Kazakhstan Travel Diary 🇰🇿✨

Almaty & Saty Village Nature Escape

August 11–16, 2025

There are trips that feel like a break… and then there are trips that feel like a breath of fresh air for the soul. Kazakhstan was exactly that — majestic mountains, untouched lakes, and moments we know we’ll remember long after we return home.

🌅 Day 1 – August 11: First Morning in Almaty

We landed at 4 AM, sleepy-eyed but excited. The air felt crisp — new, somehow. After settling in and a hearty breakfast, we drove into the mountains where the adventure truly began.

• Almarasan Gorge welcomed us with the sound of flowing water and green cliffs rising above us

• The warm hot springs melted away every trace of travel fatigue

• At Shymbulak Ski Resort, we took a cable car ride high into the mountains — fresh air, stunning views

• We strolled through history at Ascension Cathedral, then sampled vibrant local life at Green Bazaar

We wrapped up the day with chocolate in hand and the quiet comfort of our hotel beds calling our names.

🚙 Day 2 – August 12: Into the Countryside

Morning sunshine and we were off — a 5–6 hour drive through changing landscapes that felt like scenes from a movie.

When we reached Saty Village, it felt like stepping into a simpler world — kids playing outside, horses wandering freely, mountains hugging the horizon.

We spent the evening walking around, breathing in peace you can’t quite explain.

🏜️ Day 3 – August 13: A Day of Wonders

This was the day we realized Kazakhstan is full of magic.

First stop: Charyn CanyonStanding on the edge, wind in our hair — it felt massive, ancient, powerful.

Next: Kaindy LakeA hidden world of sunken trees rising from glowing blue water. Like entering a fairytale.

Finally: Kolsai LakeCalm. Silent. Perfect. We sat by the water, letting nature say everything words couldn’t.

We ended the night tired in the best possible way — full of stories, full of wonder.

🌿 Day 4 – August 14: The Slow Day We Needed

No alarms. No rush.Just mountains outside our window and a whole day to feel alive.

Some of us went horseback riding, some explored the village, others simply listened to birds and flowing water.If the soul could stretch, this is what it would feel like.

💙 Day 5 – August 15: One Last Lake

We said goodbye to Saty and its mountain charm, but not before another breathtaking pause — Issyk Lake.

The water shimmered like a postcard. We stayed longer than planned because it was too beautiful to leave.

By evening, we were back in Almaty — city lights replacing stars, but the memories stayed glowing.

✈ Day 6 – August 16: Goodbye for Now

A warm breakfast, a quiet drive to the airport, and just like that — our Kazakhstan chapter closed.

But the mountains? The lakes?They’re coming home with us — tucked into our hearts.

💛 What This Trip Gave Us

Not just photographs. Not just checkpoints on a map. But moments that reminded us how big the world is — and how lucky we are to explore it.

Kazakhstan, thank you for the mountains, the peace, and the reminder to slow down and just be.