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AhPek Biker - Riding Adventures
Central Asia 2026
Day 15 : Saty To Almaty
Central Asia 2026 Day 15: 29th May (Friday)
Medium-size Group (Non-cycling) Tour of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan):
1. Traffic Directions!
Central Asian countries are left-hand drive, and vehicles drive on the right side of the road. So do bear this in mind when crossing the road OR when sitting at the front passenger seat. I made this mistake several times and boarded the car at the driver's side, with the driver giving me a surprised look 😂.
2. Getting to and from Central Asia.
Several airlines fly direct to Central Asia from their originating country. We were fortunate that AirAsia X flew direct from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
We flew return via AirAsia X, starting from KLIA Terminal 2 to Tashkent International Airport, and returning from Almaty International Airport to KLIA Terminal 2, buying tickets earlier to get cheaper fares. We also packed light (20kg checked-in luggage for two people plus an additional 7kg of cabin luggage), totaling 41kg of luggage.
We flew return via AirAsia X, starting from KLIA Terminal 2 to Tashkent International Airport, and returning from Almaty International Airport to KLIA Terminal 2, buying tickets earlier to get cheaper fares. We also packed light (20kg checked-in luggage for two people plus an additional 7kg of cabin luggage), totaling 41kg of luggage.
3. Getting around Central Asia.
We were on a private guided tour and had a 15-seater black Weichai Eurise van (Chinese version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter), with local guides taking us between the cities/towns.
In Kyrgyzstan, we took a short Tez Jet flight from Osh to Bishkek to avoid the testing mountainous roads; flight tickets were bought by our guides earlier.
Note: Traders in bazaars, markets, and small local shops only accept cash. The "sum" (ISO code: UZS) is the official currency of Uzbekistan. The "som" (ISO code: KGS) is the currency of Kyrgyzstan. The tenge (ten-gay, code: KZT) is the currency of Kazakhstan. It is divided into 100 tiyn.
Touch 'n Go e-Wallet can be used in Kazakhstan, just make sure the e-wallet is set to Kazakhstan.
4. Immigration & Customs Requirements
Malaysian passport holders do not need a visa to enter most Central Asian countries for short-term stays and can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. There is no need to fill in immigration forms.
Note: Malaysian passport holders can install the MyBorderPass app for fast immigration clearance to get in and out of Malaysia; use the app to generate a QR code just before passing through the 40 dedicated MyBorderPass gates (only at KLIA & KLIA2, 20 gates each), and getting through will be a breeze!
5. Places & Things of Interests
There were many scenic and interesting places along the route, but one should not miss the following places (Note: click on the GPS coordinates below for a directional map to the respective places):
- Lake Kaindy (Қайыңды (көл)) panoramic viewpoint (GPS: 42.98783, 78.46600) at Saty.
- Kolsay Lakes National Park (Көлсай көлдері ұлттық паркі) (GPS: 42.98822, 78.32543) at Kurmeti.
- Taushelek Mosque (GPS: 43.06946, 78.40261) at Saty.
- Kazakh Mountain Honey from the Roadside Honey Stall (GPS: 43.05280, 78.56344), which is affiliated with the nearby Kolsai Mountain Honey Farm (GPS: 43.04698, 78.56708).
- Lake Kaindy (Қайыңды (көл)) panoramic viewpoint (GPS: 42.98783, 78.46600) at Saty.
- Kolsay Lakes National Park (Көлсай көлдері ұлттық паркі) (GPS: 42.98822, 78.32543) at Kurmeti.
- Taushelek Mosque (GPS: 43.06946, 78.40261) at Saty.
- Kazakh Mountain Honey from the Roadside Honey Stall (GPS: 43.05280, 78.56344), which is affiliated with the nearby Kolsai Mountain Honey Farm (GPS: 43.04698, 78.56708).
- Black (Aktogay) Canyon (Каньон Актогай) (GPS: 43.25079, 78.89989) at Aktogay.
