Tour Operator License No. 22007631, issued on April 20, 2022
Secret
Plateau
An uncharted route
A three-day expedition in our specially equipped off-road vehicles across the Almaty region to the Secret Plateau of Taban-Karagai
During the tour, we will be consistently above 2,500 meters above sea level, with the highest point of the route reaching 3,500 meters above sea level. To avoid altitude sickness, we recommend acclimatizing in advance by hiking in the Almaty Mountains or climbing Mount Shymbulak.
3500 meters above sea level
Tour Itinerary
Tour Organization
3 days
2 nights
Age: 12 to 60 years
Group: up to 12 people
Medium difficulty level
Transfer from Almaty
Official tour operator
Tourist Comfort
Specially prepared SUVs
Mountain instructor
Field
nutrition
Tourist equipment
Comfortable modern tents
After eventful days in the mountains, we begin our journey back through Kokpek Pass. Along the way, the landscape constantly changes—majestic canyons, red cliffs, and winding gorges unfold before us. This is a great chance to take final photos and enjoy the stunning views of Almaty Region once more. After the descent, we stop in a nearby village for dinner, where you can choose from over 20 types of lagman before returning to Almaty.
Descend through Kokpek Pass
Our journey continues higher—to the Secret Plateau of Taban-Karagai, hidden among the mountain ridges. Few people know the way here—a high-altitude plateau concealed within the Zailiysky Alatau.
Reach the Taban-Karagai Plateau
The ascent requires effort, but the views from the top are worth every turn. Alpine meadows, rugged slopes, and towering peaks—this is nature at its most powerful. It’s the perfect place to pause, take in the mountain energy, and capture images that can’t be replicated.
In a secluded valley, where the crystal-clear Zhenishke River flows through the mountains, we set up camp. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the water, listen to the night wind rustling through the trees, and enjoy dinner by the fire. As night falls, we witness a starry sky unlike anywhere else—no city lights, just millions of shimmering constellations.
Set up camp by the Zhenishke River
Endless open spaces stretch beyond the horizon. Here, the sky feels closer than the earth, and the wind carries the scent of alpine meadows. In the distance, herds of grazing horses can be seen. We cross the plateau on a steppe road, feeling the vehicle glide effortlessly over the even terrain. Every bend in the landscape reveals new views—from rolling valleys to panoramic peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau.
Traverse the vast Assy Plateau
We embark on a journey through Turgen Gorge, one of the most scenic places in the Zailiysky Alatau. A narrow, winding road climbs up, weaving between rocky cliffs and dense coniferous forests. Below, the Turgen River, originating from glaciers, rushes down the gorge with its fast-flowing waters.
Ascend through the Turgen Gorge
All three days will be spent in the mountains of the Almaty region. We will drive off-road vehicles across the Assy Plateau, mountain passes, and valleys, camp by the Zhenishke River, and ascend to the hidden Taban-Karagai Plateau at an altitude of 3,500 m.
Tour Organization
Official tour operator
Round-trip transfers
Moderate difficulty
Max 12 people per group
Ages:
12 to 60
3 days
2 nights
Day one
Departure from Almaty and a drive through the Turgen Gorge — wooded slopes, rough rivers, and the first mountain passes.
We cross the Assy Plateau at an altitude of 2,500 m, enjoying panoramic views. Then, we turn into the gorge and descend to the Zhenishke River.
Alternative route: If the Kyzyl-Auz pass is impassable, we will descend via the Bartogai Reservoir.
We set up camp by the water and have dinner around the campfire, enjoying the starry sky, mountain silence, and fresh air.
Day two
Breakfast and packing up. Today we ascend to the hidden plateau at Taban-Karagai.
The drive takes 3–5 hours as we gradually gain elevation. At 3,500 meters, the landscapes become more majestic, featuring alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. We will stop at the best viewpoints for photos.
We set up camp at 2,800 m, just a few steps away from a striking view of the upper river valley. After sunset, the sky fills with stars — providing perfect conditions for photographing the Milky Way.
Day three
There is no need to rush today — we will enjoy a calm morning in the mountains. We have breakfast, pack up the camp, and begin our journey back.
Retracing part of our route, we descend through the Taban-Karagai plateau towards the Kokpek Pass. The road winds through gorges, switchbacks, and open steppe valleys. We stop for lunch in the village of Baiseit and return to Almaty by the evening.
