. Within 3 days of sharing my ticket details, Julie prepared and shared a detailed 9 days travel schedule, with pictures, covering a variety of stunning landscapes like mountains, canyons, dunes, lakes, grasslands, waterfalls, etc. Once I confirmed the schedule, Julie shared the cost, which was reasonable and required no bargaining, leading me to accept it immediately. When the three of us, along with Julie, commenced the tour from Almaty, on her Land Cruiser, little did we know that Julie would end up being the proverbial ‘Friend, Philosopher, Guide’. Ours being a road trip, there was travel every day. However, Julie had planned the schedule well to give us sufficient rest. There was quite a lot of off-road travel on mere tracks of four wheelers through vast expanse of grasslands. Julie’s experience in knowing the tracks was evident with the way she drove through. At every place of halt Julie would ensure that we are comfortable and all our needs are met. We could sense that during the travel, Julie’s focus was on ensuring our safety, comfort and enjoyment. The travel was so flexible that we had the complete discretion to decide when to stop, where to stop and what time to start back. Julie is a time-star and we completed the entire trip almost on schedule. Good bonding took place during the travel, thanks to regular conversations ranging from relevant history, local information, personal experiences and about life in general. Julie’s Land Cruiser is so well equipped that I believe it has resources for 3 days’ survival. One of the most memorable events was the river side lunch set-up that Julie organized and served tasty, warm food. Not often that one comes across a tour operator who puts customer care and comfort above commercial gains. Truly, the service of Julie is ‘Gold Standard’.

Sharon about Yuliya

Deepa about Yuliya

Rated 5 stars out of 5
Professional, knowledgeable, reliable, trustworthy, warm and friendly and a RUSSIAN!! That's how I would describe JULIA, our tour guide who made sure we had a wonderful, stress-free 9 nights and 10 days stay in Kazakhstan!!! I had always heard that Russians as a race are cold and rude, but Julie proved us wrong! She is anything but that! She may be Russian, but was born and raised in Almaty, Kazakhstan! Apparently the negative description could also apply to some Russians from Russia, especially Moscow 😀…. That's what I understand now!! However, when we came back on our trip to Kazakhstan, we had an unforgettable road trip! Julia met us at the airport and helped us check in to our hotel. The next day our road trip began….she accompanied and drove us in her Toyota Landcruiser which I must say was a very reliable vehicle in itself, especially for the varied terrain we tackled during our next 7 day road trip through Almaty Province! During our road trip we did two hikes in the DESERT and 4-5 CANYONS, all quite different in their physical shape/formation. We hiked down two of these canyons, drove down one and explored two others from above!!! A lunch picnic planned by Julia in the Temerlik River Canyon on the river bank with table and chairs, hot rice and curry, not to mention tea, cookies and chocolate was an unforgettable experience overall! We also had the chance to enjoy the hot springs, a hike up and down to two of the most beautiful lakes in the world I have ever been to and as a bonus we also did a horseback ride along the way!!! A short hike up another mountain to a scenic waterfall and a Turkish sauna experience in a beautiful mountain valley resort! And finally, as the cherry on top, we had a walking city tour in Almaty, not forgetting the cable car ride to Koktobe and back. Last but not least, on the last day we also managed to ride the Almaty Metro, just for the experience!!! And all this in just 9 nights and 10 days!!! Throughout the trip, Julia drove us very confidently in her Landcruiser, especially through the difficult desert terrain and mountainous off-road roads!!! I must say, she is very brave and careful at the same time!!! She took all the necessary precautions and steps before we entered the entrance to the national park, as we had no mobile connection after that…. The drive to Aktau Mountain and Singing Dunes in Altyn-Emel National Park is very tiring and some of the dried branches of desert plants can damage the vehicle's tires, I'm told, but she survived it all and so did her Landcruiser without even the slightest damage!!! An overnight stay in Zharkent en route to Chungza hot springs was made extra special and unforgettable by an unexpected surprise at the breakfast table on my birthday morning!!! 🎂🎈 Colorful balloons 🎈 in a corner of the dining room greeted me and my jaw dropped when I saw a delicious looking cake 🎂 with exotic candles and a pretty fruit plate 🍑🍒🍌 all on the table !!!!! I felt so blessed and happy that I sent a silent prayer to the Almighty 🙏🏻!!! My family made me feel very special by planning this heartwarming surprise and a huge thank you to Julia for organizing and making it happen!!! After breakfast and cake cutting, we soon headed to our next destination, Hotsprings @Chungza, where we spent a relaxing day enjoying the bath in the resort's thermal pool, culminating in a beautiful birthday dinner by the pool!!! The drive through Charyn National Park to hike down Temerlik River Canyon, a warm picnic lunch on the river bank with table and chairs around was very memorable! After lunch, the drive to another canyon was a unique experience. Later, we visited two more canyons, one of them was called Black Canyon and as the name suggests, was probably formed around the volcanic mountains. The drive to Kusai Lake Resort, an overnight stay amidst the scenic mountains overlooking the mesmerizing lake was the highlight of the trip!! The ride up to Horse Point the next morning to reach the tranquil Kaindy Lake on a horse was another highlight of the trip! The hike down to the Sharyn River through the Charyn Canyon with its unique castle-like formations left a lasting impression! I personally had one wish on my bucket list to revisit and hike the Grand Canyon in the USA. Honestly, it's off my list now, especially after this tour of Kazakhstan. Pretty impressed and happy with everything we saw in this country, it really exceeded our expectations! A big thank you to Julia for really making this possible! Kazakhstan, an unexplored country with picturesque landscapes and natural wonders that is a must visit! I would say - TRAVEL TO KAZAKHSTAN WITH JULIA!!