- Charyn Canyon in the Charyn Canyon National Park (Шарын ұлттық паркі) (GPS: 43.35125, 79.07914) at Tamerlik.
- Hiking at Charyn Canyon from the Charyn Canyon Visitor Center (GPS: 43.35653, 79.05481) to the Charyn River (GPS: 43.35001, 79.08112).
- Ush Qiyan Open-Air Museum (b) (GPS: 43.52671, 77.60695) near Akshiy.
- Charyn Canyon in the Charyn Canyon National Park (Шарын ұлттық паркі) (GPS: 43.35125, 79.07914) at Tamerlik.
- Hiking at Charyn Canyon from the Charyn Canyon Visitor Center (GPS: 43.35653, 79.05481) to the Charyn River (GPS: 43.35001, 79.08112).
- Ush Qiyan Open-Air Museum (b) (GPS: 43.52671, 77.60695) near Akshiy.
- Arbat Almaty Walking Street (Арбат Алматы) (GPS: 43.26182, 76.94291).
- Almaty Golden Square (GPS: 43.24569, 76.95102).
6. Food
- Almaty Golden Square (GPS: 43.24569, 76.95102).
6. Food
a. Breakfast
Kazakh Breakfast at Marlen Guesthouse (GPS: 43.06863, 78.40436) in Saty:
Bread, bun, biscuit, sweets, Chak-Chak with Condensed Milk, Przysmak Świętokrzyski Crispy Snack, Tea, and Mains of Crispy Millet Hash Browns with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs. And Uleg Sambal Terasi chilli paste, which we brought all the way from Malaysia.
Bread, bun, biscuit, sweets, Chak-Chak with Condensed Milk, Przysmak Świętokrzyski Crispy Snack, Tea, and Mains of Crispy Millet Hash Browns with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs. And Uleg Sambal Terasi chilli paste, which we brought all the way from Malaysia.
b. Lunch
Pre-packed Chinese Lunches at Charyn Noodles next to India Gate Restaurant (GPS: 43.35607, 79.05508) at Charyn Canyon: White rice, Omelet with Chives, Black Fungus Stir-fried with Green Chilli, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and Coca-Cola, Fanta Orange.
c. Dinner
7. Accommodations and Tour Costs
This was a recce-guided tour that included all ground arrangements, food, entry tickets to parks, and accommodations, but excluded return airfare to and from Central Asia. We booked Air Asia flight tickets online through their website at a return fare of around RM2,000 per pax. Co-travelers who booked later paid more. Our two pax airfare included 20kg of checked-in luggage and an extra 7kg of cabin luggage, giving us a total of 41kg of luggage..
The ground arrangements included 16-seater van transportation between and around cities; Sharq Express Train fare from Tashkent to Bukhara, and from Samarkhand to Tashkent, and domestic Tez Jet airfare from Osh to Bishkek. The 4x4 Russian truck ride to and from Karakol to the Altyn-Arashan Valley was optional and cost USD40 per pax. So was the 4x4 van ride from Saty to Kaindy Lake and Kolsay Lakes National Park, which cost USD20 per pax.
Accommodations were in three-star hotels, homestays, and a yurt camp. For those interested in this tour, contact Eddie at +6012-6122600 for more details and ground arrangement costs.
One night at Uyut Hotel Almaty (Алматыдағы Уют қонақ үйі) (GPS: 43.25991, 76.93374) in Almaty.
One night at Uyut Hotel Almaty (Алматыдағы Уют қонақ үйі) (GPS: 43.25991, 76.93374) in Almaty.
8. Communicating with Each Other
When travelling in a group, it's important to be able to communicate with each other, especially if someone gets separated from the group.
I pre-purchased the Maxis 15-day Multi-Country Roaming Pass at MYR99 and had it activated on the first day of our tour. This pass included complimentary Maxis Travel Care insurance for the pass validity period - i.e. MYR50,000 hospitalisation, and MYR2,000 lost baggage; T&C apply.