Comfort & Amenities
Comfortable tents
Camping
gear
Cam
meals
Mountain
guide
Specialized
4x4s
специальные внедорожники
Daily Itinerary
Tour Conditions
Included in the price
- Transfers – travel in our equipped off-road vehicles
- Camping accommodation – tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag
- Meals – three camp meals a day
- Guide – an experienced guide who knows the route
- Camping equipment – campfire gear, tables, chairs
- Photo & Video – route photos for participants
- First aid kit – all essential medications
Not included in the price
- Lunch at a cafe on the way back – paid separately
- Flights to Almaty – if arriving from another city
- Insurance – arranged independently at your discretion
- Personal expenses – souvenirs, extra purchases during the trip
Important information
- No personal vehicle needed; the tour is conducted in our equipped vehicles.
- Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.
- There is no mobile signal or internet coverage along the entire route.
- No shops or pharmacies – bring everything you need with you.
- Sudden temperature changes, rain, snow, and hail are possible.
- Gear – list of required items.
- Altitude 3,500 m – acclimatization is recommended prior to the tour.
A great journey requires proper rest. We ensure you get a good night's sleep, hearty meals, and time to relax. Our team focuses on attentive service and maximum comfort, so you can simply enjoy the mountain experience without worrying about the details.
We provide modern tents for a comfortable rest. Double occupancy is standard, with single occupancy available as an option.
Two nights in modern tents
Accommodation & Tour Details
Seasonal 4x4 expeditions: join our next tour through the mountains of the Almaty region, Kazakhstan
Upcoming Tours
Price per person
$ 400
Descend via Kokpek Pass
✅
Reach the hidden Taban-Karagai Plateau
✅
Set up camp by the Zhenishke River
✅
Traverse the vast Assy Plateau
✅
Ascend through the Turgen Gorge
✅
Locations and activities
Basic Rate
Taban-Karagai Tour Price
The price includes off-road vehicles, meals, and comfortable camping
Guest reviews
Booking and Payment Process
Booking
The tour price is stated in US dollars. Payment is made at the exchange rate on the day of payment. To reserve your spot, submit a request and make a 50% deposit.
Agreement
Once you confirm your participation, we will issue an invoice for the deposit and sign an agreement. We value our reputation and always fulfill our obligations.
Guarantees
In the event of the official closure of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a launch cancellation, or flight cancellations, we guarantee the transfer of your deposit to any other trip or a full refund.
Ekaterina Koshko
Co-founder, Photosafari.kz
Konstantin Kikvidze
Co-founder, Photosafari.kz
Konstantin Ludanov
Guide, Administrator
Vasily Mikhailin
Chief Administrator
We, the Photosafari team, are a community of road trip enthusiasts and true adventurers, drawn to untrodden paths and new discoveries. Each of our journeys is filled with a spirit of adventure and the atmosphere of a real expedition.
Over 10 years of traveling through uncharted Kazakhstan and remote corners of the globe, we have captured a vast amount of unique footage, including videos that have showcased Kazakhstan to the world.
Why choose us
Comfort
& Experience
Forget about standard tours: we create signature photo journeys, focusing on your comfort and overall experience.
We take care
of everything
Transfers, meals, accommodation, drinking water, showers, internet, and more — we ensure everything is arranged for your comfort.
Safety
& Well-being
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our guests at every stage of the trip, including excursions and accommodations.
Unique
itineraries
We design unique programs for adventure seekers, sharing our expertise and ensuring memorable experiences.
Payment
& Guarantees
Choose a convenient payment method. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, we guarantee a refund.
Full
immersion
An exciting adventure among majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and wild forests.
Tour Team
Photosafari-travel
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How to Get from Karaganda to Almaty
✈ Airplane: Direct flights from 1h 50m. Tickets from $45.
🚆 Train: From 12h 51m. Tickets from ₸5,421 (reserved seat), ₸9,626 (compartment).
🚌 Bus: From 15h 44m to 16h 39m. Tickets from ₽8,339.
🚗 Car: About 14h 20m drive, 996 km.
✈ Airplane: Direct flights from 1h 50m. Tickets from $45.
🚆 Train: From 12h 51m. Tickets from ₸5,421 (reserved seat), ₸9,626 (compartment).
🚌 Bus: From 15h 44m to 16h 39m. Tickets from ₽8,339.
🚗 Car: About 14h 20m drive, 996 km.
Karaganda
Astana
How to Get from Astana to Almaty
✈ Airplane: Direct flights from 1h 45m. Tickets from ₸19,430.
🚆 Train: From 16h 6m. Tickets from ₸6,084 (reserved seat), ₸10,626 (compartment).
🚌 Bus: About 20h. Tickets from ₸11,770.
🚗 Car: About 17h drive, 1,210 km.
✈ Airplane: Direct flights from 1h 45m. Tickets from ₸19,430.
