Guided Excursion: Basshi Village

The Steppe Gateway: The Beginning of the Journey in Altyn-Emel

The introduction to the village of Basshi starts at the central office of the Altyn-Emel National Park – the starting point of the journey. Here, park visitors can:

• obtain permits to visit the park’s routes;

• check road conditions;

• explore the exhibition with archaeological findings that tell the story of Altyn-Emel’s flora, fauna, and unique history.

On the office grounds, there is a small garden where grapes, chestnut trees, and the famous Aport apple variety (very popular in the Almaty region) grow.

Workshop of a Local Craftsman

The next stop on the route is the welcoming workshop-home of one of Basshi’s most talented residents. Here, the traditional art of woodworking – passed down from generation to generation – comes to life. The craftsman creates boxes, traditional household items, and delicate decorative pieces, each infused with the spirit of the Kazakh steppe.

Visiting the workshop is an opportunity to:

• witness the creation process firsthand;

• learn the secrets of traditional techniques;

• talk to the master and ask questions;

• purchase a handmade souvenir.

This stop makes the Basshi route especially vivid: you don’t just observe nature and history, you also meet people who preserve and continue to develop the cultural heritage.

Workshop of National Clothing

In the village of Basshi lives a craftswoman who preserves and develops the ancient art of sewing Kazakh national clothing. Her workshop is a place where fabric turns into a work of art, and every stitch carries a piece of cultural heritage.

Here you can:

• watch the process of creating traditional garments;

• learn about the symbolism and meaning of ornaments;

• discover which elements were essential in traditional attire;

• try on some outfits and feel the spirit of the steppe;

• buy unique handmade items as a keepsake of your journey.

This stop adds a special flavor to the tour: clothing is the mirror of culture, its language and soul.

Kazakh Yurts

A special highlight of the program will be the introduction to the traditional Kazakh yurt. You will hear a story about its structure, symbolism, and role in nomadic life, as well as see its interior – from felt carpets to household items that accompanied families during their migrations.

Tombs and Burial Mounds

After meeting the locals and their traditions, we head deeper into the steppe. The road leads to places of memory – from ancient Saka burial mounds to a 19th-century Kazakh cemetery. This journey allows you to feel how history and culture intertwine on these lands.

Along the way to the 19th-century Kazakh cemetery, you will see ancient Saka burial mounds – tombs of nomadic tribes who lived here more than two thousand years ago.

The burial mounds are evidence of Altyn-Emel’s rich history and the unique funerary rites of the Saka.

The cemetery itself is a monument of 19th-century Kazakh culture: old gravestones, carved stones, and the special energy of this place.

This stop conveys the continuity of generations – from the Saka to the Kazakhs.

Optional Stops

In addition to the main sites, this tour may also include several optional visits:

• Barberry grove – a picturesque spot where, in season, the bushes are covered with bright berries.

• Village school with garden – a chance to experience the atmosphere of rural life and discover some exotic plant species growing in the school’s garden.

• Trip to the neighboring village of Malyie Basshi – a light excursion for those who want to enjoy the landscapes and open spaces of the national park.

These stops are not mandatory – they can be discussed during the tour and depend on the group’s time and interests.