Alternatively, an almost similar GOGO physical sim card for 15-day 20gB can be bought from Lazada for MYR120 (excluding delivery).
I pre-purchased the Maxis 15-day Multi-Country Roaming Pass at MYR99 and had it activated on the first day of our tour. This pass included complimentary Maxis Travel Care insurance for the pass validity period - i.e. MYR50,000 hospitalisation, and MYR2,000 lost baggage; T&C apply.
Alternatively, an almost similar GOGO physical sim card for 15-day 20gB can be bought from Lazada for MYR120 (excluding delivery).
9. Communicating with Locals
Our local guides spoke excellent English, and those in the travel industry or bazaar traders spoke passable English. Other locals speak their local language (Uzbek, Kyrgyz, or Kazakh) or Russian (as they were former Soviet republics). Or one can use Google Translate on one's mobile.
10. Weather
May is the beginning of summer, and the weather in Kazakhstan marks the arrival of warm days, lush green landscapes, and long daylight hours. At Saty and Charyn Canyon, daytime temperatures average 27°C and 28°C, respectively. At Almaty, daytime temperatures average 27°C, and nighttime averaged 14°C.
A useful weather forecast site for Karakol and Saty is AccuWeather. For more detailed weather, including cloud cover and wind speed, use Weatherspark and Ventusky.
11. Navigation
Geo-tagging of places of interest was via FaceBook, Google Maps or Yandex Maps and Yandex Navigator.
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PRELUDE
Yesterday, we left Karakol, said GOODBYE to Kyrgyzstan and crossed over to Saty in Kazakhstan! We visited the nearby Lake Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes National Park.
Today, we leave Saty and head for Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan. En route, we will visit a couple of scenic canyons.
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DAY 15: SATY TO ALMATY
Most of the posts below are linked to my Facebook postings during the trip and are embedded here with some comments. (NOTE: Click on the respective posts to link to the FB posts to read more details.) If you can't see the posts, please log out of your Facebook first.)
Good morning from Saty!
Ready to set off for the day, heading for Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan.
We leave a quite rural village for the metropolitan vibes of the capital city.
Kazakh Breakfast at Marlen Guesthouse in Saty:
Bread, bun, biscuit, sweets, Chak-Chak with Condensed Milk, Przysmak Świętokrzyski Crispy Snack, Tea, and Mains of Crispy Millet Hash Browns with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs. And Uleg Sambal Terasi chilli paste, which we brought all the way from Malaysia. I like the Chak-Chak and the Przysmak Świętokrzyski Crispy Snacks, have to find out where to get them back home.
With Aiyer, our Kazakh guide.
She had guided us very well, ensuring that we were well briefed about the places of interest and checked into the hotels without a hiccup.
Leaving, Saty, passed by the Taushelek Mosque.
It's not a very big mosque, but it is very noticeable with its distinct blue dome.
En route, near Kontora Kazlesa, we passed by this roadside Roadside Honey Stall.
Good morning from Saty!
Ready to set off for the day, heading for Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan.
We leave a quite rural village for the metropolitan vibes of the capital city.
Kazakh Breakfast at Marlen Guesthouse in Saty:
Bread, bun, biscuit, sweets, Chak-Chak with Condensed Milk, Przysmak Świętokrzyski Crispy Snack, Tea, and Mains of Crispy Millet Hash Browns with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs. And Uleg Sambal Terasi chilli paste, which we brought all the way from Malaysia. I like the Chak-Chak and the Przysmak Świętokrzyski Crispy Snacks, have to find out where to get them back home.
With Aiyer, our Kazakh guide.
She had guided us very well, ensuring that we were well briefed about the places of interest and checked into the hotels without a hiccup.
Leaving, Saty, passed by the Taushelek Mosque.
It's not a very big mosque, but it is very noticeable with its distinct blue dome.
