The mountainous areas have a continental climate with warm summers when much of the snow melts and the terrain is good for hiking, trekking and nature spotting. Skiing is popular on the snowy peaks throughout the cold winters, especially in the areas around Almaty.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Kazakhstan’s former capital, Almaty, is the largest city in the country and hugely popular with visitors. In the foothills of the Trans-ili-Alatau, this bustling commercial center is full of interesting historical buildings, fountains and parks and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
A straight valley which cuts through the Dzungarian Alatau mountain range, the Dzungarian gate is a significant mountain pass in that it allows the only access between China and Central Asia. It was historically an important point on the Silk Road and a weak spot for invaders.
Located on the northern slopes of Zailiysky Alatau and accessible from Almaty by boat across a lake, the National Park is popular with nature lovers looking for rare species of wildlife and stunning scenery. The forests, meadows and melt-water lakes are home to countless varieties of flora and fauna.
At 16,335 feet, Pik Talgar is the highest mountain peak in the Trans-ili-Alatau mountain range. Being conveniently located near the city of Almaty, it is popular with hikers and mountaineers. It is named for the town and its river of the same name, located in the same province.
Villages such as Shymbulak in the Medeu Valley are popular during the winter with skiers from all around the region. They flock to the Zaiilisky Alatau slopes for the guaranteed snow and long runs. There is also a snow park for snowboarders.
Winding mountain passes leading to Alpine meadows and soaring peaks with panoramic views make the Alatau mountains a popular destination for hikers and trekkers. In the warmer summer months, the glaciers sparkle only on the very highest peaks, leaving the terrain below accessible to walkers.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Multi-Country Specialists
Remote Lands
Choose somewhere you’d like to visit, something you’re interested in, and when you’re planning to travel and we’ll suggest sample itineraries to inspire your bespoke journey.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Do as Kazakhstan’s nomadic people once did (and in many cases still do) and explore this breathtaking country by foot. Strap on your walking boots and join us on a whistlestop tour of some of the highlights of hiking in Kazakhstan.
For intrepid explorers looking for rugged scenery, unchartered waters, adventure, thrills and spills, there is no better place to go off the grid and into the wild than on the diverse terrains of fascinating Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan, a landlocked nation of endless steppes and highlands. It’s a treasure of natural wonders, but don’t forget these four cities on your Central Asian journey.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Magical destinations, the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most wonderful travel companions we could’ve wished for. We were treated like family everywhere we went and we have 14 new best friends.
We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