Аiyа & Karim about Yuliya

F Voght

Yurika Gani

Hi July and Dima,

It has been 1 week since we left Almaty and we still think about that holiday! You gave us such happy memories :)

As promised, below is our genuine review about our time there with you guys.

We have this annual Friend-trip with our high school friend who we have known for more than 20+ years. They live in Sydney, Australia now and we want to go celebrate New Year together in a country we have never been to before. We both wanted to escape the hot weather so we decided to explore Kazakhstan.

Luckily we have a friend who has been there and saw her posts and stories on her Instagram and I asked her how she travels around the city. That's how we get to know July from GoKazakhstan_

From the moment we exchange words through WhatsApp, July has been more than welcoming, very informative and helpful. She would let us know if she is on the road with customers and will be slow in response. She would give us recommendations on anything you asked for.

We have full trust in her on the programme. We just gave her all the details i.e. Flight information, how many days etc and true enough we had a total BLAST.

Not only does she puts our comfort first, but she goes above and beyond to make your dreams come true like a fairy Godmother.

You only need to ask her once about something, she will try to make it happen. We remember she always says “This is your holiday, you can do whatever you want. And if I can, I will make things happen for you so you will be happy”

As an example, in the programme we have 1 day in a ski resort and my partner asked if there will be snowmobiles there because she always wants to try. July said they don’t have it in the ski resort. However, the following day as we hit the road after visiting Ethno Village, she saw a group of people who were playing with the snowmobile in this huge snow field on the side of the road. She stopped the car and asked the guy if we could rent one. And surely we hit one of our bucket lists! This happened on the second day of the programme, and from that moment we know we really are in good hands.

Ooo forgot to mention that our friend from Sydney has a 5 year old boy. July and Dima - Her Big Brother, really spoiled this kid! From wild sledding on the hill on the side of the road, looking and buying toys as presents, even guiding him as we hike through the snowy mountain. It really touched our hearts :)

Both of them are very professional and throughout the 1 week trip we felt like we were hanging out with friends. We talked. We laughed. We share some deep conversations.

And most importantly, they really think about every smallest detail. From making sure we always have coffee in the morning when we are outside of the city, snacks so we won’t feel hungry, water so we keep hydrated and even some local cognac to keep us warm.