En route, near Kontora Kazlesa, we passed by this roadside Roadside Honey Stall.
Sorry, no time to stop!
But for those with time, I think this stall is affiliated with the nearby Kolsai Mountain Honey Farm, which makes the local Kazakh Mountain Honey in many different flavours: raspberry, rose, mixed herbs, pine, created by moving the hives to each area when the blossoms are out. He also makes honey wine and honey vodka, which is 55% proof! And also beeswax candles. All of it is lovely, as is the owner.
9:30am - First, a quick 20-minute photo stop at the Black (Aktogay) Canyon, just from the top. The Black Canyon is so named because the stark contrast between the dark, rocky cliffs and the greenery of the riverbanks creates a picturesque landscape.
Later, en route from Black Canyon to Charyn Canyon, drove by this nice valley pass. Caught a photo of a soaring eagle!
I wonder whether there are any Eagle Hunters around here!
But for those with time, I think this stall is affiliated with the nearby Kolsai Mountain Honey Farm, which makes the local Kazakh Mountain Honey in many different flavours: raspberry, rose, mixed herbs, pine, created by moving the hives to each area when the blossoms are out. He also makes honey wine and honey vodka, which is 55% proof! And also beeswax candles. All of it is lovely, as is the owner.
9:30am - First, a quick 20-minute photo stop at the Black (Aktogay) Canyon, just from the top. The Black Canyon is so named because the stark contrast between the dark, rocky cliffs and the greenery of the riverbanks creates a picturesque landscape.
Later, en route from Black Canyon to Charyn Canyon, drove by this nice valley pass. Caught a photo of a soaring eagle!
I wonder whether there are any Eagle Hunters around here!
10:30am - arrived at the Charyn Canyon Visitor Center.
This is where visitors gather for their guides to brief them on the Charyn Canyon. There are explanatory posters to facilitate their presentations.
The Charyn Canyon is situated in the Charyn Canyon National Park, which spans approximately 125,050 hectares and is situated about 200 km east of Almaty. The park, established in 2004, aims to protect the unique geological formations of the canyon, the ecological balance of the river and desert systems, and important archaeological sites in the area.
The park also protects relic Sogdian Ash groves, offering a glimpse of ancient vegetation. Parts of the Charyn Canyon National Park are designated for recreational activities, drawing visitors for hiking, sightseeing, and nature observation.
From the Charyn Canyon Visitor Center, we walked down these stairs to the valley about 100 metres below to start our hiking at Charyn Canyon.
The following are people I met during the hike/trek at the Charyn Canyon. Starting with this family from Gujarat, India.
They have brought their two children, with one in a pram, and slowly pushed them along the sandy trail. I was a bit worried about my operated knees, but if they can do it, it would be a shame if I can't!
Oz friend Julie. A brave soul in her late seventies and doing it alone.
The Charyn Canyon is roughly 154 km in length. It is part of the Charyn National Park, established in February 2004. The canyon features many formations formed by the weathering of sedimentary rock.
A Hidden Canyon.
Saw a young Asian lass walking out from the side branch canyon. She mentioned that there’s a hidden canyon to see.
The Charyn Canyon consists of 5 different canyons: the Valley of Castles (the most popular part of the canyon), the Temirlik Canyon, the Yellow Canyon, the Red Canyon and the Bestamak Canyon. There are also a number of smaller canyons or tracts, including the Kurtogay Canyon and the Tazbas Tract.
Along the way, there were unique rock formations. And I started naming them, calling this one Obelix, after Asterix’s cartoon menhir-carrying companion.
The geological formation of the canyon consists of sedimentary red sandstone that has been subject to the "atmogenic process" of condensation, wind action, or deposition from volcanic vapors. This water and wind erosion has resulted in rock formations which resemble colourful sculptures. Hence my reference to the menhir!
The bright contrasting colours of the canyon are very suitable for photo shoots.
