Bugutty Mountains Jeep Tour — Martian Landscapes Near Almaty

We depart from Almaty early in the morning at 5:00 AM. This is the best time to leave the city, avoid the heat, and see the mountains in the soft morning light. The road takes us through wide степpe landscapes and the foothills of the Zailiysky Alatau. After about four hours of driving, we arrive at one of the most unusual places in southeastern Kazakhstan — the Bugutty Mountains.

We reach the area at around 9:00 AM.

What Are the Bugutty Mountains?

The Bugutty Mountains are a small mountain range located between Charyn Canyon and the Ili River valley. The landscape looks almost otherworldly — as if it belongs on another planet. Red, orange, and brown hills, smooth ridges, and almost no vegetation create a striking Martian-like scenery.

These mountains were formed millions of years ago, when the territory of modern southeastern Kazakhstan was covered by ancient seas and lakes. Over time, layers of sedimentary rocks — clay, sandstone, and limestone — were lifted by tectonic activity. Later, wind, rain, and extreme temperature changes slowly eroded the rock, shaping the soft hills, small canyons, and unusual formations we see today.

This long process of erosion is what gives Bugutty its distinct structure and rich colors.

What We’ll Do in Bugutty

We will spend about three hours exploring the area, which gives us plenty of time to experience the landscape.

Walk through the “Martian” hills
We’ll take a light hike across the rolling red hills and small canyons. The terrain is relatively easy, so the walk is suitable for most travelers. From the higher points, you’ll see panoramic views of endless waves of red mountains stretching into the distance.

Photography in surreal landscapes
Bugutty is one of the best locations near Almaty for unique photography. The contrast between the red hills, the deep blue sky, and the distant snow-capped Tian Shan mountains creates dramatic and unforgettable images.

Short ridge hikes
Those who want a bit more activity can climb several natural viewpoints along the ridgelines. From there you can see vast steppe landscapes and remote mountain chains stretching for dozens of kilometers.

Exploring small canyons and formations
Bugutty is full of small ravines and natural “labyrinths” carved by wind and water. These formations make the area fun to explore and perfect for short adventurous walks.

Picnic in the wilderness
We’ll also take time for a short break and a light picnic while enjoying the quiet scenery.

The Atmosphere of Bugutty

One of the most special things about Bugutty is the silence and the feeling of endless space. There are almost no tourists, no infrastructure, and very little human presence. Just wind, steppe, and red hills fading into the horizon.

It’s an ideal place for travelers who want to experience the raw nature of Kazakhstan and feel the vast scale of Central Asian landscapes.

Return to Almaty

Around 12:00–12:30 PM we begin our drive back to the city.
Along the way we can make a few short photo stops in the steppe.

We arrive back in Almaty around 4:00 PM.

This tour is a perfect one-day adventure for travelers who want to discover unique and little-known natural landscapes just a few hours from the city.