It really was the best time we had!

We came with no expectations. But we left in an AWE, of the people, the city and especially the landscapes.

And we have July and Dima to thank. If it wasn’t for the both of them, we might have different impressions. They also gave us insights about the history, economic and political facts so we can understand better and in the end fall in love with the country.

We will definitely come back to experience different seasons and maybe even bring more of our family to experience the beautiful city of Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Thank you for everything :)

Love

Yurika and Bene

Аiyа & Karim about Yuliya

F Voght

main questions

Preparing for an adventure in the Kazakh mountains is about more than just throwing items into a bag; it is about anticipating the unique conditions of our terrain. Because our tours range from accessible nature walks to more rigorous treks, we always suggest that your physical preparation matches your chosen route. If you are ever in doubt about your stamina, starting with shorter trips is a strategy we highly recommend to ensure you don't burn out before reaching the main highlights.

When it comes to clothing, the golden rule of mountain travel is flexibility. While the city might be experiencing a scorching summer, the mountains often have their own microclimates. Even on sunny days, temperatures at locations like Kolsai or Kaindy can drop rapidly, which is why layering is essential. We advise choosing comfortable, breathable natural fabrics that don't restrict your movement, but always keep an extra warm layer within reach. Similarly, the sun at high altitudes is significantly more intense than what you are used to, making sunglasses, a high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat non-negotiable items for protecting your skin and eyes.

Beyond clothing, your personal comfort is tied to how you handle the road. Since mountain travel involves long drives on winding passes, if you are prone to motion sickness, packing your preferred medication is a must. While our team always carries a comprehensive first-aid kit, having your own small set of personal essentials—like specific allergy medications, painkillers, and antiseptics—gives you extra peace of mind.

To keep your energy levels consistent throughout the day, we suggest packing energy-dense, non-perishable snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, or energy bars, and bringing a thermos with tea or coffee to enjoy the views. Staying hydrated is equally important, so please ensure you always have a steady supply of drinking water. Because connectivity in the deep mountains can be spotty or non-existent, this is the perfect opportunity to embrace a "digital detox." Bring a physical book or offline entertainment to pass the time during the drives, and always make sure to let your loved ones know your itinerary and expected return time. Finally, remember to carry your original passport, as it is strictly required for national park checkpoints, and keep a mix of cash and cards for any spontaneous local stops. By coming prepared, you allow yourself to focus entirely on the beauty of the landscape rather than worrying about the logistics.

general tips

What is exactly included in the tour price?

How much time will we actually spend at each location? Do you do "5-places-in-a-day" tours?

What kind of vehicles do you use for your tours?

How large are your tour groups, and will I be stuck in a crowd?

How challenging are the hiking sections? Do I need to be an athlete?

What is the schedule? Can I plan flights or other transport for the evening of the return day?

What about stops during the drive? Will we have time for rest, food, and restroom breaks?

What should I pack? A local expert's checklist.

Author's Tour Programs in Kazakhstan by GoKazakhstan

Q: What is exactly included in the tour price?

Our pricing is fully transparent—we believe you shouldn't have to reach for your wallet during the trip. Your tour price covers everything essential: professional guide services, all national park entrance fees (eco-fees), accommodation, bottled water, and all meals. Unlike mass-market agencies that charge extra for transfers to Kaindy Lake or specialized off-road access, we include these in our custom-built itineraries. We operate two formats: bespoke private tours for couples or solo travelers who value privacy, and small-group expeditions capped at 12 participants. Every route is tailored to your physical fitness and preferences, ensuring you aren't stuck on a generic program that doesn't fit your pace.

Q: How much time will we actually spend at each location? Do you do "5-places-in-a-day" tours?