Saw this pretty girl posing for photos.
The AhPek Biker!
I got caught up in the mood and did some "excellent" poses myself 😂.
With Agatha & Merrick, new Polish friends. We clicked instantly when I mentioned that I had relatives staying in Gdańsk, Poland. That's not too far from their home.
Peekaboo!
Some sections are narrow and cave-like. Okay, okay. I should be peekabooing from behind this "cave".
My mind started wandering away from the people and started admiring the unique rock formations. I started naming them too, like this one called "Diamond".
And this balanced stone called Gymnast.
End-duh.
After a ninety-minutes hiking covering 4km, I reached the far end of the Valley of Castles.
I had taken more time, stopping frequently to admire the canyon and making new friends.
At this end section are rest-sheds and rest rooms.
From the end point, a trail led down to the Charyn River.
The shady banks and cool water of the river were a welcome change after the hot tracking.
The Charyn River is 427 kilometres long, and runs through the territory of Kegen and Uighur regions, forming the 154-km long Charyn Canyon.
From the endpoint, visitors can opt to take the UAZ-452 Russian-made 4x4 vans ride back to the start point, i.e., the Charyn Canyon Visitor Center. These are similar to the vans we took yesterday on the rough roads leading into Lake Kaindy.
Oh-oh, from the bottom, we have to climb the long flight of stairs back up!
Aiyer had arranged for lunch:
Pre-packed Chinese lunches were waiting for us at Charyn Noodles.
Pre-packed Chinese Lunches at Charyn Noodles next to India Gate Restaurant (GPS: 43.35607, 79.05508) at Charyn Canyon: White rice, Omelet with Chives, Black Fungus Stir-fried with Green Chilli, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and Coca-Cola, Fanta Orange.
Chocolate-vanilla ice cream, refreshing after a nice hike at Charyn Ice-Cream stall at the Charyn Canyon Visitor Center.
1:45pm - We left the canyon and en route to Almaty, stopped at the rest area near Shelek. Taking a respite with cold drinks in the air-conditioned shop.
En route, near the Ush Qiyan Open-Air Museum, we saw this long trailer transporting one propeller arm of a huge wind turbine. The propeller arm is so large that the trailer needed an extended bay to hold it.
Video of the extended trailer transporting one propeller arm of a huge wind turbine.
Further ahead, another trailer was transporting huge tires.
These tires are for the giant cranes needed to install the wind turbines.
A video showing the installation of giant wind turbines by HansChan26 posted at Quantum Makers.
4:30pm - At the Punkt Vzimaniya Oplaty Toll Gate entering Almaty.
Checked in to Uyut Hotel, our stay in Almaty for a night.
It's a four-star hotel, centrally located and within walking distance of some commercial areas and close by to the Golden Square, originally a prominent area for Almaty's elite social classes, and numerous known poets, politicians, and musicians lived there during Kazakhstan's Soviet era. The architecture in the area includes Soviet-era buildings with neo-Russian ornamentation and beautiful murals and pastel-colored fronts.
Half an hour later, we're out for an evening walk around the neighbourhood commercial area.
The roads in the city are friendly, with wide pedestrian & cycling walkways.
Beautiful blue skies greeted us during our walk.
Our walk took us to the Turandot Restaurant, where we had a good Chinese Dinner.
Here we met an old couple, Ali and Raya, locals of Almaty. Ali is an artist and runs the
Union of Artists of Kazakhstan, seen in an earlier photo. Click here for the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan Facebook group link.
(For more photos of Day 15, Click Here)
(On mobile, for more photos of the day: Go to AhPek Biker Page>Photos and click on the respective album)
Алматыдан қайырлы түн!
(That's "Almatıdan qayırlı tün!" meaning "Good night from Almaty!" in Kazakh)
(For more photos of Day 15, Click Here)
(On mobile, for more photos of the day: Go to AhPek Biker Page>Photos and click on the respective album)
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