Northern Territories of Katon
Katon-Karagay is most often associated with its famous landmarks: Mount Belukha, Rakhmanov Springs, the Austrian Road, and others. But Katon is far more than postcard landscapes. This region has a deep history, a unique culture, and a very special atmosphere. On this journey, we will discover a completely different Katon. Each day is raw and real, without decoration: rain, thunderstorms, altitude, off-road tracks — everything as it truly is.
Non-touristy Katon: more than just beautiful nature
locations
panoramic views
Guardians
of Katon
wild forest inhabitants
nutritious food
forest berries
and jam
- immersion into history, little-known places, and remarkable local people
- dense forests, hunters’ cabins, the crackling of wood stoves
- acquaintance with the Bukhtarma “Kerzhak” culture
- simple rural food and local products: honey, berries
- an authentic adventure — unfiltered and unpolished
…and much more that will make you feel like part of Katon itself.
Meeting participants at the airport, gathering the group, and departure toward Bukhtarma. Along the way, we stop at a scenic spot for a short picnic and a briefing about the journey.
We watch the sunset from one of the panoramic viewpoints. In the evening, we arrive at a hotel located on a quiet, secluded bay of the Bukhtarma Reservoir. Swimming is possible for those who wish.
Dinner and rest.
Early wake-up and morning exercise on the shore (yes, we do exercise). The bravest can take a refreshing swim in Bukhtarma. Breakfast on the veranda, then departure.
The landscapes gradually change: the mountains grow higher, the sky becomes intensely blue. We slowly enter Katon. Along the way, we make several stops, including lunch at a local family’s home.
Traditional rural food: plenty of meat and fresh kumis.
In the afternoon, we head toward Katon’s “Northern Territories,” where a quiet, almost invisible culture of old settlers has been preserved. We visit half-abandoned villages with only three or four houses remaining. If luck is on our side, we may meet Grandfather Nikifor, talk with him, and help with daily chores.
By evening, we arrive in the village of Aksu (formerly Beloye). Dinner with local hosts and rest.
We wake up to the sounds of village life: tractors, cows, roosters. Breakfast is simple and hearty — porridge with fresh milk, butter, sour cream, pancakes, and other homemade treats.
After breakfast, we walk around the village, talk to locals, and observe everyday rural life.
By midday, we reach Fykalka (now Bekalka), one of the first settlements founded by migrants in the 18th century. Today, only two houses remain. According to locals, we will see a partially ruined house over 200 years old. We organize a picnic near the village.
In the afternoon, we drive through dense deciduous forest along a winding road and by evening reach a hunters’ lodge deep in the forest.
Check-in, banya (sauna), dinner, rest.
Hunters’ lodge: a simple two-room house with beds, tables, and chairs. Modest but clean, dry, and warm. Its main feature is the location — deep in the forest, surrounded by the scent of pine and cedar.
Early wake-up at dawn.
Breakfast in the shepherds’ style: homemade bread, meat soup, tea. Then we head to one of the key points of the journey. Driving a mountain serpentine through cedar forest, we climb to the “Valley of a Thousand Thoughts” — a route that impresses even experienced off-road drivers.
Picnic at the foot of the mountain. If weather permits, we prepare a BBQ.
We ascend to the summit and enjoy a 360° panoramic view, including the Kazakh Altai and all three peaks of Mount Belukha. Here, we conduct a special sunset ritual — meeting the sun from every direction.
We descend through the “Valley of a Thousand Roads,” where it is nearly impossible to get lost — sometimes it feels like the land itself is watching you.
Arrival in Katon-Karagay — a brief return to civilization.
Accommodation at a local hotel or guesthouse. Dinner and rest.
Early wake-up, quick breakfast, and departure toward the easternmost village of Kazakhstan. From here, we travel to what we call the “border of worlds.” According to legends, this was once the northernmost and golden branch of the Great Silk Road.
We stop at an unnamed ancient cemetery and visit a hidden waterfall rarely noticed by travelers.
At the border post, we register and then ascend to the easternmost lake of Kazakhstan.
Picnic-BBQ and, for the bravest, swimming in the mountain lake.
We watch the sunset from a panoramic point and descend to a hunters’ lodge in a coniferous forest.
Banya, dinner, rest.
Hunters’ lodge: a simple one-room house with a small kitchen area near the stove. Clean, dry, and warm.
Early wake-up, hearty breakfast at the lodge, quick packing, and departure. On the way, we stop in Katon for lunch at a local tavern and visit the market to buy souvenirs and forest products.
We cross the reservoir by ferry.
The bravest can try exceptionally tasty belyashi at the ferry café.
Driving along the winding roads of the Kalba Range, the high mountain scenery gradually changes into rolling hills and pine groves. By evening, we arrive in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
Dinner at a local wine bar.
Hotel check-in and rest.
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport, departure.
Participation cost — 1.760.000 KZT per person.
Included in the price:
- airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- comfortable, fully prepared off-road vehicles throughout the route
- single accommodation in Ust-Kamenogorsk
- accommodation in guesthouses and hunters’ lodges along the route (3–4 person rooms)
- full board: three meals per day, picnics, snacks (dietary needs considered)
- satellite communication, professional first-aid kit, all necessary equipment
- escort by a professional guiding team
- entrance fees and ecological charges along the route
Not included:
- flights to and from Ust-Kamenogorsk
- personal expenses not specified in the program