We don't believe in "photo-finish" tours where you get exactly 10 minutes to grab a shot and run back to the bus. That approach often leads to burnout and disappointment. When we design our itineraries, we prioritize meaningful exploration over quantity. Once we arrive at a location, we take the time to immerse ourselves in it. We provide historical and cultural context, point out the best hidden spots for photography, and allow enough time for you to walk, stretch your legs, and truly observe the landscape. Our goal is not just to show you the location, but to help you understand what you are seeing. We guide you through the journey so that the time spent on the road and at the destination feels balanced and rewarding, rather than rushed.

Q: What kind of vehicles do you use for your tours?

Your comfort and safety are our top priority, especially considering Kazakhstan's diverse and rugged terrain. We exclusively use reliable Japanese 4x4 off-road vehicles—such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero. These vehicles are legendary for their durability, but we don't just rely on the brand; we maintain them meticulously to ensure the suspension handles mountain roads without turning your trip into an endurance test. Most importantly, we avoid the "sardine-can" approach common in budget tours. We limit the number of passengers per vehicle to ensure everyone has enough legroom and personal space. Every vehicle is equipped with a high-performance air conditioning system to keep you refreshed, even during long drives through the steppe or hot summer days. With us, you arrive at your destination energized and ready to explore, not exhausted from a bumpy, cramped ride.

Q: How large are your tour groups, and will I be stuck in a crowd?

We offer a range of experiences, from intimate private tours for couples to small-group expeditions capped at 12 participants. While we occasionally facilitate larger corporate or group outings of up to 30 people, we handle them differently: each group, regardless of size, is split into individual vehicles, each with its own air-conditioned comfort, plenty of space, and a dedicated personal guide. We strongly believe that a tour shouldn't feel like a lecture in a crowded hall. Our goal is to ensure you don’t just leave with photos, but with lasting memories of both the breathtaking landscapes and the people you share the journey with. We focus on building a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can genuinely connect with your travel companions. The high volume of positive feedback we receive from our guests confirms that this human-centric approach is what makes our expeditions stand out from standard tours.

Q: How challenging are the hiking sections? Do I need to be an athlete?

Transparency about physical activity is the foundation of a great trip. Every one of our itineraries comes with a clear difficulty rating, but we don't believe in "one-size-fits-all" trekking. During our initial consultation, we take the time to discuss your physical fitness, lifestyle, and past hiking experience. If you are an active athlete looking for a challenge—such as the 8km hike to the second Kolsai Lake—we will build a route to match your pace. If you prefer a more relaxed approach or are traveling with family, we curate a "low-impact" itinerary that focuses on accessible paths, scenic viewpoints, and minimal physical strain. Our goal is to ensure you enjoy the beauty of the Kazakh mountains at a pace that feels comfortable for you, not one that leaves you exhausted.

Q: What is the schedule? Can I plan flights or other transport for the evening of the return day?

We value your time and take scheduling seriously. While we are proud that our delays rarely exceed 30 minutes, we operate in mountain environments where factors like weather, road conditions, or unexpected traffic can influence the schedule. We maintain constant communication, checking in with our guests throughout the tour to manage energy levels and keep things running smoothly. Important Note for Travelers: We have a strict policy regarding departures. If you have an international flight or an urgent connection scheduled for the evening of your return, we will have to decline your booking. We prioritize safety and a relaxed pace over rushing to meet a deadline, and we strongly advise our guests to avoid scheduling any critical departures on the day of their return. It is best to treat the evening of your return as a time to rest and enjoy the post-trip atmosphere without the stress of "beating the clock."

Q: What about stops during the drive? Will we have time for rest, food, and restroom breaks?

A long drive shouldn't feel like a chore. We don't just drive you from point A to point B; we curate the journey to ensure your comfort throughout. Throughout the route, we make regular, strategic stops. These include breaks at clean, reliable restroom facilities, local shops for snacks and refreshments, and service stations where necessary. Beyond basic necessities, we often use these moments to turn the "transfer" part of your trip into an exploration of its own. We’ll show you unique local points of interest that aren't on the standard maps, giving you the chance to stretch, breathe the fresh mountain air, and experience the local culture along the way. Your journey with us is about enjoying the road as much as the destination.

