The Lepsinsk area is located on high-mountainous northern slopes of the Dzungarian Alatau Ridge. Mountain woods cover the territory of the Lepsinsk area. When you get here, an extraordinary picture created by a brush of the nature and painted by iridescent paints will be gazed by you, and you will feel a part of its magnificence and splendor.

Almost all territory of Lepsinsk is in a mountain zone and as any other mountain area of the Dzungarian Alatau abounds with widely branched system of small rivers and springs. You certainly will feel a smell of honey nectar and want to try real bee honey which is health-giving to you and it is made on apiaries of locals. Presence of various honey plants creates good conditions for gathering a high yield of honey. The beekeeping is widespread occupation of inhabitants. And you very easily can get delicious bee product for reasonable prices.

Nestled at the foot of the Dzhongar Alatau mountain range which borders China and situated in a protected reserve, Lepsinsk provides the ideal opportunity to get right into nature, amongst some of the most spectacular scenery and unspoilt surroundings in Kazakhstan, with a backdrop of impressive snow mountains and forests, and a foreground of alpine meadows and rolling hills.

In the hills and mountains around Lepsinsk you will find many trekking routes, encompassing a wide range of scenery and terrain including fast flowing rivers, mountain lakes, floral alpine meadows, abundant berry bushes, expansive plateaus and lush forests.

Experienced guides are on hand to show you the way, ensure your safety, and share their knowledge of the abundant nature and wildlife including the best places for observing animals and berry picking

Treks from 1 to 10 days of varying levels of difficulty can be arranged, with a maximum of 8 people per group. Camping equipment is provided (tents, sleeping bags, rucksacks), and a horse is included in the price of the trek to carry food and equipment. More horses can be hired for riding treks or for carrying belongings if desired. Please note that groups of over 4 on horse will require an extra guide for safety and horse care.

Lake Zhasikul is an excellent destination for a 2 or 3 day trek. This snow melt lake was naturally formed as the result of a massive landslide long ago and remains pristine, in beautiful untouched surroundings. The lake is in the mountains at around 1600 meters and can be reached comfortably in one day. Trekkers can either return the following day or spend another day exploring the mountains and plateaus which surround the lake….or indeed carry on, for longer treks. The possibilities are endless and the choice is yours!

Horseriding

Horses can be hired by the half day or full day, and a guide will accompany you on your trip. The rolling hills and alpine meadows beside the Aganakti and Lepsi rivers around Lepsinsk are perfect for horseriding. Horses are calm and obedient, suitable for all levels of riding experience.

Photo hunting

The Lepsinsk region is home to a large number of animals and insects, many of which are on the Kazakhstan Red Book. For those interested, experienced guides can arrange treks to the key sighting areas.

Visits to honey farms

Lepsinsk reputedly has the best honey in Kazakhstan and a visit to a honey farm is a must. The abundant and varied flowers in the region ensure strong floral tastes - see if you can tell which - the locals can! You can see the process of making honey and other products such as honey beer and wax, and even have a bee poison treatment! Don’t forget to bring some jars with you to take this wonderful honey home with you.

Adventure sports

Excellent conditions exist for adventure sports including mountain biking, mountaineering, hang gliding and rafting. At present those interested would need to bring their own equipment.

Lepsinsk offers a number of homestays, providing the experience of staying with a local family, eating local food and learning about their lives and work.

Facilities are simple but comfortable, and generally individual homestays can accept up to 4 people. All meals can be provided by your homestay hosts.Most homestays also offer banya facilities by arrangement, and the sale of home made produce including honey, cheese and cream.

Kabanbai is around 510km from Almaty. Take the Almaty Ust-Kamenogorsk road through Taldykorgan. Approximately 150km after Taldykorgan you will pass through Sarkand village. Approximately 100km further you will reach a roundabout. Kabanbai is signposted to the right (Ucheral is to the left). If asking for directions locals may know the town better as its old name Andreyevka. The journey takes around 6 hours. If trekking, cars can be left in Lepsinsk village at the property of one of the villagers.

Regular public buses leave Sairam bus station in the evening to Kabanbay village. From Kabanbay you can take a bus (3 days a week) or a taxi for 1600 KZT.