🚆 Train: From 16h 6m. Tickets from ₸6,084 (reserved seat), ₸10,626 (compartment).
🚌 Bus: About 20h. Tickets from ₸11,770.
🚗 Car: About 17h drive, 1,210 km.
Moscow
How to Get from Moscow to Almaty
✈ Airplane: Direct flights ~4h 10m. Tickets from ₽13,000.
🚆 Train: With transfers, ~2d 23h. Tickets from ₽8,000.
🚌 Bus: With transfers, ~2d 20h. Tickets ₽7,500–11,000.
🚗 Car: ~54h drive, 3,968 km.
✈ Airplane: Direct flights ~4h 10m. Tickets from ₽13,000.
🚆 Train: With transfers, ~2d 23h. Tickets from ₽8,000.
🚌 Bus: With transfers, ~2d 20h. Tickets ₽7,500–11,000.
🚗 Car: ~54h drive, 3,968 km.
Almaty
We start our journey early in the morning from Almaty in our specially equipped off-road vehicles, setting off on a three-day jeep tour to the secret plateau of Taban-Karagai.
Ahead lie mountain passes, the Asy Plateau, steppe roads, and the untouched nature of the Zailiysky Alatau.
Ahead lie mountain passes, the Asy Plateau, steppe roads, and the untouched nature of the Zailiysky Alatau.
Starting the journey in Almaty
Our jeep tour begins in Almaty, the main tourist hub of Kazakhstan. Flights or train tickets to Almaty are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately. Our team can assist you in selecting convenient travel options to ensure you arrive in time for the expedition's start.
The trip takes 3 days and 2 nights. We depart from Almaty, drive through the Turgen Gorge and the Assy Plateau, and spend the first night camping by the Zhenishke River. On the second day, we ascend to the Taban-Karagai plateau (3,500 m) to set up our second camp. On the third day, we descend via the Kokpek Pass and return to the city. The detailed daily schedule is available in the "Tour Itinerary" section above.
You will need clothing for various weather conditions: warm layers (fleece, thermal underwear), a windproof and waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. You should also bring personal hygiene items and any personal medications. We have compiled a complete list of required gear in a convenient checklist.
The tour is of moderate difficulty. No special skills are required as most of the journey is spent in vehicles. However, the route reaches altitudes up to 3,500 m, so prior acclimatization is recommended. If you have any health conditions, be sure to consult a doctor before the trip.
No, the tour is conducted exclusively in our equipped off-road vehicles, driven by experienced guide-drivers. Personal vehicles are not required.
We stay in modern camping tents (double or single occupancy). Sleeping pads and bags are provided. At the campsites, we set up a recreation area with campfire gear, tables, and chairs.
Three camp meals a day are included in the price. Please note that there are no shops or cafes along the route. If you have allergies or specific dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.
The tour is designed for participants aged 12 to 60. Due to the high altitude, lack of infrastructure, and long off-road drives, we do not allow younger children on this expedition.
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Personal Gear List
What to bring with you
Before heading on the tour
1. Doctor's consultation. Be sure to visit a specialist before the trip, especially if you have health issues.
2. Acclimatization. Take 2-3 short, independent hikes in the mountains for a couple of hours to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Transport & Storage
Backpack or travel bag
Small bags or trash bags for packing and protecting items
Heavy-duty plastic bags, 160-180 liters
Footwear
Waterproof footwear (rubber boots or high boots; rubber is preferred)
Sneakers or trekking boots
Camp shoes
Equipment & Tools
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Water bottle (preferably with a carabiner)
Camping seat pad
Camera or video camera (optional), spare battery
Camp & Sleepwear
Camp clothing (pants, shirt, shorts, t-shirt, thermal underwear for sleeping)
Warm sweater or hoodie (fleece or wool)
Warm hat (fleece or wool)
Headwear (cap or sun hat)
Hygiene & Health
Hygiene items (lip balm, sunscreen, towel, shampoo, soap)
Personal medications (a basic first aid kit is provided by the guide)
Additional Accessories
Gloves (cotton ones will do)
Socks (2-3 pairs of cotton and 2 pairs of wool)
Windproof and waterproof clothing, raincoat
Clothing for activities
Comfortable clothing for horseback riding and trekking (lightweight quick-drying pants, long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt, windbreaker)
Warm jacket (synthetic or down). Remember that mountain weather can be unpredictable
Equipment provided by the organizer
Tent. 2-person and 3-person tents are available
Sleeping bag. Bringing your own sleeping bag is welcome
Sleeping bag liner
Foam sleeping pad, 8-12 mm thick
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