Q: What should I pack? A local expert's checklist.

Physical Preparation: Your enjoyment depends on your stamina. If you are unsure of your endurance, we recommend starting with shorter, less demanding trips before moving on to longer, more challenging routes. We are always happy to help you choose the right path for your fitness level. Clothing & Footwear: Choose comfortable, "sporty" clothing that doesn't restrict movement. Opt for natural materials that allow your skin to breathe. Crucial tip: Always bring an extra layer of warm clothing, even if it is hot in the city—mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change in minutes. Sun Protection: The sun at high altitudes is significantly more intense than in the city. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are non-negotiable to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays. Personal First Aid Kit: While our guides carry basic medical supplies, please bring a small personal kit containing any medications specific to your needs, including painkillers, remedies for indigestion/allergies, antiseptics, and band-aids. Food & Water: Pack energy-dense, non-perishable snacks like nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, or energy bars. A thermos with hot tea or coffee is a great companion for mountain views. Most importantly, keep a steady supply of drinking water with you at all times. Tech & Entertainment: Don't forget your camera or phone to capture the landscapes. Since the drives can be long, bring a book, tablet, or favorite playlist to keep yourself entertained between locations. Essentials (Documents & Money): Always carry your original passport—it is required for national park checkpoints. Keep a mix of cash and a bank card handy for potential additional expenses. Hygiene & Communication: Carry a personal "mini-kit" with wet wipes and tissues. Lastly, always inform your loved ones about your itinerary and your expected return time, especially since mobile reception in the deep mountains can be spotty.

GoKazakhstan provides professionally organized author's tour programs across Kazakhstan. We specialize in both popular destinations and exclusive, off-the-beaten-path locations, such as Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and the Singing Dune.

About the Guide

The project is led by Yulia, an expert guide-master with over 12 years of experience in organizing expeditions and tours. Her deep local knowledge allows for the creation of unique routes that combine iconic landmarks with lesser-known sites hidden from mass tourism.

What is included in each tour

Expert Guidance: Professional safety and commentary throughout the entire route.
Transport: Reliable 4x4 vehicles prepared for Kazakhstan's diverse terrain.
Catering: Meals provided, featuring local cuisine and accommodating individual preferences.
Accommodation: Comfortable lodging curated to match the style of each tour.

Detailed information on pricing, logistics, and scheduling is available on each specific tour page.

Amazing trips

There is a moment in the life of any aspiring astronomer that it is time to buy first telescope

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our bestsellers

HEllo there!my name is juliya

So please come to the tour as a guest and leave it as a friend!

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Reviews

Loes about Yuliya

Songyi about Yuliya

Isabelle and Véronique

Maarten and Sanneke

Aiko about Yuliya

Adrian about Yuliya

Smith about Yuliya

Younes about Yuliya

Christa about Yuliya

Diego about Yuliya

Thor and Pauline about Yuliya

Nisha and Prasanth about Yuliya

Sandhya Sathish about Yuliya

Tina about Yuliya

Vani about Yuliya

Eoin O'Brein

Arvind about Yuliya

Sharon about Yuliya

Deepa about Yuliya

Аiyа & Karim about Yuliya

F Voght

Yurika Gani

Аiyа & Karim about Yuliya

F Voght

Yurika Gani

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faq

What is exactly included in the tour price?

How much time will we actually spend at each location? Do you do "5-places-in-a-day" tours?

What kind of vehicles do you use for your tours?

How large are your tour groups, and will I be stuck in a crowd?

How challenging are the hiking sections? Do I need to be an athlete?

What is the schedule? Can I plan flights or other transport for the evening of the return day?

What about stops during the drive? Will we have time for rest, food, and restroom breaks?

What should I pack? A local expert's checklist.

can't find answer?

Author's Tour Programs in Kazakhstan by GoKazakhstan

About the Guide

What is included in each tour

HEllo there!
my name is juliya