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Best things to do in Lake Balkhash

Venture to Lake Balkhash, a mesmerizing natural wonder, where east meets west in a dance of salinity. Unique in its duality, half the lake boasts fresh waters while the other glistens with saltiness. Through our expertly crafted journeys, marvel at the play of light over vast waters, caressed by sandy peninsulas and islands. Engage with the local fishermen, guardians of age-old tales and lake traditions. Flanked by semi-deserts and steppes, Balkhash offers an oasis of biodiversity and scenic beauty. Dive deep into the heart of Kazakhstan and unearth the captivating mysteries of Lake Balkhash, a true geographical marvel. 

EXPERIENCES

A range of thrilling experiences handpicked by our experts. Don’t see one that’s just right for you? No problem. Our local insiders will create precisely what you want.

Lake Dual Nature

Venture into the curious duality of Lake Balkhash, where one half is fresh and the other saline. This unique hydrological phenomenon is not just a visual spectacle but also an ecological wonder. Cruise between the two sections, feeling the subtle changes, and marvel at how such contrasting water bodies coexist, separated only by the narrow Strait of Uzynaral.

Birdwatching

Flanking the southern shores of Lake Balkhash, the Saryesik Atyrau Desert becomes a haven for bird enthusiasts. As migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans, flock to the lake's waters, the desert's fringe offers prime viewing spots. Amidst the golden sands, the sight of colourful avian creatures offers a vivid contrast and a feast for the eyes.

Fishing

The lake's abundant fishery has sustained local communities for generations. Engage with local fishermen, understanding their age-old techniques and sharing tales of legendary catches. Cast a line yourself, hoping to reel in species like the Balkhash perch. The experience is as much about bonding with locals as it is about the thrill of the catch.

Camping

Pitch a tent along the tranquil shores of Lake Balkhash. As the day fades, let the gentle lapping of waves and the starlit sky offer a serene backdrop. Whether you're sharing stories around a campfire or simply soaking in the vastness of the Kazakh landscapes, lakeside camping promises memories of undiluted nature and profound tranquillity.

Rock Carvings

Not far from the lake, the Tamgaly Tas holds ancient rock carvings bearing Buddhist inscriptions, depictions of deities, and intricate designs. Wander amidst these petroglyphs, tracing the echoes of ancient civilizations and spiritual practices. Each etching offers a window into the past, revealing the region's rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs.

Llinsky Peninsula

This sprawling peninsula jutting into Lake Balkhash is a trove of natural wonders and archaeological sites. Explore remnants of ancient settlements, discover unique flora and fauna, and let the panoramic views of the lake envelop you. The diverse landscapes of the peninsula, from its sandy stretches to its rocky outcrops, narrate tales of nature's artistry.

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CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, from Kyrgyzstan to Turkmenistan. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,795

Valid on

Apr 25 2026

Guided Group

17 days from

£3,795

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,795

Valid on

Apr 25 2026

KYRGYZSTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORER
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Explore Central Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures from Kyrgyzstan’s alpine valleys to Kazakhstan’s dynamic cities. This 13-day tour blends natural beauty, Silk Road history, and nomadic traditions in one unforgettable journey with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.

Interest

People & Culture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £7,945

Tailor-made

13 days from

£7,945

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £7,945

SILK ROAD LEGACY
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.

Interest

Festivals, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £8,965

Tailor-made

13 days from

£8,965

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £8,965

THE GRAND KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORATION
Kazakhstan

Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.

Interest

Heritage, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,965

Tailor-made

11 days from

£6,965

Without Flights
Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,965

UZBEKISTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.

Interest

Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,495

Valid on

May 02 2026

Guided Group

17 days from

£3,495

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,495

Valid on

May 02 2026

Grid View

List View

CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, from Kyrgyzstan to Turkmenistan. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,795

Valid on

Apr 25 2026

Guided Group

17 days from

£3,795

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,795

Valid on

Apr 25 2026

KYRGYZSTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORER
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Explore Central Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures from Kyrgyzstan’s alpine valleys to Kazakhstan’s dynamic cities. This 13-day tour blends natural beauty, Silk Road history, and nomadic traditions in one unforgettable journey with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.

Interest

People & Culture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £7,945

Tailor-made

13 days from

£7,945

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £7,945

SILK ROAD LEGACY
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.

Interest

Festivals, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £8,965

Tailor-made

13 days from

£8,965

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £8,965

UZBEKISTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.

Interest

Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,495

Valid on

May 02 2026

Guided Group

17 days from

£3,495

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,495

Valid on

May 02 2026

Grid View

List View

KYRGYZSTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORER
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Explore Central Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures from Kyrgyzstan’s alpine valleys to Kazakhstan’s dynamic cities. This 13-day tour blends natural beauty, Silk Road history, and nomadic traditions in one unforgettable journey with Asian Geographical, the leading designer of luxury travel to Asia.

Interest

People & Culture, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £7,945

Tailor-made

13 days from

£7,945

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £7,945

SILK ROAD LEGACY
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.

Interest

Festivals, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £8,965

Tailor-made

13 days from

£8,965

Without Flights
Duration

13 days

Price For Person

From £8,965

THE GRAND KAZAKHSTAN EXPLORATION
Kazakhstan

Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.

Interest

Heritage, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan

Tour Style

PRIVATE

Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,965

Tailor-made

11 days from

£6,965

Without Flights
Duration

11 days

Price For Person

From £6,965

Grid View

List View

CENTRAL ASIA DISCOVERY EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, from Kyrgyzstan to Turkmenistan. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.

Interest

Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,795

Valid on

Apr 25 2026

Guided Group

17 days from

£3,795

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,795

Valid on

Apr 25 2026

UZBEKISTAN TO KAZAKHSTAN EXPEDITION
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.

Interest

Off Grid, AONB

Destination

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan

Tour Style

GROUP

Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,495

Valid on

May 02 2026

Guided Group

17 days from

£3,495

Without Flights
Duration

17 days

Price For Person

From £3,495

Valid on

May 02 2026

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What Others Say

Real reviews from travellers who explored Asia with us.

what other says

A COUPLE FROM BUXTON

"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
what other says

TWO COUPLES FROM HERTFORDSHIRE

"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
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